For all the Hudler-haters

[Shutemdown 23]

Link:

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...ns_zetterb.html

TRAVERSE CITY -- One of Jiri Hudler's new linemates, Henrik Zetterberg, is the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner. The other, Johan Franzen, scored 27 goals in 27 games during an outburst at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.

Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock could have tabbed an established player, like Dan Cleary or Mikael Samuelsson, to play with Zetterberg and Franzen. Or he could have used third-line center Valtteri Filppula.

But he chose Hudler, who has shown flashes of offensive ability in limited ice time, primarily on third and fourth lines. But he also has been knocked for his lack of quickness and his defensive deficiencies.

An opportunity like this does not come along every day -- and it's one Hudler knows he must seize, or somebody else will.

"It feels great, obviously, to play with players like this. But you still got to get onto that line and do your thing, work hard," Hudler said. "I know how Z and Mule play, just got to get used to the right (wing). I played left last year."

mod edit: don't post full articles.

[vangvace 12]

tl:dr

so is it pro or anti hudler?

[Grim 5]

Hudler is being showcased folks...

j/k

[SweWings 45]

This move is not very likely to be permanent.

[Dabura 12,232]

I've never been too big on Hudler (no pun intended), but there's no denying his production. He's got talent and he's done things with it with limited playing time.

[eva unit zero 271]

This move is not very likely to be permanent.

It's Babcock's best attempt to create two DZH lines. Hudler was the closest thing to Dats that he had. Franzen was the closest thing to Homer. Hossa was the closest to Z. Dats, Z, Hossa, and Hudler are the team's four most offensively talented forwards, and Franzen and Homer are the two best net-front players. It's a no-brainer if that is the line chemistry you are going for, those are the guys you use. The actual composition is the only decision that needed to be made.

[Guest LivingtheDream]

Of any player it seems Hudler has been ridden the hardest by Babcock and I think it has paid off. He won't go down a line due to not trying. Alas, if only he hadn't played so much with lazy ass Lang, he might have had a better role model in the beginning, but I think he will be fine. Still, this is a coveted spot and anyone else who shows up big time will be on his heels for this spot. Should be interesting, but intra team competition will help with all the worry about a "Cup hangover."

[puckloo39 5,686]

I have a lot of faith in Huddie. I believe he will make the best of his chances, and I look for a great season from him.

[Booster313 138]

I don't have a problem with Hudler on the second Wing...It's better than Sammy and Z and Mule should be able to dig the pucks out of the corners. Flip would probably be the best match in terms of skill but I like having him center his own line. The X factor is Lenio, personally I think he would be a nice addition to the line-up in place of Samuellson.

[eva unit zero 271]

I don't have a problem with Hudler on the second Wing...It's better than Sammy and Z and Mule should be able to dig the pucks out of the corners. Flip would probably be the best match in terms of skill but I like having him center his own line. The X factor is Lenio, personally I think he would be a nice addition to the line-up in place of Samuellson.

Flip would not be a better match in terms of skill. Hudler is a MUCH better offensive player than Filppula is. What puts them in a debate about who's better are Flip's non-offensive skill advantages (such as defensive player and faceoffs)...none of which make him a better fit for the second line right wing.

[Wing Across The Pond 196]

I don't have a problem with Hudler on the second Wing...It's better than Sammy and Z and Mule should be able to dig the pucks out of the corners. Flip would probably be the best match in terms of skill but I like having him center his own line. The X factor is Lenio, personally I think he would be a nice addition to the line-up in place of Samuellson.

Although Sammy will never be a pure fan favourite, he's needed. As a forward who can play D to a sufficient quality its useful incase one of our real defencemen have to leave the ice. What's more he's pretty good on the PP as well, and for all that's said about Z, Dats, Hossa, Hudler etc, the Wings are very much a defensive team, but I guess this is a little off topic... so Hudler rocks and I can't wait to see him on the second line. For me Flip hasn't done enough to beat Huds to it.