Rafalski

[Guest Four]

Well, for the past 5 games of watching Detroit play a little sloppy on the d-side, one person has stood out the most (besides Kronwall and his penalty time >.<). Rafalski, from what I've seen, he is out of position constantly, he keeps giving pucks up, he is not taking his man and he's chasing too much. He has been the reason for a few breakdowns this year already.. Has anyone else noticed this? He's been doing pretty well offensively, but his defense has sucked.

Edited October 24, 2008 by Four

[Rivalred 630]

Head. Ache.

[OsGOD 3]

n/m

Edited October 24, 2008 by OsGOD

[Guest Four]

Head. Ache.

No kidding, I just read it myself

Changed it

[Rivalred 630]

Over the last 2 weeks, I have had to wear my helmet while reading some of the posts on LGW just to avoid injury.

Edited October 24, 2008 by Rivalred

[Guest DetroitBoy313]

"I'll diss your magazine and still won't get a weak review" - Marshall Mathers ::

[lfd250 1]

Yea, he sucks, I mean breaking Lids and Murphs point streak to start the year, as in points in every game, I can see your point. Being tied for the team lead in points probably makes it even worse. Not too mention having to go against the other teams best players every shift. He probably should be sent down. He is sticking out because he's on the ice a lot.

[Guest Crymson]

It's unfortunate for the OP that he's not satisfied with anything but perfection. Perhaps he should become a fan of the Flyers for a week.

[BeeRYCE 2]

Maybe his defense isn't up to par so far, but he is producing offensively, and our record is 4-1-1, which is 2nd in the West. With that said, when we are winning... I don't think any player should be criticized, especially one with 7 points in 6 games.

[06TJSport 0]

I can't believe how deep some of you look into s***. Like seriously, what if the wings were 1-5, I wouldn't even log on. I'd be willing to bet half of you are the people that call in to radio talk shows saying that the wings should bench Ozzie and play Conklin, while 4 months ago saying that we should bench Hasek and play Osgood. Take a f***in chill pill.

[wingslionstigers 12]

I can't believe how deep some of you look into s***. Like seriously, what if the wings were 1-5, I wouldn't even log on. I'd be willing to bet half of you are the people that call in to radio talk shows saying that the wings should bench Ozzie and play Conklin, while 4 months ago saying that we should bench Hasek and play Osgood. Take a f***in chill pill.

What i really can't believe is how deep some of you take someones observations. The guy wasn't saying he needs to retire or be traded. He was just saying he didn't think the guy is playing up to his potential yet. Although i haven't had the time to watch much of there games yet so i couldn't really say much about it.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I havent been impressed with Lidstrom so far either, but it doesnt matter, because they'll both be fine.

[12Newf 0]

its time to rebuild. let's build the defense around staffan kronwall and i hear the leafs are looking to unload mark bell so that will satisfy fight fans. get er done kenny.

[Echolalia 2,961]

Lets mellow out a bit on attacking people for making observations, eh?

Anyway, while I'll agree that our defense has not been as impressive as what their capable of (or what I'm expecting), I don't think its much to worry about at this point. The season is still really early, and everyone is going to be giving it a bit more this year because we're the team to beat. Its almost not fair to criticize them so early into the season, because we've gotten soused to how they played in the playoffs last year, after having 82 games plus practice to work on stuff and mesh and work at their highest potential. They just finished off a summer of partying, and yes they have had training camp and a couple preseason games and a couple more regular season games, but its still an early season, and there's always going to be things to work on at this point, whether your Jeff Finger or Nick Lidstrom.

[Chase 0]

Over the last 2 weeks, I have had to wear my helmet while reading some of the posts on LGW just to avoid injury.

I second that

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I've noticed it too. His defense has been no better than Schneiders was, and we all know how much flack Schneider got for it in his last term here.

As for the responses, chill out guys. Theres no need to tear people down just for making observations and criticisms. If you guys don't want to deal with it, DON'T READ IT. Go on your merry little way and have fun making non-critical observations and all holding hands singing the "let's go wings" chant in unison..

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Yea, he sucks, I mean breaking Lids and Murphs point streak to start the year, as in points in every game, I can see your point. Being tied for the team lead in points probably makes it even worse. Not too mention having to go against the other teams best players every shift. He probably should be sent down. He is sticking out because he's on the ice a lot.

Are you just trying to be an *******? The OP clearly stated that hes been doing well offensively, but poorly defensively. Which is the case. And any time you are being paid 6 million per year to be a #2 Dman all the while getting the benefit of playing alongside one of the greatest Dmen in history then yeah, sorry, but you're gonna get criticism for crappy defensive play.

[CdnWingsFanEh 2]

Lets mellow out a bit on attacking people for making observations, eh?

Anyway, while I'll agree that our defense has not been as impressive as what their capable of (or what I'm expecting), I don't think its much to worry about at this point. The season is still really early, and everyone is going to be giving it a bit more this year because we're the team to beat. Its almost not fair to criticize them so early into the season, because we've gotten soused to how they played in the playoffs last year, after having 82 games plus practice to work on stuff and mesh and work at their highest potential. They just finished off a summer of partying, and yes they have had training camp and a couple preseason games and a couple more regular season games, but its still an early season, and there's always going to be things to work on at this point, whether your Jeff Finger or Nick Lidstrom.

Doesn't Finger need to work on his foot? Or did he fix that?

[T.Low 1,011]

Well, for the past 5 games of watching Detroit play a little sloppy on the d-side, one person has stood out the most (besides Kronwall and his penalty time >.<). Rafalski, from what I've seen, he is out of position constantly, he keeps giving pucks up, he is not taking his man and he's chasing too much. He has been the reason for a few breakdowns this year already.. Has anyone else noticed this? He's been doing pretty well offensively, but his defense has sucked.

