Shady Ultima 40 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 After watching tonight's game, I'm beginning to notice that this team isn't as bad as everyone is saying. We've got the tools to be one of the more dominant teams in the league, it's just a matter of using them, and getting players to play up to their potential. Bertuzzi and Leino tonight were good examples of what I mean. Bertuzzi was once one of the most dominant players in the league. After the moore incident, he seems to have lost a step, but it's not like he's 45. The guy still has a few more years, it's just a matter of him getting over the past and playing how he is capable. I don't believe he will ever truly be AS good, but if he gets close... he'll be a steal Leino, being a rookie, is going to have a hard time adjusting to our team, and he has to completely buy into the system. For those who claim Babcock isn't a good coach, you have to realize how hard it is to make these offensive minded players play in our style. He's been exceptional at that, which is amazing. As Leino grows more comfortable playing the Wings style of hockey, he'll become a much more invaluable player. There are so many players on our team who are capable of being dominant who aren't. Dats, Z, Lids, Raffi, and Ozzie are the players we need to step up the most, and if they can, then all the new faces, and ESPECIALLY our rookies will learn and will take over. I'm excited to see how our new faces turn out in the coming weeks, months and years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carman 387 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Thing is with Bertuzzi is you have to expect a 15 goal 40 point guy. Anything higher then that may end up as a disappointment. He certainly still has the tools, but his back injury has really crippled his strength around the net. He's probably not going to be a "steal", but he'll still be a decent contract and a contributing secondary scoring veteran. Leino looked good tonight, and Babcock said it best in the post-game. He wants Leino to win battles, and he did that tonight. Leino needs to just focus on playing hard, and good things will happen. He was trying to be too perfect, and probably had a tough time stepping his game up when the rest of the team is playing mediocre. Stuart was the big star tonight, he's carrying the defense right now and is playing very very sound defensive hockey. I can't say enough about how good he's looked this season. It's a matter of time before Dats-Z-Raf-Lids start scoring, they are too talented not to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lidstromboli Report post Posted December 12, 2009 you usually have to play for more than one period to be good Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmonster 11 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 For the most part, this team can be good. But what I have found is they lack focus. For example, Babcock sits Leino down for a few games, he comes back and plays a good game. I think the biggest thing is challenging players and pushing the right buttons. Like Bowman used to do with Shanahan and Federov. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Bert has a bad back, and obviously Leino is struggling as a rookie, so I'm not sure how good one can expect them to be. You said it yourself, Pavel, Nick, Rafalski, these are the guys that have to get going. They aren't making close to a combined $20M to have only 45 points between them at this juncture of the season, I know that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 When you go down 2-0 in pretty much every game, then you are pretty bad as a team. We need better starts, and we need our top 3 players to step up and score goals, instead of breaking their sticks and missing nets wide. I'm glad that our PK has finally gotten some good play recently. Unfortunately, the PP has tailed off a bit, but that will fix itself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lidstromboli Report post Posted December 12, 2009 the red wings are the only team in the nhl that hasn't allowed a shorthanded goal thought that was interesting Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10 Minute Misconduct 104 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 let's not forget we played the worst team in the western conference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jedi 1,865 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 let's not forget we played the worst team in the western conference. 2 points is still 2 points. I'll take it over the alternative... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mule 0 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 let's not forget we played the worst team in the western conference. Despite the standings, I don't think the Ducks are anywhere near the worst team in the Western Conference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cupforwings 138 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Despite the standings, I don't think the Ducks are anywhere near the worst team in the Western Conference. I agree. They will turn it on and be competitive as the season moves along. Their still adjusting to losing Pronger. Plus, the teams in the West are so close together, both record and talent wise... but I am just happy this team found a way to win tonight... it always comes down to one thing, effort... if there is effort and urgency, then we will win games... If they don't show up to play, then, well, you know what happens Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 You know, I think that's what's most frustrating. The Wings have fixed their goaltending and defense. Everyone seems to be playing well. We're just not scoring. But we're not necessarily doing anything bad. Everything always seems to be just out of reach, or just behind, or hitting the post, or off to the side. It's frustrating because the team is not playing like a bottom feeder, or even mediocre, things just aren't going their way for some bizarre reason. I think if they ever really regain their scoring touch this team is going to be just as dangerous as it has been in the past. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pavel Hossyukstrom 2 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 When you go down 2-0 in pretty much every game, then you are pretty bad as a team. We need better starts, and we need our top 3 players to step up and score goals, instead of breaking their sticks and missing nets wide. I'm glad that our PK has finally gotten some good play recently. Unfortunately, the PP has tailed off a bit, but that will fix itself. when was the last time we scored the first goal in a game can anyone even remember? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pavel Hossyukstrom 2 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 You know, I think that's what's most frustrating. The Wings have fixed their goaltending and defense. Everyone seems to be playing well. We're just not scoring. But we're not necessarily doing anything bad. Everything always seems to be just out of reach, or just behind, or hitting the post, or off to the side. It's frustrating because the team is not playing like a bottom feeder, or even mediocre, things just aren't going their way for some bizarre reason. I think if they ever really regain their scoring touch this team is going to be just as dangerous as it has been in the past. yup we lead the league in shots as we always do. We're playing in the other teams end but that stupid black rubber thing doesn't wanna go in the frickin net. It's like the thing is thumbing it's nose at us every chance it gets, going" nah nah nah nah nah naah!! I won't go in the net.!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmonster 11 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 when was the last time we scored the first goal in a game can anyone even remember? Actually, If I am not mistaken our record is better when the other team scores first. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pavel Hossyukstrom 2 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 the red wings are the only team in the nhl that hasn't allowed a shorthanded goal thought that was interesting don't jinx us now!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pavel Hossyukstrom 2 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Actually, If I am not mistaken our record is better when the other team scores first. it never used to be like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cupforwings 138 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 it never used to be like that. thats because it doesn't make sense for it to be like that... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mule 0 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Actually, If I am not mistaken our record is better when the other team scores first. Correct. 9-6 or 9-7, if I recall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedWingsRox 614 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 What this team lacks is consistency and everyone playing their game every night like professionals ought to. You can't have 2-3 guys play to their potential on any given night and the rest taking a night off. If they all played consistently to their potential, OP would be right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Injuries all at once make you a worse team sometimes... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
