uk_redwing 495 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Downey was the only reason I watched the game last night. STUPID MOVE. Same for me. Feel so bad for Aaron...the fans vote him player of the game because he actually gave the team some energy (more energy then theyve displayed all season) and Detroit sends him down. Does Babcock like having a silent arena? Does he like seeing empty seats? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) Does Babcock like having a silent arena? Does he like seeing empty seats? I'm sure what he'd really like to do is see what guys like Abdelkader and Leino can do in the big league. He has that opportunity with Stuart on IR and Hank and Homer dinged up to get as many guys into the lineup as he can, so he can and see how they stack up. Guys that might actually be of service to the Wings come spring. I appreciate the effort Downey gave, he's been a trooper for the Wings and the Griffs and he did a fine job against Dallas, hitting and giving the team some energy and tried his damnedest to knock some guys block off, but the season isn't made or broken on his efforts -- not even that very game was. He deserves a spot up here (certainly over Kopecky), but that's not how it goes in the cap world. I'd rather the Wings use this opportunity to test the kids than spend it by putting in Downey for a few minutes a game. Edited January 30, 2009 by Heroes of Hockeytown Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dominator2005 558 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Nice to see Abdelkader in but sad to see Downey out... Abdelkader - Draper - Downey should be good energy line. Why not waive Maltby and send his ass down? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_Hockey 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Downey was the only reason I watched the game last night. STUPID MOVE. Spoken like a true Red Wings fan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Statts 4 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 I'm sure what he'd really like to do is see what guys like Abdelkader and Leino can do in the big league. He has that opportunity with Stuart on IR and Hank and Homer dinged up to get as many guys into the lineup as he can, so he can and see how they stack up. Guys that might actually be of service to the Wings come spring. I appreciate the effort Downey gave, he's been a trooper for the Wings and the Griffs and he did a fine job against Dallas, hitting and giving the team some energy and tried his damnedest to knock some guys block off, but the season isn't made or broken on his efforts -- not even that very game was. He deserves a spot up here (certainly over Kopecky), but that's not how it goes in the cap world. I'd rather the Wings use this opportunity to test the kids than spend it by putting in Downey for a few minutes a game. Agreed. You have to get the youngsters feet wet at some point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yzersyukstromberg 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 Then why does every other team have a guy like that, including the Wings for most of last year? Oh right, I forgot we're just special in ways that no one else is. You've probably been watching too much KHL lately and got it confused with the NHL. There's plenty of room for guys like Downey as is evidenced by what everyone else is doing. First of all, I've never watched a KHL game in my life...give me a break. Just because the Wings used Downey (sparingly) last year, doesn't mean he's a good player, or even a good fit for our team. As for what 'everyone else' is doing...who gives a damn what they're doing. There are only 2 teams above the Wings this year in the standings, so really, what everyone else is doing means very little. The system that the Wings employ makes it very difficult to use a guy like Downey and still maintain the flow they hope to have. If you suit Downey up on a nightly basis, you're now a 3-line club. I'm not looking to argue with you on this, so let's not get going back and forth on this....I understand your opinion, and I just disagree, that's all...and I completely realize that you're not the only one that thinks Downey would be a good addition to the Wings, and that's fine too. The one thing I know for sure, is there's a reason that Downey has played 1 game this season in the NHL...and that's because he's AHL-level talent. Just my 1 1/2 cents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yzersyukstromberg 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 Kopecky, Draper, and Maltby have 8, 7, and 7 points respectively and are collectively -15 in 140 combined games ... exactly what offensive contribution by our 4th line is Downey eliminating? Listen...I agree with you...there is no offense coming from our 4th line right now, and that's a problem. I'm only addressing the Downey thing on this thread, since that was the topic. But as for Kopecky, whom I think is completely useless, I believe the only reasons he's still on the team are because he's Hossa's buddy, and because he's not able to be sent to the minors unless he clears waivers first, which he unfortunately won't. There's too many desperate teams out there who'd jump all over a young guy with even a bit of upside. I'd be fine with it if he never suited up in the red and white again. As for Malts and Drapes...we know these guys are nearing the end of their run with the team, and unfortunately their offensive numbers aren't what we'd hope for...especially Draper...looking back a few years when he scored 24 goals in 67 games (03/04), I thought that maybe he'd found his touch, but unfortunately he lost it just as quickly as he found it, and this year he's even been a defensive liability (-12). Malts is what he is...a grinder. It's OK to have one guy like him who really is good for about 2 or 3 goals a year, but when you pile up 3 of them on the 4th line, this is what we get. I'd be thrilled if both Malts and Drapes decided to hang 'em up at the end of the year, but that's probably not going to happen....we'd probably get a bit more scoring it we had 3 young guys on the 4th line, or even 2 if say Drapes decided to stay a bit longer.... Nonetheless, I understand what you're saying, but no matter what, I still say Downey's not going to help the Wings go anywhere... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IceMunkee 15 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 I am kind of disappointed. I think we kinda need Downey up for his energy and his protection. I know there are more skilled players but we need his element. I thought the excitment he brought on the ice almost turned around the game if it had not been for that tool O'Hollerin... (spelling) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 5,135 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 I am kind of disappointed. I think we kinda need Downey up for his energy and his protection. I know there are more skilled players but we need his element. I thought the excitment he brought on the ice almost turned around the game if it had not been for that tool O'Hollerin... (spelling) ...not sure if this matters, but Abdelkader isn't quite a push over. Don't get me wrong, I also believe Downey belongs here, but not only does Abdelkader have more skills than Downey, he also is second in PIMs to Downey this year in GRR. So, Abby probably is gonna bring energy and some big hits, he just lacks the NHL experience of Downey. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing him play (always root for a Michigan kid) along with Lieno. They're some of our future, and with Stuarts injury it allows us to rest some nagging injuries and bring up some kids to test them out. I wouldn't be surprised to see Ericsson sometime this month as well as maybe Ritola or Kindl... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 Abdelkader is a like for like replacement with Holmstrom going down, this move makes sense. Still, I have been wanting Ritola to be the one recalled as his play has warranted it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IceMunkee 15 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 ...not sure if this matters, but Abdelkader isn't quite a push over. Don't get me wrong, I also believe Downey belongs here, but not only does Abdelkader have more skills than Downey, he also is second in PIMs to Downey this year in GRR. So, Abby probably is gonna bring energy and some big hits, he just lacks the NHL experience of Downey. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing him play (always root for a Michigan kid) along with Lieno. They're some of our future, and with Stuarts injury it allows us to rest some nagging injuries and bring up some kids to test them out. I wouldn't be surprised to see Ericsson sometime this month as well as maybe Ritola or Kindl... You might be on to something. I do remember Abby being kind of a bad a**! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_Hockey 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 As long as Abs can bring physical intensity, I'm totally cool with it. I loved the end the second period last night. Our guys weren't afraid of landing a big hit because they knew they had an enforcer there to back them up. Most exciting hockey I've seen from the Wings all season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vangvace 12 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 So... why wasn't Abdelkader called up in the first place to see what he could do? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Statts 4 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 (edited) So... why wasn't Abdelkader called up in the first place to see what he could do? not enough cap space EDIT: maybe you meant instead of Downey to begin with. If so... maybe because Ott ran around like a gorilla on skates last time he was in town. good question. Edited January 31, 2009 by Statts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vangvace 12 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 (edited) Yeah. If seeing what the kids can do is the goal, then why call up a known quantity (in Downey)? Edited January 31, 2009 by vangvace Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 Might be because Stevie and Kenny basically promised him he'd get another shot in the bigs. Aaron himself said that if this was the only game he played all year, it was worth it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Louisville 112 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 Welcome back! We signed Forsberg! LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jvxp 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 Especially on a team like ours which is DEEP with offensive talent. Hell, we could probably go without a 4th line altogether and still win games. But OMFG we can't spare 1 single roster spot for a guy that makes everyone play tougher! I feel better now. esteef Good point! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 At least Abdelkader is an energy guy, but I dont expect much of anything energy wise, being his 1st game of the season and all. Too bad for Downs, but you wont hear him complaining about it, and neither will I! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kira 451 Report post Posted January 31, 2009 I'm willing to give Justin the benefit of the doubt and see what he can do. Though I have to admit, I loved having Aaron here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
