puckbags 863 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 If Cheli's leg is good for game 1 is he back in the lineup or does Lilja stay in? For a guy that has seen spot duty over the last month I though Lilly Pads was very good tonight...he didn't make any glaring mistakes and moved the puck in low risk situations!! I don't know what Babs will do with the forward lines, i think the changes tonight were good but even if he went back to the lines we had been using all playoffs it would be good too!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt 1,049 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 I'd be shocked if Franzen's not ready to go for Game 1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted May 20, 2008 If Cheli's leg is good for game 1 is he back in the lineup or does Lilja stay in? For a guy that has seen spot duty over the last month I though Lilly Pads was very good tonight...he didn't make any glaring mistakes and moved the puck in low risk situations!! I don't know what Babs will do with the forward lines, i think the changes tonight were good but even if he went back to the lines we had been using all playoffs it would be good too!! Lilja contributed nothing tonight, was customarily clumsy and stupid with the puck, and took a dumb penalty. Chelios, please. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Dynasty 267 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 I'd be shocked if Franzen's not ready to go for Game 1. That makes 2 of us. Lilja contributed nothing tonight, was customarily clumsy and stupid with the puck, and took a dumb penalty. Chelios, please. He also had no bad giveaways, drew a penalty, played well on the PK, and was physical, more than what can be said for Chelios the last 2 games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckbags 863 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 He also had no bad giveaways, drew a penalty, played well on the PK, and was physical, more than what can be said for Chelios the last 2 games. Exactly!! As much as some people can have the blind hatred of Lilja lets be honest here, I love Cheli but Lilja at this point is way more servicable than Cheli has been the last week or so!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 Assuming everybody is healthy... Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Filppula-Franzen-Hudler Cleary-Draper-Drake Maltby-Helm-Samuelsson Lidstrom-Rafalski Stuart-Kronwall Chelios-Lebda Osgood Hasek Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,232 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 Franzen should be back, which makes me so happy I could cry. Which is strange because I haven't had much to drink. ZDH Mule - Flip - Cleary Maltby - Draper - Sammy Helm - Hudler - Drake I thought Lilja did alright today--erm, yesterday. I say keep him for now, yank him if he self-destructs. His big body could come in handy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miller76 463 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 imo Zetterberg Datsyuk Holmstrom Franzen Fillpula Cleary Maltby Draper Hudler Helm Downey Drake Lidstrom Rafalski Stuart Kronwall Lebda Lilja Osgood *** I am having serious issues with Sammeulson, McCarty, and Chelios. I rarely speak poorly of any Wing, but I am ready to see Downey. Lilja and Lebda trouble me as well. my policy is if you dont perform you dont play! (imo) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Filpula-Franzen-Hudler Maltby-Draper-Cleary Drake-Helm-Samuelson McCarty Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Chelios-Lebda Lilja Osgood I think maybe swap Maltby/Drake because how well Dallas is playing, but who knows what Babs will do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tommingthepuck96 1 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 (edited) If the malkin line and crosby line take over and win game one, in a significant way. Split up datsyuk and zetterberg Datsyuk, filpula, holmstrom franzen, zetterberg, hudler Also split up lidstrom and rafalski Lidstrom,Stuart Kronwall,Rafalski And again thats only if the wings second line can't stop the malkin line, Or who ever the second line is matched up against. Edited May 20, 2008 by tommingthepuck96 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyerberger 279 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Filpula-Franzen-Hudler Maltby-Draper-Cleary Drake-Helm-Samuelson McCarty Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Chelios-Lebda Lilja Osgood I think maybe swap Maltby/Drake because how well Dallas is playing, but who knows what Babs will do. That looks pretty ideal to me. I also think Malts on the 4th line and Drake on the 3rd line is a good idea. Drake's definitely earned the spot with his grinding, hitting, and responsibility, and Maltby seemed to have good chemistry with Helm. He seemed like he was bailing that line out of the trouble it was getting into the previous two games, and then Helm was using his speed to pick up off of Maltby's plays and move it into Dallas's end (of the ice, that is). I think the toughest decision, however, is what to do when Franzen gets back. This comes down to a choice between Sammy, Hudler and Cleary. Ideally, I'd like to see Sammy kept on the 3rd line. He seemed to lock up well with Draper and Drake.. he has just enough of an offensive edge to help those two stay in the attacking zone that much longer, and the other two have the experience and defensive ability to make up for his fumbles. That then brings us to Hudler and Cleary. I'd like to see Hudler stay on the 