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krsmith17

Predictions for the DRW 2014-15 Season!

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Uugh, I hate this time of year, little to no Red Wings related news, evident by the hot topics on the go the past week or so... Some of which include threads on ugly Christmas sweaters, clearance merchandise, and favorite player agencies... Is it September yet?... :bored:

Anyway, I figured this could involve some interesting discussion so I'll start it off...

12 somewhat bold but in my opinion, fairly reasonable Predictions for the Detroit Red Wings 2014-15 Season...

1. Datsyuk and Zetterberg play a combined 150+ games and score a combined 120+ points.

2. Weiss plays 70+ games and scores 25+ goals and 60+ points (career year).

3. Helm plays 70+ games and scores 15+ goals and 35+ points (career year).

4. Nyquist scores 60+ points and Tatar scores 50+ points (career years).

5. Cleary plays 50+ games and scores 20+ points, while everyone still ******* and complains about him taking up a roster spot.

6. Tomas Jurco scores 75+ points... in Grand Rapids, winning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy (MVP).

7. Anthony Mantha spends the year down in Grand Rapids and scores a reasonable (but disappointing to most fans) 40-50 points.

8. Kronwall matches his jersey number, and puts up 55 points (career year), is a finalist for the Norris Trophy but comes up just short.

9. Smith finally starts getting some PP time and explodes putting up 40+ points, while also improving his defensive play.

10. Gustavsson stays relatively healthy but struggles mightily to keep the puck out of the net, Mrazek gets called up and plays out of his mind for 10+ games.

11. Howard plays 60+ games putting up career numbers in every category, is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy but comes up just short.

12. The Detroit Red Wings finally have a reasonably healthy year and win the Atlantic Division, finishing 2nd in the East.

Obviously there's not much of a chance that all these predictions come true, hence them being of the bold variety, and I'm sure there are some people here that would say that there is no way that any of them come true... But I'm willing to bet at least half of them happen or come relatively close...

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It doesn't matter how positive people want to be about particular situations, there are always going to be 'the glass, completely empty' kind of people in the world.

As a Red Wings fan, why would you choose to be so negative about the upcoming season? It just doesn't make any sense whatsoever...

Why can't all the negative Nancy's and Debbie downers stay out of just one of the very few positive threads that we try to have on here?

Nah, it's much more fun to predict that Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Weiss and Helm combine for under 30 games and we finish last in the Conference...

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Here's a couple "bold" predictions and a couple of predictions that I (sadly) have to make if I'm being honest.

The Bold:

1. Tatar produces more points than Nyquist.

2. Kindl (if not traded) has a bounce back year and produces modestly (25-30 pts. over 82 game pace).

3. Stephen "Weisszerman" Weiss makes half of LGW look foolish when he scores 25 goals.

4. Red Wings miss the playoffs for the first time in two decades.

5. Ken Holland makes solid (if unspectacular) trade for a non-superstar defenseman, fans bemoan move because it doesn't involve a big name.

6. Gus is great...again. Jimmy isn't...again. Peter Mrzek gets more starts than usual, and finally comes back down to earth.

The Honest:

1. Our defense is just as bad as last year, and gets exposed too often for comfort.

2. The kids continue to outperform expectations and very nearly drag us into the playoffs...again.

3. Our best players (Dats, Z, Franzen) continue to struggle through nagging injuries and underperform expectations.

4. Red Wings look pedestrian all season as one thing after another always seems to derail their momentum.

5. Mike Babcock and the Red Wings mutually agree to part ways.

Edited by kipwinger

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Wow Kip, really? Why all the negativity? Those are some extremely sad predictions...

I don't really think so. Some are dour, sure, but most are positive. I'd say six of the 11 predictions are positive. But I try to be a realist, so I'm not going to predict we win the President's trophy or anything lol.

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Hmm I guess my predictions will be:

Smith still has a few brain-farts, but he becomes a LGW favorite this season. Babs gives him an opportunity on the power play, and he doesn't give it up.

