wings_fanatic 677 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 I will say this... if we lose this series to the Sharks I will blame a large chunk on Mike Babcock for REFUSING to play Mike Modano over Drew Miller!! There is not one reason that Modano has not been given a chance to play in these playoffs and by playing Modano over a guy like Miller gives us a new aspect of depth and speed that San Jose wont be able to compete with. IMO the lines for game 3 should start as: Homer- Datsyuk- Modano Franzen- Zetterberg- Hudler Cleary- Filpulla- Bertuzzi Eaves- Helm- Draper - I know Pavs and Hank have been our only good line, but that is even more of the reason to get things going with other lines - Modano looked good with Pavs the one game and I think they could develop some good chemestry together... and Modano still has that shot. Also Pavs could still take care of Thorton. - I remember this 2nd line in the 2009 playoffs and it worked very well for Mike Babcock and they could go head to head with Pavelski's line and would defs win that matchup. - this 3rd line has a good set of responsible forwards who can play defense and spark some offense and forecheck; defs beats their 3rd line - the 4th line just has not looked the same since Draper left. Bring him back and get this line going again. These changes I think will spark the Wings success and win us the series. Thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RusDRW 155 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Homer- Datsyuk- Modano I like this line. We lack speed and Mo brings it. Although Dats has enough defensive coverage this line should not be paired with Thornton's one. Still I think the major reason for trailing is the style of play refs dictate. We don't have a chance against Sharks when refs prefer clutch and grab instead of cleaner style we see in Was-Tampa and Bos-Philly. That's not our fault though. Absence of common standard for penalties is the problem... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Berry 2 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Franzen-Dats-Modano Homer-Z-Cleary Berts-Flip-Abdelkader Helm-Drapes-Eaves Huds doesn't deserve to be in the lineup. Flip has to be on the ice, even if he should be sended to the Griffins, with his brother Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloune 270 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Cleary - Datsyuk - Hudler Bertuzzi - Zetterberg - Franzen ( ) Holmstrom - Filppula - Modano Emmerton - Helm - Eaves Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Cleary - Datsyuk - Hudler Bertuzzi - Zetterberg - Franzen ( ) Holmstrom - Filppula - Modano Emmerton - Helm - Eaves 1. Poor Filppula 2. Emmerton??? Over Mursak? Cory is a C, Mursak a winger, the Wings clearly rate Mursak higher, and yet you've gone Emmerton? Strange post all round. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmamolo 287 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 As well as Miller has played I was blown away when Babcock chose to play Miller over Draper in Game 1 on the fourth line. Then when he stuck with it in Game 2 it was insane. When you look at how slow the Wings were in Game 1 you instantly would want to bring in a guy like Draper. Then you add the veteran pressence of Draper and to me it's a no brainer. In the third period of game 2 Zetterberg and Franzen finally looked a little bit sharper but they definitely aren't at 100%. The only way that Zetterberg and Datsyuk should be split is if Zetterberg is paired with someone like Filppula to help sustain the line. I also agree with some of the posters that I wouldnt mind seeing Mondano in the line up but I don't necessarily think it should be at the expense of Hudler. Although if it were to happen it wouldn't be a big deal. I also agree that Abdelkader has looked weak these last two games but that doesnt mean you take him out either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwingcapt 52 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 I think we need more depth scoring. More body banging in the offensive zone, and more cycling. So split Pavel and Henk up. Take Miller out and maybe even Abdelkader.... but i think the home ice is going to spark him. anyways this my line up Franzen-Datsyuk-Filpulla Cleary-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Bertuzzi-Modano-Hudler Eaves-Helm-Draper Same D pairing but TAKE SALEI OUT for Kindl. Salei has been horrible with the puck and we need better puck movement. Time for the rook to shine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frozen-Man 144 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 (edited) babcock has to man up and actually send a message with one of his lineup decisions: bench abdelkader. 0 pts, -3, arguably cost the wings both games 1 and 2 because of high-sticking calls in the offensive zone. don't care if you love the guy or hate the guy, he's just a dumb player. only a total moron would take that double minor in game 1 OT and come out and do the exact same thing 3 minutes into game 2. guy's an idiot. exactly. imagine that feeling after game 2. cost your team the game, your coach has to talk to the media about needing to "keep our sticks down", obviously specifically referring to your bone-headed play. ...and then you come out and do the exact same thing 3 minutes into the next game? that takes a special kind of moron. Z took a high sticking penalty after Babs made that statement too. Sometimes it just happens. Abby hasn't looked great out there but the fact that he took another high sticking penalty last game doesn't mean much too me. Edited May 2, 2011 by Frozen-Man Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wing Across The Pond 196 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 I like this line. We lack speed and Mo brings it. Although Dats has enough defensive coverage this line should not be paired with Thornton's one. Still I think the major reason for trailing is the style of play refs dictate. We don't have a chance against Sharks when refs prefer clutch and grab instead of cleaner style we see in Was-Tampa and Bos-Philly. That's not our fault though. Absence of common standard for penalties is the problem... Franzen-Dats-Modano For me this is the line, similar sentiments to the top quote, but would put Franzen out with Dats and Mo, not Homer. Homer can't really shoot, so put two bigs guys out who can hold a side of the ice whilst the other heads in front of the net (if thats the way they decide to play that line). With Homer out there, you only ever have Homer in front of net (and rightly so as its his office) yet with two big guys like Mo and Mule they can both shoot, and both screen. Just think that'll work better. Plus don't play a screening game when you've got people like Abdelkader on the ice as they can't play it. Let him, Helm, Miller, Draper, Eaves, check all over the ice and fire pucks at net. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheWestWing 71 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Dats - Hank - Helmer I - Dont - Care Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 (edited) Filppula-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Zetterberg-Cleary Abdelkader-Modano-Bertuzzi Draper-Helm-Eaves Miller/Hudler(bring it on, eva) Edited May 2, 2011 by HankthaTank Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UP Wings Fan 0 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 I agree, splitting up Dats and Z has to be done, spread their talent out, make the Sharks have to worry about more than one line. Also, adding Modano and Draper back in makes a lot of sense, we need some speed and grit, and both should be willing to use both! I am worried though that this teams problem isn't with line combinations. This team lacks Motivation, lacks Desire, and lacks Heart! When you get beat all over the ice and don't respond until it's too late, those are the things you are missing! I do BELIEVE that if any team can step it up a notch it's the WINGS. But Motivation, Desire, and Heart are required to take it up to the next level! Let's see what they have! The time is NOW! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt198913 932 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 I would not mind seeing Muesak at all... Young blood may freshen up the top guys 1 Aussie_Wing reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernHockeyHoney 20 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 (edited) In response to ideas brought forward by others, I thought I'd add my 2 cents. SPLIT UP Z AND DATS: Agree. I think Z is pretty darn close to 100%. Babs said he wanted to keep them together until he felt he could sustain his own line. After watching the closing minutes of the 3rd yesterday. I'd say he can handle his own line just fine. HELM ON A DIFFERENT LINE: Wholeheartedly agree with Helm being on a different line. He can move and I gree with the poster who said that with his speed and Pav's ability to "find" players on the ice, it could bring a whole new dymanic. MODANO IN THE LINE-UP: Also agree with those who feel Modano should be in the line-up to repalce Hudler. I like Hudler well enough, but it seems to me that even with his improved defensive capabilities (over years past), his size is a problem with some of the bigger Sharks players. Mo has experience, size, and skill, which just might give another line a bit of punch and be more difficult for the Sharks to defend. FRANZEN: I think he has looked VERY shaky. I don't think he is anywhere near 100 percent. I agree with those who thought Bert should be on a line with him because I think another big body to crash and bang on that line just might take some of the heat off Franzen to allow him more time and space. If they are still zeroing in on Franzen, it gives Bert the opportunity to get some shots on net. DRAPER VS. ABDELKADER/MILLER/EAVES: Agree that Draper should be in the line-up. Neutral as to who should sit. SIT SALEI: Totally disagree with the poster who suggestged this. He has been reasonably responsible and NOT a liability which is more than you can say for some other D-men on our roster. Leave the D alone. Edited May 2, 2011 by SouthernHockeyHoney Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest blueadams Report post Posted May 2, 2011 (edited) Hudler-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Zetterberg-Cleary Modano-Filppula-Bertuzzi Abdelkader-Helm-Eaves Miller Draper First and foremost, we need more offense in this series, so two of the following three - that possess no offensive skills whatsoever - will be scratched: Abdelkader, Miller, Draper. Second, Hudler has been completely worthless in both the regular and post season with Datsyuk, and terrific with him, so let's get those two back together. Third, the rest of the lines work themselves out. Mule-Hank-Clears is an old proven favorite. Modano-Filppula-Bertuzzi would be sound defensively, and a big upgrade offensively from our current third line. Edited May 2, 2011 by blueadams Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nyquistfan14 489 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Huds Datsyuk Cleary Bert Z Franzen Abby Flip Modano Draper Helm Eaves I know these wont happen cause Homer wont be scratched, but i feel that this allows for a more speedy fast lineup. Line 1) This line has proven to be dynamic and able to score at will. Line 2) Remember game 4 last year? Nuff said. Althought Z and Franzen are question marks. Line 3) This line was together near the end of the season and I absolutely loved them. I believe it was the Washington game (could be wrong) where they were by far the best line. They bring speed and grit and the ability to score. Line 4) This line is the best 4th line in hockey. PP1 Huds Dats Cleary Lids Raffi PP2 Franzen Z Fil Kronwall Modo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Hudler-Datsyuk-Cleary worked like gold in the regular season for sure. Not at all confident it would translate into game 3. Who knows? Anything is worth a shot at this point. I will stick by my Cleary-Hank-Mule line which I feel can get things clicking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpIkE 17 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 (edited) Babs needs to do a total shakeup of the lines, something new and different. If this team expects to win the next 4 out of 5 and advance, they're going to need a ton more of determination. When were not seeing much going on until the last 5 minutes of the third, there is obviously a motivation problem. How many times this season have we seen that; where the Wings play a half ass lazy game until the end of the third they start turning it up... too many to go unnoticed... 60 mins of hockey. Is it too much to ask for Edited May 2, 2011 by SpIkE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Pred 48 337 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 not sure it'll matter much what lines we use, the fact that Sharks have our # lately and Babs continued line tinkering thru the season adds up to the same as last season. 4-1 series win for the Sharks, maybe we could go 1 better and steal 2 games but thats as far as this team goes with the roster we have this year for sure. Id like us to get Smith, Tatar and Mursak in, young guys who can skate and have a high end skill level, but that wont happen as the stakes are too high to throw rookies in now. A line of Eaves Helm and Mursak would have the speed to keep one of the Sharks lines honest and hemmed in their own end most of their shifts. Smiths skill and skating ability would be a no brainer for most of the other NHL sides to have used already this season, but not at this stage of the playoffs, and Tatar reminds me of Hudler only faster and a better eye for goal. There will be next year but will any of them be allowed to make the step up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WorkingOvertime 536 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 I'd go with this Huds- Dats- Homer Cleary- Z- Franzen Abby- Flip- Bert Modano- Helm- Eaves It leaves the PK hurting a bit, but I think the Wings have enough players who can play the PK to make it work. Modano is included mostly for PP time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 The only way Modano plays is if he plays with Datsyuk. He's next to useless anywhere else and his lack of work ethic can only function with Datsyuk feeding him pucks wherever he's floating. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
El_Brian 19 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Im shocked that Babcock isnt starting Modano. As a long time Sharks fan, seeing him on the ice in Red is a personal nightmare, i'll say it. He has always been a Shark Killer.. had to look this up.. but in 38 Games at The Tank in SJ he has 36 Points. He torches us.. always has.. mind you each time and year is different.. but he loves to kick our teeth in. Im sure he'll be in the lineup in Game 3 or 4.. Too much talent to sit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted May 2, 2011 Franzen-Zetterberg-Cleary Holmstrom-Datsyuk-Modano Hudler-Filpula-Bertuzzi Eaves-Helm-Draper Miller/Abby Sends a message to Abby to play smarter or he wont, and also gives us more speed and scoring depth. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esteef 2,679 Report post Posted May 3, 2011 JANIK!!! esteef Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cali-Wing-Nut 102 Report post Posted May 3, 2011 Get Helm and Draper together Get Z off the 1st line Put Flip on the 3rd Bertuzzi, Mule, Abby together Float Clears Limit Ericcson and Salei's minutes That looks like the changes needed for one rough tough scoring machine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites