¼ Grades

[Guest Stolberg]

Because you know you're bored enough.

Forwards

Abdelkader:

Bertuzzi:

Cleary:

Datsyuk:

Eaves:

Filppula:

Franzen:

Helm:

Holmstrom:

Hudler:

Miller:

Modano:

Zetterberg:

Defensemen

Ericsson:

Janik:

Kindl:

Kronwall:

Lidstrom:

Rafalski:

Salei:

Stuart:

Goaltenders

Howard:

Osgood:

[Konnan511 1,736]

My grades are based on preseason predictions on my part and their performances thus far relative to that.

Forwards

Abdelkader: B+

Bertuzzi: B+

Cleary: B-

Datsyuk: A-

Eaves: C+

Filppula: C+

Franzen: B

Helm: C

Holmstrom: D+

Hudler: D-

Miller: C

Modano: C-

Zetterberg: B+

Defensemen

Ericsson: C

Janik: N/A

Kindl: N/A

Kronwall: C-

Lidstrom: A

Rafalski: A-

Salei: C+

Stuart: B+

Goaltenders

Howard: A-

Osgood: C

Remember, my ratings are based on what i expected the players to contribute and what they have. I think the biggest one my people will disagree with me on is Kronwall. he's been decent, but I expected a lot more out of him. Stuart has 10 points with only 2 of those being on the PP. Kronwall has 10 points but only 4 ES points. Stuart is having a great season and needs more love this season from LGW brass. The only other DMan with more ES points is, shocking, Lidstrom.

[Blueliner 69]

My grades are based on preseason predictions on my part and their performances thus far relative to that.

Forwards

Abdelkader: B+

Bertuzzi: B+

Cleary: B-

Datsyuk: A-

Eaves: C+

Filppula: C+

Franzen: B

Helm: C

Holmstrom: D+

Hudler: D-

Miller: C

Modano: C-

Zetterberg: B+

Defensemen

Ericsson: C

Janik: N/A

Kindl: N/A

Kronwall: C-

Lidstrom: A

Rafalski: A-

Salei: C+

Stuart: B+

Goaltenders

Howard: A-

Osgood: C

Remember, my ratings are based on what i expected the players to contribute and what they have. I think the biggest one my people will disagree with me on is Kronwall. he's been decent, but I expected a lot more out of him. Stuart has 10 points with only 2 of those being on the PP. Kronwall has 10 points but only 4 ES points. Stuart is having a great season and needs more love this season from LGW brass. The only other DMan with more ES points is, shocking, Lidstrom.

You either need to greatly lower your expectations or stop being the professor that refuses to give an A. Cleary has 10 goals and you gave him a B-? Get real.

[hockey23 79]

Defensemen

Ericsson: C

Remember, my ratings are based on what i expected the players to contribute and what they have. I think the biggest one my people will disagree with me on is Kronwall. he's been decent, but I expected a lot more out of him. Stuart has 10 points with only 2 of those being on the PP. Kronwall has 10 points but only 4 ES points. Stuart is having a great season and needs more love this season from LGW brass. The only other DMan with more ES points is, shocking, Lidstrom.

Hard to imagine that you had higher expectations for Ericsson considering how he played last year. I would give him an A- this year. The only thing lacking is offensive production which isn't really his role right now.

[Guest mindfly]

Forwards

Abdelkader: B+

Bertuzzi: A+

Cleary: B

Datsyuk: B+

Eaves: C

Filppula: B-

Franzen: B+

Helm: A-

Holmstrom: C-

Hudler: C-

Miller: B-

Modano: C

Zetterberg: B+

Defensemen

Ericsson: B-

Janik: C-

Kindl: C

Kronwall: A-

Lidstrom: A

Rafalski: B+

Salei: B

Stuart: A+

Goaltenders

Howard: A-

Osgood: B-

Comments: Bertuzzi & Stuart has been defensively very sound and of course have the highest +/- on the team, i even think stuart has been better than lidstrom in the defensive zone. Howard gets a A but a minus with some sloppy efforts here and there.

