Rafalski and Draper will not play in Game 3

[HockeytownRules19 902]

Good news though, Babs says he is hopeful that Rafi will play in game 4.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...alski_kris.html

Edited May 4, 2009 by HockeytownRules19

[Ms_Hockey 0]

I really want to know what's up with Raffy. To have your #2 defenseman miss three playoff games is NOT good.

[Mike 0]

Everyone was hopeful that Rafalski would play tomorrow and that didn't work out so well. Also, it is Babcock who is hopeful:

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said Brian Rafalski (upper-body injury) won't play Tuesday in Game 3 vs. the Ducks, but he remains hopeful for Game 4.

Edited May 4, 2009 by Mike

[Mors 201]

Something must be pretty wrong for them not to be playing...Game 3 feels like a must-win and at the same time it's not I guess.

[Mike 0]

Something must be pretty wrong for them not to be playing...Game 3 feels like a must-win and at the same time it's not I guess.

In the playoffs, every game is a must win.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Terrible news, we need them back asap. Get better boys!

[Mors 201]

In the playoffs, every game is a must win.

In that case I have to assume that both Rafalski and Draper have broken something serious, because I don't picture either of them being the type of player who wouldn't sacrifice for his team, and right now we need them.

[Mike 0]

In that case I have to assume that both Rafalski and Draper have broken something serious, because I don't picture either of them being the type of player who wouldn't sacrifice for his team, and right now we need them.

It's the doctors saying they cannot play, not the players.

[uk_redwing 495]

At least we get to see more of the turnover master at work...

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

What are our chances of winning this series without Rafalski?

I say not very good, as in less than 50%. He's way too important to this team especially with Lilja also hurt.

Draper is a different story.

[Mors 201]

It's the doctors saying they cannot play, not the players.

Exactly, and since we've all seen various players go on anyway with mangled & broken parts, it must be something serious.

[greenrebellion 415]

Exactly, and since we've all seen various players go on anyway with mangled & broken parts, it must be something serious.

But yet how serious can it be? I mean the difference between game 3 and 4 is two days, and that makes some sort of huge difference in how he'll be feeling, or is babcock just way too optimistic.

[Guest Four]

Maybe he's very sick as has a virus

[Mike 0]

Exactly, and since we've all seen various players go on anyway with mangled & broken parts, it must be something serious.

In all likelihood it's his groin.

[10 Minute Misconduct 104]

game 2 was important to win for this very reason.

maybe theyll show up for the first 60 minutes tomorrow.

[dat's sick 1,002]

I hate these mystery injuries. Will be interesting to hear just what's been bothering them once the playoffs are over.

edit: though I guess Mike is right, it's probably the groin, atleast for Raffi.

Edited May 4, 2009 by dat's sick

[Ms_Hockey 0]

In all likelihood it's his groin.

An upper body groin injury?

[Mike 0]

An upper body groin injury?

Does anyone take that upper/lower body injury crap seriously? An upper body injury in the playoffs could be a knee injury for all we know.

Edited May 4, 2009 by Mike

[Ms_Hockey 0]

Does anyone take that upper/lower body injury crap seriously?

I usually do, but I guess I'm the only one.

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

What are our chances of winning this series without Rafalski?

I say not very good, as in less than 50%. He's way too important to this team especially with Lilja also hurt.

Draper is a different story.

Sigh, yes losing Raffy puts a big fat ? mark on this series. I think if he were out for the season like Schneider last time, they would just say that up front. Our best hope is he comes back for the end of this series, since it is shaping up to be a long one.

I feel sorry for Nick, this is the second time he has to face the Ducks and try to play D almost single-handedly.

[Mike 0]

I usually do, but I guess I'm the only one.

Imagine a politician reading an NHL playoff injury report. That pretty much sums up the truth in it.

[maltbymaniac 13]

i thought this was the time to grind it out,if they r close to returning,close is good enough.get them in the lineup......please

[Ms_Hockey 0]

Imagine a politician reading an NHL playoff injury report. That pretty much sums up the truth in it.

I imagine them rolling dice to see whether to go with "upper" or "lower" in the injury report.

[MaynardJKeenan 1]

This really sucks. I think having Raffi playing could be the difference between winning and losing. He is so importand on the PP and does such a good job with getting the puck out of our zone at even strength. It would be nice to have Drapes back to for his faceoffs and experience, but Raffi is needed much more imo. We need to come home from Cali with at least a split and that could be in jeopardy w/ Raffi missing. I was really confident going into this series, but now I'm getting really nervous and having serious doubts about making out of this round.

[brett 1,029]

we should stop relying on rafalski and hossa and datsyuk should step the f*** up and get on the score sheet. best defense is our offense

Edited May 5, 2009 by brett