Cleary plays 10 games and is benched for the rest of the season. He then finally calls it a career.

Weiss plays 50-60 games, looks much better than he did last year, but still not as good as he could be (and LGW expects). He becomes the new whipping boy.

Howard has top 10 stats, half of LGW still argues that he's average.

Gustavsson is often injured, and when he plays he is out of position, loses sight of the puck, fumbles the puck in the crease, and will somehow still win us games.

Mrazek will play 10-15 games for the Wings this season, and look good in every game.

Wings will go on a 3 game losing streak, LGW will implode.

Wings will go on a 3 game winning streak, LGW will believe this team is as good as the 2002 team.

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"But comes up just short" is right, pal. Ha! Gonna be the worst team everrr.

All kidding aside, I can see about half of those coming to fruition. I have strong doubts regarding the Weiss, Helm, Howard and 2nd in the East predictions. I think Dats and Z could score more than that, if healthy. I'm on the fence about the Smith one, because if he does get that PP time I can see 35-40 points, but I'm not sure about the defensive improvements.

I still like to see some positive predictions though, good stuff. (But I'll still be one of the people complaining about Dano)

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I will be the first to admit that the likeliness of ALL of my prediction to come true would be extremely unlikely. However, I don't think any single one of them are out of the realm of possibility either. The only individual player prediction that I stated that is somewhat unlikely is Cleary playing over 50 games and scoring over 20 points. I, just as much as anyone, wanted to see Cleary hang them up after last season, and possibly get a job somewhere within the organization. But since he is on the roster, I would love nothing more than for him to exceed everyone's expectations. As for the rest of the player predictions, I think they're all reasonably within reach, so if even half of them happen with another 2 or 3 coming close, I don't think it's impossible for us to finish in the top 2 or 3 in the East.

Of course, a lot of things would have to go right for this to happen, but with so much that has gone wrong over the past few seasons, our luck has got to change at some point doesn't it? And hey, why not have a positive outlook on your favorite team before the season starts? There are 30 teams in the NHL, who at the start of the season feel they have a legitimate shot in competing, why not us?...

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Geez KRS, you start a thread asking for predictions and then when some users try to be realists and not just say "Everyone will be healthy and bounce back and we will win" you call them negative nancy's and tear down their post.

Fact is KRS, Pav, Z, Franzen, Kronwall, Ericsson, Howard will NOT be healthy all year. They haven't been healthy all year for a while now. They are older, slower and more prone to injury. Ever had a blown disc? or a pull muscle in your back? The slightest movement in the wrong direction can and usually does re-injury it. Surgery or not. I am not going to predict that they will all be injured by November or maybve even all at the same time, but they will be injured.

Howard will continue to be average, he has never been anything but average. Franzen will float around most the season showing very little interest (he should have been the buyout and will drag our team down for the next 6 years, if he makes it that far.)

I can see Weiss having a better season, there is nowhere to go but up.

Helm is a ***** (from a Wings Insider) and will sit each time he breaks a nail, its fact, don't hate me for it.

Kronwall always sits some games, but he will be good as usual, minus his kronwalling though, he just doesn't seem to be brave enough to do it anymore.

Ericsson is hurt every year, no need to think he won't be again. Even when he is healthy, he is no more than a #4 d-man.

Pav and Z, when healthy will continue to carry this team even though Holland, yet again, failed to provide them with the help they need by refusing to make deals that are necessary.

The kids will shine! But some will sit in place of Cleary and Quincey, because loyalty "works" in Ken Holland's world and vets have to lose the spot, not earn it.

Kindl will not be traded, nobody wants him. He will continue to play because "he knows our system" and once again, the vet gets the spot.

