Babcock calling out Dats & Hank

[sixer 37]

After the game Babcock basically called out these guys and said they need to play better along with the Entire 1st power play unit.

How do you think they'll respond and I don't think he's called out both of them like this in the playoffs this year!

It's interesting to see all the talk is about our Defense, but our powerplay is what needs to improve, it's not up to par with stanley cup final winners at this point in the finals.

Edited May 29, 2008 by sixer

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I think you misunderstood him. He also made sure to say that the main reason their play wasn't up to par was because they were misplayed by the coaching staff.

As for the first PP unit, the Wings started the 2nd unit pretty much on every PP they got in order to create a mismatch for the 1st unit. I'm not 100% sure he was reffering to ZDH on that one.

Edited May 29, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[TheWestWing 71]

He also said the coach played the 1st line too much and didn't use all of his bench.

How do you think the coach will respond?

[Heaton 1]

That was a pretty passive aggressive calling out. In another thread I said that while reading it, it sounded more like Babcock was criticizing himself but after watching it, he was being a bit critical about them taking longer shifts and not having the energy to play at the high tempo they usually do. I don't think it'll have a negative impact on the team, Babcock doesn't strike me as the type of Coach who'll say something publicly he didn't say to their faces.

I think the 1st PP unit will be better next game and Pav/Hank will play better as well.

[Hank 0]

He also said the coach played the 1st line too much and didn't use all of his bench.

How do you think the coach will respond?

By putting Sammy on every line, including defense! Clearly Sammy is the new Crosby!

[Opie 308]

By putting Sammy on every line, including defense! Clearly Sammy is the new Crosby!

So Sammy scores a nice goal last night, did nothing to hurt the team, yet you find a way to throw a dig out there.

Can I ask why?

Or is digging on Sammy the new black?

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

I didn't see what he said, so I don't know if he really called them out. Zetterberg has a goal and an assist so far, which isn't bad but you'd like more. Homer has a goal and an assist, which is pretty good considering the abuse he's taken and the goal called back. And I'm pretty sure Datsyuk has yet to register a point in the SCF.

It's been great getting the secondary scoring, but we need the ZDH line coming through in the clutch.

[DatsMyWings13 4]

I'm looking for Pavel and Hank to have a huge game Saturday!

[The Secret 304]

By putting Sammy on every line, including defense! Clearly Sammy is the new Crosby!

HAHAHA! Another roasting Sammy, I love it. Not a fan of Sammy, but I like your avatar..... it suits you!

[The Secret 304]

So Sammy scores a nice goal last night, did nothing to hurt the team, yet you find a way to throw a dig out there.

Can I ask why?

Or is digging on Sammy the new black?

Why the digs on Sammy?

1. It was funny

2. Its fun to do

3. Sammy produces more crap than anything else

4. I have also questioned many times before why Sammy is on the ice as much and in as many situations... finally he gets a few goals, he should given the opportunities he's put into.

[dicksmack 33]

Why would he call them out cuz we did't win? Hank and Pavel were creating quality scoring chances and were dangerous most of the game... Pavel is hitting well and hard. Fleury had a good game and some luck. Sid the Skid had some goal mouth gimmes....So what?

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I didn't see what he said, so I don't know if he really called them out. Zetterberg has a goal and an assist so far, which isn't bad but you'd like more. Homer has a goal and an assist, which is pretty good considering the abuse he's taken and the goal called back. And I'm pretty sure Datsyuk has yet to register a point in the SCF.

It's been great getting the secondary scoring, but we need the ZDH line coming through in the clutch.

I'm not too too worried.

If I know one thing about Zetterberg I know this- he's always better after a longer rest. You just know he's fighting through wrist and back pain every game, so it shouldn't be surprising that he's most dominant after an extended rest.

Dats? Well he's what the French call "le clutch". Last night he came up short a few times but let's not dillute ourselves- Fleury was playing out of his mind last night. He had some awesome saves and definitely gave the Pens a chance to win. That combined with our boys giving Crosby a bit more room to skate was a deadly combination. Back on topic though, I see Dats coming through big on Saturday. He's well aware that he has no points in the finals so far and that he had an off game last night in terms of his capacty to make plays while being smothered by the opposition. Dats is usually awesome at holding and using the puck in situations with 2 or 3 guys hanging off his ass, so I don't expect that talent to melt away overnight.

This team needed to lose a game last night. I think they dominated the Pens so much in the first two games that a slight dial back in intensity was unavoidable. Outscoring your opponents 7-0 over two straight games will lull you into a false sense of security.

I trust in Babcock. I trust in Zetterberg. I trust in Datsyuk. I trust in Lidstrom. I trust in Kronwall. I trust in Franzen. I trust in Filppula. I trust in Cleary. ...well you get my point.

And for the record- Sammy had a great night last night and I'm very, very happy with his play so far in the Finals.