2nd line. He and Flip seem to have some chemistry and had some good chances going last game.. though they didn't capitalize, I think with the presence and work ethic of Franzen back in the mix those two could make an excellent playmaking/goal scoring combo, with Franzen as a goal scoring and tough physical presnce. Obviously run them, nominally, with the 2nd defensive pairing, because Kronner and Stuart's physicality makes up for what they're lacking the most (outside of Franzen). This leaves Cleary for the 4th line. Cleary has actually been quite solid despite his apparent lack of scoring, he's had and generated plenty of chances, just hasn't had bounces going his way. He's also quite solid defensively. Partnered up with another solid and veteran defensive presence like Maltby makes for a good secondary shutdown line, and he might provide just enough of an offensive presence to help turn Helm into more of an offensive force as well. The biggest weakness I've seen with him has been board battles (he's been trying hard but doesn't quite have the experience in them), and getting to the net and not being driven away. Let's face it, those are 2 areas where Hudler is not usually of much help. Cleary, on the other hand, is pretty damned decent at it. Not only that, but Helm-Maltby-Cleary is a solid enough of a 4th line defensively that they can see more ice time, and thus take some pressure off the other lines.. and having Malts and Cleary on the 4th line keeps them fresher for PKs, which will be bloody damned important against the Pens. So then, my ideal lines. ZDH .. The Dynamic Duo and the Buttcheeks of Goaltender Doom. Franzen-Flip-Hudler Drake-Draper-Sammy Maltby-Helm-Cleary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GiantRobot 0 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 Assuming everybody is healthy... Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Filppula-Franzen-Hudler Cleary-Draper-Drake Maltby-Helm-Samuelsson Lidstrom-Rafalski Stuart-Kronwall Chelios-Lebda Osgood Hasek I like! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 (edited) I hope everyone is healthy: Datsyuk Zetterberg Holmstrom Filppula Franzen Samuelsson Hudler Helm Cleary Maltby Draper Drake Lidstrom Rafalski Kronwall Stuart Chelios/Lilja Meech/Lebda Ozzie Dom I hope Babcock does not let DMac play, he has been awful. Chelios, and I love him, is just too slow and makes bad plays. He should not play, but unfortunately he will. Edited May 20, 2008 by Reds4Life Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyerberger 279 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 (edited) With any of the listed lines, though most especially the lines I proposed, I think the line matching may look something like this: D1 vs P1 Both are loaded with offense...however, P1 and the usual corresponding defensive unit doesn't have the physicality to remove Homer from the front of the net. Z and Dats have much cooler heads than Crosby. They should be able to shut that line down and possibly even take good advantage of its defensive weaknesses. D2 vs P4 A good checking line might be able to grind them down, and they might not be able to take a loaded line like P1 on, but Franzen/Flip/Hudler should be able to walk all over P4 D3 vs P2 Draper vs Malkin in the faceoff circle, that just about covers that one. Should be able to grind that line down well. D4 vs P3(P2/P4) Maltby/Cleary/Helm should be able to keep their 3rd line plenty busy, and in my opinion dominate their 4th line offensively just with their defensive prowess. They should also be able to hold their own against P2 if the other Wings lines need a break. Now, on the other hand, here's what I'd expect the Pens to try to go for: P1 vs D2(D4) P1 should be able to out power D2 offensively without too much trouble, and should be able to deal with the backchecking. Look for Crosby's line to take advantage of Stuart moving out of position to go for hits. They could also go after D4 while its out, particularly if P2 manages to trap D4 in their own zone, and get a chance to change their lines. P2 vs D4(D2) I think they're going to be looking to maximize the offensive potential of this line against our weakest defensive lines, starting with D4 and trying to get them boxed in. They could also try to catch P2 in odd-man rushes, which Malkin and his line can be quite dangerous at. Ultimately, I think P1 and P2 are going to be cycling back and forth between D2 and D4, putting their top goal scorers against our defensive weaknesses and looking to cycle, trapping us in our own zone while they change and eventually wearing us out and scoring, or catching us in odd-man rushes on these lines. P3 vs D1 I think they're going to try to grind D1 down. I think they'll be avoiding putting Crosby up against D and Z as much as possible. They know they need grit to work Homer away from the net and D and Z to the outside. P4 vs D3(D4) Grindfest, just trying to check our checkers and wear them down. More importantly, because I don't think P4 is defensively responsible enough to handle D1 or D2, even if they run their top 2 D with the line. Edited May 20, 2008 by The Wheeled Winger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyerberger 279 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 As an alternative to my proposed lines above, I think seeing Sammy back on the 2nd line if Franzen is back is also probable. Franzen can take advantage of Sammy's crappy, but plentiful, shots... to the point where it was actually starting to make Sammy look quite good in the series vs the Avs. If that's the case, I