• Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

Sign in to follow this  
jollymania

Dreger's mailbag

Rate this topic

Recommended Posts

Helm and Abby made their major appearances in the playoffs before they got their roster spot. Same thing could happen to Smith if he outshines Ericsson. Regardless, Ericsson IS better in the playoffs, but he's still scary to see with the puck.

You must be having Back to the Future dreams of Anderson Eriksson because Jonathan is a capital pylon in the playoffs too, and its easier to notice because the games really count. In a huge overtime situation against SJ last year Ericsson went all hunter orange, road construction pylon and showed just how little hockey sense and physical presence he actually has. If he had a clue how to play hockey that play wouldn't have happened like the Sharks were playing a roller hockey match against a '93 girls travel hockey team from Troy. He's useless, and not only useless, he's a huge liability.

Edited by achildr1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Getting Moen and Morrow would make us a tougher team to compete with come playoff time.

Of course, then the other Cup contenders might snag Perry, Iginla, Ryan or Parise, which would give them more firepower.

With the moves(s) the Hawks are making, getting a combo of Morrow, Moen, and Rutuu would be an ideal situation. Giving up some picks along with Tatar, Andersson and hopefully Ericsson and/or Hudler would be the way to go.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

And no matter how many times people use it with Mule GWG is still the most useless stat there is. Guys who score lots of goals are going to have lots of GWG. People like to infer that it somehow means he's clutch, but it means virtually nothing, other than he scores goals.

And using +/- for players on two different teams shows absolutely nothing useful as well.

FINALLY someone who understands the GWG stat! Thank you! Maybe they will listen to you instead of me repeating myself over and over! Hey everyone Datsyuk and Kronwall BOTH have 4 GWG's! Does that mean they are both as good as each other? Holmstrom and Miller each have 2, are they half as good as Datsyuk? Is Franzen better than Datsyuk?

No one was suggesting that. Or at least I certainly wasn't.

I was just wondering why he was comparing the two and saying no thanks to Morrow (:lol: I said toMorrow....hee hee) Anyhow, he would still say no thanks even with BOTH of them on our team then I guess...

This team would be much better if Morrow were on it. He wasn't chosen to be the Captain of Team Canada because he has no heart. This guy is the prototypical NHL player. I say go for it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With the moves(s) the Hawks are making, getting a combo of Morrow, Moen, and Rutuu would be an ideal situation. Giving up some picks along with Tatar, Andersson and hopefully Ericsson and/or Hudler would be the way to go.

If Ken is serious about making a run, I think at least one of Morrow/Moen, and a physical top 6 forward should be in order. As others have said, I don't want to see 5 trades, risking messing up our chemistry.

Ideally, I'd really like:

Filppula-Datsyuk-Franzen

Morrow-Zetterberg-T.Ruutu

Moen-Abdelkader-Bertuzzi

Miller-Helm-Holmstrom

Lidstrom-White

Stuart-Kronwall

Ericsson-Commodore

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Moen is more of what we need at the moment.

I honestly think Morrow is too old, we need a really young sniper, ie Danny Heatley style minus the horrible attitude.

I'd like to see us get younger as a team this summer. I think Bertuzzi and Holmstrom will hang them up over the summer. Obviously Lidstrom's status is still unknown. I'll miss Homer, but at this point, he is no longer effective at even strength, although he is still a powerplay specialist. Assuming Stuart heads west to be with his family, I'd like to see us get a younger guy to take his spot (Tim Gleason). I don't mind Cleary, but his game is kind of on the slide, as well. I think he will be here for at least another year, though.

Edited by Bring Back The Bruise Bros

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think going for players in their mid-20s is perfect. Right before their primes, the older guys on the team can shepherd them in, and then the new guys can shepherd in the really young kids. Perfect transition. Parise fits this bill, isn't he 27?

I really don't think we need Moen AND Ruutu. One or the other will suffice. I honestly don't know what Holland can do about the top 6er situation. We can't sell the farm for a rental. Anyone think Morrow could handle playing on Datsyuk or Zetterberg's wing? Or would he be relegated to 3rd line playoff warrior duty?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I really don't think we need Moen AND Ruutu. One or the other will suffice. I honestly don't know what Holland can do about the top 6er situation. We can't sell the farm for a rental. Anyone think Morrow could handle playing on Datsyuk or Zetterberg's wing? Or would he be relegated to 3rd line playoff warrior duty?

I think Morrow can handle playing on Datsyuk's or Zetterberg's wing. In addition, he can play an effective bottom 6 grinding role. He's a complete player. No, he's not young anymore, but he can still play at an intense level.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Toughening Up?

The Detroit Red Wings open the second half of the season as the top team in the league, and not surprisingly they're looking to add some talent at, or before, the trade deadline.

