GDT ECQF Game 7 GDT : at Lightning 2, Red Wings 0 (Tampa wins series, 4-3)

[joesuffP 1,746]

Abby is not a bonafide top 6 player. A bonafide top 6 player would score more points in the regular season playing with Zetterberg and Nyquist. And certainly would do more in the playoffs than Abby did. He works hard and improved greatly, but still doesn't have a lot of talent.

22 goals in a injury shortened season. He makes that line happen

[VM1138 1,921]

We may be worse next season. Fixing the defense is a hard enough problem. Replacing Cole (potentially) and Franzen is going to be nearly impossible.

[joesuffP 1,746]

At least Datsyuk levelled Flippula in the game

We may be worse next season. Fixing the defense is a hard enough problem. Replacing Cole (potentially) and Franzen is going to be nearly impossible.

Cole played like 6 games for us... Won't be hard to replace

[puckbags 863]

He definitely puts in his fake teeth when he heads to the rippers and drops some serious cash.

All that free money he hasn't earned. Just a boss at the club lol

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

22 goals in a injury shortened season. He makes that line happen

Imagine how many goals Hossa would score on that line. Besides, Abby is not going to score big goals in the playoffs. He didn't in this series either. We need legitimate talent in the top 6.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Filppula vs. Hudler. McGrattan vs. Mons Venus.

How can you not like the implications?

I wouldn't be able to go to the gas station without hearing "How about those ******* Flames eh?!?"

Fil vs Hudler would be hilarious though.

[VM1138 1,921]

At least Datsyuk levelled Flippula in the game

Cole played like 6 games for us... Won't be hard to replace

Yeah he will. Where are you going to find two big bodies who can crash the net, win board battles and score?

[lomekian 201]

Abby is not a bonafide top 6 player. A bonafide top 6 player would score more points in the regular season playing with Zetterberg and Nyquist. And certainly would do more in the playoffs than Abby did. He works hard and improved greatly, but still doesn't have a lot of talent.

He would be a top 6 player if 1-5 were producing more of late. He looked a little banged up tonight, but for the last 2 months he certainly has been a top 6-er. Time will tell if that's just a hot streak or indicative of a step up...

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

All that free money he hasn't earned. Just a boss at the club lol

He strikes me as the type to say "Do you know who I am, I play in the NHL" to anyone who tried to talk to him too. And I actually like the guy haha, but he's gotta go. Just didn't work out.

[puckbags 863]

For those who have been fans since the early 90's this is the longest personal drought without a cup. 7 years now...not sure if I should be disappointed or if I sound like a spoiled s*** head who's seen his team win 4 cups lol.

[lomekian 201]

Imagine how many goals Hossa would score on that line. Besides, Abby is not going to score big goals in the playoffs. He didn't in this series either. We need legitimate talent in the top 6.

STILL going on about Hossa!?!

You do realise that was 6 years ago. And I don't think anyone thinks Abby is as good as Hossa. Which is partly why he gets paid so much less....

[Firehawk 305]

Anyone have a list of the injuries yet? They said on the radio erickson had a broken toe all series

[lomekian 201]

For those who have been fans since the early 90's this is the longest personal drought without a cup. 7 years now...not sure if I should be disappointed or if I sound like a spoiled s*** head who's seen his team win 4 cups lol.

I got lucky..I found the wings from afar when the their previous cup has been with Gordie Howe in the team....but they resolved that within 5 years.....

[Firehawk 305]

They said on the radio when babs was asked if he would be back next year he said " i don't think so"...

Ugh.bring back bowman

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

I hope Steve Yzerman feels a terrible guilt in his sleep tonight. A sickening feeling like he did something bad. Dreams like Brutus had after Caesar was killed.

[MDCard 48]

My post series thoughts:

1) Always disappointing to lose like this...I remember when we lost game 7 to the Pens for the Cup. I was seriously down for like a week...we were better than them. We were the best team in the league then. This is bad...but i am already over it. I don't think the Wings had what it takes to get out of the East. The Rangers defense is stacked. Price is tough. There are just too many barriers and our best players are a bit too old. It would have been nice to continue in the playoffs...not meant to be.

2) I thought we played a good series...nothing to hang our heads about. We had our chances to nail this down in games 4 and 6. The great teams get it done. We didn't. But the guys played tough. Guys i admired during the series include Glenny, Abby, Helmer, Dats, Mraz. I like their game...

