Babcock loving this young group, Abby thinks any team can win it, and

[barabbas16 499]

I make my posts because I believe in what I say. I don't need a legitimate reason to back up speaking my mind.

The user name thing was a joke. I make them occasionally to stay sane.

And what parades are you talking about? It's just me disagreeing with other posters. No one here is having a parade.

Ok - no offense taken then for the user name joke.

Lol. Clearly, I didn't mean a literal parade. I just don't understand the overwhelming negative attitude here. I mean, I was a little disappointed just because it's cool to have something new happen at the deadline for Detroit. And yeah, this team is far from one of the better ones in Detroit for several years.... but we all knew that going in. Honestly, I was kind of pumped coming into this season. The first real chance to get a good look at Smith at the NHL level. New captain - how does Zetterberg handle the 'C'? How does the team step up in general without Lidstrom? Brunner comes in from Switzerland - what's he got? And then the injuries happened, but we got our first real good look at Tatar at the NHL level because of it. Kindl's season has been a pleasant surprise, Lashoff as well. Even Mrazek. But I never seriously thought this team had a legitimate chance at the Cup this year, did you? Even with a deadline deal. I just hoped they had enough to make the playoffs to keep the streak alive. And, if they didn't... well, maybe they'd get a good 1st round draft pick for once and we'd see what happened there. It's a down year, yeah. But, it's a damned good down year when you can make the playoffs and it's this interesting.

I kind of rambled some thoughts out there. I guess.... I can understand some disappointment, but not the level of negativity that we are seeing here. Thoughts?

[Number19 159]

Ok - no offense taken then for the user name joke.

Lol. Clearly, I didn't mean a literal parade. I just don't understand the overwhelming negative attitude here. I mean, I was a little disappointed just because it's cool to have something new happen at the deadline for Detroit. And yeah, this team is far from one of the better ones in Detroit for several years.... but we all knew that going in. Honestly, I was kind of pumped coming into this season. The first real chance to get a good look at Smith at the NHL level. New captain - how does Zetterberg handle the 'C'? How does the team step up in general without Lidstrom? Brunner comes in from Switzerland - what's he got? And then the injuries happened, but we got our first real good look at Tatar at the NHL level because of it. Kindl's season has been a pleasant surprise, Lashoff as well. Even Mrazek. But I never seriously thought this team had a legitimate chance at the Cup this year, did you? Even with a deadline deal. I just hoped they had enough to make the playoffs to keep the streak alive. And, if they didn't... well, maybe they'd get a good 1st round draft pick for once and we'd see what happened there. It's a down year, yeah. But, it's a damned good down year when you can make the playoffs and it's this interesting.

I kind of rambled some thoughts out there. I guess.... I can understand some disappointment, but not the level of negativity that we are seeing here. Thoughts?

I thought the exact same before we got embarrassed 7-1 on Gordie Howe day on national TV by our biggest rivals. I thought we were passed that after opening night. To me that isn't Red Wings hockey, that was one of the more disgraceful things I've seen. Pavs seemed to be the one who cared cause he was crushing Toews into the boards. I'm gonna miss him if he leaves. No one is ever held accountable on this team, in this organization, in recent past. For example Legace gets run out of town after one playoff series but Howard leads us to 3 straight early exits because "he's our guy", and we "like our team".

Edited April 4, 2013 by Number19

[MasterPavel 115]

Barrabas- I think it has to do with more factors than just typical Holland bashing, or no acquisitions today. The team struggling more this year, the Olsen twin marriage, retread signings, and the status quo comments by Holland all added up to the perfect storm today. I am critical of Holland at times because it's not in my personality to rest on past laurels. However seeing what Feaster did this week, along with Dallas as two examples make me thankful for Holland. I'm greedy tho and I want more cup parades, not just playoff appearances if that makes sense...

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

I thought the exact same before we got embarrassed 7-1 on Gordie Howe day on national TV by our biggest rivals. I thought we were passed that after opening night. To me that isn't Red Wings hockey, that was one of the more disgraceful things I've seen. Pavs seemed to be the one who cared cause he was crushing Toews into the boards. I'm gonna miss him if he leaves. No one is ever held accountable on this team, in this organzation, in recent past.

Somebody got an avatar.

Ok - no offense taken then for the user name joke.

Lol. Clearly, I didn't mean a literal parade. I just don't understand the overwhelming negative attitude here. I mean, I was a little disappointed just because it's cool to have something new happen at the deadline for Detroit. And yeah, this team is far from one of the better ones in Detroit for several years.... but we all knew that going in. Honestly, I was kind of pumped coming into this season. The first real chance to get a good look at Smith at the NHL level. New captain - how does Zetterberg handle the 'C'? How does the team step up in general without Lidstrom? Brunner comes in from Switzerland - what's he got? And then the injuries happened, but we got our first real good look at Tatar at the NHL level because of it. Kindl's season has been a pleasant surprise, Lashoff as well. Even Mrazek. But I never seriously thought this team had a legitimate chance at the Cup this year, did you? Even with a deadline deal. I just hoped they had enough to make the playoffs to keep the streak alive. And, if they didn't... well, maybe they'd get a good 1st round draft pick for once and we'd see what happened there. It's a down year, yeah. But, it's a damned good down year when you can make the playoffs and it's this interesting.

I kind of rambled some thoughts out there. I guess.... I can understand some disappointment, but not the level of negativity that we are seeing here. Thoughts?

Honestly, a lot of dislike others and myself have for Holland stems from the last few deadlines and free agent periods. His inactivity and doing nothing as Lidstrom was retiring. Then today happens where he does nothing again. It just boils over. Then he comes back with the same catchphrases and excuses. Enough is enough. If he doesn't want to do anything anymore, maybe he can move on.

To answer your question, I didn't think we'd be a Cup contender this year. But lately I did think we'd make a signing to increase our playoff streak. Right now, the streak is in jeopardy. While I don't think "anything" can happen in the playoffs, like some others think, I still think making the playoffs is important. We didn't need to mortgage our entire team today, but a trade here and there would have helped our chances.

[Number19 159]

Somebody got an avatar.

Figured with all this doom saying and complaining I've been doing today I at least owe the forums some eye-candy.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Barrabas- I think it has to do with more factors than just typical Holland bashing, or no acquisitions today. The team struggling more this year, the Olsen twin marriage, retread signings, and the status quo comments by Holland all added up to the perfect storm today. I am critical of Holland at times because it's not in my personality to rest on past laurels. However seeing what Feaster did this week, along with Dallas as two examples make me thankful for Holland. I'm greedy tho and I want more cup parades, not just playoff appearances if that makes sense...

Yeah, I also think Hockeytown stands for a team that wants to win Cups, and not just make the playoffs.

But if we give up on this season, it's not a good pattern for the future. None of our prospects are good enough to be star players that can carry us to a Cup in the next year or two.

We'll have to make moves on the market if we want to compete with other teams.

[Carman 387]

Anything can happen, look at LA last year GMR. Never lose faith!

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Anything can happen, look at LA last year GMR. Never lose faith!

I know.

Just look at the '80 Islanders.

[barabbas16 499]

Ok... Well, fortunately I did not get to see the 7-1 Chicago loss. I am sure it was terrible, but I don't personally feel like I can say much one way or the other based on one game... national television and against a rival or not - at least not one regular season game. I don't really agree on the Legace/Howard 1 to 1 comparison, but I won't get into that.

MasterPavel - I'm with you. I'm greedy too, and I honestly have felt like the Wings had a legitimate shot for a long period of time. And we have all gotten used to that. But in a salary cap world it is just not realistic to expect that to continue on indefinitely. I agree with GMR too, though, in that making the playoffs and the streak matters to me. And, I think that can happen with the current roster.

GMR - You're probably going to hate my bringing this up (and I do too, to be honest), but Holland DID make a move last season. Clearly that has not worked out the way that any of us, or Holland I'm sure, wishes... but he did do something. Yeah, I know he stood pat some years prior to that. And it does seem like he says the same thing every year. I'll give you that... it's kind of annoying. But, what do you want him to say? And, which deals specifically that happened do you wish the Wings had made for this year's deadline?

Oh.... and as for what can happen in the playoffs... come on, man. It may be a really small possibility, but anything CAN happen in the playoffs......

