Stand Outs for the Wings this season?

[mmamolo 287]

Every year the Wings start a little slowly and I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen again this season. That being said, no matter how hot they start off the season there is no way they win 61 games. That's ridiculous. I know they won 62 before but with the amount of games to play within their division I just don't see it happening. It's too competitive. Everyone bashed the Central for being the weakest division in hockey for so long but last year, in my opinion it was at least one of the two strognest. We ended up with four playoff teams. When does that ever happen?

I think we're going to see big strides from Kronwall this year too. I think he'll put up strong offensive numbers like last year but his defensive game stabilizes. Even though it seems like most ppl wont agree I do have confidence in Howard as our backup. I think he'll get his 10-15 wins and he'll have a save % right at 900 or so and a 2.5 gaa or so. I really think he'll step up accordingly.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Every year the Wings start a little slowly and I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen again this season. That being said, no matter how hot they start off the season there is no way they win 61 games. That's ridiculous. I know they won 62 before but with the amount of games to play within their division I just don't see it happening. It's too competitive. Everyone bashed the Central for being the weakest division in hockey for so long but last year, in my opinion it was at least one of the two strognest. We ended up with four playoff teams. When does that ever happen?

I think we're going to see big strides from Kronwall this year too. I think he'll put up strong offensive numbers like last year but his defensive game stabilizes. Even though it seems like most ppl wont agree I do have confidence in Howard as our backup. I think he'll get his 10-15 wins and he'll have a save % right at 900 or so and a 2.5 gaa or so. I really think he'll step up accordingly.

I would be suprised if that happened. There was definately a Stanley Cup hangover to begin last season, which is replaced with a desire to get back what they lost to the Penguins. Someone mentioned in another thread that a picture of Sid holding the Cup should be placed in the Detroit dressing room so that everyone can see so that the hunger to take it back from them never dies.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

While I'm Sure Val will improve this year, and everyone is free to their own opinion, I really really cant see Filpulla putting in more then 55pts, maybe 60 at MOST.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

While I'm Sure Val will improve this year, and everyone is free to their own opinion, I really really cant see Filpulla putting in more then 55pts, maybe 60 at MOST.

[mmamolo 287]

With bonified 2nd line minutes and second unit PP minutes I really think Filppula is gonna put up some numbers. He got his 40 pits last year so I dont think 55-60 is out of t he question. I guess we'll have to wait and see but I think playing with Franzen and most likely Cleary will go a long way (for Cleary's point production as well). This is also assuming the Wings dont get another top 6 caliber guy...which they basically will

[GoWings1905 2,694]

If Babcock uses Pavel, Z and Cleary as the top line (which he should), all three players will have huge seasons. That line would be absolutely dominate if they played together enough.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

While I'm Sure Val will improve this year, and everyone is free to their own opinion, I really really cant see Filpulla putting in more then 55pts, maybe 60 at MOST.

Val needs to start putting up the offensive numbers or the decision to sign him early at the expense of Hudler will look like a pretty poor choice.

[mmamolo 287]

If Babcock uses Pavel, Z and Cleary as the top line (which he should), all three players will have huge seasons. That line would be absolutely dominate if they played together enough.

It really depends on how much ice time Holmstrom gets. If he is used primarily on the PP and then with some fourth line minutes or something then yeah Cleary should be plugged into the Datsyuk/Zetterberg line but if Holmstrom is healthy and moving all right I cant see him being affective on any other line. Personally I think I'd rather see:

Holmstrom - Datsyuk - Zetterberg

Cleary - Filppula - Franzen

That will balance the attack a little bit more in my mind.

[jollymania 162]

hopefully helm beats clutterbuck in hits

[GoWings1905 2,694]

It really depends on how much ice time Holmstrom gets. If he is used primarily on the PP and then with some fourth line minutes or something then yeah Cleary should be plugged into the Datsyuk/Zetterberg line but if Holmstrom is healthy and moving all right I cant see him being affective on any other line. Personally I think I'd rather see:

Holmstrom - Datsyuk - Zetterberg

Cleary - Filppula - Franzen

That will balance the attack a little bit more in my mind.

Good point. I wouldn't be opposed to that at all on the condition that you mentioned of Holmstrom being healthy and actually looking somewhat useful at even strength. Homer can't skate or pass and if he isn't causing chaos in the crease, it doesn't serve any purpose throwing him on a line with talents like Z and Pavel. Cleary isn't a great skater or passer either, but if the playoffs are any indication, he can finish at a higher level than Homer right now. Cleary had awesome chemistry with Z and Pavel when they were together for the playoffs.

I wouldn't mind giving Homer a chance to play on the top line to start the regular season if he is healthy. I have my doubts, however, that Homer will be as effective as Cleary would be in the same role.

[mmamolo 287]

Good point. I wouldn't be opposed to that at all on the condition that you mentioned of Holmstrom being healthy and actually looking somewhat useful at even strength. Homer can't skate or pass and if he isn't causing chaos in the crease, it doesn't serve any purpose throwing him on a line with talents like Z and Pavel. Cleary isn't a great skater or passer either, but if the playoffs are any indication, he can finish at a higher level than Homer right now. Cleary had awesome chemistry with Z and Pavel when they were together for the playoffs.

I wouldn't mind giving Homer a chance to play on the top line to start the regular season if he is healthy. I have my doubts, however, that Homer will be as effective as Cleary would be in the same role.

I see your point for sure. I think the thing with Holmstrom too is that you know the guy is going to miss some time this season anyways, he always does. If he plays his 55-60 games that leaves 22-27 where Cleary can play with Zetterberg and Datsyuk (assuming they all play 82 but yo usee my point). Plus there will be the games where he is just coming back from an injury where he may only get PP time so Cleary will have a lot of opportunity to get top line minutes with D and Z.

I just dont like the idea of sticking Holmstrom on the 4th line. I think his speed and poor puck movement would be even that muc more exposed. 4th lines exist and function based on speed and forechecking. Obviously Maltby isnt the fastest guy around anymore either and to match him and Draper up with Holmstrom could really sting at times I think. Holmstrom can still serve a purpose by creating havoc in the offensive zone and let's face facts, he still is one of the best puck retrival players beneath the goal line (so long as it's not a race from the blueline).

Personally I'd like to see:

Holmstrom - Datsyuk - Zetterberg

Cleary - Filppula - Franzen

Leino - Helm -

Maltby - Draper -

and plug whomever in those two spots. That way if you sign another top 6 type guy you can rotate Holmstrom/Cleary/and the new signed FA in various spots while keeping those four pairs of centres and wingers together.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

Val needs to start putting up the offensive numbers or the decision to sign him early at the expense of Hudler will look like a pretty poor choice.

Not at all. Filpulla is here to be a second line defesneivily responsible pviot, ala a Michael Handuz. Im fairly everybody but the irrational Filpulla lovers would expect Hudler to put up better offense numbers, but theres a reason we kept Val or Hudler. Defensive play and size. Also it's not like Holland could have forseen the KHL's 5 mil a year taxfree offer.