Val's been unreal. He was our most dangerous forward in Game 2 and hasn't dialed it back even a tiny bit.

I really believe that last night was a case of the Wings not supporting each other like they were before. People dropped back and collapsed on the net, yeah, but they weren't as smooth or methodical in their defensive support roles. I'm sure Babs will beat that back into them

[Reds4Life 51]

Our first PP unit really needs to get better. Our second unit was fine imho.

[Opie 308]

Why the digs on Sammy?

1. It was funny good logic

2. Its fun to do better logic

3. Sammy produces more crap than anything else what is your definition of crap, is he really s***ting on the ice?

4. I have also questioned many times before why Sammy is on the ice as much and in as many situations... finally he gets a few goals, he should given the opportunities he's put into. So he is doing what he is supposed to, yet that means people should dig on him, best logic yet

Well lets see what reasons not to dig on him can I come up with ready:

3 of the 9 goals scored by the wings in this series, who else has that many, Maltby? no! Drake? no! Dats? no! I could keep going but I think you get the idea.

Shooting at a 30% clip, wait wasn't that what all of you bashers used as the biggest problem with Sammy. hmmm interesting.

He is point-wise the 6th best forward on this team, that doesn't make him a top 6 forward though does it?

How many give aways does he have that have ended up in the back of the net?

4th leading goal scorer on the team in the playoffs.

8th on the team in assists including defenseman.

6th on the team in +/- including defenseman.

And just so that we are aware you statement about him being put in situations you do realize he is 7th for forwards in ATOI, so it is not like he is seeing 18 mins a game or anything, he is on the 2nd pp point, not like he is on the wing ripping one timers or in front of the net deflecting goals.

But I guess logic and stats aren't nearly as fun as just dogging on a guy because everyone else is doing it, or because the team lost.

[The Secret 304]

Well lets see what reasons not to dig on him can I come up with ready:

3 of the 9 goals scored by the wings in this series, who else has that many, Maltby? no! Drake? no! Dats? no! I could keep going but I think you get the idea.

Shooting at a 30% clip, wait wasn't that what all of you bashers used as the biggest problem with Sammy. hmmm interesting.

He is point-wise the 6th best forward on this team, that doesn't make him a top 6 forward though does it?

How many give aways does he have that have ended up in the back of the net?

4th leading goal scorer on the team in the playoffs.

8th on the team in assists including defenseman.

6th on the team in +/- including defenseman.

And just so that we are aware you statement about him being put in situations you do realize he is 7th for forwards in ATOI, so it is not like he is seeing 18 mins a game or anything, he is on the 2nd pp point, not like he is on the wing ripping one timers or in front of the net deflecting goals.

But I guess logic and stats aren't nearly as fun as just dogging on a guy because everyone else is doing it, or because the team lost.

I dog on him because I don't like his style of play... no other reason. If you want to gargle his balls have at it but I am not going to. I still do not view him as a top 6 forward, his points and stats that you mention are not a good reflection IMO to the amount of play time and situations he is getting... I'm on the fence with guys like Hudler and Filpula and would be curious too see what they could do gievn some additional time and in certain situations.

[Opie 308]

I dog on him because I don't like his style of play... no other reason. If you want to gargle his balls have at it but I am not going to. I still do not view him as a top 6 forward, his points and stats that you mention are not a good reflection IMO to the amount of play time and situations he is getting... I'm on the fence with guys like Hudler and Filpula and would be curious too see what they could do gievn some additional time and in certain situations.

Flip should get more ice time?

So he should center the first line and be on the first PP?

More great logic!

[Kira 451]

I wouldn't worry too much about Henrik and Pasha...they'll respond the best they can.

[The Secret 304]

Flip should get more ice time?

So he should center the first line and be on the first PP?

More great logic!

Who said anything about first line? How does additional time = first line? Your logic is obviously better. If you got a thing for Sammy, thats all you bro... won't change my opinion or my logic.

[Opie 308]

Well if he is currently on the second line and on the second pp the only logical way for him to get additional minutes would be to

DUH DUH DUH

be on the first line.

Unless of course you are suggesting the wings become a 3 line team and take minutes away from the 4th line, oh but then again if you did that you would also be giving Sammy more minutes seeing as he is on that line, which BTW is one of the highest point producing lines in the post season!

I don't have a thing for Sammy, I have an issue with people needlessly bashing him because he has been named the whipping boy.

I never tried to change your opinion btw, I was responding to Hank's post and you jumped in with your opinion, if you want to have your opinion fine, but if you post it don't expect to be able to post it with out people disagreeing with it, especially if you back it up with jewels like, "I don't like his playing style"

[The Secret 304]

Well if he is currently on the second line and on the second pp the only logical way for him to get additional minutes would be to

DUH DUH DUH

be on the first line.

Unless of course you are suggesting the wings become a 3 line team and take minutes away from the 4th line, oh but then again if you did that you would also be giving Sammy more minutes seeing as he is on that line, which BTW is one of the highest point producing lines in the post season!