This is not negative, this is reality. Everybody in the world knew that the Wings needed a top 3 forward and needed a top 2 defender and better goaltending. Holland failed to get it via UFA and has no balls to deal roster players to change the direction of this team. He sat back and let better players go elsewhere for whatever reason "he don't know why they aren't coming here." Me either. I am fine with that, because UFA's choose where they go, screw them if they don't want to come here. That's fine. Holland tried, but for some reason he is failing. I believe its because of his past tendencies to low-ball UFA's and his failure to keep Detroit an attractive place to play. Whatever, he can't get everyone, but he is definitely failing in his job. Follow that up by the Cleary and Quincey re-signings, soon to be followed by Alfie and there is no reason to believe the season will not go the same way, if not worse.

Goaltending needed to be upgraded. Monster isn't horrible, but he isn't good, face it. He has no way of pushing Howard to be better, and Howard needs to be pushed. He is too comfortable in his spot and he also makes too much money. If Holland didn't want to sign a UFA to push Howard (wishfully out of a starting job) he should have just promoted Mrazek to push Jimmy, he is better than Monster and Jimmy.

I would love to predict that they will win the Atlantic and seriously challenge for the Cup. I will be the first one in line to eat crow if that miracle happens and they do. But as long Holland doesn't make the moves to make this team better, and keeps suppressing the kids by having useless Vets and average players here, I cannot see that happening.

I will predict another sub-standard Red Wings season, riddled with injuries, chasing that last playoff spot and barely making it. I hope I am wrong, but then again every year I hope for the best, even in the Dead Wings era, I hoped for a Cup, but when it was all said and done, I was not surprised by what happened. I hope for a 180, I really do, but honestly and not just being negative to make people angry, the sun isn't shining on the Wings right now, and it could be a long tough year.

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1. Weiss will make a lot of people eat crow by having a 50+ point season

2. Hank will have a career year.

3. Howard will have a bounce back season.

4. The team makes the playoffs with a lot less stress than the past 2 seasons.

5. A forward we'll hate to see go will be traded to bring in a dman that we need.

6. Many Wings fans will finally see that the team is going in the right direction.

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LeftWinger, I don't have a problem with people actually predicting some negative things, as long as it's somewhat thought out. To have your only prediction as, 'half the roster will be injured by November', is just being negative for the sake of being negative, and yes, it is just to stir the pot or to piss people off. That's what many people find frustrating on here, some people just spew s*** just for the hell of it. I don't agree with a whole lot of your opinions, but at least there is some validity to your arguments. At least you do seem to care about the team. I respect our differences in opinion, and that's what keeps a discussion board going strong, but people just need to stop with 'the sky is falling', "Cleary sucks", "Holland sucks", "Howard is average", Kyle F*cking Quincey", etc, etc. Same old bulls*** over and over and over again...

Another thing, people including yourself have got to stop doing is stating such and such opinion as fact. It most definitely is not "fact" that any individual player on our current roster will miss a single game. So yes, it is possible that any of Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen, Kronwall, Ericsson, Weiss or Helm could play all 82 games this year. Unlikely? Absolutely. But it is definitely not impossible. Like I said, I predict all of these players to be much, much healthier this season, and I would bet that they average around 70 games each. Sure there will be one guy that might only play 60, but I bet another guy will play 80.

Anyway, we can agree to disagree, and I do respect your opinion, because like I said, it was actually somewhat thought out... But for those of you saying we're doomed, and we're going to be in on the McDavid sweepstakes, that just isn't going to happen.

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Love it marcaractac. I agree with each and every one of those, with the exception of number 2. I think Zetterberg will have an unreal year as well, but I'm not sure if he will have a career year, statistically speaking anyway, 93+ points is definitely going to be tough. I will say though, if he stays healthy the entire year and puts up a point a game, I don't see how being top 3 in the conference could be out of the question...

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LeftWinger, I don't have a problem with people actually predicting some negative things, as long as it's somewhat thought out. To have your only prediction as, 'half the roster will be injured by November', is just being negative for the sake of being negative, and yes, it is just to stir the pot or to piss people off. That's what many people find frustrating on here, some people just spew s*** just for the hell of it. I don't agree with a whole lot of your opinions, but at least there is some validity to your arguments. At least you do seem to care about the team. I respect our differences in opinion, and that's what keeps a discussion board going strong, but people just need to stop with 'the sky is falling', "Cleary sucks", "Holland sucks", "Howard is average", Kyle F*cking Quincey", etc, etc. Same old bulls*** over and over and over again...

