Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 (edited) For a change of pace, let's actually talk about something not related to Mike Ribiero. Dallas Drake. What a turnaround he's had these playoffs. That hit last night on Robidas was spectacular, much like his hit earlier in the playoffs on Hordichuk, and the many hits that Kronwall has layed on guys all through these playoffs. He's a forechecking machine out there, and can really run guys over. Drake is playing like I expected him to play when we signed him; a tough, feared, relentless forchecker who makes his presence known on the ice. He's playing like the Drake we've come to know from his earlier days in St. Louis and Phoenix, as not only a physical force on the ice, but a defensive specialist as well. Physical play aside, I think his defensive play has been a lot better as well. He's making crutial clears on the PK, and has really looked good on Draper's line. He's skating faster as well; earlier this season, he looked out of it. He was really sluggish and slow, maybe because of his early season injury, or maybe just because of something else. Now, though, he's skating a lot better, at least in my opinion. His injury earlier this season against San Jose might have set him back, or it might just have been because of his old age. Whatever the case I had given up on him at the mid-season point; he did not look good at all. I thought it was just the visor, but even after it was off, he still didn't look good. But he's really turned it around these playoffs. He's playing like the guy I, along with pretty much every other Wings fan, expected when they signed him last summer; he's physical and defensivily sound. While I still think it's probably his last year in the NHL, mainly because of his old age (he's almost 40 now), it might not be totally out of the blue to think he could come back for another year. So, what do you think? Has Drake played good, or am I just crazy? Hopefully I'm not the only one who feels this way about Drake, as he's really turned it around during these playoffs. Edited May 11, 2008 by Kp-Wings Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Izzy24 44 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 Love the Drake! As fellow Drake fan Osgod would say, I defer to my signature. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yemack 1 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 When Wings signed him in offseason, I thought 'oh geez... yeah he is a competitor alright but he is like 40 years old' During the season 'thank god Drake signed for cheap because I would have gone balistic right now if he signed for more' Now 'ZOMG Drake, where do you want your shrine be made?' Do I want him back next year? No. Although I think he can help us again next year, our young guns need ice time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 man now i want to watch seinfeld...anyways yea i realized the same thing as you, i was fairly dissapointed with drake early in the year because he wasnt playing how i knew he could and should. I just read an article recently about how he got to the wings and was contemplating retirement but his wife told him to take the job. then as the season was going along he became real homesick(only word that really fits) and was upset about missing a lot of the important moments in one of his young kids life. Then he said he got really motivated when the playoffs started because he was playing for something. GOT TO LOVE THE DRAKE! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 When Wings signed him in offseason, I thought 'oh geez... yeah he is a competitor alright but he is like 40 years old' During the season 'thank god Drake signed for cheap because I would have gone balistic right now if he signed for more' Now 'ZOMG Drake, where do you want your shrine be made?' Do I want him back next year? No. Although I think he can help us again next year, our young guns need ice time. Other than his age, that'd be the only other reason why I wouldn't want him back. Darren Helm, under any circumstance, must be on this roster next season; if he's not, I'll be leading a mutiny. I wonder if Drake would be fine with just being one of the extra forwards during the regular season, then come in full time during the playoffs, since that is when he plays his best. That is another possibility. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rice 42 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 Yeah, he was brought here for the post-season. He's doing a great job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nev 1,085 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 Sure is playing good right now - but Babs has said all season that they got Drake for the playoffs. If we win it all, I think he'll retire for sure - a champion with the team that originally drafted him. My first game at JLA was Drake's rookie season, he had 2 goals and an assist that game (hard to believe isn't it?) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rivalred 630 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 Was he ok after the game? The announcer said he took a hit, looked hurt, and headed for the bench. Any updates ok Drake or did anyone else hear/see what happend? And yes, Drake has been playing very well... Great guy for keeping pressure on forwards... For his age, he can skate faster than some young players on the Wings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaVel DaTsYuK fan13 0 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 having Drake is huge for the Wings. I agree that he would hang'em up if we win it all this year. I'm sure this is a nice change of pace from playing for the blues and getting knocked out by the wings every year Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 having Drake is huge for the Wings. I agree that he would hang'em up if we win it all this year. I'm sure this is a nice change of pace from playing for the blues and getting knocked out by the wings every year Drake was brought on precisely for the playoffs. Is it any wonder the players we worried about in the regular season (except for Flip) have stepped it up a notch for the playoffs? I almost want to believe in some conspiracy theory that they intentionally didn't work hard during the season so they could conserve their energy for the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Dynasty 267 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 You'd better watch out for Drake, Dallas. Because Dallas Drake can flip you Dallas. Drake can kill you Dallas. Drake, Dallas is a mean mother f*cker Dallas. Watch out for Drake, Dallas. Couldn't help it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USAFWingedWheel 4 Report post Posted May 11, 2008 i think drake is an experienced veteran and thats what makes him better in the playoffs, it also might be the style of hockey he is made for. also drake is at the end of his career, he wants to taste the cheapest champagne served in hockeys most cherished chalice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David 2 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 As a few people have hinted, Drake and the other vets have looked much better in the playoffs than regular season. It's been great seeing every line contribute, including the 3rd and 4th lines that seemed sort of slow at times during the regular season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
This Is Bida 0 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 THANK GOD! I am so sick of hearing about the Ozzie thing that this place is kinda getting a bit annoying. Especially now that its over, if I were Matt I would honestly lock all the related topics. Its getting out of control. Anyways, thank you for making a post thats intelligent and has nothing to do with last game! You the man! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 5,153 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 (edited) THANK GOD! I am so sick of hearing about the Ozzie thing that this place is kinda getting a bit annoying. Especially now that its over, if I were Matt I would honestly lock all the related topics. Its getting out of control. Anyways, thank you for making a post thats intelligent and has nothing to do with last game! You the man! ...while we're at, why doesn't Matt just lock out all the other threads that you don't like as well? I got it, lets just let YOU start all the topics and then this place won't be so boring. We'd have one opinion to read all the time, that would make this place awesome! ...seriously dude, some people don't live on here like others do, and maybe, just maybe someone is just now logging on and reading threads from yesterday and this morning and would like to add their opinions as well, or maybe they have a question that one of our knowledgable users could answer, how could they do that with all the Osgood threads closed? Not until you create your own forum can you suggest any kind of control over what people read, or just wait a few more years, in the New World Order, you'll have your wish about controlling what people can and cannot read, but then something tells me you'll wish you had your Osgood threads back... Edited May 12, 2008 by LeftWinger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kylee 727 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 im so happy with how Drake has been playing. id be into having him back next year - but i highly doubt he will be back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 Sir Dallas rocks... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 He's been playing exactly how I thought he'd play in the regular season. Cant resist, I hope he flattens Ribeiro next game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Izzy24 44 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 He's been playing exactly how I thought he'd play in the regular season. Cant resist, I hope he flattens Ribeiro next game. I hope he flattens everyone next game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted May 12, 2008 He's been great and has made a huge difference for us. He is so important on the PK and has done a terrific job taking plays away and blocking shots. This is the Drake we all know and love! Glad he's on our side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sergei Fedorov91 24 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 Let's get him the cup! During the season I thought he was a useless idioit that looked confused at the puck posession style system detroit deployed. But he's completely amped it up in the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites