Lilja in GR Update

[GROwl 5]

For those of you who also saw Lilja last night against Houston...what were you thoughts?

His puck skills were clearly far and above the other defensemen on the ice. His breakout passes were crisp, tape-to-tape, even after almost a year off. He seemed to have a lot of chemistry with Ritola and Mursak especially when they were also on the ice. His energy level was consistently there.

That being said, I believe he was on the ice for both of the Houston even strength goals. On defense, he doesn't stay in the areas where I'd expect him to be (down low?). Several times, he was up near the blue line covering the Aeros' defensemen, rather than their forwards. He was buzzing everywhere, to the point of almost being out of position. Maybe trying too hard to impress the Detroit bosses who were at the game?

p.s. Lilja's going to break the Griffins' stick budget. Twice on defense, he snapped his stick. One time, Jan Mursak handed Lilja his. It was a foot too short and curved for a right hand shot. I guess that's where its the thought that counts.

[hokeychik22 17]

for someone who couldn't stand seeing him play last year, i actually cant wait to see him back in detroit. maybe he is what the d needs.

[edicius 3,269]

You know, that's one problem Lilja's always had - breaking sticks. Shame to see that hasn't changed.

[russianswede919293 95]

Interesting thought. If Kronwall is not ready to play on Tuesday is there any chance the Wings will forgo the extra 2 games and call Lilja up for the Blues game???

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Did he throw down and beat some poor fool's ass?

[ComradeWasabi 109]

Interesting thought. If Kronwall is not ready to play on Tuesday is there any chance the Wings will forgo the extra 2 games and call Lilja up for the Blues game???

Unlikely, cap space is the issue here.

[GROwl 5]

Did he throw down and beat some poor fool's ass?

No. A couple of punches, but that was it. Not even enough to earn a roughing minor.

Lilja did get a delay of game penalty for hitting the puck out of play from his D zone and a slashing later on. But the slashing was more of a good acting job by the Houston Aero than a true slash.