59 replies to this topic

[b.shanafan14]

Babcock said he would keep his top two lines intact to start the game. Valtteri Filppula and Tomas Holmstrom will skate with Pavel Datsyuk, while Johan Franzen and Todd Bertuzzi will skate with Henrik Zetterberg.

Babcock most likely will try to match Zetterberg against Joe Thornton's line as much as possible, though the Sharks will have the last change.

But the third and fourth lines were still in question. Babcock said he hasn't decided whether or not to use Mattias Ritola again, or veteran Jason Williams

Please.... god.... no.... Why would Babcock switch up a winning lineup and for Williams of all people?? Lets hope he keeps his sanity, I thought Ritola was a huge improvement and could at least play with the fourth line.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100508/SPORTS0103/5080354/1128/SPORTS0103/Wings-halt-Sharks--momentum

[titanium2]

[CanadaBoy]

As long as Ericsson doesn't dress.

[Xitium]

I'm sure its Babs playing the "I'm not going to say what I plan on doing" game.

Just like the "I'm not sure who's starting in goal" game, and the "upper body injury" game.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Edited by Xitium, 08 May 2010 - 06:10 AM.

[xtrememachine1]

Did everyone else die or something?

[MCleveland89]

I'm sure its Babs playing the "I'm not going to say what I plan on doing" game.

Just like the "I'm not sure who's starting in goal" game, and the "upper body injury" game.

I wouldn't worry about it.

I hope so. We don't need Williams awfulness on the team. Even if Ritola did nothing to really help us out, it's better than Williams screwing us up.

[dat's sick]

I wouldn't be surprised. From what I hear Williams has some powerful connections in the italian mafia.

[Grateful Gadsby]

I'm sure its Babs playing the "I'm not going to say what I plan on doing" game.

Just like the "I'm not sure who's starting in goal" game, and the "upper body injury" game.

I wouldn't worry about it.

That's my take, as well. If Williams ever sees the ice again wearing the Winged Wheel and it's not because of injuries to other players, I will seriously begin to wonder if he's in possession of incriminating pictures of Babcock or Holland.

[Aussie_Wing]

I'm pretty confident the line-up will stay the same.

I guess Eaves is pretty banged up, eh?

[Wings_Dynasty]

Here's my thinking.

Lose 3 games. No Ritola.

Win game with Ritola in.

Play with Ritola in.

When certain guys are in the team plays different. You get different looks and you play a different game because it affects who you get passes from and who you pass to. You play a different game when Datsyuk is your center as opposed to Draper or Helm.

With Ritola there is more play along the boards on his line, with him doing it there is another player open waiting for a pass or covering a man who would otherwise be the guy playing along the boards with Williams just standing around waiting for the puck.

[Grateful Gadsby]

Here's my thinking.

Lose 3 games. No Ritola.

Win game with Ritola in.

Play with Ritola in.

When certain guys are in the team plays different. You get different looks and you play a different game because it affects who you get passes from and who you pass to. You play a different game when Datsyuk is your center as opposed to Draper or Helm.

With Ritola there is more play along the boards on his line, with him doing it there is another player open waiting for a pass or covering a man who would otherwise be the guy playing along the boards with Williams just standing around waiting for the puck.

Well said. It's about the "alchemy" factor and what Player X adds to the mix. For the reasons you stated, Ritola adds more than Williams. (What are Williams's attributes again? I already know how he helps whoever the Wings are playing, but how does he help the Wings?)

[VM1138]

Here's my thinking.

Lose 3 games. No Ritola.

Win game with Ritola in.

Play with Ritola in.

When certain guys are in the team plays different. You get different looks and you play a different game because it affects who you get passes from and who you pass to. You play a different game when Datsyuk is your center as opposed to Draper or Helm.

With Ritola there is more play along the boards on his line, with him doing it there is another player open waiting for a pass or covering a man who would otherwise be the guy playing along the boards with Williams just standing around waiting for the puck.

Amen. Even if Ritola didn't provide that alternative play style, he'd still be an improvement over a guy who hurts this team every single game he's in. We've got to be in it to win it, and WIlliams isn't. At this point it's too risky to go with a guy who won't give 100% every game from here on out.

[BuckeyeWingsfan80]

[ShanahanMan]

And here I thought there was actually a glimmer of hope....

[Barrie]

As long as Ericsson doesn't dress.

Yea it's always an adventure when that has the puck.

[JerBaz]

Please.... god.... no.... Why would Babcock switch up a winning lineup and for Williams of all people?? Lets hope he keeps his sanity, I thought Ritola was a huge improvement and could at least play with the fourth line.

http://www.detnews.c...harks--momentum

Ritola is the most responsible choice. He did a great job in Game 4 and he's much faster than Williams. Please, for the love of God, play the person that gives you the best chance!

[Hossa4Life]

if williams is in i am done

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

Amen. Even if Ritola didn't provide that alternative play style, he'd still be an improvement over a guy who hurts this team every single game he's in. We've got to be in it to win it, and WIlliams isn't. At this point it's too risky to go with a guy who won't give 100% every game from here on out.

At least give Brad May a chance..jesus..

[esteef]

Ritola finishes checks. Keep him in.

esteef

[Barrie]

Yea it's always an adventure when that has the puck.

Ouch a -2 (so far) for my comment!