Thoughts on Downey

[Atariboy 0]

The good news is Babs knows what's up and he's in charge of the lineup card, not this forum!

Downey is as good as in for the playoffs. There's too much dead weight on this team, guys who are around for defensive purposes and not getting the job done!

[Shaman 713]

The good news is Babs knows what's up and he's in charge of the lineup card, not this forum!

Downey is as good as in for the playoffs. There's too much dead weight on this team, guys who are around for defensive purposes and not getting the job done!

I wouldnt bet my life on him being up for the playoffs...

[Kp-Wings 3]

The good news is Babs knows what's up and he's in charge of the lineup card, not this forum!

Downey is as good as in for the playoffs. There's too much dead weight on this team, guys who are around for defensive purposes and not getting the job done!

I doubt that. I agree with the dead weight comment, but the problem is that one of those dead weight guys (Kopecky) seems to have his place sealed on this team for doing absolutely nothing. Babcock has been giving him a crap load of ice time lately, and praises him just about every chance he get's. Unless he's injured again, he's in for the playoffs.

After that, I can't think of who else would be scratched. Draper and Maltby have loyalty factors on their side, so they won't be out. I'd love to see Filppula get the hook, because he's been terrible this season, but I doubt that happens either.

It would take a miracle for Downey to be in come playoff time, which is really a shame. He's a great team guy that would be a huge asset on the bench for morale, and it's always nice to have a backup plan for a fighter in case things get ugly (like in 2007 against Calgary). Plus, he brings more toughness than this team has seen since the years of Kocur.

Edited March 8, 2009 by Kp-Wings

[Mors 201]

Downey scores tonight, yet he's still being ragged on. Yet, whenever Kopecky (whom I will make my case is a lot more useless than Downey) scores a goal, everybody completly overreacts and starts saying ridiculous and off-the-wall comments, like he's a "power forward", or is the next Holmstrom.

This board is unbelievable.

This sums up my feelings on the subject pretty accurately.

[Z and D for the C 712]

It's better than your philosophy of duck and cover. What would that have done for the Sharks, except make them look like *******?

Won the game? If that idiot shelly would have not gotten in that fight the HUGE MOMENTUM SHIFT would have not happened and the sharks would have won. Your reply literally made me laugh out loud.

Edited March 8, 2009 by Z and D for the C

[Z and D for the C 712]

I think that there are guys like Downey bring intangibles to the team. I know one game isn't a very good sample size, but the game against the Blues the Wings looked motivated and played really well. I'd be interested to see the Wings record with Downey and without him in the lineup.

Hell yeah. If only Downey played in last nights game, I'm sure the wings would have played really well and been totally motivated.

Oh wait...

(2 wins and 2 losses this season, with downey)

Edited March 8, 2009 by Z and D for the C

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Won the game? If that idiot shelly would have not gotten in that fight the HUGE MOMENTUM SHIFT would have not happened and the sharks would have won. Your reply literally made me laugh out loud.

Your take on Downey and on enfocers has made me laugh out loud for a long time. Keep up the humor.

[Z and D for the C 712]

Good point.

[ManLuv4Clears 7]

A lengthy post about Downey/fighting/the Wings.

Even if you don't think dressing a fighter helps your team win hockey games, there's no doubt that hockey fans in Detroit miss the physical violence that characterized some of the earlier editions of Red Wings teams. The fans here love the tough guys. You need look no further than the popularity of Aaron Downey for proof. The guy wins the FSN player of the game voting (admittedly, not the most scientific poll, but still) every game he plays, for playing 5 minutes and whether he fights or not! It isn't like Downey has had a great career with Detroit. He's not like McCarty, who was involved in epic and historic team moments. But the fans are so starved for anything resembling grit that they're completely taken by him.

Toughness is an underappreciated part of what made fans fall in love with those 90s Wings teams. The rivalry with Colorado was special not just because it was about the two best teams of the time, but because it was filled with bad blood and violence. The most memorable game from the rivalry wasn't even a playoff game; it was the regular season bloodbath at the Joe when Mac beat up Lemieux. Some of the criticisms of the current Wings squad are that they're boring to watch because they play without emotion, like robots just executing flawlessly. I think that's an overstatement, because the execution itself is really beautiful. But there is a missing element of aggression, and it diminishes the excitement and hinders the development of new rivalries.

Look at the game tonight: When they were down by 4 or 5 goals, the Wings didn't even get angry. They just skated around with their heads down and went through the motions until the final horn. It could be that this is really the best thing for them the way their roster is constructed. The arguments that they're better off not engaging other teams physically at all because they're not built to handle the rough stuff that will follow may very well be sound. Even so, I find it depressing. As a fan of the Red Wings, I want them to win, and if that means purging their game of retaliatory emotion, I'll take the Stanley Cups. But as a fan of hockey, I think we all lose.

Hockey, at its very best, is a game that rewards the warrior. Being able to hand out and take punishment is part and parcel of your success, and fighting has been inextricably woven into that part of the game. If you want to get near the net, you get the crap kicked out of you. If you can take the beating you get, then you win; if not, you lose. Push too far, or take a cheap shot at someone, you could get punched in the face. Bully the other team, you get the advantage. If they give back just as good as they get, then it evens out.

Intimidation and the threat of getting your ass kicked are always there, even if they aren't front and center. If you can't appreciate the simple beauty and crystal justice in all that, I guess I'm surprised we both like this game. Because that's such a huge part of why I love hockey and if you don't relish that part of it, it's hard for me to understand.

Excellent post there BlueMonk. However I caution you, there will be posters coming on here from TX and NH that will disagree with you and try and tell you what the demographic of Detroit and it's metro areas want to see in a hockey team.

[Z and D for the C 712]

Time and time again his teammates including Lidstrom, Hank, Ozzie, Draper, etc. have gone out of their way to comment on how much they appreciate it when Downey is in the lineup. Some cite his ability to keep the opponents honest, while others say his presence and what he does when he is on the ice allows them to focus on their production.

With respect, of course they're going to say the like him in the lineup. Do you really think they'd say "No, downey doesn't really bring anything, he's pretty worthless." I'm not saying they do think that but if they do think that, they're still going to say they like him on the team. The player's testimonies here don't really mean anything to me.

Edited March 8, 2009 by Z and D for the C

[Mors 201]

With respect, of course they're going to say the like him in the lineup. Do you really think they'd say "No, downey doesn't really bring anything, he's pretty worthless." I'm not saying they do think that but if they do think that, they're still going to say they like him on the team. The player's testimonies here don't really mean anything to me.

You could apply the same logic to the team's sentiments about letting Osgood down. Either they mean what they say or they don't.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

I like Downey a whole lot. Will never net you 30 goals in a season, but brings tremendous energy and attitude and hustle to the ice just about every time. Great for your 4th line.

As for the the millionth version of the enforcer/fighting talk, you all have fun yelling at each other.

[ben_usmc 253]

All I know is that now that Downey is actually providing offense you know he will be sent back down to the minors, while the great checker Kirk Maltby, and a our defensive hero/faceoff extrodonare (sp) Chris Draper will get to play on the 4th line and provide nothing more then assistance in the other team scoring. The only reason they even have as many points as they do is because Leino was up here carrying them, at least Downey brings an element we lack. Draper- we have plenty of guys who are good/great at faceoffs and actually can forecheck and backcheck, Maltby- hell even Kopecky can play on the PK, sorry but 3 or 4 good games out of 50 to 60 doesn't justify them being up over someone who can at least attempt to throw the other team off there game.

Also my roomate is a huge Av's fan and he even loves Downey because of last years STL game, when he had 3 guys skating after him slashing him and pulling hooks on him. All 3 tried fighting him, we got some PP from that. Of course good thing the other 4th liners Draper/Maltby surely throw the other team off there game. Or score goals. Or hell even play defense. Wait they don't? hmmmm

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

With respect, of course they're going to say the like him in the lineup. Do you really think they'd say "No, downey doesn't really bring anything, he's pretty worthless." I'm not saying they do think that but if they do think that, they're still going to say they like him on the team. The player's testimonies here don't really mean anything to me.

Then why do you think he's dressed? Or for that matter, why do any teams dress guys like him?

[ben_usmc 253]

You could apply the same logic to the team's sentiments about letting Osgood down. Either they mean what they say or they don't.

nope players only lie when talking about Downey, if they say anything about leaving the goaltender out to dry, or Ozzy did his best, they most certainly are telling the truth

[uk_redwing 495]

Then why do you think he's dressed? Or for that matter, why do any teams dress guys like him?

Because theyre all wrong!

[Z and D for the C 712]

Then why do you think he's dressed? Or for that matter, why do any teams dress guys like him?

Because they're not half as deep as the Wings?

Seriously it's like people here are so blinded by their rage over someone not thinking enforcers are the most important players in the NHL they don't think about what others are saying. Downey is a great guy, but the fact is he doesn't deserve a roster spot over the people we have now. Draper brings more, even maltby brings more (than downey, not ALL enforcers). If we didn't have draper/maltby/heml/leino, then you know what, I'd love to have a downey type player. The wings massive depth negates having downey in their lineup in a day to day basis. If I'm so wrong, how come downey hasn't played 66 games in the NHL this season?

nope players only lie when talking about Downey, if they say anything about leaving the goaltender out to dry, or Ozzy did his best, they most certainly are telling the truth

I didn't say they're lieing. Read. Comprehend. If you can't do those things, take a break, go to school and take a class on it.

Edited March 8, 2009 by Z and D for the C

[ben_usmc 253]

Because they're not half as deep as the Wings?

Seriously it's like people here are so blinded by their rage over someone not thinking enforcers are the most important players in the NHL they don't think about what others are saying. Downey is a great guy, but the fact is he doesn't deserve a roster spot over the people we have now. Draper brings more, even maltby brings more (than downey, not ALL enforcers). If we didn't have draper/maltby/heml/leino, then you know what, I'd love to have a downey type player. The wings massive depth negates having downey in their lineup in a day to day basis. If I'm so wrong, how come downey hasn't played 66 games in the NHL this season?

I didn't say they're lieing. Read. Comprehend. If you can't do those things, take a break, go to school and take a class on it.

Besides a face off please tell me what Draper and Maltby bring that couldn't be picked up by anyone else. I would rather have Helm/Leino in mostly, but even Downey before those 2. All Draper brings is faceoffs we have enough good/great centerman that can take facesoffs. They certainly don't bring any energy, defense, checking, fighting. All they bring is faceoffs. Sorry I'll take energy/checking/fighting and someone who is out there and gives a s*** over 2 players that are coasting the entire season. Hell maybe sitting them will make them realize they need to stop playing so lazy.

also for reading comprehension insults maybe you should learn what he word imply means

Edited March 8, 2009 by ben_usmc

[Z and D for the C 712]

Neither are lazy. I forget the specifics and what game it was, but I remember maltby was forchecking and he was keeping the puck in their zone all by himself for about 20 seconds working his ass off against 3 players. The crowd cheered for him as he skated off the ice. Draper and Maltby bring calm, leadership and experience, extremely important qualities only one other can provide the same level of: Lidstrom. You think there might be a reason Draper wears the A on his jersey? Hm, I wonder.

Edited March 8, 2009 by Z and D for the C

[Z and D for the C 712]

also for reading comprehension insults maybe you should learn what he word imply means

What does this imply:

I'm not saying they do think that

?

[ben_usmc 253]

I forget the specific and what game it was, but I remember maltby was forchecking and he was keep the 3 in their zone all by himself for about 20 seconds working his ass off. Neither are lazy. Draper and Maltby bring calm, leadership and experience, extremely important qualities only one other can provide the same level of: Lidstrom. You think there might be a reason Draper wears the A on his jersey? Hm, I wonder.

That was I believe the Sharks game. But you see the postives of Maltby and Draper are know becoming few and fair between. If they have brought it every single game this season then please god bench them for the playoffs or we are in some serious trouble. It's either they are trying and can't do it, or they aren't trying and saving for the playoffs. Either way put someone in there right now who wants to or is able to play games up at this level right now.

Your telling me that Datsyuk and Z don't bring a calm attitude, nor does Rafalski? Maybe that's the problem maybe they are a little to calm. I don't know but at this moment other people deserve there spot (Malts/Drapes). If they can pull a Drake of last year and just turn it on in the playoffs and play lights out, great put them back in because then they help the team, until that point though let them sit and at least rest.

Edited March 8, 2009 by ben_usmc

[ben_usmc 253]

What does this imply:

?

you implied that they say that because they basically couldn't say their true feelings one way or the other. But you lacked to give a reason why they would have a negative idea on what Downey has brought to the team, he hasn't taken any dumb penalties, he has 2 points, and is what even in +/-, that is what you implied.

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

Besides a face off please tell me what Draper and Maltby bring that couldn't be picked up by anyone else. I would rather have Helm/Leino in mostly, but even Downey before those 2. All Draper brings is faceoffs we have enough good/great centerman that can take facesoffs. They certainly don't bring any energy, defense, checking, fighting. All they bring is faceoffs. Sorry I'll take energy/checking/fighting and someone who is out there and gives a s*** over 2 players that are coasting the entire season. Hell maybe sitting them will make them realize they need to stop playing so lazy.

also for reading comprehension insults maybe you should learn what he word imply means

I'm sure that if we don't win the Cup this year ...it will be more than 2 players fault

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Because they're not half as deep as the Wings?

Seriously it's like people here are so blinded by their rage over someone not thinking enforcers are the most important players in the NHL they don't think about what others are saying. Downey is a great guy, but the fact is he doesn't deserve a roster spot over the people we have now. Draper brings more, even maltby brings more (than downey, not ALL enforcers). If we didn't have draper/maltby/heml/leino, then you know what, I'd love to have a downey type player. The wings massive depth negates having downey in their lineup in a day to day basis. If I'm so wrong, how come downey hasn't played 66 games in the NHL this season?

I didn't say they're lieing. Read. Comprehend. If you can't do those things, take a break, go to school and take a class on it.

I hate to tell you this, but every team in the league that dresses an enforcer has a healthy scratch or a guy in the minors that could bring more as a scorer to the lineup than what that enforcer can.

So no, we're not that much deeper than anyone that we can't afford to dress an enforcer but other teams can. In fact, if it were otherwise, we'd be the one team in the league that could afford to dress enforcers, since we'd have so much talent on the other lines as opposed to the rest of the league.

Your argument makes no sense. So I repeat, why do teams dress enforcers?

Edited March 8, 2009 by GMRwings1983

[ben_usmc 253]

I'm sure that if we don't win the Cup this year ...it will be more than 2 players fault

I agree?