like: ZDH Franzen-Flip-Sammy Cleary/Maltby-Draper-Drake/Hudler Cleary/Maltby-Helm-Drake/Hudler With Maltby back in so D-Mac (god help him) is out, and Franzen back in so Cleary can go back to being a checker, all of the wingers on our last 2 lines are very interchangeable, depending on performance and need.. and they all seem to have great chemistry with eachother! With our ideal "bottom 6", you can either make a beastly grind line (Cleary-Draper-Drake or Maltby-Draper-Drake OR Cleary-Draper-Maltby) and a tertiary scoring line (Cleary-Helm-Hudler OR Maltby-Helm-Hudler OR Drake-Helm-Hudler)... or you can make a grind line and a second grind line, each with a touch of scoring potential (Cleary-Draper-Hudler and Maltby-Helm-Drake, OR Maltby-Draper-Hudler and Cleary-Helm-Drake, or hell, even Drake-Draper-Hudler and Cleary-Helm-Maltby). ..Damn, with all of our ideal players available, the flexibility of our 3rd and 4th lines is spectacular. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaVel DaTsYuK fan13 0 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Hudler-Flip-Mule Cleary-Draper-Sammy Maltby-Helm-Drake Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Lebda-Chelios Ozzie Neither Liljia nor Chelios has done anything brilliant, so if Cheli is 100% I'd take his experience over Liljia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 I have an idea, why not let the coach, who just happened to win his first WCF (for the wings) in his second straight trip there and has won 50+ games 3 years in a row and HAS HIS TEAM IN THE SCF, make the calls, or why not have a little faith in him. I have a question for all of you line changers, Babs doubters, whatever you want to call yourself, what more does the man have to do before you show a little faith. You are questioning the lines of a man who just took your (supposed) favorite team to the Stanley cup finals. If the Wings win the cup are you still going to come on here and ***** about Sammy on the PP point, Mac in not Downey, starting benching so and so. Or will you finally shut your traps and stop questioning Babs, you know the one who is actually behind the bench and has a hockey coaching resume that goes beyond Bantums! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManLuv4Clears 7 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 That makes 2 of us. He also had no bad giveaways, drew a penalty, played well on the PK, and was physical, more than what can be said for Chelios the last 2 games. Agreed. He also didn't make a lazy line change that led to a goal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyerberger 279 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 To be honest, Opie, I'll likely be pretty damned happy with whatever Babs throws out there. You won't find a post where I've complained about his coaching or decisions.. I think he's got me just a touched out-qualified I'm just hypothesizing, it's in my nature.. and something to do until the game. Guessing and making predictions about possible line matches and the like keeps me away from predicting the actual results of the series, which I don't like doing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crabcakes'n'redwings 4 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 as much as id love to see lilja blow up crosby and malkin... it'd be funnier if old man river cheli did it instead lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 To be honest, Opie, I'll likely be pretty damned happy with whatever Babs throws out there. You won't find a post where I've complained about his coaching or decisions.. I think he's got me just a touched out-qualified I'm just hypothesizing, it's in my nature.. and something to do until the game. Guessing and making predictions about possible line matches and the like keeps me away from predicting the actual results of the series, which I don't like doing. I wasn't speaking directly towards you, but more people who post things like this: I hope Babcock does not let DMac play, he has been awful. Chelios, and I love him, is just too slow and makes bad plays. He should not play, but unfortunately he will. You know the people who think they could do it better than Babs!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 Chelios had a bad series, probably because of his leg. But he's been a freaking rock for this team all season and has always elevated his play to fit whatever role he is playing. If his minor injury is healed by the time finals, you have to start Chelios over mistake-prone Lilja. I'd feel more comfortable with Chelios anchoring the play back there than Lilly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superman54 91 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 As bad as Cheli has been playing, he is a guy that can get under your skin, and Crosby and Malkin are very easily rattled. Lineups: Datsyuk - Z-Dawg - Holmstrom Flippula - Franzen - Hudler (This line will show alot of success, espicially with the way little huds is playing) Cleary - Draper - Maltby Drake - Helm - Sammuelson McCarty Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Chelios - Lebda/Lilja Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 I'd be shocked if Franzen's not ready to go for Game 1. How do you figure? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManLuv4Clears 7 Report post Posted May 20, 2008 As bad as Cheli has been playing, he is a guy that can get under your skin, and Crosby and Malkin are very easily rattled. QFT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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