I don't have a thing for Sammy, I have an issue with people needlessly bashing him because he has been named the whipping boy.

I never tried to change your opinion btw, I was responding to Hank's post and you jumped in with your opinion, if you want to have your opinion fine, but if you post it don't expect to be able to post it with out people disagreeing with it, especially if you back it up with jewels like, "I don't like his playing style"

Who named him whipping boy? I told you why I didn't like him, thats it! And hey man, I don't need a stats page to know that I dislike you.... I formed that opinion all on my own. There are things that happen on the ice that stats can't show... perhaps your too logical to see that. And 3 of the 5 goals scored by your boyfriend they came in the last 2 games... he has 1.5 decent games in 19 games played and your ready to marry the guy... give me a break.

[The Secret 304]

Well if he is currently on the second line and on the second pp the only logical way for him to get additional minutes would be to

DUH DUH DUH

be on the first line.

Unless of course you are suggesting the wings become a 3 line team and take minutes away from the 4th line, oh but then again if you did that you would also be giving Sammy more minutes seeing as he is on that line, which BTW is one of the highest point producing lines in the post season!

I don't have a thing for Sammy, I have an issue with people needlessly bashing him because he has been named the whipping boy.

I never tried to change your opinion btw, I was responding to Hank's post and you jumped in with your opinion, if you want to have your opinion fine, but if you post it don't expect to be able to post it with out people disagreeing with it, especially if you back it up with jewels like, "I don't like his playing style"

Who named him whipping boy? I told you why I didn't like him, thats it! And hey man, I don't need a stats page to know that I dislike you.... I formed that opinion all on my own. There are things that happen on the ice that stats can't show... perhaps your too logical to see that. And 3 of the 5 goals scored by your boyfriend they came in the last 2 games... he has 1.5 decent games in 19 games played and your ready to marry the guy... give me a break.

[Opie 308]

Who named him whipping boy? I told you why I didn't like him, thats it! And hey man, I don't need a stats page to know that I dislike you.... I formed that opinion all on my own. There are things that happen on the ice that stats can't show... perhaps your too logical to see that. And 3 of the 5 goals scored by your boyfriend they came in the last 2 games... he has 1.5 decent games in 19 games played and your ready to marry the guy... give me a break.

The fact that I point to stats and examples and you turn to insults lets me know all I need to know about you.

I love the I see it on the ice argument, you know why posters like you use that, because there is no debatable argument against it. Because as you already said you just don't like him, because of his style, however you never really did back that up either. Is it that he doesn't hit, shoots too much, what is it? OH, that is right you just don't like his style of play, oh but why then would you even say that what happens on the ice doesn't show up on the stats sheet, if that has nothing to do with why you don't like him!

You obviously don't pay attention to these boards much, he has been the whipping boy since the start of the season.

In those last two games, how many other players have 3 goals, how many players have two unassisted goals in the SCF before?

BTW the insults you used aren't even good, clever, or original.

[Copenhagen848 58]

I just realized that Opie IS Sammy!

It would be nice if people could express their opinions of Sammy on this public message board without Opie coming to his defense demanding explanations for everything and going on and on with hypothetical and useless BS to try to prove a point.

Not everyone likes Sammy, live with it.

[The Secret 304]

The fact that I point to stats and examples and you turn to insults lets me know all I need to know about you.

I love the I see it on the ice argument, you know why posters like you use that, because there is no debatable argument against it. Because as you already said you just don't like him, because of his style, however you never really did back that up either. Is it that he doesn't hit, shoots too much, what is it? OH, that is right you just don't like his style of play, oh but why then would you even say that what happens on the ice doesn't show up on the stats sheet, if that has nothing to do with why you don't like him!

You obviously don't pay attention to these boards much, he has been the whipping boy since the start of the season.

In those last two games, how many other players have 3 goals, how many players have two unassisted goals in the SCF before?

BTW the insults you used aren't even good, clever, or original.

Poster like me know that there are plenty of stats that are not kept and that are valid to the outcome of games. Shots/opportunities missed for example, cheapshots, instigating. Our team has a distinct style of play that not all players are suited for. Hatcher isn't here because of it... How about Luc Robitaille... I loved Robitaille but not as a Red Wing... he didn't fit! We have numerous individuals on our team that are successfull with our style, in their role that, would not have the same success elsewhere... Draper, Maltby, How about Cleary... and plenty more. Again, I will not jump in the Sammy fan club with you because he scored in the past few games. Shanahan was a monster at first, his numbers were never that bad but it was time for him to move on because of the change in his style of play. Perhaps you should think some more, there's plenty that stats can't show.

[Opie 308]

Do tell, what are those stats or examples or facts or eye witness accounts do you have of how he doesn't fit in, anything more specific than

"There are stats that are not kept and are valid to the out comes of the game"?