Griffins Eliminated

[russianswede919293 95]

I'm expecting Howard, Leino, Abdelkader, and Kindl for sure, and maybe a few others.

Who thinks Leino could get some ice time for game 5?

[Doc Holiday 0]

Downey and McCarty of course.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

They'll definitely be called up.

I think Ritola and Mursak were called up last time, too.

The only guy who has a prayer of seeing the ice (barring more injuries up front) is Leion, however.

[Outsider 42]

The Wings need to stop looking OUTSIDE for "help".

They need to look within. Everything they need is there. RIGHT THERE! They just have to commit. To "engage", as Babcock is fond of saying.

Why do you think Babs is refusing to make changes, thus far?

Making changes is like making EXCUSES!

They're not struggling because they don't have what it takes.

They're struggling because they're not 100% committed. They start "slow". They take shifts, even entire periods off.

Again.....they need to STOP looking outside. To Leino. To Abdelkader. To Draper. To Rafalski.

This. This is IT. This is what we have, guys. THIS is all we need. This is what we will USE! Quit waiting for SOMEONE ELSE to come in and take the lead. ANYONE else.

Step forward and do it YOURSELVES.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

I'm expecting Howard, Leino, Abdelkader, and Kindl for sure, and maybe a few others.

Who thinks Leino could get some ice time for game 5?

Leino isn't ready. The past two games against Manitibo he was outplayed by alot of players.. wasn't making anything happen. Abdelkader on the other hand was a beast all series. Hitting anything that moved. crashing the net.. making plays happen. and Abdelkader would be a good addition for the 4th line since he plays a 4th line style anyway.

Not saying Leino isn't talented, but if they put Leino in over Abdelkader there doing it for the wrong reasons.. Because Justin was a warrior through this series.

[dawings1905 2]

Leino isn't ready. The past two games against Manitibo he was outplayed by alot of players.. wasn't making anything happen. Abdelkader on the other hand was a beast all series. Hitting anything that moved. crashing the net.. making plays happen. and Abdelkader would be a good addition for the 4th line since he plays a 4th line style anyway.

Not saying Leino isn't talented, but if they put Leino in over Abdelkader there doing it for the wrong reasons.. Because Justin was a warrior through this series.

And who's to say what those wrong reasons would be? I mean should the wings take their advice from a fan who watched an AHL playoff series? Should they base it on what Leino or Abdelkader did in the AHL? Or should they make a decision based on what they have done in "the league" (NHL)? I mean who's to say what the wrong and right reasons are, but you could go different ways on this. If you base it on NHL performance then it is Leino that is ready. Just sayin...

[Drake_Marcus 890]

The Wings need to stop looking OUTSIDE for "help".

They need to look within. Everything they need is there. RIGHT THERE! They just have to commit. To "engage", as Babcock is fond of saying.

Why do you think Babs is refusing to make changes, thus far?

Making changes is like making EXCUSES!

They're not struggling because they don't have what it takes.

They're struggling because they're not 100% committed. They start "slow". They take shifts, even entire periods off.

Again.....they need to STOP looking outside. To Leino. To Abdelkader. To Draper. To Rafalski.

This. This is IT. This is what we have, guys. THIS is all we need. This is what we will USE! Quit waiting for SOMEONE ELSE to come in and take the lead. ANYONE else.

Step forward and do it YOURSELVES.

Pffft. Think broader... I say they call up Ovechkin AND Crosby! They're both off tomorrow so it fits perfectly. Two hatties and we're home free.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Leino isn't ready. The past two games against Manitibo he was outplayed by alot of players.. wasn't making anything happen. Abdelkader on the other hand was a beast all series. Hitting anything that moved. crashing the net.. making plays happen. and Abdelkader would be a good addition for the 4th line since he plays a 4th line style anyway.

Not saying Leino isn't talented, but if they put Leino in over Abdelkader there doing it for the wrong reasons.. Because Justin was a warrior through this series.

Interesting... because Leino's very impressive play during his call-up says otherwise.

That being said, I agree with you about Abdelkader- his style is really needed on this team.

[RusDRW 155]

I still think Leino, no Abdelkader, would be a good addition to our 4th line. We already have Helm who is crushing the net on that line. Leino can make plays for him. Remeber last year when we had Hudler on our 4th line. We got 14 points and our 4th line was on of the main factors we won the Stanley Cup.

[redwashington2000 42]

Griffins notes

Abdelkader, Howard Kindl, Ville Leino and Aaron Downey next will join the parent club Detroit Red Wings as "Black Aces." ... For the second time in the last three games, Griffins left wing Mattias Ritola was scratched. Jan Mursak was inserted back into the lineup after sitting out Game 3. ... Grand Rapids defenseman Brett Peterson had an assist in his first action of the postseason as Brian Lashoff recovers from the concussion he suffered in Game 2. ... Fraser reunited the top line of Leino, Abdelkader and Haydar for the first time since Game 2. But Haydar's assist on Kindl's goal was the only point the trio recorded all series. Those three had 31 combined points in the first round.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

Interesting... because Leino's very impressive play during his call-up says otherwise.