Lloyd: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me... ending up together?
Mary: Well, Lloyd, that's difficult to say. I mean, we don't really...
Lloyd: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Mary: Not good.
Lloyd: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Mary: I'd say more like one out of a million.
[pause]
Lloyd: So you're telling me there's a chance... *YEAH!*

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Ok... Well, fortunately I did not get to see the 7-1 Chicago loss. I am sure it was terrible, but I don't personally feel like I can say much one way or the other based on one game... national television and against a rival or not - at least not one regular season game. I don't really agree on the Legace/Howard 1 to 1 comparison, but I won't get into that.

MasterPavel - I'm with you. I'm greedy too, and I honestly have felt like the Wings had a legitimate shot for a long period of time. And we have all gotten used to that. But in a salary cap world it is just not realistic to expect that to continue on indefinitely. I agree with GMR too, though, in that making the playoffs and the streak matters to me. And, I think that can happen with the current roster.

GMR - You're probably going to hate my bringing this up (and I do too, to be honest), but Holland DID make a move last season. Clearly that has not worked out the way that any of us, or Holland I'm sure, wishes... but he did do something. Yeah, I know he stood pat some years prior to that. And it does seem like he says the same thing every year. I'll give you that... it's kind of annoying. But, what do you want him to say? And, which deals specifically that happened do you wish the Wings had made for this year's deadline?

Oh.... and as for what can happen in the playoffs... come on, man. It may be a really small possibility, but anything CAN happen in the playoffs......

Lloyd: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me... ending up together?

Mary: Well, Lloyd, that's difficult to say. I mean, we don't really...

Lloyd: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?

Mary: Not good.

Lloyd: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?

Mary: I'd say more like one out of a million.

[pause]

Lloyd: So you're telling me there's a chance... *YEAH!*

I wish we approached Calgary. Feaster was in a mood to trade ice cream for s***.

Also, I would have liked a move for Jagr. We wouldn't have to give up much and it would increase our playoff push. I know he'd have no future with the team, but it'd be worth a small risk. At the very least, a real winger to play with Datsyuk.

The Clowe thing baffles me. It'd be hard to outbid the Rangers because they gave up so much. He was someone I thought could use a new future somewhere else. I was hoping Detroit. We'll see how that turns out.

Edited April 4, 2013 by GMRwings1983

[gcom007 1,465]

Am I the only one that thinks this team might actually be worse off getting Sammy and Bert back? Helm I'll gladly take back any day, but there's more to a team's success than individuals. I think chemistry has a lot to do with it, and I think some of the younger guys the last few years filling in have lead to better overall chemistry compared to the lack of chemistry the team often dealt with while playing with the healthy lineup. It remains to be seen what will happen when and if they come back, but given their age and what I've seen the last couple years, I'm definitely not convinced we'll really be a better team with them in the lineup, despite what logic might suggest.

[BadgerBob 297]

Am I the only one that thinks this team might actually be worse off getting Sammy and Bert back? Helm I'll gladly take back any day, but there's more to a team's success than individuals. I think chemistry has a lot to do with it, and I think some of the younger guys the last few years filling in have lead to better overall chemistry compared to the lack of chemistry the team often dealt with while playing with the healthy lineup. It remains to be seen what will happen when and if they come back, but given their age and what I've seen the last couple years, I'm definitely not convinced we'll really be a better team with them in the lineup, despite what logic might suggest.

I think Bert can still contribute somewhat, especially in shootouts. He still can provide some grit and make some offensive plays. I've never really understood signing Sammy. He doesn't do much that benefits the team and I think his spot would better be filled by an up and coming kid getting experience.

[MibJab 4]