Edited November 29, 2010 by mindfly

[robb himself 143]

Forwards

Abdelkader: B+ (bringing lots of energy night in night out)

Bertuzzi: A (better than ive seen him in years)

Cleary: A (playing great hockey and scoring huge goals)

Datsyuk: A (blows me away on a nightly basis)

Eaves: C+ (been fairly solid)

Filppula: B- (is starting to come alive)

Franzen: A (looking great)

Helm: B (like Abby he is bringing the grit every night)

Holmstrom: B (doing what he does best)

Hudler: C- (so far...yikes...NEEDS to come alive)

Miller: C ( been alright )

Modano: C+ (was doing his part...)

Zetterberg: A (bringing leadership and offense every game)

Defensemen

Ericsson: B- (seems to be getting better and better every game I watch)

Janik: C+ (solid when called upon, but if the injury bug hits...I'd like to see Smith)

Kindl: B- ( played very mature when he was called upon early in the season)

Kronwall: B- (playing alright...would like to see more though)

Lidstrom: A+ ( simply amazing...Norris amazing)

Rafalski: A (bringing it everynight...has been very solid)

Salei: B+ (SOLID as a ROCK)

Stuart: B+ (see "Salei")

Goaltenders

Howard: A+ ( Vezina is on the horizon)

Osgood: C+( umm played alright when he played...)

be about it...

Edited November 29, 2010 by robb himself

[russianswede919293 95]

Forwards

Abdelkader:B+ (Been very impressive, most energy on the team)

Bertuzzi:A (Never expected this from him)

Cleary:A (Best I have ever seen Cleary play)

Datsyuk: A- (The play is beautiful)

Eaves: B- (Has impressed on the PK which is what he is here for)

Filppula: B- (Possibly a straight B with play as of late, needs to shoot the puck more)

Franzen: B- (I know he is streaky, but he goes between dominant and invisible)

Helm: B (NEED TO LEARN HOW TO FINISH)

Holmstrom: B (Average to what I expect from Homer)

Hudler: D- (Not quite an F...but pretty close)

Miller: B- (See the description of Eaves)

Modano: C+ (Has been solid, but I expected more offense)

Zetterberg: B+ (Solid play, but I want more offense)

Defensemen

Ericsson: B (Only because he has exceeded my expectations)

Janik: Incomplete

Kindl: Incomplete

Kronwall: B (seems a little less physical than typical)

Lidstrom: A (Lids is off to his greatest start ever)

Rafalski: B+ (Didn't realize how much I liked this guy till he was out)

Salei: C- (STOP PINCHING AND CAUSING ODD MAN RUSHES SUCK-EI)

Stuart: B+ (Has looked great on Lidstrom's side)

Goaltenders

Howard: A- (Stats are down a bit from last year - but only a bit - very impressive)

Osgood: C (Not been where he needs to be and has been hurt)

[DanZ 0]

My grades are based on preseason predictions on my part and their performances thus far relative to that.

Forwards

Abdelkader: B+

Bertuzzi: B+

Cleary: B-

Datsyuk: A-

Eaves: C+

Filppula: C+

Franzen: B

Helm: C

Holmstrom: D+

Hudler: D-

Miller: C

Modano: C-

Zetterberg: B+

Defensemen

Ericsson: C

Janik: N/A

Kindl: N/A

Kronwall: C-

Lidstrom: A

Rafalski: A-

Salei: C+

Stuart: B+

Goaltenders

Howard: A-

Osgood: C

Remember, my ratings are based on what i expected the players to contribute and what they have. I think the biggest one my people will disagree with me on is Kronwall. he's been decent, but I expected a lot more out of him. Stuart has 10 points with only 2 of those being on the PP. Kronwall has 10 points but only 4 ES points. Stuart is having a great season and needs more love this season from LGW brass. The only other DMan with more ES points is, shocking, Lidstrom.

I don't know how you could possibly give Bertuzzi anything less than an A. I mean, seriously, what more did you expect from him. He's exceeded my expectations easily.

[Theophany 110]

Forwards

Abdelkader: A

Bertuzzi: A

Cleary: A+++

Datsyuk: A

Eaves: B+

Filppula: B+

Franzen: A-

Helm: B+

Holmstrom: B

Hudler: C-

Miller: B

Modano: B-

Zetterberg: B+

Defensemen

Ericsson: B

Janik: C

Kindl: B

Kronwall: B

Lidstrom: A+++

Rafalski: A+

Salei: B-

Stuart: A-

Goaltenders

Howard: A

Osgood: B

Overall, there are only a couple players I've been disappointed in, and a couple players that have frankly shocked me. Lidstrom, Rafalski, Stuart, Bertuzzi, and especially Cleary have all been very pleasant surprises. Bert and Stuart both at +11 when they were -7 and -12 last year respectively is a huge improvement.

And while they could show a decline, I think it unlikely.

I've been disappointed by Modano, who took a while to gel with the team and is now out indefinitely due to a freak incident, and especially Hudler. Hudler has looked like he forgot how to play NHL hockey while he was in the KHL.

Otherwise I'm very happy with how the team has played. Other than a game or two, most games have been really solid efforts, and it's good to see what the boys can do with a full roster.

[Shady Ultima 40]

My grades are based on preseason predictions on my part and their performances thus far relative to that.

Bertuzzi: B+

Remember, my ratings are based on what i expected the players to contribute and what they have. I think the biggest one my people will disagree with me on is Kronwall. he's been decent, but I expected a lot more out of him. Stuart has 10 points with only 2 of those being on the PP. Kronwall has 10 points but only 4 ES points. Stuart is having a great season and needs more love this season from LGW brass. The only other DMan with more ES points is, shocking, Lidstrom.

Seriously? Bert gets a B+ you actually expected him to be playing this good? He's one of the top three players on the TEAM, and playing better than a lot of people making a LOT more money than him.

My rankings are also based on what I expected coming into the season. B is what I expected.

Forwards

Abdelkader: A After coming in early, he has been one of the best players consistently on the ice, night after night.

Bertuzzi: A+ Team leader in +/- and just setting up EVERYTHING out there.

Cleary: A+ Playing better than I've ever seen him, he's got something to prove.

Datsyuk: B He's been as great as I expected, but he has not exceeded my expectations.

Eaves: B The fourth line has been working great, and Eaves has been doing exactly as I expected.

Filppula: B- Working hard, but needs to get more offense going.

Franzen: C+ I've been a bit disappointed. I thought he'd be the best player on his line, and Bert has been playing better.

Helm: B+ Helm, like Eaves and Miller, has been great. He's been showing a little more offense this year, so gets a +

Holmstrom: C- Last year, he was our leading scorer. This year... he's not doing much. Hopefully, he'll pick up later.

Hudler: D- Worst player thus far. Slow, weak, and barely doing anything on the ice.

Miller: B- Miller hasn't done much to impress me yet, after being much better than expected last year.

Modano: C I expected Mo to give our third line a lot more offense. He was starting to find his game, but who knows now.

Zetterberg: B+ A lot of people thought he was slowing down, but as Dats wing, he's been great. The goal with .3 seconds left earns the plus here.

Defensemen

Ericsson: B- He's been better than last year, but I expected him to play better still, with a contract on the line.

Janik: B- Didn't expect much, but he didn't look as good this year as last.

Kindl: A+ I expected him to make Lebda look great defensively, and he actually impressed me. Sure, he made mistakes, but not as bad as I expected

Kronwall: C+ Nick JR. hasn't looked like himself. His offense is down, and his defense is lacking by usual standards.

Lidstrom: A I never doubt Lids, but he's exceeded ALL of my expectations.

Rafalski: B- I can't say I expected much more out of Raffi, but with 0 goals, I'm a little disappointed.

Salei: B Salei hasn't done anything noticeable, either good or bad. That's kinda what I expected.

Stuart: A+ Defensively, he is our best D-Man. He's solid and works his ass off each game.

Goaltenders

Howard: B+ Howard has been great, and while I expected him to be, he's been just a BIT better than I expected for this year.

Osgood: N/A He's played something like 5 games. I can't grade such a small sample of games played.

[thurman1701 0]

Forwards

Abdelkader: B+ Brings lots of grit and energy, strong night in and night out.

Bertuzzi: A- This is the best Big Bert has played in years.

Cleary: B+ Cleary is electric, scoring big goals, and working hard.

Datsyuk: A- Datsyuk is amazing on a nightly basis, whether he's scoring or not.

Eaves: B- Great on the PK which is doing well, and always works hard.

Filppula: B Seems to have more confidence as late, just needs to shoot more.

Franzen: B+ Agree with earlier comments, either he is HUGE, or invisible.