Another thing, people including yourself have got to stop doing is stating such and such opinion as fact. It most definitely is not "fact" that any individual player on our current roster will miss a single game. So yes, it is possible that any of Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen, Kronwall, Ericsson, Weiss or Helm could play all 82 games this year. Unlikely? Absolutely. But it is definitely not impossible. Like I said, I predict all of these players to be much, much healthier this season, and I would bet that they average around 70 games each. Sure there will be one guy that might only play 60, but I bet another guy will play 80.

Anyway, we can agree to disagree, and I do respect your opinion, because like I said, it was actually somewhat thought out... But for those of you saying we're doomed, and we're going to be in on the McDavid sweepstakes, that just isn't going to happen.

To be fair, after the injury trouble this team had the last 2 years, I really don't think he had any intentions of stirring the pot by saying such a thing.

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It doesn't matter how positive people want to be about particular situations, there are always going to be 'the glass, completely empty' kind of people in the world.

As a Red Wings fan, why would you choose to be so negative about the upcoming season? It just doesn't make any sense whatsoever...

Why can't all the negative Nancy's and Debbie downers stay out of just one of the very few positive threads that we try to have on here?

Nah, it's much more fun to predict that Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Weiss and Helm combine for under 30 games and we finish last in the Conference...

I don't want to be negative about the Wings, but I haven't seen anything from this team for about the last 4 or 5 seasons that makes me think the upcoming season will be any different. I hope I'm wrong, but my prediction (based on what I've observed recently) is that it's going to be another mediocre season. Besides, who said that all predictions have to be so improbably positive?

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I don't want to be negative about the Wings, but I haven't seen anything from this team for about the last 4 or 5 seasons that makes me think the upcoming season will be any different. I hope I'm wrong, but my prediction (based on what I've observed recently) is that it's going to be another mediocre season. Besides, who said that all predictions have to be so improbably positive?

Truth. It's a thread asking for what people predict the season will bring. Not a only post potential positives thread :lol:

Having said that, I do think this is the year we begin to see the upswing of the reload. Not saying the team is a cup contender, but I just think they'll finally show they are on the right path.

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I too would love to have everyone play 70+ games. It is not out of the question, and I really hope it happens. IF it does happen, I can see a lot of your predictions happening, bcause a full 100% healthy team makes this team a top 5 Eastern Conference team. Minus the suppression of the kids that is...

Zombo...tsk tsk tsk, so just because someone works for the Wings, means that no one is allowed to know them on a personal basis? Ya, ok, as soon as they get hired or play for the Wings or any NHL team they are supposed to ditch their friends. I am personal friends with Manny Legace's father-in-law, who is personal friends with tons of former, current players, trainers, coaches, JLA employees along with similar people in the St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes association. And even if it was just one person's opinion of Helm that I was told about, that doesn't mean that it's true or untrue, it just makes it someone within the organization personal opinion, who is closer to the players and the NHL than you are. So yes, when lets say for example, a trainer may play pick up hockey at the JLA with someone who isn't part of the organization expresses his personal opinion, that would be info from a Red Wings insider, as compared to all the rose colored homerism from most Wings fans. Keep in mind that for every trainer you see on the bench there are about 20 that are behind the scenes that work with the players. So instead of just trying to knock someone down, think about what you are about to say. Just because you don't know anyone, doesn't mean nobody does. Helm has that rep. Sorry to burst you love bubble over him.

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I think because the Wings have had such bad luck with injuries the past few years is a reason to believe that that luck has got to change... and because we have had such short seasons the past few years is a reason to believe that the players that need it the most (Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen, Kronwall, Weiss, Helm, Howard) will be getting the rest they need. The fact that Zetterberg has said that he feels like he's years younger and that his back hasn't felt this good in years, is reason to believe that he may have a relatively healthy year. I also think a long summer off will help the other guys listed as well. I think for anyone that states that half the team will be injured after just two months of hockey is a bit ridiculous. Just my opinion...


As I've stated over and over again, I don't have any problem with negative predictions, I have a problem with people predicting the whole team will be injured... or wait for it... My prediction, Cleary sucks... a lot of thought put in to that one...

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It is really simple, if people are asking for predictions there will usually be all sorts of outcomes...Being a realist isn't the same as being a debbie downer just like being optimistic isn't the same as being a delusional fanboy.

Anyway, given our outstanding record since 2009 and another wonderful UFA period here are mine:

1. There will be injuries and our stars are aging, so their bodies will need longer to recover. So yeah if Pasha and Z can play a combined 130 games I would be very happy with that.

2. Top 2 - 3 in the East will only happen if some former all-stars are using their Delorian, then sign with the team in their prime years (yes I'm talking about Lids, Y, Mr. Hockey...). Pittsburgh and Boston will have the number 1 and number 2 spot locked up, after them it will be a battle between Tampa, Montreal, Rangers, Columbus and the Caps. Wings will fight with Toronto, Philadelphia for the last remaining spot.

3. The goaltending is not that bad, if Howard struggles again I'm more than comfortable with Gustavsson having to bail him out again. No goalie not even the King would look good behind such an atrocious defense and this is nothing new.

4. I'm sure Alfie will be back so this is going to be the exact same roster like last year, only 1 year older. Of course other teams are now knowing well how to shutdown our kidline and this will make life harder for Tatar, Nyquist and Sheahan. So I can't see how the exact same roster which barely made the playoffs all of a sudden would be able to climb near the top of the league again.

5. Team is again soft as butter and it only takes one iltimed check for an injury to reaccure, since other teams won't have to fear anyone on this team Z's back will for sure be a target...great times...

6. Kronwall will be asked to play in an uncomfortable position again (running the PP) and even forget his former nickname too bad his hits often created excitment back in the days.

7. Mantha hopefully - I pray - will get a full season in the AHL to bulk up even more and learn the in and outs of the pro-game. Sproul might be able to get the first 9 games on the roster and then we will see.

8. The saddest part, this will be the last year of watching the best coach in hockey using his magic to get a rapidly declining team into the playoffs again. If he succeeds in that regard he should be the frontrunner for the Jack Adams (long overdue).

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What we should do is change the subject of the topic to "If the Wings stay relatively healthy all year, what are you predictions?"

Like I said, if the oft injured players all play 70+ games, it can be nothing but a better year. If that indeed happens, then I can see a 4th or 5th place playoffs spot for sure, if not higher. Jimmy has to be pushed to higher expectations though...he has to carry us.

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Based off recent injury history and the lack of off-season improvements, I also see us barely getting into the playoffs and being lucky to win one round. If we can stay injury free or middle of the pack in injuries, then I can see us finishing 4th or 5th.

I'm excited to see the Wings play again, but not as much as I've been in the past. Kenny Holland is succeeding in making this team almost unwatchable. Don't score, don't fight, don't make off-season acquisitions to excite fans with seeing new players, etc. Last year was especially brutal to watch.


LeftWinger, I don't have a problem with people actually predicting some negative things, as long as it's somewhat thought out. To have your only prediction as, 'half the roster will be injured by November', is just being negative for the sake of being negative, and yes, it is just to stir the pot or to piss people off. That's what many people find frustrating on here, some people just spew s*** just for the hell of it. I don't agree with a whole lot of your opinions, but at least there is some validity to your arguments. At least you do seem to care about the team. I respect our differences in opinion, and that's what keeps a discussion board going strong, but people just need to stop with 'the sky is falling', "Cleary sucks", "Holland sucks", "Howard is average", Kyle F*cking Quincey", etc, etc. Same old bulls*** over and over and over again...

I thought about my prediction above and posted it. With that said.......


rocky-iii-33.png

Edited by GMRwings1983

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