I'm kind of feeling the vibe that our fans are as dumb as they think they're GM is, if not dumber. All the years we've been pegged "too old", now in the next three years we will be "too young" We've got guys like Sammy, Bert, Cleary, and White. A guy like Bert and Cleary..yes they are washed up, but you can't just make them walk the plank. You gotta at least let them finish the contracts they've signed and try to get production out of them. That's why they play on top lines. They aren't going to produce or be effective on bottom lines, where as the young guys will benefit no matter where they are put in the lineup. Its obvious that Holland doesn't favor putting inexperienced young players right into the lineup and frankly, that's the right idea. They've got to grow into adulthood as well as mature as players. Over-ripening players takes care of growing pains, and they learn and grow into consistent mature adults on and off the ice before they become full time NHLers. When they make it there, they can handle themselves accordingly and adaptively unlike other sports (basketball, football) where these young kids get thrown into the mix with millions of dollars creating irresponsibility, selfishness, and immaturity inside and outside of the sport. This is a wonderful strategy we have here instead of throwing the kids right into the fire and burning out before they make it to their prime. We have tons of prospects in the system. This is a new era for the Red Wings and the NHL itself. The bulk of your team has to come from the draft whereas quick fixes and pricey add-on's come from trade and free agency. There was no trade Holland could have made that would have propelled this team into a strong contender while retaining our valuable assets. Why sell the future for more washed up old guys like Iginla or Jagr? We already have veteran presence in Bertuzzi, Cleary, Samuelsson. Maybe some of the other guys (Filpulla, Eaves, Miller, Emmerton, Mursak) will develop and create a little bit of market value for themselves by giving them the minutes on the big club while the prospects develop consistency in their overall game play and lifestyle. Moving forward, the Wings have a very bright future. And having a bright future sometimes comes at the price of a not so bright present. (we still have a playoff picture team) Some of these teams move players around at an alarming rate every year, but what they aren't doing is winning, which is why they keep making trades at the cost of draft picks and prospects to try and find the winning formula. I appreciate our build from with-in strategy. I'm proud to be a Red Wings fan. Have patience. This year and next will be evaluation years. We've got a lot of players, and its only fair to see what they bring to the table before we overhaul them and dedicate our entire line up to developing all of our prospects at the NHL level instead of a few at a time which the Wings have been doing for years.

If everyone is frantically running to the store buying pre-made cheeseburgers for 10 dollars because word got out that they were pretty good and it became trendy to satisfy your needs with pre made expensive items, Im not gonna buy one, I'm going to stay home and make my own exactly the way i want it for half the cost.

[alienanxiety 23]

I'm kind of feeling the vibe that our fans are as dumb as they think they're GM is, if not dumber. All the years we've been pegged "too old", now in the next three years we will be "too young" We've got guys like Sammy, Bert, Cleary, and White. A guy like Bert and Cleary..yes they are washed up, but you can't just make them walk the plank. You gotta at least let them finish the contracts they've signed and try to get production out of them. That's why they play on top lines. They aren't going to produce or be effective on bottom lines, where as the young guys will benefit no matter where they are put in the lineup. Its obvious that Holland doesn't favor putting inexperienced young players right into the lineup and frankly, that's the right idea. They've got to grow into adulthood as well as mature as players. Over-ripening players takes care of growing pains, and they learn and grow into consistent mature adults on and off the ice before they become full time NHLers. When they make it there, they can handle themselves accordingly and adaptively unlike other sports (basketball, football) where these young kids get thrown into the mix with millions of dollars creating irresponsibility, selfishness, and immaturity inside and outside of the sport. This is a wonderful strategy we have here instead of throwing the kids right into the fire and burning out before they make it to their prime. We have tons of prospects in the system. This is a new era for the Red Wings and the NHL itself. The bulk of your team has to come from the draft whereas quick fixes and pricey add-on's come from trade and free agency. There was no trade Holland could have made that would have propelled this team into a strong contender while retaining our valuable assets. Why sell the future for more washed up old guys like Iginla or Jagr? We already have veteran presence in Bertuzzi, Cleary, Samuelsson. Maybe some of the other guys (Filpulla, Eaves, Miller, Emmerton, Mursak) will develop and create a little bit of market value for themselves by giving them the minutes on the big club while the prospects develop consistency in their overall game play and lifestyle. Moving forward, the Wings have a very bright future. And having a bright future sometimes comes at the price of a not so bright present. (we still have a playoff picture team) Some of these teams move players around at an alarming rate every year, but what they aren't doing is winning, which is why they keep making trades at the cost of draft picks and prospects to try and find the winning formula. I appreciate our build from with-in strategy. I'm proud to be a Red Wings fan. Have patience. This year and next will be evaluation years. We've got a lot of players, and its only fair to see what they bring to the table before we overhaul them and dedicate our entire line up to developing all of our prospects at the NHL level instead of a few at a time which the Wings have been doing for years.

If everyone is frantically running to the store buying pre-made cheeseburgers for 10 dollars because word got out that they were pretty good and it became trendy to satisfy your needs with pre made expensive items, Im not gonna buy one, I'm going to stay home and make my own exactly the way i want it for half the cost.

This was a pretty weird post.