35 replies to this topic

[mindfly]

Jonathan Ericsson back in lineup, Jimmy Howard to start again for Red Wings in Edmonton
By Ansar Khan
March 17, 2010, 3:54PM

KELOWNA, British Columbia -- After a day off, the Detroit Red Wings returned to the practice ice Wednesday, as several thousand fans watched at the 6,800-seat Prospera Place.

Coach Mike Babcock said defenseman Jonathan Ericsson, a healthy scratch the last three games, will return to action Friday in Edmonton, replacing Brett Lebda. Jimmy Howard, as expected, will make his 16th consecutive start in goal. Babcock said he hadn't decided if Chris Osgood will play Saturday in Vancouver.

The lines remained the same, as the Wings will look to equal a season-high four-game winning streak against an Oilers team with the worst record in the NHL:

Franzen-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Cleary-Zetterberg-Filppula
Bertuzzi-Miller-Williams
Draper-Helm-Eaves

Lidstrom-Rafalski
Kronwall-Stuart
Ericsson-Lilja
Lebda-Meech (scratches)

Howard (starting)
Osgood

Ericsson turnover machine :/

[Esquire]

Do.Not.Want.

[MCleveland89]

It feels weird saying I'd prefer lebda, but I'm glad he's been doing good lately.

[Zetts]

I'm glad that Howard is starting because I'm going to the game, and want a nice, lopsided Wings victory. And there's no way Osgood would be particularly good given how long it's been since he's played.

On the other hand, it sucks that Osgood isn't playing because realistically, if he doesn't play now, I think we can say he's probably not going to for the rest of the season.

[Rivalred]

Ericsson

[mindfly]

HAHAAH poor runner but still kinda hardcore

[wingsfaninMA]

Ericsson

wait what? rofl

lets see how big rig does. hes had a rough season, but it cant hurt giving him a go to try get his confidence back. especially against edm.

[GMRwings1983]

This is the most important part of the season and we're bringing that 6'4 broomstick back?

I hope it's only for this next game.

[Mikeal]

He needs to get some games in. If we play a physical team (assuming we make the playoffs) we will want him in the lineup.

[kylee]

how many times does ericsson get to fail before he's benched for the rest of the year so, if the wings make it to the playoffs, he's not a major defensive liability?

[mindfly]

Ericsson has scored like many of his goals against edmonton and the two latest games at their arena he scored and had a good game maybe babcock checked his history and decided to go with him after that

[cjm502]

I hope he does well. How he played in the playoffs last year is irreplaceable. As I have said before, when Ericsson was paired up with Lids he was the one that looked like the Norris candidate on that line. That potential is why we are not giving up on him.

[Wingnut in WA]

I am a big fan if Ericsson, but I was at the games this past week at the joe and I remember turning to my gf and saying " This team just looks better with Lebda in the lineup right now". If it aint broke don't fix it

Edited by Wingnut in WA, 17 March 2010 - 05:17 PM.

[hooon]

Glad to see Ericsson in, he needs to get it together by playoff time. I really wish Babs would play Osgood against Edmonton, I can't think of a better game to do it.

[Hockeymom1960]

I'm a big Ericsson fan and am glad Babs is putting back out there. He needs the ice time and the confidence. Again, he's a converted offensenman turned defenseman. He's going to need the time. He also needs to be paired with better defensemen. I do like him paired with Lilja.

[Barrie]

Ericsson

I guess when you're running a race there's no time take a crap!

So I guess with Howard starting against Edmonton, Ozzie may get the start in Vancouver? I'm ok with that.

[Original-Six]

I guess when you're running a race there's no time take a crap!

Thats dedication

Edited by Original-Six, 17 March 2010 - 05:43 PM.

[clutchngrab]

I'd rather see Osgood face Edmonton. Canucks will light him up.

[Barrie]

I'd rather see Osgood face Edmonton. Canucks will light him up.

Yea but it's almost a guarantee Howard beats Edmonton!

[Copenhagen848]

That's cool...the Wings are on a winning streak without him in the lineup.....so they put him back in. Makes perfect sense...