kipwinger 8,527 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 And let the excuses begin... "The Detroit Red Wings, following two injury-riddled seasons, have been fairly healthy - until last week. First, they lost forwards Johan Franzen (possible concussion) and Tomas Jurco (back). Now it appears goaltender Jimmy Howard will be out a while due to a groin injury. They were already missing goalie Jonas Gustavsson (shoulder) and defenseman Jakub Kindl (sprained elbow)." http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2015/01/5_things_to_watch_red_wings_in.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e_prime 1,936 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 (edited) And let the excuses begin... All the more reason for a trade. Although, the #1 piece I want moved in a trade is currently injured... so I dunno how that helps us at all. *sadface* Edited January 12, 2015 by e_prime 1 kipwinger reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 And let the excuses begin... "The Detroit Red Wings, following two injury-riddled seasons, have been fairly healthy - until last week. First, they lost forwards Johan Franzen (possible concussion) and Tomas Jurco (back). Now it appears goaltender Jimmy Howard will be out a while due to a groin injury. They were already missing goalie Jonas Gustavsson (shoulder) and defenseman Jakub Kindl (sprained elbow)." http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2015/01/5_things_to_watch_red_wings_in.html I'm sure they are coming, but there's no reason for excuses. It's not like last season where Z and Pavel were gone. Besides Howard, none of those players are major losses at this point. Monster obviously becomes more important without Jimmy yet the Wings should be able to withstand the other injuries. I love Jurco, but he hasn't really provided much offensively and Franzen/Kindl could never come back and no one would notice. 1 kipwinger reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Son of a Wing 1,644 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 All the more reason for a trade. Although, the #1 piece I want moved in a trade is currently injured... so I dunno how that helps us at all. *sadface* Jonas Gustavsson? It's Gustavsson isn't it? I bet it's Gustavsson.... 1 e_prime reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kipwinger 8,527 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 All the more reason for a trade. Although, the #1 piece I want moved in a trade is currently injured... so I dunno how that helps us at all. *sadface* I think Holland definitely makes a trade if we're playing like we did in November when we looked like a contender. But even with a healthy team, since then we've looked inconsistent. When we win it's not convincing, and when we lose it looks like garbage. In the past Holland has made trades to "get over the hump". Not to "get up to the hump". If we don't start stringing together wins, and doing so convincingly, then I don't see him shipping out talent for playoff rentals. I'm sure they are coming, but there's no reason for excuses. It's not like last season where Z and Pavel were gone. Besides Howard, none of those players are major losses at this point. Monster obviously becomes more important without Jimmy yet the Wings should be able to withstand the other injuries. I love Jurco, but he hasn't really provided much offensively and Franzen/Kindl could never come back and no one would notice. I agree. That was my point. After the last couple season you knew that as soon as a couple people got hurt it was going to be..."here we go again". It's b.s., but here it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e_prime 1,936 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 (edited) Moved this post over to the "Do we need a trade" thread where it belongs. Edited January 12, 2015 by e_prime Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheXym 2,606 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 I know this isn't going to be popular with anyone except for krsmith, but I'd actually try Smith up with Kronwall. If it blows up, switch it back. Isn't the definition of insanity trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? Kronwall-Ericsson isn't working - they've got 6 even strength points together, and they're not exactly a defensive stalwart. I think throwing Smith up there might actually generate some offense, and perhaps showcase him for a trade (krsmith won't like this part). Ericsson just can't seem to keep it together this year. I like the idea of balancing pairs, regardless of where they're supposed to fit, (Top 4 vs. Top 6, etc.) but Ericsson hasn't brought much balance to the pair up to this point. Honestly, I would try DeKeyser up there with Kronwall as well, but I think trying this first kind of gauges where Smith is at, and also leaves our strongest pair together (for now). When Smith and Kronwall were paired last season they seemed to click well together. I'd be fine with it. I also like the balanced pairs idea, if it is done wisely. If you are going offensively minded with a stay at home pair, I don't think Kindl/Lashoff is a good idea unless it is in very sheltered minutes, and that is pushing it. 1 UpstateNYRedWingsFan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kipwinger 8,527 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 How's about this for lines (when people are healthy): Tats-Datsyuk-Abby Z-Weiss-Franzen Nyquist-Sheahan-Jurco/Helm Miller-Glendening-Jurco/Helm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 How's about this for lines (when people are healthy): Tats-Datsyuk-Abby Z-Weiss-Franzen Nyquist-Sheahan-Jurco/Helm Miller-Glendening-Jurco/Helm What did Henrik Zetterberg do to deserve that? Honestly though, I like those with the exception that I think Gus and Z should play together, like Tatar and Pav should. I don't know what to do with either Weiss or Franzen at this point -- one probably deserves a shot at a larger role and the other really just doesn't fit anywhere. 1 krsmith17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kipwinger 8,527 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 What did Henrik Zetterberg do to deserve that? Honestly though, I like those with the exception that I think Gus and Z should play together, like Tatar and Pav should. I don't know what to do with either Weiss or Franzen at this point -- one probably deserves a shot at a larger role and the other really just doesn't fit anywhere. I agree. Honestly I think both could be traded without too much harm done to the team, but I don't see it happening. With regard to Nyquist, while I agree that he's good with Zetterberg, I don't think he's been very good at all lately. Teams are checking him tight and not giving him any room to make plays. I think he'd benefit from the mismatch on the third line. Plus, it's not like Franzen and Z don't play well together. They have for years. And I'm convinced that Weiss will flourish if moved back to center. He sees the ice really well, is a strong passer, and can makes plays quickly. Put him with a couple of proven guys and I think the line will (collectively) do some damage. 