Some observations

[Thunderpriest 8]

Just a couple quick observations that wouldn't seem to fit in most of the other discussions.

#1. Defense combos. I really, REALLY am impressed with the young Mr. Ericsson. I think we all need to send a collective love letter to Haakan Andersson. No wonder Scotty wanted to double his salary to entice him to move to the 'Hawks organization. The Big Rig is a true gem.......selected last overall. Brilliant. He will be a fixture on our blue line for many years to come.

Having said that.....I'd move him off of Nick's line for this series while Rafalski is out.

I understand that he's paired with the Perfect Human in order to help cover for his mistakes, but I feel that he's good enough to trust him with Nick Jr. and play Stewart up with Lidstrom.

I can see the pros and cons each way.

The Getzlaf line is Anaheim's one true threat.....they drop way off from there. Perhaps the thinking is that Ericsson is paired with Nick to add some size to help handle them down low. I think that Stewart can handle that aspect and I'd move him up. I also don't see Ericsson making any glaring mistakes yet, so he doesn't need to be babysat. Let him and Kronner wreak havoc in the second pairing.

So, for me, it'd be:

Lidstrom, Stewart

Kronwall, Ericsson

Lebda, Chelios

Man, just think if all of our D were healthy:

Lidstrom, Rafalski

Kronwall, Stewart

Eriksson, Lilja

Anyone else think that Lebda & Meech will be moved in the off-season to help clear space for Hossa? (Not to mention Chelios retiring and taking a coaching spot here or in Chicago.) I still miss Fischer, too.

#2. Forward lines:

Okay.....always my favorite topic.

I always wanted to see how a Z, Dats, Hoss line would meld. How could that not strike instant diuretic distress on the opposition? It does kinda throw Holmstrom down a line or two though, so I can understand not using it. (I'd sure as hell try it if we were in desperate straights, though.)

So, instead, I'd simply like to see Dats and Z reunited again. The point production of all of our big guns has dropped off in the playoffs. I think that the play of the other forwards has stepped up enough where we can pair Dats and Z again. They are greater than the sum of their parts when playing together. Funny, but Hossa's production is down, and I think that's because he seems to thrive when he's more in control of the puck, rather than passing often. His forte' seems to be in gathering speed through the neutral zone and driving hard to the net rather than running the cycle. Fil has stepped up his game, so I'd move him back to 2nd line center.

My forward lines:

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom

Franzen, Filpulla, Hossa

Cleary, Hudler, Samuelsson

Maltby, Kopecky, Helm

#3. The long layoff made the boys rusty. It was quite evident that the layoff hurt the team's initial intensity. We looked slow in the first period and the Duck's looked intimidating....even putting the Wings down 1-0 for the first time in the playoffs. However, as the game rolled along, you could see the team begin to wake up, as evidenced by the 18 shots on net in the third period. I think that the Wings will come out with much more energy in Game 2....you know the Ducks will. Having said that......when both teams are playing at their highest levels...the Ducks cannot match our depth. (Though I have really been impressed by their defensive play.)

#4. The Ducks only real shot at taking this series is with a win today. They have to negate our home ice advantage so they can try to get wins at home when they have last change and can get the Getzlaf line away from Lidstrom. If the Wings manage even one win in Anaheim, I think that the Duck is roasted.

Did I say these would be quick observations?

Sorry.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I actually feel more comfortable with Ericsson on the top line rather than Stuart, but that's just my opinion. And as awesome as a line with Hossa Dats and Z would be, it would also have its drawbacks. Essentially Babs would be putting his eggs in one basket, and make it easier to play against the Wings (we're losing our depth). Homer also provides an invaluable resource in screening the goalie that increases the likelyhood that our stars can score. It's much tougher to deke out in the playoffs because the defense (Anaheim's in particular) plays so tight. For the most part, they'll have to rely on shots from the perimeter with a screen and bang in any rebounds.

I wouldn't mind seeing Dats and Z together in the future, though, if Babs feels the Wings' game is weak.

Edited May 3, 2009 by Echolalia