Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted November 19, 2011 I really don't understand what's going on with him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jroc86 90 Report post Posted November 19, 2011 I cant help but think he must be playing through an injury. Likely a strained muscle or tendon or perhaps is dealing with some nerve impingement in his back. His skating (especially his firs 3 steps) is nowhere where it typically is. Groin, hip flexor, abdominal tear/sprots hernia, herniated disc, etc etc ... Zetterberg is a great player when hes healthy - but hes looking very granola right now. Being an undersized skilled player that relies on speed and compete level to outwork bigger finesse players Z is really in tough if hes injured. And yeah, hes only 30 on paper - but being a small brave guy thats logged the minutes he has from 2004 till now and all the palyoff hockey he has dont kid yourself, theres more miles on him than most would like to acknowledge. If he does indeed have an "off year" I could see him having a Selanne-esque renaisance if the CBA results in a lockout next season. Teemu had like a 35 point season in 03-04 and was a physical wreck on the verge of retirement. Not that I want a lockout at all mind you - but he has credited that off year countless times for his continued success because it gave him time to hit the reset button on his body. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z Winged Dangler 2,082 Report post Posted November 21, 2011 first multi point game of the year! atta boy Z. now let's see 20 points in the next 10 and we'll have our Zetterberg back. i for one think he can do it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted November 21, 2011 Such a sick goal. It's easy to forget he's been less-than amazing this season when he goes and does that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Wings Addict 787 Report post Posted November 21, 2011 Such a sick goal. It's easy to forget he's been less-than amazing this season when he goes and does that. Maybe for you. Apparently he's on pace for only 38 points. I never ever thought we'd see that happen. We can only hope that goal opened some sort of floodgates. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted November 22, 2011 Great to see him have a good game. Hope it continues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted November 25, 2011 After today's game, figured this should be re-visited... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest stinky fish taco Report post Posted November 25, 2011 at this point i just kinda feel bad for him. he plays like somebody swapped his body with a 90 year old's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brett 1,029 Report post Posted November 25, 2011 This guy looked great during preseason like he had an extra step. Now he looks slow and his offense disappeared. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esteef 2,679 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 All he wants to do is pass. Even when he has an open shot. Emma should cut him off til he picks it up on the scoreboard. esteef 1 Reds4Life reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Wings Addict 787 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 Yeah he got an assist but watching him against Boston was painful. It's as if he has no idea what confidence is anymore. I'm starting to think Emma's having an affair or something. Anything in the Swedish tabloids of such a thing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 Yeah he got an assist but watching him against Boston was painful. It's as if he has no idea what confidence is anymore. I'm starting to think Emma's having an affair or something. Anything in the Swedish tabloids of such a thing? I think you're WAY overthinking this... I don't think it's mental... who was Bertuzzi's back guy? He apparently did wonders with him, maybe Z needs a consultation... He just doesn't look strong on the puck and appears to be skating more upright (which any hockey player knows, affects your strength on the puck)... I really think it's the back again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 Definitely still has the skill. Some nice assists and a sweet goal in the last couple of games. But something looks way off with him, like he's in pain out there. He's never been a very smooth skater, but now it looks like every stride is a struggle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SDavis35 140 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 definitely the stache... he looks like a different player with that thing. Certainly can't say he's not trying, but he has also been getting a point for a few consecutive games right? Hopefully he just stays consistent and plays like a 24 year old again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingfan1991 221 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 Cannot believe the change either... Has to be an injury no other explanation in my mind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nate94gt 134 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 well on the bright side, his contract is up in what.. 10 years? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 There's nothing wrong with sitting him for a few games. It wouldn't be a "benching" but clearly he's hurting or distracted out there. He needs some time off and the team is doing well enough that we can afford to have him sit out a couple of games. Just let him clear his head or heal or condition or whatever. Didn't the Wings do this with Osgood a few years ago? Then he can come back fresh. Better than grinding the crap out of him now only to have him useless come playoff time from exhaustion or injury. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wings_fanatic 677 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 Call me crazy, but I noticed something late last night when I was watching highlights. Hank has never really been the same since he cut his hair short after 2009. Maybe he needs his longer hair back... just sayin... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
55fan 5,133 Report post Posted November 26, 2011 Call me crazy, but I noticed something late last night when I was watching highlights. Hank has never really been the same since he cut his hair short after 2009. Maybe he needs his longer hair back... just sayin... You're not crazy. This has happened several times in the past. He has a definite Samson complex. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,789 Report post Posted November 29, 2011 In 2008, when Aaron Downey was a Wing, Zetterberg scored 92 points in 75 games. Since then, his goal scoring has gone down drastically. This year, he's scored only 13 points in 22 games. Coincidence? 1 haroldsnepsts reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029 Report post Posted November 29, 2011 In 2008, when Aaron Downey was a Wing, Zetterberg scored 92 points in 75 games. Since then, his goal scoring has gone down drastically. This year, he's scored only 13 points in 22 games. Coincidence? Also, Lilja had a regular 3rd defensive pairing spot in 2008. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Wings Addict 787 Report post Posted November 29, 2011 Also, Lilja had a regular 3rd defensive pairing spot in 2008. Actually before the acquisition of Stuart I'm pretty sure Lilja was on the 2nd pairing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Wings Addict 787 Report post Posted November 30, 2011 He really should get the long hair back. Although I suppose it's like anybody else. As they get older, they're less tolerant when it comes to the maintenance of long hair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
55fan 5,133 Report post Posted November 30, 2011 In 2008 he was not yet married and had more arm/hand strength. 3 Nevermind, ogreslayer and Zeowingsfan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Electrophile 3,554 Report post Posted November 30, 2011 In 2008 he was not yet married and had more arm/hand strength. You know, just taking a wild guess, but I don't think single Hank needed to develop superior arm/hand strength. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites