Holland: Rafalski 'doubtful' for Game 3

[stevkrause 1,247]

UGH - Update - see topic

Edited May 4, 2009 by stevkrause

[zaxx 0]

Still no responses! I really hope he is in there. I love Ericsson (what is his nickname?) as much as most but I would like to see Rafi with Lids, then bump Chelli so that we can run a more even number of mins for our D-lines. Sitting Chelli in a long game (like on Sunday) really pushes the rest of the D.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

I haven't read anything. Babcock says if he isn't ready to go (ominous), then Meech might get the start, which is just wonderful.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

I would rather dress five defenseman than to watch a Lebda/Meech pairing.

Edited May 4, 2009 by GoWings1905

[Guest MrSandMan]

Still no responses! I really hope he is in there. I love Ericsson (what is his nickname?) as much as most but I would like to see Rafi with Lids, then bump Chelli so that we can run a more even number of mins for our D-lines. Sitting Chelli in a long game (like on Sunday) really pushes the rest of the D.

Big Rig.

I'm with HoH, if Ralfi isn't ready, then throw meech in. I think he'll bring more energy... and fresh legs

[titanium2 867]

I would rather dress five defenseman than to watch a Lebda/Meech pairing.

I think it's a horrible idea to play Meech. His defensive positioning is the worst on the team. At least Cheli knows how to position himself well enough. Meech is a reserve forward who tries to be a reserve defenseman.

[stevkrause 1,247]

I think it's a horrible idea to play Meech. His defensive positioning is the worst on the team. At least Cheli knows how to position himself well enough. Meech is a reserve forward who tries to be a reserve defenseman.

Although I disagree that he is a reserve forward (as he is definitely a d man) everything else you said is spot on, although his defensive positioning isn't much worse than Lebda... however, I like this option, just in the aspect that Lebda and Meech are interchangeable for the most part, so basically, we'd really be playing with 5 defensemen, the only difference from Sundays game, is that instead of that 5th being Ledba and Chelios sitting, that 5th is Meech/Lebda and you cycle them in, keeping legs fresher, but NOT as a pair, rather pair them with other, more competent defensemen and cycle them out

[titanium2 867]

Although I disagree that he is a reserve forward (as he is definitely a d man) everything else you said is spot on, although his defensive positioning isn't much worse than Lebda... however, I like this option, just in the aspect that Lebda and Meech are interchangeable for the most part, so basically, we'd really be playing with 5 defensemen, the only difference from Sundays game, is that instead of that 5th being Ledba and Chelios sitting, that 5th is Meech/Lebda and you cycle them in, keeping legs fresher, but NOT as a pair, rather pair them with other, more competent defensemen and cycle them out

I got you. Yeah that idea actually pretty decent. But he needs to be out there with either Stuart or Ericsson.

Nick-Big E

Junior-Stewie

Big E/Stewie-Lebda/Meech

[shoe 165]

Call up Quincy from our farm team in LA

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

If he doesn't come back in this series, our chances of winning aren't very good.

It means more Sammy on the PP and more of Meech on the ice.

Andreas, where are you?

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

I would rather dress five defenseman than to watch a Lebda/Meech pairing.

^^ That would be very bad for my heart. Hockey Gods please heal Rafalski....

[titanium2 867]

^^ That would be very bad for my heart. Hockey Gods please heal Rafalski....

Really? I think their top-5 can handle those kind of minutes for now. If the Getlaf line can play half the game every night then our top-5 can certainly play a little more if needed.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

If he doesn't come back in this series, our chances of winning aren't very good.

It means more Sammy on the PP and more of Meech on the ice.

Andreas, where are you?

Game 1: 2/6, 33%

Game 2: 1/3, 33%

Total PP Success Rate: 3/9, 33%

Whats wrong with those numbers? Sammy's increased workload hasn't hurt the PP unit one bit.

[RedWingsFanatic 4]

On the Fan 950, Ken Holland just said Rafalski is doubtful for Game 3 but does expect him to play at some point in the series.

Ugh.

[Phazon 24]

ugh, this news is disasterous.

[DRW Dominance 255]

What could possibly be wrong with this guy? Play an entire series, practice then have something go wrong? I don't get it.

[jollymania 162]

hmm, maybe instead of alot of hits next game we'll jsut get a couple huge ones that bruise up some of thier dmen

[titanium2 867]

Uh... huh. This is my reaction to his "doubtful" status.

[FunkedUp 29]

Arghhh! Imagine how much better things would be with...

Lids-Raf

Kron-Stu

Lil-Eric

I just want to play the ducks in the playoffs with a healthy d-core.

[stevkrause 1,247]

On the Fan 950, Ken Holland just said Rafalski is doubtful for Game 3 but does expect him to play at some point in the series.

Ugh.

[Wombat 26]

What does everyone think about trying to balance out the defensive pairings? What I mean, switch it up so that the Wings don't have to roll a Lebda - Meech/Chelios pairing. Something like:

Lids/Jr

Stu/Lebda

Ericsson/(Meech or Chelios)

What I like about something like this is that it gives each pairing a little bit of everything. Each has some physical presence, speed, puck-carrying, and veteran savvy (if Chelios plays with Ericsson). Lebda/Meech scares me because they are essentially the same player, and they will lose more physical battles and have less D-zone savvy. Lebda/Chelios also scares me because I think Chelios needs to play with a fast and physical player to balance what he lacks right now. Also, Kronwall seems to play better when teamed with Lidstrom, but really, who doesn't?

[stevkrause 1,247]

What does everyone think about trying to balance out the defensive pairings? What I mean, switch it up so that the Wings don't have to roll a Lebda - Meech/Chelios pairing. Something like:

Lids/Jr

Stu/Lebda

Ericsson/(Meech or Chelios)

What I like about something like this is that it gives each pairing a little bit of everything. Each has some physical presence, speed, puck-carrying, and veteran savvy (if Chelios plays with Ericsson). Lebda/Meech scares me because they are essentially the same player, and they will lose more physical battles and have less D-zone savvy. Lebda/Chelios also scares me because I think Chelios needs to play with a fast and physical player to balance what he lacks right now. Also, Kronwall seems to play better when teamed with Lidstrom, but really, who doesn't?

I actually think this is the best idea while Raffi is out...

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Game 1: 2/6, 33%

Game 2: 1/3, 33%

Total PP Success Rate: 3/9, 33%

Whats wrong with those numbers? Sammy's increased workload hasn't hurt the PP unit one bit.

Sammy wasn't involved in those situations from what I remember.

It's easy for the other team to just let him shoot, while clogging up the shooting lanes for Lidstrom.

Bottom line is that we're in serious trouble in this series if Rafalski doesn't return (unless Pronger gets injured which will even the odds a little).

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Sammy wasn't involved in those situations from what I remember.

Correct. He hasn't been on the ice for a power play goal in this series.

[stevkrause 1,247]

Correct. He hasn't been on the ice for a power play goal in this series.

QFT