VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 I think you're remember playoff Dallas Drake and not regular season Dallas Drake. Early in the season Dally had a few fights and a few hits but largely he wasn't a factor at all. Many people were confused as to why he was even on the team or playing and mocked the idea that he was here for the post-season. While Drake ending up having a big impact during the post-season, during the regular season his role was insignificant. Agreed. A lot of what we remember of Drake has been colored by the victory. I remember when we won that all the media outlets seized on his story, but in reality he wasn't THAT big of a factor, at least in the regular season. THere was no "win it for Dallas" storyline that was heavily viewed by most of us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 One element of the game that the Wings are missing is the role that Dallas Drake filled so well. Noone has singed up for Monster Hit duty. HE laid say licks on guys last year. He was a man on a mission; a man possessed with Now or Never Stanley Cup Fever and it showed every single shift throughout the year. We are all hoping that Hossa has that same fever, but there is a significant difference in the nature of their respective roles that allowed Drake to prosper where as Hossa may or may not: Drakes role is one of emotion and determintaion and he is in control of his own destiny in fulfilling that role of Monster Hit man. Hossa has to gel with linemates more so that Drake had to. Drake got psyched up and went out and laid some lumber to guys, and got the whle place rockin, not needing to be so dependant on gelling with linemates. Hossa needs to work with Datsyuk and Holmer, getting on the same page inregards to spacing, timing, positioning etc. As of this early date on the schedule, I haven't noticed anyone really picking up where Drake left off. Don't get me wrong, I don't want this to be the weekly "Need more Grit" thread, but I haven't seen anyone taking over for Drake, and think he was a bigger part of this teams heart than people may think. Does the team have the same attitude this year without Dallas Drake? Edit: If I am right, isn't this the type of feedback Scotty Bowman would give to Kenny and the Braintrust with a phone call from FLorida? (because, of course, I'm in the same league as Scotty Bowman ) Dallas Drake was absolutely brutal at the start of the year last year. He had most of us wondering why he was even on the team. Drake really started turning it up in the playoffs. He was ok sometimes during the regular season, but he was horrendous at the start of last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 Kronwall hits like a truck. In the postseason. In the regular season, he's a spot picker. He still will throw huge checks this season, I know that. But what I was talking about is a consistent hitter. A Chris Neil/Brian Sutherby on forward, A John Erskine/Willie Mitchell on defence. It just helps when you have the consistent guy, becuase then when the playoffs roll around, the spot picker hits more often, and then the whole team starts hitting. It's like follow the leader, and you need someone to start it off. Agreed 100%. Dallas Drake is a good part of the reason why Datsyuk was such a hitter in the playoffs- you could see Dallas' big shifts where he'd hit 2 or 3 guys really hard just rub off on the rest of the bench. Especially in the Western Conference finals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obey86 0 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 I never understood the "every team needs a token fighter/physical guy to stick up for the stars" argument. Geeze, look at the Ducks this year they are in the penalty box half the time which is probably what has contributed to their poor start. Yeah that is real productive, lets get rid of an good defensive/offensive forward for someone who will take penalties and stick up for the superstars. These superstars are grown men, they aren't scared little women out there they can stick up for themselves. They stick up for themselves by digging for pucks in the corners, backchecking, and scoring. Let the "tough" guys on the other team take the penalties so that we can score on the PP. No need for McCarty, he is a terrible skater and provides nothing for the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeeRYCE 2 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 I'd take him over Maltby... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obey86 0 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 BTW, the 10 teams who have the most power plays against are a combined 18-27-11 compared to the 10 teams who have the least power plays against and are a combined 27-14-5. Yep, sounds like we need more physical undisciplined guys such as McCarty to take more penalties so we can lose more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevie for president 42 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 you know the wings started 05-06 4-1 with 22 goals for and 13 goals against (124 points, 1st in NHL, lost in 1st round) 06-07 3-1-1 with 14 goals for and 9 goals against (113 points, t-1st nhl(sabres win presidents on wins, lost in conference finals) 07-08 with a 3-1-1 record with 16 goals for and 11 goals against (115 points, 1st in NHL, won stanley cup) this season they are 3-1-1 with 16 goals for and 14 goals against. We usually take a week or two to get in the swing of things. i dont think drake will be missed too much as the season progesses, i hate to say it. The playoffs may be a different story, however. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shutemdown 23 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 you know the wings started 05-06 4-1 with 22 goals for and 13 goals against (124 points, 1st in NHL, lost in 1st round) 06-07 3-1-1 with 14 goals for and 9 goals against (113 points, t-1st nhl(sabres win presidents on wins, lost in conference finals) 07-08 with a 3-1-1 record with 16 goals for and 11 goals against (115 points, 1st in NHL, won stanley cup) this season they are 3-1-1 with 16 goals for and 14 goals against. We usually take a week or two to get in the swing of things. i dont think drake will be missed too much as the season progesses, i hate to say it. The playoffs may be a different story, however. That's why we'll NEED Darren Helm. I'd start off by saying I think he's a great asset to the team and deserves a spot on the big club, but I'll finish by saying he'll be a MUST in the playoffs! He brings an energy and speed to our team that we'll need to get us fired up. He brings so much youth and energy and grit to the team... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted October 20, 2008 The loss of Dallas Drake alone isn't going to spell disaster for the defending Stanley Cup champions. But right now, the Red Wings are playing without Drake, Downey and McCarty. All three of them could be counted on to do things like hit, stick up for teammates and play with an edge last season. They pretty much had at least one of those guys on the ice every game last year, but they haven't had any of them so far this season. The toughest forward on the team right now is arguably Kopecky; I mean, I could eat a bran muffin, drink two cups of strong coffee and sh** a meaner forward than Kopecky. It's only 5 games into the season and there's the Cup hangover they're clearly dealing with, so drawing sweeping conclusions about the team would be premature. I think they'll adjust personnel to fix these problems as the season goes on. Tell that to Patrick Sharp's bloodied face. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