Helm: B+ I think he brings the most energy to the 4th line, and has a great work ethic.

Holmstrom: B He does what Homer does.

Hudler: D Poor Hudler needs to find his game, about 10 games ago.

Miller: B- See Eaves...

Modano: C+ Brought energy and worked hard, not scoring as much as I'd like though.

Zetterberg: B+ Like Datsyuk, is incredibly driven, and always a threat.

Defensemen

Ericsson: B- Great improvement from last year

Janik: N/A

Kindl: N/A

Kronwall: B His physical play is considerably down, but he's playing well enough.

Lidstrom: A What can you say about Lidstrom? Phenomenal start, playing better than ever.

Rafalski: A- Really really REALLY missed him while he was out, and he looks great.

Salei: B Works hard, and seems to do his job well overall consistantly.

Stuart: B+ Stuart is playing quite well also, and he looks awesome with Lidstrom.

Goaltenders

Howard: A- Howard never quite seems to look the same from night to night, but great overall.

Osgood: C+ The team never quite seems to be in groove when Ozzy's in, but I don't think that's his fault. It'll be interesting to see how his next start goes.

Just my two cents

[Broken 16 381]

This is based on my expectations before the season started. With 'C' being exactly what I expected.

Forwards

Abdelkader:B

Bertuzzi:A

Cleary:B+

Datsyuk:B+

Eaves:C-

Filppula:B+

Franzen:C

Helm:C+

Holmstrom:C+

Hudler:D-

Miller:C

Modano:C

Zetterberg:B

Defensemen

Ericsson:A-

Janik:C

Kindl:B+

Kronwall:B-

Lidstrom:A+

Rafalski:A-

Salei:B-

Stuart:C+

Goaltenders

Howard:B+

Osgood:C

Edited November 30, 2010 by Broken 16

[Guest Crymson]

You beat me to the punch. I was going to make a thread like this.

Anyhow, I'll start. Bear in mind that 'A' would constitute lots of production both offensively and defensively; I'm rating players based on an overall scale and on their worth to the team, rather than on what they're individually capable of doing based on their own levels of talent.

Forwards

Abdelkader: B. Abs has begun to show his true potential on the ice. He's big enough to create space for himself; he hits hard; he's willing to fight; his speed has significantly improved; and he's beginning to show some offensive potential.

Bertuzzi: A. Bertuzzi has thus far performed about as well as anyone could ask. He has been a consistent producer on offense and a responsible team member defensively. He backchecks, he plays with care, and he rarely gives the puck away; he works hard, and it has shown on the scoresheet and on his +/-. Bert has also been the player most persistently rotated around by Babcock; Babcock seems to be confident that Bert can add to any line on which he is played, and that confidence thus far appears to have been well-placed.

Cleary: A-. Cleary has shown his usual combination of hard work and talent. He has looked excellent since his surgery. He's his usual diligent self defensively, and he has returned to his expected level of offensive production. As usual, he works harder than just about anyone else.

Datsyuk: A+. Not much more could be asked of Datsyuk. He dazzles every night. He continues to be the league's best stickhandler and best defensive forward, and he's not afraid to mix it up with his body or even with his fists.

Eaves: B-. Eaves does well in his role as a defensive specialist and he works hard. He stills lags behind in realization of his offensive potential.

Filppula: B. Fippula is his usual hardworking self. His state of physical conditioning this year is such that amongst the team's players, he likely only ranks behind Helm in speed. He continues to develop as a player, but he's not quite to where IO

Franzen: B. Franzen is not playing quite right, as we've all seen. He hasn't been quite as aggressive, or as quick, or as defensively responsible as usual, and he has been giving the puck up an awful lot in the offensive zone. However, he has ten goals anyway.

Helm: B+. Helm has, thus far, been very possibly the best and most valuable penalty killer on the team. He has developed excellent defensive awareness over the past two-plus seasons, and he continues to amaze with his speed and acceleration (indeed--and incredibly--the latter seems to have improved even further over the summer). He has some offensive development yet left to go through, but he performs brilliantly in his current role.

Holmstrom: B. Homer seems to have lost a step in the speed department. This says something, given that his mobility has been an issue for some time. However, he continues to produce offensively, and he is still second to none in the department of screening and generally annoying opposing goaltenders. He is far from a defensive stalwart; fortunately, he is not expected to perform in that department, and he excels in his role as a specialist.

