355 replies to this topic

[HockeytownRules19]

So is Chicago in 5th place now? ,I am not the person to pick your poison in the playoffs but if we were indeed to fall to 6th, we would avoid playing Nashville and let Chicago take them and probably end up playing the Stars...I'd take that everyday.

Actually right now its Detroit, Nashville, Chicago (4-5-6)

[Jeff6851]

I thought not watching would help us win since watching the Caps game made us lose (I saw all 5 Caps goals and no Wings goals). We got a point though

[Crashnburnluder]

100% agreed. He really looked like he was getting gassed quickly. Maybe they rest him Saturday.

There is a reason they call it game shape, you have to play games to get into it. The bike only does so much. Aslong as his knee is healed the only way to get back up to speed is by playing.

[clutchngrab]

First the positives: Smith really looks like he will develop into a very good NHL defensemen. I've seen improvement in his game since he has been up. I postulate that within a year or 2 he will surpass Ericcson in the depth chart. Nyquist looks like he could easily fill in for Hudler and bring more speed and defense to the top 6. Which begs the question as to why Holland refused to make the trades necessary to impove this team. Both Zetterberg and Fil look like they are getting in good form going into the playoffs.

Now the negatives: Stuart looks pretty s***ty these days. Maybe he is getting too many minutes - but beyond the occasional big hit, I won't miss him too much if Smith is up to stay. Kronwall is not actually a very good defenseman in his own end. Sorry, no Nick Jr, afterall.

Emmerton and Mursak are... meh - inconsequential on any given night. Danf****** Cleary. (Yes that is his new legal middle name) is so bad I cringe whenever he is on the ice. Can someone explain to me how the coach doesn't see this? Can someone explain to me why is he on the ice in OT? Bertuzzi is a wash - pretty much costs as much as or more than the value he gives.

I think if this team gets Nick back, Helm healthy and Dats and Howard playing well, they could maybe get past the second round, but that would be tough without home ice.

What's also extremely frustrating is the lack of game preparation and execution from a coaching point of view. PP and PK not where they should be - even before injuries. Mental mistakes like tonight are par for the course. I think this is the dark side of never making personnel changes. It's called complacency, tuning out the coach and getting sloppy.

The other frustration is that we have as good a defensive group including the goalie as we have had since the mid 90's and yet we have not been able to create a supporting forward cast able to validate Datsyuks talent or in the end to win a cup. I believe 2008/2009 was the last great run and we won't be seeing another until the GM and or coach are fired.

[egroen]

Sharing the sentiments about Cleary. How many goals have to go in with Cleary on the ice for Babcock to STOP playing some idiotic hunch that Number 11
Is gonna find his game in OT. f*** sakes
As for the game...Ty was great and I out we ayes well. That was the Zetterberg I know and love!

I agree - love Babcock but I always seem to question his choices for on the ice in the final moments. It used to be Kopecky that I was screaming "why is he on the ice!!??"

[F.Michael]

LEGITIMATE QUESTION:

Isn't it time we stopped (including opposing team brodcasters) saying that our AHL players are "over-seasoned" by the time they are called up? I just don't see it.

More importantly - outside of Brendan Smith - I don't see many current Griffin players doing much in a Red Wings jersey.

As for Cleary - I'm of the opinion he's hampering the team with his immobility, and needs to get his knee repaired sooner than later so he can be 100% healthy for next season...He's gonna continue to be a liability out there in the post season which is the last thing this team needs.

[Hatethedrake!]

The Wings were missing 8 regular players. The Rangers are completely healthy. I saw a Wings team battle as hard as they could against one of the best teams in the league on the road and against the best goalie in the NHL. I am very proud of this team even though they lost in overtime. This team will be just fine in the playoffs when players start returning (especially Lidstrom). Conklin played a solid game. Good for him. I see the Wings winning their next 3 games (Columbus twice and Carolina). I think they may even beat Nashville after that. I thought they would get bombed last night but they almost pulled out a win. If they play with as much heart as they did last night, I think better days are ahead for us Wings fans.

[crispychris]

^ what he said!!!!

[Doc Holliday]

More importantly - outside of Brendan Smith - I don't see many current Griffin players doing much in a Red Wings jersey.

As for Cleary - I'm of the opinion he's hampering the team with his immobility, and needs to get his knee repaired sooner than later so he can be 100% healthy for next season...He's gonna continue to be a liability out there in the post season which is the last thing this team needs.

Nyquist? Mursak?

Though I do believe that the "over-ripening" aspect might have been legitimate when we didn't have much room (2008) to fit those younger guys into the system. Now, if they have legitimate NHL talent they should be up on the 3rd or 4th line.

[Johnny Law]

They played well with the exception of Datsyuk, they all did about what they are supposed to do. Zetterberg looks like himself and even Conks was good. Don't know what Datsyuk was thinking on the OT goal, not sure what he saw to make him double the dude coming over the line, you knew they would send it to the open and then bam its in the net. He'll be fine, everyone makes mistakes.

I don't understand the panic on this board, when healthy they can play with anyone and have proven so. When guys go down your team is going to get worse and if you lose 8 or 9 guys your going to lose a bunch of games. The starters are the starters for a reason.

[F.Michael]

Nyquist? Mursak?

Though I do believe that the "over-ripening" aspect might have been legitimate when we didn't have much room (2008) to fit those younger guys into the system. Now, if they have legitimate NHL talent they should be up on the 3rd or 4th line.

I'm of the opinion that both Nyquist, and Mursak have the ability to stick with the big club - just at what line (top 6 or bottom 6) remains to be seen...I honestly believe either one, or both should stay in the line up for the remainder of the reg season, and possibly into the playoffs as well.

So far I like Smith - he seems to really be the only one capable of meeting the expectations of the scouting staff (as in a top 4 Dman)...Hopefully he'll continue to improve, and as some others have said - there's a good chance he'll supplant both Ericsson, and Kindl on the depth charts sooner than later.

[Vladifan]

I had this game set to record since I had choir practice. It did not record. Could it be that it knew Eddie O. was going to do the game? I know DVR's are becoming more complex and specialized, but a good taste chip? Who knew!

Edited by Vladifan, 22 March 2012 - 02:00 PM.

[Dabura]

The injuries excuse is making baby Jesus cry.

[wingslogo19]

I thought the Wings played well enough to win. Was really great to see Conklin have a strong game. Oh and Smith is growing on me more and more each game he plays

[Hockeytown0001]

Hank's been looking great.

[MidMichSteve]

Hank's been looking great.

He has and it couldn't happen at a better time.