Should we abandon the race for the President's trophy?

[Yzerman191 37]

At this point, we're behind San Jose by two points, but they have two games in hand. We could very well win the last six games, and it's not at all out of the question that San Jose could drop two more games of their remaining seven. But at what cost?

I think Babcock should really think about saying screw it and settle for second place. Is there really a difference between the 7th and 8th seeded teams? How likely is it that we meet San Jose in the WCF? How beneficial would having a well-rested Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Franzen, Zetterberg, Hossa, etc. be? What happens if somebody gets injured in the push for first place (I heard Marleau wasn't on the bench last night)?

What do you all think?

[Z and D for the C 712]

Yes.

[Winged_Wheeler 3]

Babcock said he doesn't care about the President's trophy. I guess always winning isn't something he likes.

[Winged_Wheeler 3]

I think we should rest Lidstrom for the remainder of the season. He's been brutal. I also thin we should rotate other players so they get some time off.

Like one night, sit Zetter and play Meech, next game rest Dats and etc...

I say we forget Osgood.

[MTU_Huskies963 398]

Wait I thought they already did because their play shows it.

[Guest mindfly]

Rest? They are payed million's of dollars to perform at the best of their ability... PLAY and play HARD

This week there are only 2games as well... they need to just step on it.

[KrazyGangsta 79]

We're not really fighting for the presient trophy but more the opponent we will face. Assuming we would finish 2nd, if the top 3 wins the first round we will eventually be faced against calgary which is probably the only team I'm worried about in the playoffs. Kipper's playing amazing even if we win just imagine how tired we'd be with traveling and stuff to go face the sharks that will probably have an easy first / 2nd rounds.

If we could just finish 1st and get sharks and flames to kill each other that'd be perfect.

[KrazyGangsta 79]

There's an alternate way also, if we could get Columbus to be in 5th place and get the Canucks to face the Flames. Luongo vs Kipper plus both are agressive could be to our advantage also.

Edited March 30, 2009 by KrazyGangsta

[b.shanafan14 733]

Its not if we should abandon the race for the President's trophy, its that we basically already have. SJ has a game in hand and is already two points up. The Wings look extremely lackadaisical out there, seem to dick around all game until they are behind late and its like 'did we have a game today?' They have already said they don't care about finishing first, just finishing good. Right now they are far from either.

[LidsFan 68]

Since the Red Wings are playing like they don't want the Presidents Trophy, I hope that whoever plays the Flames takes them out in the first round. I believe that the Wings can beat the Flames, but they will come out of it a bit worn down and beat up. And that is not how you want to go into the third round of the playoffs, especially if you have to face San Jose.

[TheOwl 77]

Either way you stack it, if Detroit miraculously makes it past the first round even with the shotty goaltending, we'll get Calgary or Vancouver 100% in the 2nd round. Both teams have goaltenders who play amazing in the play-offs, and scoring depth. Could you imagine if it was Luongo verus Osgood? What a joke that would be. Conklin can at least play decent, above .9 sv%.

Detroit is not going to score more then 3 goals a game against Rinne, Mason, Luongo etc. in the playoffs. Conklin at least has proven he can keep up a decent GAA.

Could someone please explain why their going with Osgood in the first place? Who do you trust more to stop 20 shots a night? Is Osgood at his best better then Conklin? No. I mean what are they thinking? Why Osgood? Why keep going back to Osgood? He sucks. Every chance he's been given, he's failed. He hasn't played well in even half the games he's started. What are they thinking?

[KrazyGangsta 79]

Either way you stack it, if Detroit miraculously makes it past the first round even with the shotty goaltending, we'll get Calgary or Vancouver 100% in the 2nd round. Both teams have goaltenders who play amazing in the play-offs, and scoring depth. Could you imagine if it was Luongo verus Osgood? What a joke that would be. Conklin can at least play decent, above .9 sv%.

Detroit is not going to score more then 3 goals a game against Rinne, Mason, Luongo etc. in the playoffs. Conklin at least has proven he can keep up a decent GAA.

Could someone please explain why their going with Osgood in the first place? Who do you trust more to stop 20 shots a night? Is Osgood at his best better then Conklin? No. I mean what are they thinking? Why Osgood? Why keep going back to Osgood? He sucks. Every chance he's been given, he's failed. He hasn't played well in even half the games he's started. What are they thinking?