3) I am not sure getting really old players at the deadline is a great idea. Keith Yandle would have been a good get. Zidlicky is too slow and really cost us in these playoffs a bit...I am not sure he is really any better than Kindl, Marchenko, or Oulett. Cole ended up being a non-factor. Getting old players at the deadline for a bunch of "spare part" assets, messing up the chemistry, sitting young players, then slumping your way into the playoffs. Kenny has not really made a lot of outstanding moves lately. Giving 5 mill to Weiss who was coming off injury was incredibly bone-headed. The whole "overripe" thing is overrated. Hockey players in this era are beaten up after 31 or so and on the downside of things. Just my opinion. If you want to be a franchise that competes for the Cup every year you have to make bold, smart moves. If you make bad moves...no Cup.

4) I am really impressed with Mrazek's demeanor, puck handling, and athleticism. He overplays things and that needs to be fixed...but it is fixable. I like him in net over Jimmy who does to handle the puck so well and seems to be always tweaking his groin.

5) I would trade Jimmy to a team that really needs a goalie (? St. Louis) for either a rugged scoring winger or a top tier defenseman. Mraz starts...and then find a serviceable back up.

6) No more really old players please. Unless he is a core guy (Z, Dats, Kron), the secondary players should be young and not have a lot of miles on them.

7) We need a bit of grit and size in our forwards...Franzen is pretty much done. I would trade him for a low pick and a back up goalie...if he actually can still play. Get rid of him.

8) Weiss needs to go...back to Florida for a low pick...maybe his game needs Florida...I don't know.

9) It would be great to have a #1 D-man...I have no idea how we get one of these.

10) I would not re-sign either Cole or Zids...too old.

11) There is a lot of negative talk about Zetterberg here...but he is not going anywhere. I am hopeful that as he gets farther out from his back surgery he can still be a contributor.

That's all i got for now...disappointing that we are out and i have no more playoff games to worry about.

[LeftWinger 4,959]

must re-sign Cole. Not having him hurt us. We need to give him a year for sure.

[Firehawk 305]

I got lucky..I found the wings from afar when the their previous cup has been with Gordie Howe in the team....but they resolved that within 5 years.....

I became a fan in 93 i think, when the wings came back in the series against the north stars down 3 to 1 in the series. 92 or 93...tim cheveldae baby

[Liquidsnake 12]

Yeah he will. Where are you going to find two big bodies who can crash the net, win board battles and score?

We had Cole for 6 games. While it would be nice to have him, I think we can survive.

As for Franzen, his best days are behind him. Still a huge body to have in front of the net, but he's no sniper anymore.

[gowings00 545]

Babcock is 100% gone. Can't say I'm sad. However to be fair, Holland never went out and got him the defensemen that Babcock's system is built around.

[nyqvististhefuture 1,002]

Is it me or it seems every time we dominate a game and it's tied we usually find a way to lose the game?

[joesuffP 1,746]

Imagine how many goals Hossa would score on that line. Besides, Abby is not going to score big goals in the playoffs. He didn't in this series either. We need legitimate talent in the top 6.

Hossa had 22 goals in more games played with much better line mates on a generally much better offensive team.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Hossa had 22 goals in more games played with much better line mates on a generally much better offensive team.

How old is Hossa? We could have had him for all those years instead of Franzen.

We need a legit winger who can score big goals in the playoffs. If we have such a player currently on this team, please name him.

[thegerkin 189]

HEY, HEY CHOKEYTOWN!

[Jersey Wing 1,521]

I'm normally pretty calm and pragmatic at times like these. Not so much this year. Yes I understand they were big underdogs. It was a competitive improvement over last year's 5 game loss to Boston.

We have found a netminder in Mrazek I think is capable of winning it all. I have a confidence in him I just have never felt with Jimmy. Mrazek is my goalie going forward. Trade Jimmy, keep him as a backup (I'm not sure that's possible at this point). Datsyuk and Z have to be allowed to play for Detroit as long as they feel they can. That being said if your name isn't Abdelkader, Glendening, Helm, or Sheahan I'm listening to offers. Yep, if we can make this team better and more able to go further in the playoffs I'm listening to offers for Nyquist or Tatar or anybody not in GR or Ferraro. Defensively the back end needs to be overhauled. Kronner and DeKeyser stay (and XO & Marchenko), past that let's see what can be done.

Game 7 vs Pittsburgh in 2009

Game 6 vs Chicago in 2013

Game 6 vs Tampa Bay in 2015

ALL bad losses at JLA. It's becoming too much of a habit to lose these games and not take destiny by the throat. I understand different years and circumstances but This MUST change. They need finishers. Closers. Heck, bring me Steve Ott if he'll get us into the second round.

Winter is coming, and we'd better be better prepared for it next time.