LILJA - ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

[The Secret 304]

Wings players and Coach Babcock themselves have said they think Lilja is important on the penalty kill and is a good shot blocker.

And if you want to think I have rose-budded glasses, have at it. I'm just going with what I read from WINGS PLAYERS AND COACHES.

And I also like posting unassuming/middle-of-the-road posts like I did b/c I know it quoted more reliable sources than Internet sports forum quarterbacks, and part of me likes to push people's buttons that act onbonxious and over the top after a loss.

Think about it man... what are coaches going to say to the media? You really think it would be wise for them to say the truth "Lilja is a weak link in our armour and will be traded at the end of the season. He takes bad penalties, makes horrible plays and for a big man he plays like a little girl." I think the fact the he was benched speaks louder to whats true then anything else. I will be surprised if he plays next game.... despite what your reliable sources say!

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Think about it man... what are coaches going to say to the media? You really think it would be wise for them to say the truth "Lilja is a weak link in our armour and will be traded at the end of the season. He takes bad penalties, makes horrible plays and for a big man he plays like a little girl." I think the fact the he was benched speaks louder to whats true then anything else. I will be surprised if he plays next game.... despite what your reliable sources say!

Chelios got benched. People have been saying forever that he plays and busts his butt off like a warrior out there. He still got benched.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

When are people going to stop blaming the loss on Lilja, and actually realize it had to do with the way the Wings *played the Penguins* last night? This had nothing to do with any individual, the *team* sat back and gave too much respect to the Pens.

*Insert any new Dman name here* and all that would've happened is that a goal would've been scored with them on the ice rather than Lilja. The *team* didn't play the way they did in the first two games, and thats why they lost.

[maltbymaniac 13]

THE MAN DOESN'T DESERVE TO WEAR A WING WHEEL.

The guy was so pathatic, I was holding my breath everytime he was out there. The guy had the puck in front of him and was scared everytime a damn Penguin was coming 15 feet close to him.

Somebody please remind me; was Chelios playing this bad? I would be VERY SHOCKED if Babs doesn't take action and throw this guy out of hte line up.

A. Lilja 09:15

N. Lidstrom 25:34

Shouldn't Lidstrom be playing 30 minutes during the SCF?! Take those 9 minutes of Power Play to the Pens (AKA Lilja on the ice) and reduce it to 5. Either that or replace him with Cheli

i know lets get him outta here so we can dress you for the rest of the finals.

cant we ever just be happy with what we have????

[edicius 3,269]

Newsflash, people. Lidstrom made some boneheaded moves last night too.

Lilja's in the lineup because he hits and blocks shots. At this stage of the playoffs, he's a much better option than Chelios. When has Lilja had a good game, you ask? I seem to remember him being a beast in last year's playoffs. Of course, one turnover overshadows all that (do you guys even remember that in that SAME GAME, Lilja was the sole Wings goal scorer?).

But you know what? Lilja's not Lidstrom. He's not the captain. He doesn't get paid like Nick. For the money he makes and the time he plays, he's just fine. If he's so goddamn horrible this postseason, why is he a +3 in 9 games?

To compare...

Kronwall: +14 (19 games)

Lidstrom: +8 (19 games)

Rafalski: +6 (19 games)

Stuart: +12 (18 games) <-- this one surprised me, honestly

Lebda: -1 (16 games)

Chelios: +2 (14 games)

[The Secret 304]

When are people going to stop blaming the loss on Lilja, and actually realize it had to do with the way the Wings *played the Penguins* last night? This had nothing to do with any individual, the *team* sat back and gave too much respect to the Pens.

*Insert any new Dman name here* and all that would've happened is that a goal would've been scored with them on the ice rather than Lilja. The *team* didn't play the way they did in the first two games, and thats why they lost.

No, don't get me wrong. I totally agree with you that we didn't lose because of the play of one individual. We lost because we did not play a solid 60 minutes and the Pens played much better.

That still doesn't change tha fact that I think we need to ice the players that will best contribute and Lilja is not and never has been one of those IMO. Sammy chipped in a few timely goals but that happens how often? And what does he do or provide on PP's? A booming shot the goes wide of the net? How about my favourite... his super tricky head fake that fools no one. I just think we have better options available... for Lilja at the moment anyway!

[Misty Belle 0]

Why? You want to slice some bread or something?

He didn't do anything magnificent, he didn't have any OMG HE PULLED A LILJA moments that cost the team, and truthfully, he only really had one OMG HE PULLED A LILJA moment that didn't result to anything bad.

you mean you completely missed it when he was too scared to go into the corner after a puck and take the hit for the team? letting them center the puck for a decisive goal?

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

you mean you completely missed it when he was too scared to go into the corner after a puck and take the hit for the team? letting them center the puck for a decisive goal?