That being said, I agree with you about Abdelkader- his style is really needed on this team.

How long ago was that call up? how many games did Leino play when he played in finland? he played a max of 57 games.. He's isn't physically into the game. He will take an asswhooping from the ducks players. He hasn't played a team like the ducks before in his career.

I mean should the wings take their advice from a fan who watched an AHL playoff series? Should they base it on what Leino or Abdelkader did in the AHL?

Listen i stated my oppinion, did i say the wings have to do this? did i say i called holland and put in a good word? no i stated a freakin opinion.. Leino and Abdelkader are basically the same when it comes to stats.. Leino has more A's and Justin has more G's.. Ab's plays a style of play that would be beneficial torwards out team right now.. You dont have to agree with my opinion, But you sure as hell dont have to talk to me like a child either. You want a discussion i'll give it to you. But dont talk to me like a kid.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

Also Bruce has posted a blog on the Black Aces.

Off the top of my dome its Howard,Kindl,Downey,Leino...

no mccarty..

---

NVM, missed the person before me's post..

Edited May 7, 2009 by xBrave_Heartx

[Wingsallwin 0]

I am going to respect Babcock's decision whether to call up some of Griffins or not. I do not mind we senddown our poor performer like Samuelsson to GR and get Leino from GR if it is possible.

However, as 'Outsider' mentioned, the Wings have to find a way to win by current roster. From my view, there will not be remarkable change even though some GR comes to the Wings and play the playoff because they have ZERO PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE. It does not matter to call them up at this point because tomorrow's game is do or die game. If we lose game 4, we are f***ed up. But if we game 4, the Wings have more chance than the Ducks to win the series.

Edited May 7, 2009 by Wingsallwin

[skacore 2]

I'd love to see Abdelkader sooner than later, Abdelkader/Helm on the forecheck and Maltby can play it safe and allow them to forecheck as hard as they possibly can, the Ducks have no depth at all on their team let's take out 2 of their starting 6 D men and see if they can survive the way the Wings have

[Wingsallwin 0]

I'd love to see Abdelkader sooner than later, Abdelkader/Helm on the forecheck and Maltby can play it safe and allow them to forecheck as hard as they possibly can, the Ducks have no depth at all on their team let's take out 2 of their starting 6 D men and see if they can survive the way the Wings have

I do not know why you mentioned the bold part but you are dead wrong in this part. the Ducks does not have equal depth against the Wings but their depth is surely competitive against us. If their depth is horrible, why did they beat us? The Wings fans here have to realize the genuine fact in front of us. The Ducks are the 8th seed but their level is not 8th seed. I said this in my mind that the winner of this series will win the West and go to Stanley cup and do not know what happens in the Final.

If you still think the Ducks are pencakes, find the truth. I highly doubt that fact. The Ducks have way better roster than the Canucks and the Hawks out there.

[skacore 2]

I do not know why you mentioned the bold part but you are dead wrong in this part. the Ducks does not have equal depth against the Wings but their depth is surely competitive against us. If their depth is horrible, why did they beat us? The Wings fans here have to realize the genuine fact in front of us. The Ducks are the 8th seed but their level is not 8th seed. I said this in my mind that the winner of this series will win the West and go to Stanley cup and do not know what happens in the Final.

If you still think the Ducks are pencakes, find the truth. I highly doubt that fact. The Ducks have way better roster than the Canucks and the Hawks out there.

Ok first of all I predicted the Ducks to win the series, and their one of my favourite teams.

When I say depth I mean beyond the roster they ice every night, take out one of their top 4 D men and let's see how they are able to deal with it.

[Wingsallwin 0]

Ok first of all I predicted the Ducks to win the series, and their one of my favourite teams.

When I say depth I mean beyond the roster they ice every night, take out one of their top 4 D men and let's see how they are able to deal with it.

First of all, I do not know the issue is suspectful my English skill or it is your mistyping, but what is the point of saying bold part?

Second of all, you are missing the point there about top 4 D men. Nidermayer, Pronger, Whitney, and another D-man(cannot remember the name), but these guys have been neutralizing all our offenses. Besides, while you only point out the assumption of one of Ducks top 4 D-man is out, you forget Rafalski is out and our 3rd defensive paring has been absolutely atrocious.

[skacore 2]

First of all, I do not know the issue is suspectful my English skill or it is your mistyping, but what is the point of saying bold part?

Second of all, you are missing the point there about top 4 D men. Nidermayer, Pronger, Whitney, and another D-man(cannot remember the name), but these guys have been neutralizing all our offenses. Besides, while you only point out the assumption of one of Ducks top 4 D-man is out, you forget Rafalski is out and our 3rd defensive paring has been absolutely atrocious.

[dawings1905 2]

How long ago was that call up? how many games did Leino play when he played in finland? he played a max of 57 games.. He's isn't physically into the game. He will take an asswhooping from the ducks players. He hasn't played a team like the ducks before in his career.