Gregg Krupa of the The Detroit News reports that the club is looking to get tougher with the playoffs looming, and head coach Mike Babcock revealed his wish-list.

"To me, if we could get another heavy winger, or heavy forward, or D - those would all be good things to help you," Babcock told the News.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=386420

http://m.detnews.com/sports/article?a=2012201300303&f=1209

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Very interesting stat from bottom article:

FEWEST

Red Wings -- 7 fights, 1st in West

Coyotes -- 11 fights, T-10th in West

Canadiens -- 11 fights, 11th in East

Hurricanes -- 13 fights, T-13th in East

Lightning -- 14 fights, 12th in East

Islanders -- 14 fights, T-13th in East

MOST

Rangers -- 38 fights, 1st in East

Bruins -- 36 fights, 2nd in East

Senators -- 34 fights, T-5th in East

Flyers -- 32 fights, 4th in East

Blue Jackets -- 32 fights, 15th in West

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd like to see us get younger as a team this summer. I think Bertuzzi and Holmstrom will hang them up over the summer. Obviously Lidstrom's status is still unknown. I'll miss Homer, but at this point, he is no longer effective at even strength, although he is still a powerplay specialist. Assuming Stuart heads west to be with his family, I'd like to see us get a younger guy to take his spot (Tim Gleason). I don't mind Cleary, but his game is kind of on the slide, as well. I think he will be here for at least another year, though.

I hate to disappoint you but Bertuzzi and Homer will most likely be back next year. The Wings love both of them and they love playing for the Wings. Both have been as effective as the Wings expected and neither has significant injuries. Homer is a little banged up but he is the kind of guy that will play through it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Very interesting stat from bottom article:

FEWEST

Red Wings -- 7 fights, 1st in West

Coyotes -- 11 fights, T-10th in West

Canadiens -- 11 fights, 11th in East

Hurricanes -- 13 fights, T-13th in East

Lightning -- 14 fights, 12th in East

Islanders -- 14 fights, T-13th in East

MOST

Rangers -- 38 fights, 1st in East

Bruins -- 36 fights, 2nd in East

Senators -- 34 fights, T-5th in East

Flyers -- 32 fights, 4th in East

Blue Jackets -- 32 fights, 15th in West

From the same article.

According to HockeyFights.com, which tracks these things:

In the 1996-97 regular season, leading to the Wings' first Cup in 42 years, the Wings fought 55 times and were 23rd out of 26 teams in the NHL. The Bruins and Islanders led with 90 fights. The Red Wings fought seven times in the playoffs, more than any other team.

In the 1997-98 regular season, the Wings fought 33 times and were 25th out of the 26 teams. The Canucks led with 105 fights. The Red Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In the 2001-02 regular season, with a roster laden with future members of the Hockey Hall of Fame and other stars, they fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Panthers led the league with 117. Again, the Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In 2007-08, the Red Wings again fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Flames led the NHL with 70. The Wings fought once in the playoffs

So we won those 4 cups even though we didn't fight. Wow. The LGW fight slappies are not going to like that....

Edited by chrisdetroit

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In the 1996-97 regular season, leading to the Wings' first Cup in 42 years, the Wings fought 55 times and were 23rd out of 26 teams in the NHL. The Bruins and Islanders led with 90 fights. The Red Wings fought seven times in the playoffs, more than any other team....

So we won those 4 cups even though we didn't fight. Wow. The LGW fight slappies are not going to like that....

:blink:

esteef

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

From the same article.

According to HockeyFights.com, which tracks these things:

In the 1996-97 regular season, leading to the Wings' first Cup in 42 years, the Wings fought 55 times and were 23rd out of 26 teams in the NHL. The Bruins and Islanders led with 90 fights. The Red Wings fought seven times in the playoffs, more than any other team.

In the 1997-98 regular season, the Wings fought 33 times and were 25th out of the 26 teams. The Canucks led with 105 fights. The Red Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In the 2001-02 regular season, with a roster laden with future members of the Hockey Hall of Fame and other stars, they fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Panthers led the league with 117. Again, the Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In 2007-08, the Red Wings again fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Flames led the NHL with 70. The Wings fought once in the playoffs

So we won those 4 cups even though we didn't fight. Wow. The LGW fight slappies are not going to like that....

Still had enforcers though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

From the same article.

According to HockeyFights.com, which tracks these things:

In the 1996-97 regular season, leading to the Wings' first Cup in 42 years, the Wings fought 55 times and were 23rd out of 26 teams in the NHL. The Bruins and Islanders led with 90 fights. The Red Wings fought seven times in the playoffs, more than any other team.

In the 1997-98 regular season, the Wings fought 33 times and were 25th out of the 26 teams. The Canucks led with 105 fights. The Red Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In the 2001-02 regular season, with a roster laden with future members of the Hockey Hall of Fame and other stars, they fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Panthers led the league with 117. Again, the Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In 2007-08, the Red Wings again fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Flames led the NHL with 70. The Wings fought once in the playoffs

So we won those 4 cups even though we didn't fight. Wow. The LGW fight slappies are not going to like that....

Its not the number that matters, its the fact that they had a plethora of guys who could step up and deal with it when they had to. When the going got tough against teams like the Avs, the wings had guys like Mccarty, Shanny, Kocur, Vladdy, Pushor, and Rouse who could all open up a can of whoop ass when they had to.

If you cant see the difference between that roster and the one now then you are delusional

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

To me, it would be great to have Moen and Morrow the deadline, then get Suter and Parise over the summer.

Sure it causes a log jam at forward, but I too believe Homer and Bert will retire. Bert may go UFA, but I think Homer is done. He is 39. God Bless him, but he, like Draper and Osgood last year and Maltby the year before needs to hang em up and make room for the "NEW" Red Wings era...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

From the same article.

According to HockeyFights.com, which tracks these things:

In the 1996-97 regular season, leading to the Wings' first Cup in 42 years, the Wings fought 55 times and were 23rd out of 26 teams in the NHL. The Bruins and Islanders led with 90 fights. The Red Wings fought seven times in the playoffs, more than any other team.

In the 1997-98 regular season, the Wings fought 33 times and were 25th out of the 26 teams. The Canucks led with 105 fights. The Red Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In the 2001-02 regular season, with a roster laden with future members of the Hockey Hall of Fame and other stars, they fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Panthers led the league with 117. Again, the Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In 2007-08, the Red Wings again fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Flames led the NHL with 70. The Wings fought once in the playoffs

So we won those 4 cups even though we didn't fight. Wow. The LGW fight slappies are not going to like that....

Its not about the amount of fights. Not sure how many times we need to go over this. :rolleyes:

In 1996-97, we had a pretty physical team. McCarty, Shanahan, Kocur, Maltby, and Draper were all willing to go to the dirty areas to battle for a puck, and each finished all of their checks. When things got rough, Kocur, McCarty, and Shanahan could take care of business. It was much the same in 1998.

In 2001-02, McCarty, Shanahan, Draper, and Maltby still provided the physical edge for us. Yzerman, Fedorov, Hull, etc blew teams out of the rink with their puck skills. Hasek played insane.

In 2007-08, the physical edge was provided by Helm, Drake, Maltby, and even McCarty. Osgood played great. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Filppula, etc provided the puck skills. That team, like the other 3 Championship teams, could physically combat other teams, and win puck battles down low. When things got chippy, they were able to "weather the storm". Gritty bottom 6 guys are just as important of a component to playoff success than the finesse guys are.

If people really think our current team can win it all, they aren't paying close attention. This team can't play at a competitive level on the road. I doubt they will be able to pull many road playoff games out of their hat. If we fight 100 times next year, that definitely doesn't guarantee us a Cup. It's not necessarily about fighting. I respect posters like Konnan, who can at least acknowledge that this team needs a change or two, much more than the posters who blindly believe any team that Ken Holland puts together is destined to hoist the Cup. And for those who plan to reply "Well, well, Abby is physical". Gimme a break. He's not physically consistent at all and took a ton of dumbass penalties last postseason, meanwhile not doing a damn thing offensively.

The "LOL BEING PHYSICAL DOESNT MATTER UR JUST A FIGHT SLAPPY" argument has been crushed many times by multiple people here, but those who can't deal with it continue it because they can't swallow their pride and admit they were wrong.

A balance of finesse, grit, good goaltending, effective special teams, and veteran leadership is the key to Hoist the Cup.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

From the same article.

According to HockeyFights.com, which tracks these things:

In the 1996-97 regular season, leading to the Wings' first Cup in 42 years, the Wings fought 55 times and were 23rd out of 26 teams in the NHL. The Bruins and Islanders led with 90 fights. The Red Wings fought seven times in the playoffs, more than any other team.

In the 1997-98 regular season, the Wings fought 33 times and were 25th out of the 26 teams. The Canucks led with 105 fights. The Red Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In the 2001-02 regular season, with a roster laden with future members of the Hockey Hall of Fame and other stars, they fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Panthers led the league with 117. Again, the Wings did not fight in the playoffs.

In 2007-08, the Red Wings again fought 21 times, the least of any of the 30 teams. The Flames led the NHL with 70. The Wings fought once in the playoffs

So we won those 4 cups even though we didn't fight. Wow. The LGW fight slappies are not going to like that....

Do you see the contradiction in the bolded statements?

