downey

[diehardredwing19 11]

hey guys im new to here, just wanted to say.... i really really hope and wish we have Aaron Downey in the lineup next time we face the ducks, i mean for pronger to elbow dats like that and have noone do anything about it is just ridiculous!.... they gota get downey in for that game and send a msg to that freakin ******** right off the bat and have downey challenge him to a scrap! what you guys think? cuz McCarty lets face it cant fight anymore

[therock48880 14]

Welcome to lgw.com. I agree with what you said, however, I'd just to like to warn you that many on here don't see the need for a tough guy on the team. They feel that the skill of the team will make other teams pay when the Wings get power plays. For me, it seems pretty obvious. They've played two big, tough, physical teams and lost them both, albeit one on a disputed goal in ot and the other on the back end of a back to back. Simple fact is, the Wings are getting roughed up out west and no one can do anything about it.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

hey guys im new to here, just wanted to say.... i really really hope and wish we have Aaron Downey in the lineup next time we face the ducks, i mean for pronger to elbow dats like that and have noone do anything about it is just ridiculous!.... they gota get downey in for that game and send a msg to that freakin ******** right off the bat and have downey challenge him to a scrap! what you guys think? cuz McCarty lets face it cant fight anymore

First off, welcome aboard.

Welcome to lgw.com. I agree with what you said, however, I'd just to like to warn you that many on here don't see the need for a tough guy on the team. They feel that the skill of the team will make other teams pay when the Wings get power plays. For me, it seems pretty obvious. They've played two big, tough, physical teams and lost them both, albeit one on a disputed goal in ot and the other on the back end of a back to back. Simple fact is, the Wings are getting roughed up out west and no one can do anything about it.

Not entirely. It is so numbing and annoying to see words and thoughts get twisted around like this regarding this issue. Plenty of people on here realize the value of an enforcer and tough guy and they have their spots on the team, but they realize there are other parts of the game as well that serve of similar/more/less importance than having a tough man in there.

I'm leaving it at that since there has been a bajillion endless debates about this which I refuse to take part in that go nowhere.

[therock48880 14]

First off, welcome aboard.

Not entirely. It is so numbing and annoying to see words and thoughts get twisted around like this regarding this issue. Plenty of people on here realize the value of an enforcer and tough guy and they have their spots on the team, but they realize there are other parts of the game as well that serve of similar/more/less importance than having a tough man in there.

I'm leaving it at that since there has been a bajillion endless debates about this which I refuse to take part in that go nowhere.

I didn't say "everyone" on here, I said "many" who feel an enforcer is not needed. There ARE many on here who feel that way. I didn't twist anything. Many feel (for example read the thread about holland saying the wings don't need an eforcer) that an effective power play can act as a deterent. I don't agree, but that's how many feel.

[jvxp 0]

hey guys im new to here, just wanted to say.... i really really hope and wish we have Aaron Downey in the lineup next time we face the ducks, i mean for pronger to elbow dats like that and have noone do anything about it is just ridiculous!.... they gota get downey in for that game and send a msg to that freakin ******** right off the bat and have downey challenge him to a scrap! what you guys think? cuz McCarty lets face it cant fight anymore

I agree, bring up Downey because McCarty is hard to watch. McCarty is a AHL player at best and that is being nice.

[Dominator2005 558]

We dont need physical players... We need Katarina Witt and Elvis Stojko!!!

[2probert4 8]

I didn't say "everyone" on here, I said "many" who feel an enforcer is not needed. There ARE many on here who feel that way. I didn't twist anything. Many feel (for example read the thread about holland saying the wings don't need an eforcer) that an effective power play can act as a deterent. I don't agree, but that's how many feel.

Not every choice Holland makes is the correct one.....You can have physical type players in a lineup without having someone take a 5 minute major, but having the tough guy in the lineup will give your skilled players more room. The Grind Line so far is a joke, they are getting burned against the other teams top lines.. Teams are taking liberties with Datsyuk, and I even noticed Thornton take a run at Lidstrom. There are checks on players and there are runs at players, Pronger tries to run EVERYONE...

[Guest E_S_A_D]

I couldn't agree more with you. The Wings will continue to lose against superior teams in physicality until they have a real tough guy, such as Downey in the line up. It eliminates the cheapshots and 'keeps the flies off' as our own coach Mike Babcock has said.

I joined this board for the same reason, to preach that case as a long time Wings fan. There are members on this board though, I would say the overwhelming majority unfortunately that do not believe the Wings need a tough guy in the line up. It's sad coming from Detroit fans... maybe these are the same fans that are filling the Arena 1/2 full nightly.

There ARE; however, a few people on here that have the knowledge of hockey to realize we need an enforcer for the reasons such as this. Our small d-men our being exposed finally and it's an obvious game plan to charge the net with our small team.

At this rate the playoffs seem distant, time to wake up Ken Holland.

[ManLuv4Clears 7]

I couldn't agree more with you. The Wings will continue to lose against superior teams in physicality until they have a real tough guy, such as Downey in the line up. It eliminates the cheapshots and 'keeps the flies off' as our own coach Mike Babcock has said.

I joined this board for the same reason, to preach that case as a long time Wings fan. There are members on this board though, I would say the overwhelming majority unfortunately that do not believe the Wings need a tough guy in the line up. It's sad coming from Detroit fans... maybe these are the same fans that are filling the Arena 1/2 full nightly.

There ARE; however, a few people on here that have the knowledge of hockey to realize we need an enforcer for the reasons such as this. Our small d-men our being exposed finally and it's an obvious game plan to charge the net with our small team.

At this rate the playoffs seem distant, time to wake up Ken Holland.

I think this statement holds some weight. I'm pro enforcer but understand the importance of a well balanced team too (ie not all goons). I made a comment one time that having an enforcer in the lineup may actually help attendance because Detroit and it's metro area are a very blue collar demographic and got flamed for it, so I haven't touched on that subject since. I wasn't saying it's the end all solution for attendance, but I was at the sold-out game against the Ducks last year when Downey took down Parros and the cheers were as loud if not louder than every game I was at where a goal was scored. It's hard for some people to admit, but the population of SE MI does love a Wings team with a player or two who play with an edge.

[esteef 2,679]

Bring up Downey and trade Lebda for Lucic and we're good. Problem solved.

Next!

esteef

[Guest E_S_A_D]

I think this statement holds some weight. I'm pro enforcer but understand the importance of a well balanced team too (ie not all goons). I made a comment one time that having an enforcer in the lineup may actually help attendance because Detroit and it's metro area are a very blue collar demographic and got flamed for it, so I haven't touched on that subject since. I wasn't saying it's the end all solution for attendance, but I was at the sold-out game against the Ducks last year when Downey took down Parros and the cheers were as loud if not louder than every game I was at where a goal was scored. It's hard for some people to admit, but the population of SE MI does love a Wings team with a player or two who play with an edge.

I agree completely. This IS Detroit we're talking about, we're blue collar workers for the most part and fans appreciate that in players. Take a look at fan favorites throughout the years:

Bob Probert, Joey Kocur, Darren McCarty (in his prime and slightly still), and Downey. It's no secret... I for one, I realize a SMALL sampling size, but used to have season tickets in the 80s with my family. I enjoyed those losing days with rough gruff hockey better than going today to the Joe. The energy when Probert, Gallant, and Yzerman would charge down the ice with the occassional mesmerizing goal or dropping of the gloves with Domi/ Proby was the best. I have tickets Saturday for Grand Rapids Griffins to watch Downey and the team play.

Good point also- its' not about having goons, not at all. People don't realize that most of the enforcers they see now are very talented hockey players too that have had their role shaped to make it to the NHL. I used to drive up to watch OHL Sault St. Marie Greyhounds, that was when Brian McGrattan was on the team. He was tough, but rarely fought- more of a BIG power forward. Now he's one of the NHL heavyweights.

I surely hope Holland/ Illitch realize that Wings fans like the tough stuff inc ombination with their team. Mickey REdmond and Don Cherry have always said it best... you'll never see ANYONE leaving their seat for a hotdog/ beer while a fight is on.

[Guest E_S_A_D]

Bring up Downey and trade Lebda for Lucic and we're good. Problem solved.

Next!

esteef

Bringing up Downey would be great. Trading Lucic for Lebda would lead to the immediate arrest and admission to the mental ward for the Bruins GM.

[Johnny Law 15]

There has got to be something were missing, it seems clear to me that this team needs some spark. Downey can help provide that spark and I don't see how he could be worse the D-mac. Don't understand the hesitation in bringing him up.

[BigWinston 15]

I was all for McCarty coming back for the play-offs last year, however he's had enough of a chance and isn't making the impact in the team we hoped he might.

Get Downey back in and send down to GR McCarty. I'm sure he'll be a decent trade for some of the improving teams elsewhere come the next trading window.