Listen i stated my oppinion, did i say the wings have to do this? did i say i called holland and put in a good word? no i stated a freakin opinion.. Leino and Abdelkader are basically the same when it comes to stats.. Leino has more A's and Justin has more G's.. Ab's plays a style of play that would be beneficial torwards out team right now.. You dont have to agree with my opinion, But you sure as hell dont have to talk to me like a child either. You want a discussion i'll give it to you. But dont talk to me like a kid.

Whooooaaaaa!!!! settle down there big boy. No one said you were a kid, nor talked to you like you were one. Not sure where you got that from?? Paranoid much? Sorry if it offended, but you were the one who stated something to the effect that if they brought up Leino....it would be for all the wrong reasons. Hence, you were making the insinuation that because Abs had outplayed Leino in the last series in the "A" that he would be the better choice. At least that's how you wrote it. Since you stated that the wings would be doing it for the wrong reasons, I was trying to show that there just might be a little more to it than what someone did in one series. I know, I know, that's probably crazy talk......but surely even you would realize they probably go off of more than just that. Like, I dunno, maybe how they have actually performed with the big boys. All's I am saying is Leino was much more productive than most players are in their first 13 NHL games. I would even go out on a limb and say he just might have impressed the organization with his numbers as well. Later dude, and please try not to take any of this personal. It's a message board.

[dawings1905 2]

How long ago was that call up? how many games did Leino play when he played in finland? he played a max of 57 games.. He's isn't physically into the game. He will take an asswhooping from the ducks players. He hasn't played a team like the ducks before in his career.

OOPS sorry I quoted the wrong person. The below message was intended for the person offended about being talked to like a child. Or at least that's what they said. Again sorry for the mix.

Listen i stated my oppinion, did i say the wings have to do this? did i say i called holland and put in a good word? no i stated a freakin opinion.. Leino and Abdelkader are basically the same when it comes to stats.. Leino has more A's and Justin has more G's.. Ab's plays a style of play that would be beneficial torwards out team right now.. You dont have to agree with my opinion, But you sure as hell dont have to talk to me like a child either. You want a discussion i'll give it to you. But dont talk to me like a kid.

Whooooaaaaa!!!! settle down there big boy. No one said you were a kid, nor talked to you like you were one. Not sure where you got that from?? Paranoid much? Sorry if it offended, but you were the one who stated something to the effect that if they brought up Leino....it would be for all the wrong reasons. Hence, you were making the insinuation that because Abs had outplayed Leino in the last series in the "A" that he would be the better choice. At least that's how you wrote it. Since you stated that the wings would be doing it for the wrong reasons, I was trying to show that there just might be a little more to it than what someone did in one series. I know, I know, that's probably crazy talk......but surely even you would realize they probably go off of more than just that. Like, I dunno, maybe how they have actually performed with the big boys. All's I am saying is Leino was much more productive than most players are in their first 13 NHL games. I would even go out on a limb and say he just might have impressed the organization with his numbers as well. Later dude, and please try not to take any of this personal. It's a message board.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Griffins notes

Abdelkader, Howard Kindl, Ville Leino and Aaron Downey next will join the parent club Detroit Red Wings as "Black Aces." ... For the second time in the last three games, Griffins left wing Mattias Ritola was scratched. Jan Mursak was inserted back into the lineup after sitting out Game 3. ... Grand Rapids defenseman Brett Peterson had an assist in his first action of the postseason as Brian Lashoff recovers from the concussion he suffered in Game 2. ... Fraser reunited the top line of Leino, Abdelkader and Haydar for the first time since Game 2. But Haydar's assist on Kindl's goal was the only point the trio recorded all series. Those three had 31 combined points in the first round.

Poor Mattias, started the season so well but injury ruined him. He was expected to miss 4-5 weeks with a shoulder injury, only missed 2. At the time he was praised, he had 2 assists in his first game back but he struggled to have any impact at all thereafter. I hope he's not too downbeat about all that's happened and that he wasn't called up to the Wings. Hope he knows he's still got a future here.

In more positive news, good to see Kindl get another shot up here. Obviously won't play (well, couldn't be worse than Chelios) but it'll be a good experience. He started the season so well but got a whole lot worse as it went on.

And Abdelkader, the kid is a GEM! I'd like to see him skate instead of Maltby.

Edited May 7, 2009 by Aussie_Wing

[DMAC 25 18]

Leino isn't ready. The past two games against Manitibo he was outplayed by alot of players.. wasn't making anything happen. Abdelkader on the other hand was a beast all series. Hitting anything that moved. crashing the net.. making plays happen. and Abdelkader would be a good addition for the 4th line since he plays a 4th line style anyway.

Not saying Leino isn't talented, but if they put Leino in over Abdelkader there doing it for the wrong reasons.. Because Justin was a warrior through this series.

leino isnt ready? did u see the games he had when he was up this year

[russianswede919293 95]

No McCarty? I know he wouldn't get into any games, but at least as a locker room presence? I'm kind of surprised.

[Never_Retire_Steve 35]

Did the Griffins get swept?

[CenterIce 83]

leino isnt ready? did u see the games he had when he was up this year

One thing you have to admit is that a few games in an NHL regular season doesn't totally equate to being ready for a NHL playoff game, especially one you need to win.