Hudler: D-. In a word, Hudler has been useless. Like Holmstrom, Hudler is a specialist. Unlike Holmstrom, Hudler is performing horribly in his own role. This makes him worthless, as he's good for nothing else. He is a liability on the ice if he isn't contributing offensively, and that's currently just the case. Worse, it seems likely that much of the difference between today's Hudler and he of previous seasons lies in expenditure of effort. The hustling, hardworking Hudler of yesteryear has been replaced by a lazy coaster. That's too for him and for the team, because Hudler's style of play will only function when he's willing to work hard to find the space that his lack of size otherwise prevents him from creating. If he doesn't find his old work ethic soon, it's not inconceivable that he might find riding the pine for long stretches. If it takes too long, he may find himself playing for another team; history has shown us that while players rarely get traded off the roster, those who are unwilling to put forth the effort expected of them don't last long in the organization. Buyer beware.

Miller: C+. Miller has been good enough. He provides a stable presence on the penalty kill, and none can say of him that he does not work hard on every shift.

Modano: C+. Modano has taken some time to adjust, and he was just beginning to find something of a stride before his injury. While it's unfortunate for he and for the team that he'll be off the ice, it's fortunate that his injury will still allow him to skate; his main impediment thus far has seemed to be the gap between his own level of physical conditioning and that of the rest of the team, and he indeed has remarked that players on the Red Wings seem to work harder off the ice than members of his previous teams. Hopefully Modano will return in better condition, so that things things may then be different for him.

Zetterberg: A. Zetterberg seems to be rebounding. He isn't quite as fast as he used to be, but he's exhibiting the fantastic offensive awareness and quality two-way play that we've come to expect of him. It is, of course, always a pleasure to watch he and Pavel at work together.

Defensemen

Ericsson: B. Ericsson has surprised, as he has been very solid. He seems to simply be more at ease on the ice, as his mistakes thus far this season have been very few. He has begun to properly use his size to his advantage, and he has shown some progress in the offensive zone. It still would be wonderful to see him play with more of an edge, but he has been very good thus far nevertheless.

Janik: C-. Janik showed well why he belongs more in the AHL than in the NHL. He is good to have around in case of a spell of injuries, but he simply makes too many mistakes on the ice, and he lacks any sort of talent in the offensive zone.

Kindl: C+. Kindl showed promise. It is worth remembering that he had not played any significant amount of time in the NHL before this season. He exhibited his tendency to make defensive errors, but he also showed his offensive potential. He seems poised to contribute to the team in future seasons, provided that he continues to develop physically and in on-ice intelligence.

Kronwall: B+. Kronwall rebounded from a semi-rocky start to begin producing on a large scale. His abilities in the offensive zone are returning to what we've come to expect as his normal baseline, and while he has never been spectacular defensively, he also rarely makes mistakes.

Lidstrom: A+. Lidstrom is a hockey deity. It is difficult to question anything that he does on the ice.

Rafalski: A-. Rafalski's absence demonstrated how much the team needs what he brings to the table. Rafalski has, in sum, been playing excellently since last year's Olympics. He continues to be very dangerous in the offensive zone--especially on the power play, where he has consistently showed why he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league--and this has been accompanied by solid defensive play, aside from the odd size-derived turnover.

Salei: C+. Salei has performed decently in the role of #6 defenseman. He has not been spectacular, but then he was never expected to be spectacular. He has shown a bit more offensive promise than Lilja ever did. He makes mistakes, but probably does so less than do most #6 defensemen.

Stuart: B+. Stuart has done well thus far. While he will likely never amount to much offensively, he continues to be a rock in the defensive zone, and he is still one of the league's most effective hitters.

Goaltenders

Howard: A-. Howard has proven beyond a doubt that he is the team's goaltender of now and of the future. He combines excellent positioning with good speed, good lateral movement, excellent awareness, great reflexes and admirable poise. He needs to work further on his rebound control, but even now he's one of the league's better goaltenders. It's worth noting that he's still young and so still has much space in which to develop his game. His performance in a few games may have been below his usual level, but it's worth noting that Osgood's absence has left Howard significantly overworked, and Howard is performing well even in spite of this.

Osgood: N/A. Osgood simply hasn't played enough. He had a good game against Chicago, a poor game against Phoenix, and a game against Dallas in which he was alternatively hung out to dry and made the victim of some horrible bounces.

Edited November 30, 2010 by Crymson

[Guest Crymson]

Holmstrom: C- Last year, he was our leading scorer. This year... he's not doing much. Hopefully, he'll pick up later.

Bear in mind that Holmstrom was a leading scorer last year because much of the remainder of the team underperformed and/or spent much of the season injured. Holmstrom has never been expected to carry the team. As is, he's on pace for 20-25 goals and 40 points.

Edited November 30, 2010 by Crymson

[titanium2 867]

Is the grading scale something like this?

A - Excellence

B - Above Average - Exceeds Expectations

C - Average - Meets Expectations

D - Below Average

F - Fail

Stole it from griffinscentral.com

[Guest Crymson]

Is the grading scale something like this?

A - Excellence

B - Above Average - Exceeds Expectations

C - Average - Meets Expectations

D - Below Average

F - Fail

Stole it from griffinscentral.com

I rated the players based on their general usefulness to the team.

Edited November 30, 2010 by Crymson

[Branton87 77]

F's for EVERYONE! I expect NOTHING but PERFECTION from the entire team every single night. If we don't win by 10 goals and get a shutout every game then I'm not satisfied!

There. I posted the response that half of the people on this board will post after a loss or a tough win.

Seriously, though. This team has done an amazing job so far this season and I don't mind that a player or two isn't producing as well as they should be.

So my grades will be smiley faces and sad faces, and in my book they all get smiley faces and a cookie before recess.

[Buppy 1,720]

Forwards

Abdelkader: A+ (Everything you want from a checker and a 40+ point pace)

Bertuzzi: A+ (Still don't like him, but have to give props)

Cleary: A (He can probably blame Mo and Huds for losing the plus, wasn't great early on)

Datsyuk: B+ (Maybe a little harsh. He's amazing, but occasionally seems to play a little too casually)

Eaves: C+ (Solid, but not really impressing. PK should be better)

Filppula: C+ (A for defense, otherwise he'd be lower overall. Needs to be more agressive on offense)

Franzen: B (Should be more consistent. Maybe it's the injury)

Helm: B- (Where'd the hits go? Speed isn't everything)

Holmstrom: B+ (On pace for another 20+ goal season. Can't expect much better)

Hudler: F (Not showing much effort. 2 ES points. Poor defense. Just disappointing in every way)

Miller: C (Deja Eaves)

Modano: C- (Was starting to come around. Bad luck on the injury. Terrible early, and ineffective on the point)

Zetterberg: B- (No good reason for him to be under a point per game. Like Pav, needs more effort. Talent isn't everything)

Defensemen

Ericsson: B+ (Redeeming himself nicely so far)

Janik: Inc (Adequate fill-in, not much else to say)

Kindl: B (Not bad for a rookie with a lot of question marks. Not all that good either)

Kronwall: B+ (A for offense, defense has been off at times)

Lidstrom: A+ (40 and arguably still the best in the game)

Rafalski: B- (Could be an A+ if not for costly turnovers and horribly timed defensive lapses)

Salei: B- (Needs to hit more. But not much to complain about so far)

Stuart: A- (His mistakes always seem to mean goals against, other than that he's been fantastic, and on a 40 point pace)

Goaltenders

Howard: A- (No sophmore slump, but has let in a few weak ones here and there)

Osgood: Inc (Solid in 3 of 4 games, but not enough action to grade)

[servo 15]

Forwards

Abdelkader: A+

Bertuzzi: A

Cleary: B+

Datsyuk: A+

Eaves: C

Filppula: A-

Franzen: B+

Helm: B-

Holmstrom: C-

Hudler: C-

Miller: B-

Modano: C+

Zetterberg: B+

Defensemen

Ericsson: B+

Janik: B-

Kindl: C

Kronwall: B

Lidstrom: A

Rafalski: B+

Salei: B-

Stuart: A

Goaltenders

Howard: A-

Osgood: D-

Here is the way I see it.

[Donaldjr2448 43]

Forwards

Abdelkader: B+: Just keeps improving!

Bertuzzi: A-: Shocked!! I'm soooo happy Bert is playing the way he has!

