Rafalski still out, Chelios still in for game 2

[NGKEIB 32]

I think that Samuelsson does have a role to play on the 2nd unit, when he can drift down and hit one timers. I'm sure that a decent chunk of his PP goals (and maybe even goals in general) come when he goes down the left wing and one-times shots. On the other hand, he's less useful when stationary at the point, and I don't think he should get the most PP time of the entire team (over Lidström!) - I'd like to see Stuart , or maybe even Ericsson (he got 0:14 of PP time...).

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

The Wings only had two power play goals last night -- on the brilliant individual play by Franzen, and then later when Stuart and Lidstrom were on the point. At no point was Samuelsson even close to being involved with something positive with the man advantage.

[Matt 1,049]

Back issue?

Totally speculating here. I doubt they'd say Rafalski had an upper body injury if his groin issues that have plagued him off and on this year returned.

[Mike 0]

Back issue?

Totally speculating here. I doubt they'd say Rafalski had an upper body injury if his groin issues that have plagued him off and on this year returned.

If it was his groin, I would suspect the explanation would have been lower body injury.

[Zion 93]

If it was his groin, I would suspect the explanation would have been lower body injury.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

Did anyone watch the 5 o'clock news on Local 4 the day of game one?

Katrina Hancock spoke with Kenny Holland and she asked him about Rafalski, Kenny stated

and I quote "We Hope to have him (Rafalski) back before the end of the season"

End of the season??? I did not like that at all

[Mike 0]

CBS Sports has the injury listed as groin. CBS Sports

[LiddyFan 0]

Did anyone watch the 5 o'clock news on Local 4 the day of game one?

Katrina Hancock spoke with Kenny Holland and she asked him about Rafalski, Kenny stated

and I quote "We Hope to have him (Rafalski) back before the end of the season"

End of the season??? I did not like that at all

Are you sure he didn't say "end of series?" The "season" is over already. At least that's how it seems to memost players and coaches talk - when they say "season" they mean the regular season, not including the playoffs.

[Matt 1,049]

If it was his groin, I would suspect the explanation would have been lower body injury.

Are you sure?

Of course they would. Hence my speculation it's a back thing.

CBS Sports has the injury listed as groin. CBS Sports

They also have Draper out with a lower body injury and everyone else has called it an upper body issue. Considering that Draper is fine to do everything except take contact I'd call shenanigans on CBS's accuracy here.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

The Wings only had two power play goals last night -- on the brilliant individual play by Franzen, and then later when Stuart and Lidstrom were on the point. At no point was Samuelsson even close to being involved with something positive with the man advantage.

This. The 5 minute PP that we had was essentially lifeless, with the exception of Franzen's play. We had them down for a man for FIVE STRAIGHT minutes WITHOUT BROWN, who is one of their top PKers. And all we managed was....well, nothing really.

And yeah, Stuart was the one with the set up for Lidstrom's goal, so clearly a righty isn't essential to set up Lidstrom, which is why this thing pisses me off so much. There has to be a point where having better skills trumps a fricking dominant right hand.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I think there just letting him heal ... they will plug him back in the lineup the second we lose a game against ducks unless we're up 2-0 3-0 ...

No way. The Wings PP is essential to beating the Ducks team. The playoffs are known for guys playing injured.

I would actually wager the opposite. I think its more serious than they're letting on.

[egroen 384]

Why is a right-handed shot so freakin' important? I swear, we have been bitching about Samuelsson on the point of the PP for years - and all that ever happens is he is rewarded more and more time on the power play. It's s*** like this that makes me fear Babcock would be more than happy to let someone like Hudler walk, in order to keep Samuelsson. I just do not get it.

[ltgator333 3]

I kinda like the left/right handed shot combo on the PP, I think it allows the D on the point a little more flexibility. It's not the end of the world though.

That said, Sammy was brutal and I'd like to see about anyone else be given a chance back there. Sammy LIKES to shoot, but I don't think he's the greatest at it.

Totally agree w/ ppl about the Chelios thing- he's no Brain Rafalski at this point but he's better than Derek Meech, right?

[Mors 201]

It's been almost 90 games of this s***, no more Samuelsson on the point please! He gives new meaning to High and Wideâ„¢