[GSBrooks13 204]

I believe I actually mention this in last nights GDT.. Anyways.. I cant agree more.. There is a definite need for a heavyweight on this team who doesnt need his walker to to get in a fight. McCarty is no longer anywhere close to being a NHL caliber player. One half-assed fight so far this season and I havent seen him play one good, hard shift so why keep him here?.. He cant fight anymore and he cant keep up with the play.. Its time to bring up Downey.. I, personally, loved watching Downey last year.. Played hard every time he was on the ice and wasnt afraid to drop the gloves with anyone..

Also.. I saw someone above mention our small defense.. why dont we trade off Lebda for say.. a late round draft pick and then call up Ericsson?.. I think that would be a huge boost to our D.. Literally..

[Valas19 50]

There has got to be something were missing, it seems clear to me that this team needs some spark. Downey can help provide that spark and I don't see how he could be worse the D-mac. Don't understand the hesitation in bringing him up.

Maybe they are afraid the jersey sales will plummet. I couldn't believe how many people were wearing the new Reebok McCarty jerseys I saw last year at the Joe.

[Mors 201]

We need Downey in the lineup ASAP. There are plenty of players who aren't making an impact that can give up their spot.

[Heaton 1]

Wanting Downey in is fine, but there's no way Pronger would've fought Downey. I don't think Pronger has fought anyone legit in like 10 years.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Having an enforcer is definitely important, despite what some other posters here might say, who nod their heads like mindless idiots to everything Holland has ever said or done.

That said, if this defense and the forwards (who are often praised for their defense) don't start playing better, the Wings will end the season as one of the league leaders for most goals allowed.

There's no defensive responsibility out there at all right now.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Wanting Downey in is fine, but there's no way Pronger would've fought Downey. I don't think Pronger has fought anyone legit in like 10 years.

I wouldn't mind seeing Downey get the extra 2 minute instigator for jumping Pronger, whether he wanted to oblige or not.

[Rivalred 630]

Wanting Downey in is fine, but there's no way Pronger would've fought Downey. I don't think Pronger has fought anyone legit in like 10 years.

Besides tooth decay and gum disease?

[Dominator2005 558]

Bringing up Downey would be great. Trading Lucic for Lebda would lead to the immediate arrest and admission to the mental ward for the Bruins GM.

C'mon who needs those Euro's - trading for Lučić... Way too tough for this organisation. I'm glad that we drafted Emmerton and Matthias instead...

[The Secret 304]

I might be the only person on LGW that thinks this but I think Downey is just as usless as McCarty and Maltby. His hands are made of cement, he fights but not very well! Not sure what type of message swapping one pilon for another is going to send except we are desparate. I think we are all starved for an actual physical presence that Downey is as close as we have.... thats sad! Downey being in the line up will not change a thing... I think Pronger would dumby Downey personally and I can't see how he would intidate any other team in the league. I give Downey credit for dropping the gloves but he is a terrible fighter and a worse hockey player. Don't hate me for having a different opinion, I'm sure he is a great guy but I want to see some positive changes not different faces achieving the same results!

[ben_usmc 253]

We need more then just Downey out there for a physical presence he can't fight everyone. Say we do bring him up that also means that Kopecky better start being willing to fight, same with Lilja. We need at least 3 or 4 guys to really play with an edge in order for us to protect people or get revenge for cheap shots; BRING ON NEIL.

But it looks as if Holland does understand that just most are in the minors: Ericcson, Kindl, Abby, Koslov, Axelsson, Andersson are all willing to fight or at least like to finish checks plus they are all 6' or above, we just have people like Maltby, Draper, Kopecky, Lebda, Chelios, and Sammy all in their way.

Edited October 31, 2008 by ben_usmc

[ben_usmc 253]

I might be the only person on LGW that thinks this but I think Downey is just as usless as McCarty and Maltby. His hands are made of cement, he fights but not very well! Not sure what type of message swapping one pilon for another is going to send except we are desparate. I think we are all starved for an actual physical presence that Downey is as close as we have.... thats sad! Downey being in the line up will not change a thing... I think Pronger would dumby Downey personally and I can't see how he would intidate any other team in the league. I give Downey credit for dropping the gloves but he is a terrible fighter and a worse hockey player. Don't hate me for having a different opinion, I'm sure he is a great guy but I want to see some positive changes not different faces achieving the same results!

he really didn't decisively lose a fight last year, he may not be the greatest but he doesn't back down from anyone and does protect our players. There are plenty of worse fighters in the league then Downey and maybe 9 or so better.