R.Rabbit 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 ...scratch (maybe) says Babcock. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=424547 DETROIT (AP) -Red Wings coach Mike Babcock says Kris Draper is able to play but he might sit the gritty forward in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals. Babcock said Monday he's reluctant to change his lineup because his team is leading the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-0. Pavel Datsyuk, who has been out with a foot injury, is not expected to play Tuesday night at Pittsburgh. some good news and bad as it looks like Dats is still out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted June 1, 2009 My first reaction. "GAH". :'( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Ryan 1 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 Babcock needs to crack the whip on the current cast instead of figuring out a way to get Datsyuk and Draper in there. The current squad looks impossible to beat if they can play for 60 minutes. The only knock on the Wings so far is 5-10 minute lapses in focus. The Pens have had periods of play in which they look better than the Wings. Babcock needs to just focus on shrinking those periods as much as possible with the current group, and not worry about when they can get 2 other guys back in there. The team they have now is a REALLY GOOD team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightfall 871 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 Babcock needs to crack the whip on the current cast instead of figuring out a way to get Datsyuk and Draper in there. The current squad looks impossible to beat if they can play for 60 minutes. The only knock on the Wings so far is 5-10 minute lapses in focus. The Pens have had periods of play in which they look better than the Wings. Babcock needs to just focus on shrinking those periods as much as possible with the current group, and not worry about when they can get 2 other guys back in there. The team they have now is a REALLY GOOD team. You are right. Detroit has also turned the puck over 43 times in the last 2 games. Thats just crazy in addition to the lack of focus. In order to win in Pittsburgh, the Wings are going to have to play their best games yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt 1,049 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 I'd prefer to have him in for Game 3. Faceoffs are going to be key in Game 3 as Crosby/Malkin will be out against the Wings' lower lines initially... Having a key faceoff man like Draper to help get possession right away and then get the right players out there will be pretty important. At this stage it looks like I'd sit Leino and go with a 4th line of Abdelkader-Draper-Maltby. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 Too bad Pav still can't play, I am really sorry for him Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyanK 1 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 At this stage it looks like I'd sit Leino and go with a 4th line of Abdelkader-Draper-Maltby. No doubt.. I like this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thunderpriest 8 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 I'd prefer to have him in for Game 3. Faceoffs are going to be key in Game 3 as Crosby/Malkin will be out against the Wings' lower lines initially... Having a key faceoff man like Draper to help get possession right away and then get the right players out there will be pretty important. At this stage it looks like I'd sit Leino and go with a 4th line of Abdelkader-Draper-Maltby. Absolutely, Matt. If Drapes is able to go, he should replace Leino. The Pens will be able to dictate the matchups, so faceoffs will be more important than ever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevieY9802 6 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 yeah while i like what Leino has done Draper on faceoffs would be huge on the road. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedWingNut78 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2009 Why mess with a winning formula? If Drapes really is healthy and we implode in game 3, then play him. He's our best faceoff guy and it looked like we were getting thrown out of the faceoffs way too much again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5 Report post Posted June 2, 2009 yeah while i like what Leino has done Draper on faceoffs would be huge on the road. Drapes gives us another faceoff winner,but leave Leino in and take out Malts. He needs to be more physical or he's not effective. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GORM19 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2009 Drapes gives us another faceoff winner,but leave Leino in and take out Malts. He needs to be more physical or he's not effective. Leino looks to slow and he always has his head down leave malts in Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 2, 2009 Drapes gives us another faceoff winner,but leave Leino in and take out Malts. He needs to be more physical or he's not effective. Maltby has been great since Game 5 against Chicago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenrebellion 415 Report post Posted June 2, 2009 Drapes gives us another faceoff winner,but leave Leino in and take out Malts. He needs to be more physical or he's not effective. I like how Malts has looked and he can provide some PK time as well. Take out Leino, put in Drapes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5 Report post Posted June 2, 2009 Maltby has been great since Game 5 against Chicago. He would be better if he finished his checks instead of turning and skating away. Leino gives us another offensive weapon,which we seem to need.Give him a little time,its only his 3rd(?) game in the playoffs. He's got good hands and smarts around the net. He's got my vote over Malts this time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