Samuelsson checked Hal Gill into the boards in game 1 a pretty darn similar way that Roberts did to Lilja in game 4 (EDIT: I meant game 3 ), both which forced turnovers and led to goals. It's not just an OMG HE PULLED A LILJA syndrome where Lilja is the only person that is capable of screwing up.

Edited May 29, 2008 by SouthernWingsFan

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

To compare...

Kronwall: +14 (19 games)

Lidstrom: +8 (19 games)

Rafalski: +6 (19 games)

Stuart: +12 (18 games) <-- this one surprised me, honestly

Lebda: -1 (16 games)

Chelios: +2 (14 games)

Slightly off topic, but the bolded comment shouldn't surprise you given that he's been paired with Kronwall. Generally, a defensive pairing that stays together for a while is going to have an extremely similar +/-.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

No, don't get me wrong. I totally agree with you that we didn't lose because of the play of one individual. We lost because we did not play a solid 60 minutes and the Pens played much better.

That still doesn't change tha fact that I think we need to ice the players that will best contribute and Lilja is not and never has been one of those IMO. Sammy chipped in a few timely goals but that happens how often? And what does he do or provide on PP's? A booming shot the goes wide of the net? How about my favourite... his super tricky head fake that fools no one. I just think we have better options available... for Lilja at the moment anyway!

And I believe if you think a better option at this moment is Chelios, than I question how much you've watched this years' playoffs. Both of them are clearly our bottom defensemen, but Lilja brings better shot blocking to the PK which is crucial against a potent PP like the Pens have. Cheli doesn't bring that to the table.

[The Secret 304]

Chelios got benched. People have been saying forever that he plays and busts his butt off like a warrior out there. He still got benched.

I am one who believes Chelios to be a warrior but I will not make excuses for anyone's poor play. If he's not contributing then he is where he belongs... fine. Quincey came in cold last year and was a better player then what I see from Lilja. He didn't play alot, wasn't super flashy, nor score a bunch of points but he was solid Defensively and thats all we need from 5 & 6 defensemen... solid play, few mistakes, and ability to recover. Not looking for a hero here man, just someone to get a few quality minutes while our hero's catch theor breath!

Edited May 29, 2008 by The Secret

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I am one who believes Chelios to be a warrior but I will not make excuses for anyone's poor play. If he's not contributing then he is where he belongs... fine. Quincey came in cold last year and was a better player then what I see from Lilja. He didn't play alot, wasn't super flashy, nor score a bunch of points but he was solid Defensively and thats all we need from 5 & 6 defensemen... solid play, few mistakes, and ability to recover. Not looking for a hero here man, just someone to get a few quality minutes while our hero's catch theor breath!

Now thats an understandable rationale. That being said, as good as that sounds you still have to take into effect that Quincey or any other kid that hasn't played will have nerves coming out the ass playing their first game in a huge Game 4 on the road in the SCF's. You just don't know if Quincey would come in and make a nervous mistake that would be of "Lilja proportions". Sorry, I couldn't resist given all the Lilja hate.

Edited May 29, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[Real1 2]

Didnt watch the game, but what the hell was he doing on Crosbys second goal?

Nothing.

[Misty Belle 0]

Samuelsson checked Hal Gill into the boards in game 1 a pretty darn similar way that Roberts did to Lilja in game 4 (EDIT: I meant game 3 ), both which forced turnovers and led to goals. It's not just an OMG HE PULLED A LILJA syndrome where Lilja is the only person that is capable of screwing up.

a defenseman's job is to go into the corners and get the puck, sometimes you get hit and he needs to do that. and I could care less about Hal Gill, he's not fit to be a red wing either.

[redwinger40 0]

I agree that Lilja didn't necessarily cost us the game, but he was one of the contributors to the loss. I'm not sure he is a good fit for our puck possession style, and there is no reason that a man of his size should be pushed around as easily as he is. HOWEVER, I thought that Stuart and Rafalski also had subpar performances. Stuart had at least 2 key turnovers in our own zone and many of Rafalski's passes were at the feet of teammates rather than on the stick. Kronner, Lids and even Lebda were pretty solid in this game, but the rest of the D needs to refocus a little. I don't think Lilja should be the scapegoat, but I do think that we have much better options to use in our system and Babs should make the change for next game...

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

a defenseman's job is to go into the corners and get the puck, sometimes you get hit and he needs to do that. and I could care less about Hal Gill, he's not fit to be a red wing either.

Yeah, because Lidstrom always gets flattened retrieving pucks in the corners. [/sarcasm]

Edited May 29, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

a defenseman's job is to go into the corners and get the puck, sometimes you get hit and he needs to do that. and I could care less about Hal Gill, he's not fit to be a red wing either.