I think the "fight slappies" would be pretty happy with a Wings lineup that dropped the gloves 30 to 50 times a season.

At the time, people didn't consider the Wings Cup winning teams in 97 and 98 to be that tough relative to the rest of the league because they didn't fight as much as other teams. But they would beat the snot out of any Wings lineup in the last decade. More importantly, they were a talented lineup that had good size and a lot of players who weren't afraid to mix it up.

It's not just about the times you actually drop the gloves, it's about being a big physical team that's hard to play against, and a can dish out punishment as well as take it.

The Wings don't have very much of that in their current lineup.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

:blink:

esteef

Well of course they fought more times in the playoffs. They played more games Duh!

You can't compare teams that played fewer games with teams that played more games and get a valid statistical comparison. That's like comparing the number or murders in New York with the number in Ishpeming.

How come it seems like almost every thread descends into a fighter/non-figher/toughness/soft/grit debate. I understand that the guys mentioned in Dreger's article would add some grit but still. . .

Because there are a lot of LGW members that yearn for the old days when there was more fighting in hockey. That game is gone and many people on here don't want to accept that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you see the contradiction in the bolded statements?

I think the "fight slappies" would be pretty happy with a Wings lineup that dropped the gloves 30 to 50 times a season.

At the time, people didn't consider the Wings Cup winning teams in 97 and 98 to be that tough relative to the rest of the league because they didn't fight as much as other teams. But they would beat the snot out of any Wings lineup in the last decade. More importantly, they were a talented lineup that had good size and a lot of players who weren't afraid to mix it up.

It's not just about the times you actually drop the gloves, it's about being a big physical team that's hard to play against, and a can dish out punishment as well as take it.

The Wings don't have very much of that in their current lineup.

Sure they fought but relative to the rest of the league, very little and still won Cups.

They are currently first overall in points in the entire league.

I want to see them win more than see them fight or play "tough". They looked pretty tough in those 3 straight wins against a much bigger and tougher St. Louis team who they outscored by a combined margin of 9-3.

Edited by chrisdetroit

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Last time I checked... we have too many forwards with plenty of depth... we don't have top end depth... so why would Moen help our team? Because he is a tough guy? I could care less about that, sorry but Miller can play better defense than Moen, Mursak has better upside, and Eaves can bring more offense. I just look at the roster and I don't think adding depth forwards is necessary unless we move a bunch of forwards in the trades. With the way the Wings are playing I don't like that idea. I didn't even bring up the fact Nyquvist could play too if needed.

I definitely do not want to give up our prospects for these guys.

Morrow or Rutuu for a depth forward, one of our north american forward prospects, and a draft pick.

The only way I am fine with a bunch of moves is if we get rid of some of our "trash" and UFA's. Like if Stuart Ericsson Hudler and maybe Bert or Cleary are the guys being moved for big upgrades. I just don't see that happening so why screw around?

I think Rutuu is the best long term bet, but we have long term prospects... none that fill that role though...

Morrow fits better short term and could be more cap friendly in the future.

I would just like to know what Holland considers moveable.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sure they fought but relative to the rest of the league, very little and still won Cups.

They are currently first overall in points in the entire league.

I want to see them win more than see them fight or play "tough". They looked pretty tough in those 3 straight wins against a much bigger and tougher St. Louis team who they outscored by a combined margin of 9-3.

So your proof of their toughness is 3 regular season games against the Blues?

I realize they're first overall in the entire league at the moment. I don't think anyone is saying this teams sucks right now and needs changes to do well in the regular season. It's about going deep in the playoffs.

And I'm not talking about getting a guy who plays 4 minutes a night for a half a season and skates off the bench to a staged fight to the penalty box. This isn't about getting a goon, no matter how much you try to make it sound that way.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well of course they fought more times in the playoffs. They played more games Duh!

You can't compare teams that played fewer games with teams that played more games and get a valid statistical comparison. That's like comparing the number or murders in New York with the number in Ishpeming.

Because there are a lot of LGW members that yearn for the old days when there was more fighting in hockey. That game is gone and many people on here don't want to accept that.

If you read back through the thread, it wasn't the pro-fighting crowd who made it about that.

And that game is gone?? If the Wings were a physical team that dropped the gloves a lot, everyone here would be fight slappies. Because they dont', many take the position that it's obsolete or stupid.

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins had 71 fights last season. It's not like fighting has gone the way of the dinosaur. It just has in Detroit.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well of course they fought more times in the playoffs. They played more games Duh!

You can't compare teams that played fewer games with teams that played more games and get a valid statistical comparison. That's like comparing the number or murders in New York with the number in Ishpeming.

I'm not comparing anything, just pointing out how you contradicted yourself in your own post. I'm sure you knew that though right?

esteef

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this