There probably giving him a chance to get his groove back until the playoffs start, everyone knows Conks needs to be starting in nets. Coming playoffs we need to go with Conklin. Osgood hasn't even proved to me that he could steal a game he hasn't gained his play of last year (can't even remember 1 game that ozzie stole the game). I don't even want to try to see if he could win in the playoffs because I don't want to waste a game.

Edited March 30, 2009 by KrazyGangsta

[Yzerman191 37]

How do you know Detroit can't score three or more goals against Mason or Rinne? They're about as proven in the playoffs as Conklin is, meaning they have next to no experience. We've got the best offense in the league; one that features Hossa and Zetterberg on our SECOND line! We've got as good of a chance as anyone at winning the Cup, and a much better one than most.

And just FYI, this thread isn't about Osgood. Keep your thoughts in one of the ten other threads about Osgood that are sure to surface.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Either way you stack it, if Detroit miraculously makes it past the first round even with the shotty goaltending, we'll get Calgary or Vancouver 100% in the 2nd round. Both teams have goaltenders who play amazing in the play-offs, and scoring depth. Could you imagine if it was Luongo verus Osgood? What a joke that would be. Conklin can at least play decent, above .9 sv%.

Detroit is not going to score more then 3 goals a game against Rinne, Mason, Luongo etc. in the playoffs. Conklin at least has proven he can keep up a decent GAA.

Could someone please explain why their going with Osgood in the first place? Who do you trust more to stop 20 shots a night? Is Osgood at his best better then Conklin? No. I mean what are they thinking? Why Osgood? Why keep going back to Osgood? He sucks. Every chance he's been given, he's failed. He hasn't played well in even half the games he's started. What are they thinking?

Can you give it up already? Looking at you post history, like 9 out of every 10 posts is about Ozzie and how much he sucks.

We know your opinion by know, okay? And we all know he's playing bad, but we manage to find ways to talk about other things besides him, you should be able to as well.

[syntax 359]

At this point, I think it has abandoned us.

[albo23 10]

Obviously, unless Conklin wants to start the last few games, we have no hope otherwise. Regardless, we need to get on a good run heading into the playoffs.

Also, 1st place is quite important, we don't want to face Calgary. Put it in the books right now, if we don't win the Stanley - we lost to Calgary in the second round. I am a Nostradamus.

Edited March 30, 2009 by albo23

[sixer 37]

We already did by starting Ozzie in the last couple games. We're obviously resting Conklin! I thought everyone knew that!

[Guest Four]

We need to try Larsson while Lilja is on IR...

[LidsFan 68]

The most frustrating thing is that from the coach on down to the team, no one seems to care. The Red Wings will just blow off this game as they do all of the others as if it is not important and that come playoffs they will suddenly morph into a great playoff team that will actually show up for the game. I honestly think that they are in denial about their play or lack there of.

I feel bad for the fans who pay for tickets and go to a game expecting their team to hustle and give and effort, instead they get to watch a team that in not interested in even being there.

[edicius 3,269]

Screw the President's Trophy - get Lilja to a damn specialist so we can get those headaches figured out and get him BACK into the lineup,

[Dimaline312000 51]

I personally would like to have home ice advantage against San Jose provided that we do indeed play them in the WCF but I don't want to see the team tear themselves up for it. It's not out of the question yet and if the Wings can win it great but I'd rather have a well rested team that is more concerned about truly defending the Stanley Cup and not worry about defending a regular season champioship. The Cup is the most important thing in my opnion so as much as I would love to see the Wings take it All again I am willing to sacrifice that kind of stuff for Lord Stanley's Cup!!

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

HELL YES Forget the Pres. Trophy..... Lets get ready for playoffs... we are inthe playoffs and its time we gear up for it and get ready..

I dont know if this was addressed , but In 97 98 cup runs we won the trophy and won the cup then finished 3rd and won the cup so.. history repeating its self? ( with exception to the finish 3rd thing this year)

[WingsFan2008 0]

Frankly, the way the Wings are finishing up the season here makes me a serious doubter they will make it to the WCF...

[puckloo39 5,686]

Frankly, the way the Wings are finishing up the season here makes me a serious doubter they will make it to the WCF...

I think there is merit to your concern. The Wings tend to coast or even swoon a bit in the last half-dozen games when they have the President's Trophy locked up, which is usually the case. Not this season, unless they don't lose again. Knowing them, that could happen, too.

If they don't turn it up and get organized in the next few games, I can see them sliding into the post-season.... and just continuing to slide, right out of round one and onto the links.

I do hope I am incorrect about this assessment.

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

I think it don't matter all that much.