And Hal Gill failed to get the puck in that scenario as well. You all act like Lilja is the only defenseman that is capable of making such hideous mistakes. It isn't just him. Such things happen to plenty of defensemen in the league.

Some of you are amusing me more and more this morning with each continuing obnoxious posts.

[The Secret 304]

Now thats an understandable rationale. That being said, as good as that sounds you still have to take into effect that Quincey or any other kid that hasn't played will have nerves coming out the ass playing their first game in a huge Game 4 on the road in the SCF's. You just don't know if Quincey would come in and make a nervous mistake that would be of "Lilja proportions". Sorry, I couldn't resist given all the Lilja hate.

True, but Quincey held his own last year and given the role and amount of playing time he may be able to make the best of it. Just 9ish minute per game of concentraded, no mistakes, no heroics, NO PP or PK, defensive play!

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

True, but Quincey held his own last year and given the role and amount of playing time he may be able to make the best of it. Just 9ish minute per game of concentraded, no mistakes, no heroics, NO PP or PK, defensive play!

Yeah, I understand what you're looking for out of Quincey but my point is that this would be his first game for the Red Wings since the end of February, and the stakes are a hair higher. Not to mention that he had the opportunity to ease his way into things last playoff year due to the injury situation. Imagine the nerves he would have coming in his first game of the playoffs being a pivotal Game 4 of the SCF's.

My whole point is there's good and bad to both............and Lilja wasn't the reason the Wings lost.

[Chaldean 0]

How can you people say he didn't cost us the game?

Go to the 3:30 mark. We lost by one goal.

I am not ignoring that most of our players had a really bad game, but that is not going to change the fact that the person that cost us the game winning goal was LILJA himself. No excuses.

How can you say this isn't similar to Chelli's mistake of game 5?

Of course you can't bring in Quincy or any player that hasn't played in the playoffs so far, but for the love of God, please lower his minutes. Give me a tired Lidstrom for extra 5 minutes, then 5 minutes of Lilja.

Edited May 29, 2008 by Chaldean

[Misty Belle 0]

And Hal Gill failed to get the puck in that scenario as well. You all act like Lilja is the only defenseman that is capable of making such hideous mistakes. It isn't just him. Such things happen to plenty of defensemen in the league.

Some of you are amusing me more and more this morning with each continuing obnoxious posts.

it's not a mistake , it's a lack of courage

you're just a snob who thinks you're better than everyone on here.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

How can you people say he didn't cost us the game?

Go to the 3:30 mark. We lost by one goal.

I am not ignoring that most of our players had a really bad game, but that is not going to change the fact that the person that gave up the game winning goal was LILJA himself. No excuses.

Stuart and Zetterberg miscommunicated and brainfarted on a routine clearing pass which led to a turnover/goal.

Holmstrom could have easily scored on a rebound shot if not for Fleury making a great save.

Flipper should've scored if not for a great pad stretching stop by Fleury.

Wings could've scored on a few more PPs.

I could give you countless other scenarios that other individuals did/didn't do, as well as the team, which led to the loss.

[The Secret 304]

Yeah, I understand what you're looking for out of Quincey but my point is that this would be his first game for the Red Wings since the end of February, and the stakes are a hair higher. Not to mention that he had the opportunity to ease his way into things last playoff year due to the injury situation. Imagine the nerves he would have coming in his first game of the playoffs being a pivotal Game 4 of the SCF's.

My whole point is there's good and bad to both............and Lilja wasn't the reason the Wings lost.

Hahaha, I used to throw up before highschool football games from nerves! Quincey might have a seisure to shake out the nerves.

No matter who is in I am expected and over-all better effort, and a few teaks in strategy.... that and limiting the trips to the box and limiting the play of who ever isn't up to par should do it.... hope its not wrong to hope to see Sindey get a Kronwall KO.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

it's not a mistake , it's a lack of courage

you're just a snob who thinks you're better than everyone on here.

Good grief this is even funnier and funnier.

So Gill and Lilja turning the puck over is because of "lack of heart"? They aren't even trying or giving two s**ts out there with no effort.

Are you seriously seeing what you type?

[Misty Belle 0]

How can you people say he didn't cost us the game?

Go to the 3:30 mark. We lost by one goal.

I am not ignoring that most of our players had a really bad game, but that is not going to change the fact that the person that cost us the game winning goal was LILJA himself. No excuses.

How can you say this isn't similar to Chelli's mistake of game 5? W

this shows it perfectly, instead of just going into the corner and wraping the puck around and us most likely clearing it he stops and lets Roberts get around him and get the puck, he had a head start , there's no reason for him not to get the puck to a teammate. It meant he most likely would've gotten hit but that's the price to pay.