I haven't neccessarily noticed all that, but I have noticed the D in general is not in mid season form yet. But since its not mid season yet, I don't really mind...oh yeah, and they are still winning.

I may have to break down and get cable tv, thogh, I getting tired of watching on my laptop; You can't always see who it is that is doing what.

I haven't noticed, but now that you brought it to my attention I'll kinda look for it more.

[Guest Four]

He's been doing pretty well offensively, but his defense has sucked.

...

Yea, he sucks, I mean breaking Lids and Murphs point streak to start the year, as in points in every game, I can see your point. Being tied for the team lead in points probably makes it even worse. Not too mention having to go against the other teams best players every shift. He probably should be sent down. He is sticking out because he's on the ice a lot.

Maybe his defense isn't up to par so far, but he is producing offensively, and our record is 4-1-1, which is 2nd in the West. With that said, when we are winning... I don't think any player should be criticized, especially one with 7 points in 6 games.

...

Or you guys could quit reading what you want to read. The last sentence clearly states he's been doing well offensively, thanks homers.

Edited October 24, 2008 by Four

[Dawgs 0]

First off stats never tell the entire story. You can be playing well, but cant buy your way onto the score sheet or you can be playing like hell and getting points. Second you guys need to lay off when someone criticizes the Wings or a player. Just because your 4-1-1 doesnt mean your playing well. So far this team has been sloppy and erratic. Thier overall talent level is enough to overcome subpar play on most nights. If you disagree with a post go out and prove why they are wrong dont just come up with stupid sarcastic comments that prove nothing other than you only have half a brain.

Yes Rafalski has been terrible in the defensive zone. He has chased the puck, he has been out of position and he has made some terrible, horrible breakout passes. A few points on the PP doesnt change this fact just like someone calling him out doesnt mean that the person is calling for heads to roll.

Ive been coming to this site for about 7 years and I must say the quality of posts has dropped significantly. Its gone from honest analysis to chiding anyone and everyone who has an opinion of the team that doesnt match your own. Grow up. You are making this site almost unreadable.

Edited October 24, 2008 by Dawgs

[Shutemdown 23]

I havent been impressed with Lidstrom so far either, but it doesnt matter, because they'll both be fine.

QFT.

Out of ALL of our defense, I've seen the most blunders out of Kronwall and Lidstrom.

I mean, I know it's been a day since our last game was on, but why are we so hasty in selecting our next whipping boy? And what, Sammy played 2 decent games in a row and no one's talking s*** now?

Realize that a couple games do not reflect the rest of the season. This thread will be gone soon and you'll all be back to talking s*** about Samuelsson.

Rafalski is one of our BEST puck-moving defensemen and is off to a great start.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Rafalski's biggest problem is when he tries to stand people up at the blueline and then gets caught.

He tends to be aggressive offensively, which sometimes results in odd man rushes going the other way. You kind of have to take the good with the bad with him. He's primarily known for his offensive ability, and the Wings knew that when they signed him, much like with Schneider.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

First off stats never tell the entire story. You can be playing well, but cant buy your way onto the score sheet or you can be playing like hell and getting points. Second you guys need to lay off when someone criticizes the Wings or a player. Just because your 4-1-1 doesnt mean your playing well. So far this team has been sloppy and erratic. Thier overall talent level is enough to overcome subpar play on most nights. If you disagree with a post go out and prove why they are wrong dont just come up with stupid sarcastic comments that prove nothing other than you only have half a brain.

Yes Rafalski has been terrible in the defensive zone. He has chased the puck, he has been out of position and he has made some terrible, horrible breakout passes. A few points on the PP doesnt change this fact just like someone calling him out doesnt mean that the person is calling for heads to roll.

Ive been coming to this site for about 7 years and I must say the quality of posts has dropped significantly. Its gone from honest analysis to chiding anyone and everyone who has an opinion of the team that doesnt match your own. Grow up. You are making this site almost unreadable.

Agreed. I rarely post here anymore for the very little hockey discussion that actually goes on. Most of the time it's just spelling nazi's trying to impress people they'll never meet through their internet "intelect", or mindless idiots like GMR wings trying to find their niche in bad corny jokes that no one found funny to begin with. Sorry but I orgianlly came to this board to talk wings, not for some random 35 year old fat bald guy who has never played hockey beyond 7th grade rec degrade my opinion ( which is based off of very high level of competitive hockey), in favor of theres. I swear to god people will ***** about anything.

If you give lgwers a million dollars they'll complain ti wasent a billion. I just kinda stalk the gdts now, but even that grows tiring.

As for Rafalski, he has been s*** defensivly.

flame away

[Johnny Law 15]

Sorry but I orgianlly came to this board to talk wings, not for some random 35 year old fat bald guy who has never played hockey beyond 7th grade rec degrade my opinion ( which is based off of very high level of competitive hockey), in favor of theres. I swear to god people will ***** about anything.

As for Rafalski, he has been s*** defensivly.

flame away

I spell poorly too so I feel you on that.

That said if you played at such a high level I think you would agree with me that you go through short periods of time where things just aren't working like they should. You make mistakes that you know are mistakes as soon as you do it but they happen anyway, things bounce funny or you start over thinking things. It happens to everyone, except Lilja we all know he is Jesus reincarnated.

Rafalski is a highly skilled player who like some of the Wings is on a bit of a bad stretch. He will come around just like Lidstrom will, you don't dump players after 6 games.