Rice 42 Report post Posted May 22, 2008 John Niyo: One bit of good news for slump-ridden Dan Cleary: He got medical clearance to ditch the chin guard on his helmet, so today was the first day he practiced without it. Great news for the Wings today with Franzen being cleared to practice and Cleary ridding himself of that chin guard. Hopefully this helps him break the slump. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted May 22, 2008 Someone actually reported this in the "Franzen Cleared to Practice" thread, but great news nonetheless and definitely worthy of its own thread. This can only help his play, and should be a major helper on loose pucks in front of the net. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ben_usmc 253 Report post Posted May 22, 2008 he did say it prevented him from seeing the puck, so Franzen back on the 2nd line, Cleary as our 3rd line man in front of the net, and Mac scratched, PENS better watch out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12Newf 0 Report post Posted May 22, 2008 this can only be a good thing. lets go cleary!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted May 22, 2008 This explains why Cleary always had his head down and looked confused out there each time the puck was on his stick. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaVel DaTsYuK fan13 0 Report post Posted May 22, 2008 This could be huge. Cleary just doesn't seem right, and while it could very well just be a slump, this could be what he needs to break out. I'll go out on a limb and predict that Dan Cleary opens the scoring of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 This is fantastic news. Cleary of old is ready to attack those Pens! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 Does anyone remember when Kronwall had to play with the cage after the nose injury? He maintained the entire time that it was really hard to see the puck when it was on his stick or around his feet. I remember his game improved a lot after he got the cage off (before going down with the sacrum injury). Im betting the same thing will happen with Cleary. It was pretty obvious how much trouble he was having with the puck in close. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 Great news! Look forward to seeing that Newfoundland beard in action finally! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saran 1 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 he did say it prevented him from seeing the puck, so Franzen back on the 2nd line, Cleary as our 3rd line man in front of the net, and Mac scratched, PENS better watch out. franzen isnt set to play on saturday yet. i personally dont think he'll be playing saturday. good news on cleary though! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TerribleTed7 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 Hopefully this helps his game cause he has not looked even close to the Cleary of the 07 playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,232 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 So basically...Cleary cleared to destroy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yemack 1 Report post Posted May 23, 2008 (edited) half cage or not, it will make a huge difference. I remember when I first played without the cage, I felt like I was finally freed and played with a lot more jump. Edited May 23, 2008 by Yemack Share this post Link to post Share on other sites