1 GoWings1905 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelchairsuperhero 1,453 Report post Posted January 12, 2015 How's about this for lines (when people are healthy): Tats-Datsyuk-Abby Z-Weiss-Franzen Nyquist-Sheahan-Jurco/Helm Miller-Glendening-Jurco/Helm These are essentially my ideal lines. Maybe once Jurco develops his offensive game try switching him with Abby too. I love the way Abby has played lately and he's really found a good role but I still don't see him as a permanent top 6er. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Son of a Wing 1,644 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Franzen, Helm and Marchenko all skating this morning. Let's get healthy and go on a run. LGW 5 krsmith17, amato, wings87 and 2 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeytownRules19 902 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 IF and a HUGE IF.... Franzen can get the go ahead to play come playoff time... Holy Depth! Helm - Datysuk - Tatar Abdelkader - Zetterberg - Cole Franzen - Sheahan - Nyquist Miller - Glendening - Weiss/Jurco/Andersson Uh... check please lol 1 UpstateNYRedWingsFan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UpstateNYRedWingsFan 42 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 (edited) IF and a HUGE IF.... Franzen can get the go ahead to play come playoff time... Holy Depth! Helm - Datysuk - Tatar Abdelkader - Zetterberg - Cole Franzen - Sheahan - Nyquist Miller - Glendening - Weiss/Jurco/Andersson Uh... check please lol Never thought I'd see the day where the LGW's community would be pushing for lines that included Helm and Abby in the top 6. Edit: If Franzen is in a motivated, puck retrieving mood you can swap him and Helm. When he is on his game he's as much a game changer as anyone on this team. Edited March 9, 2015 by UpstateNYRedWingsFan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mvanpop 98 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 I may get blasted for this but wouldn't it be interesting when we are healthy to spread the scoring to the fourth line and have someone like Sheahan or Tatar there who can do some scoring himself but is also defensively responsible. It would keep other teams in their toes and maybe allow us to take advantage of matchups Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UpstateNYRedWingsFan 42 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 I may get blasted for this but wouldn't it be interesting when we are healthy to spread the scoring to the fourth line and have someone like Sheahan or Tatar there who can do some scoring himself but is also defensively responsible. It would keep other teams in their toes and maybe allow us to take advantage of matchups I don't see Tatar as a 4th liner. I do think his 2-way game is solid as he plays well in his own zone too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 I may get blasted for this but wouldn't it be interesting when we are healthy to spread the scoring to the fourth line and have someone like Sheahan or Tatar there who can do some scoring himself but is also defensively responsible. It would keep other teams in their toes and maybe allow us to take advantage of matchups No. Playing talented players on the 4th line reduces their value. They never score enough with limited minutes and poor linemates. That's why I've always advocated putting tough guys and grinders on the 4th line. They're more effective in that spot than a Tatar would be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buppy 1,720 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Tatar - Datsyuk - Helm Cole - Zetterberg - Abdelkader Franzen - Sheahan - Nyquist Jurco - Weiss - Pulkkinen Would mean some PK responsibility for Pav and Hank, but 4 scoring lines is not entirely unrealistic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Tatar - Datsyuk - Helm Cole - Zetterberg - Abdelkader Franzen - Sheahan - Nyquist Jurco - Weiss - Pulkkinen Would mean some PK responsibility for Pav and Hank, but 4 scoring lines is not entirely unrealistic. Please read above post. Could you come up with a softer 4th line that will be more useless in the playoffs? I'd rather have John Scott playing on the 4th line than Pulkinnen, who needs more icetime to be more productive. Also, why are people fascinated with putting Helm and Abby on the top 6, when their skill level is inferior to the guys on the lower lines? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mvanpop 98 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Please read above post. Could you come up with a softer 4th line that will be more useless in the playoffs? I'd rather have John Scott playing on the 4th line than Pulkinnen, who needs more icetime to be more productive. Also, why are people fascinated with putting Helm and Abby on the top 6, when their skill level is inferior to the guys on the lower lines? I'm not saying as a low minute fourth liner but they are teams that have been able to play four lines with almost equal playing time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 I'm not saying as a low minute fourth liner but they are teams that have been able to play four lines with almost equal playing time That's very hard to do. I tried doing that in video games, and even then, my 4th liners wouldn't play any more than 10 minutes a night, unless there was a glitch where they just wouldn't change lines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
number9 3,297 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Please read above post. Could you come up with a softer 4th line that will be more useless in the playoffs? I'd rather have John Scott playing on the 4th line than Pulkinnen, who needs more icetime to be more productive. Also, why are people fascinated with putting Helm and Abby on the top 6, when their skill level is inferior to the guys on the lower lines? Not defending his line choices, but I wouldn't let John Scott touch any decent NHL line. That's very hard to do. I tried doing that in video games, and even then, my 4th liners wouldn't play any more than 10 minutes a night, unless there was a glitch where they just wouldn't change lines. I'm assuming this is a bad joke, no? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e_prime 1,936 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Not defending his line choices, but I wouldn't let John Scott touch any decent NHL line. I'm assuming this is a bad joke, no? You know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Not defending his line choices, but I wouldn't let John Scott touch any decent NHL line. I'm assuming this is a bad joke, no? Would I ever joke about something like that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
number9 3,297 Report post Posted March 9, 2015 Would I ever joke about something like that? Well NHL15 is a joke within itself this year... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites