Rick Zombos Ghost 82 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 From Malik and Khan.... “I want someone to take the job. I don’t want to rotate them,’’ coach Mike Babcock said. “So it’s up for grabs. One of them better grab it.’‘ Asked what he wants to see from each player, Babcock, “I’ve already talked to them about that. They know, let’s just see. It’s a situation where we want to win each and every night. We want to give ourselves the best chance to be successful in the playoffs. They’re both different type players. So bring what you bring.’‘" "Salei told Khan that he’s not happy about the development… “I’ve been playing the whole year and now he feels like we have to fight for it, so I guess I have to fight for it,’’ Salei said. Asked if he was surprised to be battling for his job this late in the season, Salei said, “I got some time off with my newborn, so I guess it had a little effect on my game.’‘ But Kindl’s obviously delighted with the development: “Whenever I have the opportunity I just got to show (Babcock) I want to take the job,’’ Kindl said. “I don’t way to say it’s a battler between us. I want to play, he wants to play. It’s coach’s decision.’‘ Controversy! lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooon 1,089 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Why isn't E battling for a spot? 6 Veery, sleepwalker, nate94gt and 3 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Oh wow. I was waiting for this and I think this is a great debate to have really. If the playoffs start today, I think Rusty has to get the 6th spot with his experience he has. I know a lot of people have been not too please with his play, but like most of those realistic fans have stated, he is a cheap, NHL veteran, playing on the last pair and has been effective enough. So playoffs come, you definitely want those who have been there before if you will. Kindl's time is coming soon though. Why isn't E battling for a spot? To be fair (and even coming from one of Ericsson's biggest haters) he has played better lately. Not as boneheaded with his moves and such. In the Chicago game which was as close to a playoff game as we have seen in a while, he looked to be the type of guy I want there. E is not off the playoff roster right now to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Din758 371 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Personally I thought Salei had a great game against the hawks. At this point of the season I would take Salei because of his experience. This is not the year I want young-ins on the blue line trying to gain experience. This may also be a little trick from babs to light a fire under Salei's ass for the rest of the season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z Winged Dangler 2,082 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 i'd take kindl for the playoffs for sure. he's more skilled, bigger and tougher. on top of that, he has the stamina for a long playoff run. salei is slow and makes more mistakes in the last long time than the rookie. i'd play: lids/ericsson kronwall/rafalski kindl/stuart rotate kindl and ericsson if things need a tweak, and keep a solid kronner/rafs line together as the go-to pairing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Stuie should never be on the 3rd pairing. Period. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick Zombos Ghost 82 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Salei has definitely lost some of his physical edge. He has an even +- with 70 GP. Kindl is a -1 with 42 GP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Salei's an old guy looking for his 1st cup. Kindl is a young guy looking to stick in the line-up. Salei has his shortcomings, but he has a better outlet pass then Kindl and in the clutch would be a more physical player. I hope Rusty seizes the oppertunity, Kindl has plenty of years to play for Detroit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z Winged Dangler 2,082 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Stuie should never be on the 3rd pairing. Period. i agree, but the post i had was directed as though the pairings got even ice time...20 mins per game a piece. otherwise i'd put kronwall and stuart together and put rafalski and his 6m salary on the 3rd pairing. stuart is my favorite dman behind lids. the wings don't always use "line numbers" ex: dats line / Z line... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt198913 932 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 I'll take Kindl for sure in this.... I like the Bab's sticks him with Rafalski makes him look a whole lot better. The Wings need to start getting younger having Kindl complete his developing is fine with me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogreslayer 1,069 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 I've got to say at this point, I would rather see Rusty out there for the playoffs. Put him & Big E together and limit their ice time. Reunite Lids/Raffi & Stuie/Nick Jr. and ride those pairs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt198913 932 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 I've got to say at this point, I would rather see Rusty out there for the playoffs. Put him & Big E together and limit their ice time. Reunite Lids/Raffi & Stuie/Nick Jr. and ride those pairs. i don't know E has been dare I say it decent lately. He's plus 8 for the year, I wouldn't mind seeing him paired with Lidstrom again. Lidstrom-Ericsson Stuart-Rafalski Kronwall-Kindl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
evilzyme 769 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 When I heard the interview a little ago I had a smile on my face, why? Babcock is in previous form, strict but fair. Not saying he is an ******* as his early years but hes lighting fires under peoples ass, he isn't tolerating a level of game play, if someone isn't willing to play to his standards and theres another player willing to do so hes going to give them the chance. I like it, I hope Salei doesn't take it absolutely the wrong way like hes getting pushed out the door and I hope he takes it as an learning experience that Babcock isn't ******* around. I personally think Salei has looked great out there but he is a bit slow, I would love him to use his big body some more but I wish that on everyone of our defensive defensemen. Okay, i'm done bitching. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tr!PoD#19 524 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Salei due to his toughness and shot blocking. You need a guy like him in the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 "I've been playing all year and now he (Mike Babcock) feels we have to fight for it (the position). I guess I have to fight for it. I got some time off with my newborn and I guess that had an effect on my game." Uh oh Rusty. Well play like you want it, brotha. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 It's kind of unfair to pit Salei vs. Kindl. Like Salei said, he's been playing all year and playing pretty well. Kindl and Ericsson, on the other hand, haven't wowed either, and really should have shown us something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick Zombos Ghost 82 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 It's Salei's job to lose, I think this is just Babs playing mind games to light a fire under Ruslan going into the playoffs... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nate94gt 134 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 2 HankthaTank and atodaso reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Earn your job Salei Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akustyk 84 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 love this one as a die hard South Park fan H-h-h-having s-s-said th-th-thaaat... I'd pi-pi-pick Ki-ki-kindl never been very convinced to Salei and Kindl has shown a lot of progress and a big promise for more. gimme Kindl! Timmeh! Timmeh! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brett 1,029 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Havent been impressed with salei as of recent. Salei is horrible offensively maybe a touch smarter defensively. Been impressed with kindl when he played with raffi. He has great offensive side and is fairly psychical. It is what it is though. Might just be babs trying to get the best out of him players Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeytownRules19 902 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 For the playoffs... I prefer Salei, but I still love what Kindl brings to the table Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Travis 576 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Lids / Raffi Stuart / Kronwall Kindl / Salei Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nevermind 363 Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Why does Ericsson have a spot locked up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