Cleary:A+: Are you kidding me! The Hottest Wing on the ice lately!

Datsyuk:A+: I wish I could walk as good as this guy skates!

Eaves:B: I've been impressed with Eaves! I can tell when he is in the lineup

Filppula:B: Has picked it up as of late

Franzen:B: MULE! Getting going!

Helm:B: Wish the kid had better hands! But plays with soooo much heart

Holmstrom:B: Keeping the paperwork going in his office! He's been better than I expected.

Hudler:D-: There always has to be a rotten apple in the bunch! But the there is 3 marking periods left to improve!

Miller:B: Can't complain

Modano:B-: Playing better, then terrible injury!

Zetterberg:B+: Has been better the last couple of weeks!

Defensemen

Ericsson:B+: Very nice improvement by the Big Rig!

Janik:C:Decent when called upon

Kindl:C:" " "

Kronwall:B-: Needs to hit more!

Lidstrom:A++++++++: Not sure I can say anything bad!!

Rafalski:A-: Been pleased with Raffi

Salei:B: Very nice addition, like someone else stated, quit pinching!!

Stuart:B: Solid as always!!

Goaltenders

Howard:A+++++++++++ Best Goalie in the league right now!!

Osgood:N/A: Not enough playing time!

MacDonald:N/A: Still not enough playing time, but I thought he playeed well in a mop up roll in Atlanta!

[Shady Ultima 40]

Is the grading scale something like this?

A - Excellence

B - Above Average - Exceeds Expectations

C - Average - Meets Expectations

D - Below Average

F - Fail

Stole it from griffinscentral.com

I went with

A - Excellence, above expectations

B - Meets my expectations

C - Below average

D - Unacceptable

Bear in mind that Holmstrom was a leading scorer last year because much of the remainder of the team underperformed and/or spent much of the season injured. Holmstrom has never been expected to carry the team. As is, he's on pace for 20-25 goals and 40 points.

I don't expect Holmstrom to carry the team, I just feel he hasn't been playing as well as he usually does.

[Konnan511 1,736]

I expected Bertuzzi to be good. Loo at any of my posts from the summer, you'll see I said I expected 45-60 points from him. He's on pace for 70. He's on the cusp of exceeding my expectations to greatly exceeding my expectations. A B+ is quite reasonable.

Ericsson got a C because he has been playing exactly how I thought he would be, a serviceable 6th/7th DMan who fudges up from time to time, but also is down right good other times.

Sorry I don't give every single player a C- or better. Call me stingy, but I call it as I see it and am a realist. Some players are playing below their potential (C- and below), some players played up to their expectations (C- to C+ range), other exceeded my expectations(B- to B+ range), some players are just being near perfect on a nearly nightly basis and are a greatly exceeding my expectations (B+ to A+)

[Konnan511 1,736]

You either need to greatly lower your expectations or stop being the professor that refuses to give an A. Cleary has 10 goals and you gave him a B-? Get real.

Only 4 players got below a C with me. So 83% of my students got 'C' or better and only 4% of my students got a failing grade (D or below).

As for Cleary, He had a magical run of 8 games where he got 12 of his 15 points. Aside from that streak, he has been playing slightly above what I thought he was capable of. 8 games leading up to that streak he had 2 points (1 goal), which both came in the first game of the season and the last 5 games he has yielded 1 point (1 goal). So do you see why i gave him a B- now. You can't just look at his goal total and say "well look at that, why would you rate him at above average expectations and not an A billion". There's more than just one number, you have to look at everything as a whole.

I have high expectations from our players, there's nothing wrong with that as far as I am concerned. Like I said, 83% of the Wings have been playing as I expected or better than I expected and only 4 have been playing below my expectations. Doesn't sound like I set my expectations too high now does it.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Kindl - B

Lidstrom - A+

Abdelkader - A

Cleary - A+

Datsyuk - A+

Eaves - B+

Miller - B-

Stuart - B

Salei - B

Hudler - C-

Rafalski - B+

Osgood - B

MacDonald - N/A

Draper - N/A

Janik - B

Zetterberg - A-

Helm - B+

Bertuzzi - A-

Filppula - A-

Ericsson - B

Kronwall - A

Franzen - A-

Holmstrom - B+

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Jiri Hudler thanks all those who gave him a passing grade.