Rafalski, Draper, Kopecky won't play Sunday

[Dabura 12,232]

The longer this goes, the more serious Rafalski's injury looks.

I doubt he'll be back at all for the playoffs.

My gut says Babs is holding him back largely because of who we're currently facing.

[Mickey Redmond 15]

Rafalski just gotta have concussion symptoms since he can't skate on the ice, the docs say NO, just do easy off-ice workouts...

Lilja isnt allowed to do anything at all while he is concussed. im thinking it has something to do his hands or wrists.

[Frozen-Man 144]

who will play of the black aces? Abdelkader? Leino?

Coach Mike Babcock said Justin Abdelkader will replace Kopecky.

"Because he'll run over people," Babcock said of Abdelkader. "We expect him to play hard like (Darren) Helm. He's on the forecheck and he's a physical guy. He scored 23 goals for them (Grand Rapids) this season and was one of their best players in the playoffs."

I find it odd that they keep saying that Raffi is day to day and then on Friday they announce that he won't play on Sunday. Must not be that close if they know 2 days out that he can't play.

Edited May 8, 2009 by Frozen-Man

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

******* beauty, Abdelkader-Helm-Maltby

[Guest E_S_A_D]

RED WINGS + FIGHTING= SERIOUS INJURIES

[Vladifan 680]

Leino.

Yeupp. Abdelkader seems tougher but Leino's wiser and better at reading plays and positioning, therefore helping out his line more.

[titanium2 867]

Coach Mike Babcock said Justin Abdelkader will replace Kopecky.

"Because he'll run over people," Babcock said of Abdelkader. "We expect him to play hard like (Darren) Helm. He's on the forecheck and he's a physical guy. He scored 23 goals for them (Grand Rapids) this season and was one of their best players in the playoffs."

I find it odd that they keep saying that Raffi is day to day and then on Friday they announce that he won't play on Sunday. Must not be that close if they know 2 days out that he can't play.

Hmm... Well, he's also very prone to take dumb penalties, Abdelkader. Let's hope he plays smart.

[titanium2 867]

They say "upper body" injury but we've all heard that story where Bowman declared Shanny had an upper body injury but left the practice facility on crutches.

I suspect it's still his groin, which according to Babs require at least 10 days: "What I find with groins is that they’re 10 days in the day-to-day process. So let’s say 10 days."

It's been 15 since his last game. Maybe it's just on the more severe side.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

If there dumb charging or roughing penalties for hitting Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, Pronger or Niedermayer it is all good.

[ShanahanMan 473]

Great, Kop. has joined Lilja.

[Guest MrSandMan]

This is beyond annoying that Ralfi is still out! I cannot stand to see Chelios in the lineup anymore. His impotence costs us everytime he's on the ice. It's time he hangs them up... I am seriously sick of this s***!

Please.Babcock.Play.Kindl~!

[HockeytownRules19 902]

Can Abdelkader play C? or is he a wing? Thanks!

[Vladifan 680]

My gut says Babs is holding him back largely because of who we're currently facing.

You mean you think he's really injured and is just healing and Babs doesn't wanna take chances? Or that he's not really injured and Babs thinks they'd go after him?

[Frozen-Man 144]

RED WINGS + FIGHTING= SERIOUS INJURIES

Oh good you're back to trash the Wings some more. Awesome!

[titanium2 867]

This is beyond annoying that Ralfi is still out! I cannot stand to see Chelios in the lineup anymore. His impotence costs us everytime he's on the ice. It's time he hangs them up... I am seriously sick of this s***!

Please.Babcock.Play.Kindl~!

Hahaha... Not sweet.

[titanium2 867]

Can Abdelkader play C? or is he a wing? Thanks!

Both. He played center in GR. Played some wing at MSU I believe.

[Frozen-Man 144]

Can Abdelkader play C? or is he a wing? Thanks!

He plays LW. Helm will center the line (I would think).

[titanium2 867]

If there dumb charging or roughing penalties for hitting Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, Pronger or Niedermayer it is all good.

Not if it's a dumb hit that motivates them to play harder. It's a fine line.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Can Abdelkader play C? or is he a wing? Thanks!

Pretty sure both, but he'll be on the wing replaced Kopecky.

[Jersey Wing 1,521]

I think Leino might be a tad more polished of a two way player as the Finnish system is more of a defense first kinda thing. The Wings aren't lacking for hitting with Helm going crazy and even though Datsyuk isn't lighting the lamp he's hitting. Stuart and Kronwall are providing the hits on the back end. .

The thought of this team in 2-3 years with Abdelkader, Leino, Helm, Kindl, and Ericsson all playing huge supporting roles to Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen and perhaps Hossa (or Hudler and Samuelsson if Hossa can't be resigned) is very heartwarming....

[Vladifan 680]

******* beauty, Abdelkader-Helm-Maltby

This really is a possibility for the 4th line, huh! Oh...heart, keep beating!

And they're not expected to score so much as harrass and beat the crap out of whoever they're out there against.

...As long as it isn't the Ducks' first line.

[titanium2 867]

He plays LW. Helm will center the line (I would think).

I suspect Helm will center both the 3rd and 4th lines. There's no way Babs messes with the first two.

[Vladifan 680]

This really is a possibility for the 4th line, huh! Oh...heart, keep beating!

And they're not expected to score so much as harrass and beat the crap out of whoever they're out there against.

...As long as it isn't the Ducks' first line.

I also think Leino could play except that Sammy's doing ok right now and definitely adding to the team's play.

[Vladifan 680]

DELETED by poster!

...jeeezusss....

Edited May 8, 2009 by Vladifan

[titanium2 867]

I think Leino might be a tad more polished of a two way player as the Finnish system is more of a defense first kinda thing.

It's a tough call, imo.

Leino can draw penalties with his puck skills. He's good at having the puck follow him around in the O zone.

Abs on the other hand plays tougher on the puck. He's more tenacious in the defensive zone. But he takes dumb penalties and the Wings can't do that against the Ducks power play.