38 replies to this topic

[EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

They are both better in their own ways. Filppula is a better skater, a good solid two-way forward, and has even shown that he can surprise people with hits (e.g. MacArthur, Ovechkin) - all in all, a more complete player.

However, in terms of pure offensive prowess and lifestyle, you have to give it to Jiri.

How I feel about it.

Serious question here, I'm not looking to stir any pot... but...

Where did this notion that Hudler is a defensive liability come from? Sure, he's no Flip on D, but "liability" denotes that he is a negative sum defensively, which I never saw. Obviously, our favorite hobbit would never be a PK force or be relied upon to shutdown the opposition's top line 5x5. But he was always responsible defensively, within his skillset and talent, no? When I think "defensive liability," I picture cherry picking forwards who consistently leave their linemates out to dry, or who commonly make dangerous and ill advised passes that turn the puck over. Hudler never matched that description in my eyes.

As I said, honest question -- am I missing something here?

Back on topic, I'd take Flip on my team before Hudler. He's not horrible offensively, plays well in the clutch, and is far more versatile. He'll never match Hudler's offensive IQ, but honestly, not many players will. If Huddles had another three inches and 15-20 lbs of muscle on his frame, he'd be a force. Any team would do well with either one of them on their roster.

That said, I'd much rather have a beer with Hudler. He seems like he'd be a fun fellow to be around.

Agreed, Filppula is a better all around player, but if Hudler would have been given Filppula's body this would not even up for debate... at all. Hudler is so much better in the natural talent aspect of the game it isn' fair to compare. Don't take it as a knock agaisnt Filppula though, as I would say the same thing to the lesser extent about players such as Frazen, Hossa, Ect...

Also his defensive lazyiness is myth, there is a difference between being slow and being lazy

Their offensive production is equal (though huddles has a better shot/scores more goals), Filppula better everything else.

Haircut, Playmaking, Stick handling, Pimpin skills...

Edited by EZBAKETHAGANGSTA, 18 March 2010 - 03:37 PM.

[SouthernWingsFan]

I say we morph them together, creating Filhudler, or Hudppula.

That would be some cool stuff there let me tell ya.

[Rivalred]

Here are a few posts from the other thread...

I always looked at Fil as more of a passer/playmaker without a real scoring touch, it seemed that Hudler had him beat in that regard, which to me makes Hudler a bit better offensively.

This whole Flip vs Huds debate makes me uneasy. Yes, bring Hudler back and put him to play on Flip's line that way we can have Flip's defense and Hudler's offense in one package. Also, Flip is not near Hudler's offensive level just like Huds is nowhere near Flip's defensive level. Huds can put points up regardless of what line he is on and that is something Flip cannot do. Hudler is a natural scorer and we need another one of those on this roster.

As it seems, both players have positives.

[Z and D for the C]

You even think Filppula is a better passer than Hudler?

Yes. (Maybe not better, but at least equal)

One big thing I think Filppula needs to do is just slow down, he always just seems sort of frantic out there. Generally when people think of Hudler's passing skills it's squeaking one through the slot on the PP (this is the impression I'm under, anyway). Once Filppula learns to slow down the game I think that he can do the same.

Edited by Z and D for the C, 18 March 2010 - 04:21 PM.

[lilja4mvp]

Yes. (Maybe not better, but at least equal)

why am i not surprised

[Winged_Wheeler]

Filppula better skater, better defensively, better fit for NHL..
Hudler more skills and better shot, better passer.

Hmm equally good but speed is so important for NHL'ers these days...

You have to be kidding...

[Original-Six]

I found out why the Wings have been struggling this year. its because we dont have Hudlers clucking ritual anymore.

[Z and D for the C]

why am i not surprised

Because I'm a vocal Filppula supporter and I have a Filppula avatar?


Tell me if I'm close.

[lilja4mvp]

Because I'm a vocal Filppula supporter and I have a Filppula avatar?


Tell me if I'm close.

because you're delusional.

[Drake_Marcus]

You have to be kidding...

Have you even seen a Wings game between 2006 and 2009? Hudler's definitely a better passer. Filppula can hold on to the puck much, much, much better but in terms of making a smart saucer pass I'll take Hudler first.

[GoWings1905]

I like both players, but if I look at this in terms of the Red Wings then it is easily Hudler for me.

Filppula is redundant on this team. We need more players with offensive talent like Hudler around.

[eva unit zero]

Breaking it down:

Hudler is better at seeing the ice, better at avoiding opposing players when carrying the puck, creating offense from nothing, making plays, passing-he's a better playmaker than any current Wing except Datsyuk, finishing scoring opportunities created by either himself or others. Hudler is better at creating offense without offensively skilled linemates to work with, more able to play all three forward positions without a drop in performance.

Filppula is a better skater, is bigger and stronger, stronger in traffic and better in the corners, better defensively, better at faceoffs.

Hudler is a top-six offensive forward; with his offensive skills he could play wing on most NHL teams' first lines.

Filppula is a top-six two-way forward, and would be a legit second line center on many teams, or could play first or second line wing for many as well.

I would say, as far as 'who's better' though, they are very close in ability. I would give a slight edge to Hudler, but if you were looking at one team trading Filppula to Hudler, it's a fair trade where you have to look at the needs of the team to determine which team is getting the better end of the deal.

I would have loved to see Franzen/Filppula/Hudler or Franzen/Hudler/Holmstrom. Those would have been great lines.

[Winged_Wheeler]

Have you even seen a Wings game between 2006 and 2009? Hudler's definitely a better passer. Filppula can hold on to the puck much, much, much better but in terms of making a smart saucer pass I'll take Hudler first.

But Hudler could never skate the puck from the neutral zone int the offensive zone. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Filppula are the only one's on the Wings that can do it.

[Lidstromboli]

Filppula definitely has creepier eyebrows

[EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

You have to be kidding...

Andrew Ladd Agrees with you, everybody else does not.

[zettie85]

I'm sure none of you have watched Hudler this season but he was one of the tops in the KHL. Not to say that is a great feat but he very well could have developed a lot more this year. If he is back next season I guess we will find out.

[SouthernWingsFan]

Filppula definitely has creepier eyebrows

And bleached blond hair, unusual for darker skin. Kinda creepy!

But Hudler has that goofy face look when he's celebrating...

They're both weird I tell ya!

Edited by SouthernWingsFan, 20 March 2010 - 08:16 AM.

[Rivalred]

Seems Filppula had a decent game tonight.

[titanium2]

Right now Filppula is the better player because of how he played. Let's see how long it lasts.