9/24 Exhibition GDT : at Red Wings 6, Pittsburgh Penguins 1

[Jesusberg 1,256]

How the hell can people still suggest that Pulkkinen is one dimensional? He literally scored 3 completely different ways the past two games and not a single one of them was using his "holy slapper". His goal against the Hawks, he crashed the net and batted in a rebound. His first goal against the Pens was a wrist shot from the left circle, perfectly picking the top corner. And the second one last night was on a breakaway, picking the fivehole... Pulkkinen can and will score in a multitude of different ways, but not only that, he is an extremely good passer. Per Khan on quotes from Blashill... "Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill coached Pulkkinen in Grand Rapids and said he's more than just a sniper. "I told him that" Blashill said. "When he comes up here he feels pressure to shoot the puck. He can make plays too, and he's going to have to do that." He's not terrible defensively either. He's probably not going to win any Selke's, but I personally wouldn't want him to. He's got the confidence of the coach and there's not a question in my mind that he will be in the lineup on opening night. In my opinion, he's no more "one dimensional" than Tatar, and he's a fan favorite...

That's just it though, right? Sometimes he has to defer from shooting. Last season, he took the whole "when you get the puck, shoot" thing a little too seriously. He shot the puck whenever he had it. If he can show some more poise with the puck, go to the "hard areas" a little more and elect to pass a bit more (after all, he broke Selanne's assist record in the Finnish Elite League) then he'll be fine.

As far as him starting in the lineup, I think there should be some question. Who knows what Blash is thinking. If Helm isn't healthy for opening night, Pulkkinen getting into the lineup means Andersson's out and Glendening goes back to 4C. If Helm's healthy, that means he's battling with Jurco for a spot. Simply put, Detroit has too many forwards right now.

[DatsyukianDekes 2,428]

How the hell can people still suggest that Pulkkinen is one dimensional? He literally scored 3 completely different ways the past two games and not a single one of them was using his "holy slapper". His goal against the Hawks, he crashed the net and batted in a rebound. His first goal against the Pens was a wrist shot from the left circle, perfectly picking the top corner. And the second one last night was on a breakaway, picking the fivehole... Pulkkinen can and will score in a multitude of different ways, but not only that, he is an extremely good passer. Per Khan on quotes from Blashill... "Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill coached Pulkkinen in Grand Rapids and said he's more than just a sniper. "I told him that" Blashill said. "When he comes up here he feels pressure to shoot the puck. He can make plays too, and he's going to have to do that." He's not terrible defensively either. He's probably not going to win any Selke's, but I personally wouldn't want him to. He's got the confidence of the coach and there's not a question in my mind that he will be in the lineup on opening night. In my opinion, he's no more "one dimensional" than Tatar, and he's a fan favorite..

That pass he made to Bertuzzi on Larkins last goal was very good. That just shows he has the vision and skill to make slick passes and he's only going to get better the more he plays.

@ 2:05 mark

[number9 3,297]

How the hell can people still suggest that Pulkkinen is one dimensional? He literally scored 3 completely different ways the past two games and not a single one of them was using his "holy slapper". His goal against the Hawks, he crashed the net and batted in a rebound. His first goal against the Pens was a wrist shot from the left circle, perfectly picking the top corner. And the second one last night was on a breakaway, picking the fivehole... Pulkkinen can and will score in a multitude of different ways, but not only that, he is an extremely good passer. Per Khan on quotes from Blashill... "Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill coached Pulkkinen in Grand Rapids and said he's more than just a sniper. "I told him that" Blashill said. "When he comes up here he feels pressure to shoot the puck. He can make plays too, and he's going to have to do that." He's not terrible defensively either. He's probably not going to win any Selke's, but I personally wouldn't want him to. He's got the confidence of the coach and there's not a question in my mind that he will be in the lineup on opening night. In my opinion, he's no more "one dimensional" than Tatar, and he's a fan favorite...

Pulks = Brunner + a slap shot

[kipwinger 8,754]

Mantha seems like the type to hide in the offensive zone then strike suddenly, Brett Hull like. I don't like that, especially with how big a frame he has, which could be better utilized winning pucks in the corner or fending off defenseman. Having said that I did notice he forced several turnovers which lead to scoring chances.

I agree. He can still be a scorer, even a good scorer, but still use his size and speed more. I agree with the folks that say he's not a "power forward" and shouldn't be expected to play like one. I think he'd be completely misutilizing his talent if he was down in front of the net banging and crashing. But I see no reason why he couldn't play a game like Blake Wheeler, or James Neal (hopefully without the penalties). Neither of them are Andrew Ladd, but they are still noticeable each shift.

Another year in GR will do him a lot of good.

Edited September 25, 2015 by kipwinger

[krsmith17 7,191]

Jesusberg, isn't that exactly what he's been showing all camp and preseason so far? He is far from the one trick pony that some suggest. He has been a dominant player at every level he has ever played, and from the small sample size we've seen in the NHL so far, there's no reason to believe that he won't, at the very least, be a very productive player for the Wings.

As far as starting lines go. I'd be shocked if he's not in on opening night, especially if he continues to produce the way he has so far in preseason. Datsyuk is obviously out, I'm thinking Helm will start the season on IR, and hoping no one else gets injured, this is what I see on opening night...

Nyquist - Zetterberg - Abdelkader

Tatar - Richards - Jurco

Franzen - Sheahan - Pulkkinen

Miller - Glendening - Ferraro

Helm, Andersson

Exactly darkmanx, his passing is very underrated.

Give it a rest 9. There's no possible way you actually believe that. You don't think Pulkkinen can hack it at the NHL level? "*eye roll*"

[kipwinger 8,754]

I think he was probably talking about their playing styles. Not their intestinal fortitude. Obviously Brunner was a quitter. I dont' think anyone would accuse Pulkkinen of that.

[DatsyukianDekes 2,428]

Jesusberg, isn't that exactly what he's been showing all camp and preseason so far? He is far from the one trick pony that some suggest. He has been a dominant player at every level he has ever played, and from the small sample size we've seen in the NHL so far, there's no reason to believe that he won't, at the very least, be a very productive player for the Wings.

As far as starting lines go. I'd be shocked if he's not in on opening night, especially if he continues to produce the way he has so far in preseason. Datsyuk is obviously out, I'm thinking Helm will start the season on IR, and hoping no one else gets injured, this is what I see on opening night...

Nyquist - Zetterberg - Abdelkader

Tatar - Richards - Jurco

Franzen - Sheahan - Pulkkinen

Miller - Glendening - Ferraro

Helm, Andersson

Exactly darkmanx, his passing is very underrated.

Give it a rest 9. There's no possible way you actually believe that. You don't think Pulkkinen can hack it at the NHL level? "*eye roll*"

That lineup is deep, the thing that scares me is what happens when Datsyuk comes back. I just hope Jurco or Pulks aren't on the 4th line but I don't see how they aren't. Kind of disappointing with all the depth.

[Jesusberg 1,256]

Jesusberg, isn't that exactly what he's been showing all camp and preseason so far? He is far from the one trick pony that some suggest. He has been a dominant player at every level he has ever played, and from the small sample size we've seen in the NHL so far, there's no reason to believe that he won't, at the very least, be a very productive player for the Wings.

As far as starting lines go. I'd be shocked if he's not in on opening night, especially if he continues to produce the way he has so far in preseason. Datsyuk is obviously out, I'm thinking Helm will start the season on IR, and hoping no one else gets injured, this is what I see on opening night...

Nyquist - Zetterberg - Abdelkader

Tatar - Richards - Jurco

Franzen - Sheahan - Pulkkinen

Miller - Glendening - Ferraro

Helm, Andersson

Exactly darkmanx, his passing is very underrated.

Give it a rest 9. There's no possible way you actually believe that. You don't think Pulkkinen can hack it at the NHL level? "*eye roll*"

Yes, but not every one has seen that. Not every one knows he possesses the playmaking skills that he does. During his time in the NHL, he didn't really show what he has during the preseason. It's fair to say that last year, he showed himself to be a little one dimensional at the NHL level. It's fantastic that he's looked good so far, but let's see how he fares during the regular season. It's a very promising start. I thought he looked fantastic last night.

Last I read, Helm was feeling good. Said he was having some headaches, but was going to ride the bike. His goal was to be ready for October 9th. As far as I know, there hasn't been an update about how he reacted to the bike. It could go either way, really... If he has a setback, I expect him to be out for a little bit. That would certainly give Jurco and Pulkkinen an opportunity.

[e_prime 1,936]

That lineup is deep, the thing that scares me is what happens when Datsyuk comes back. I just hope Jurco or Pulks aren't on the 4th line but I don't see how they aren't. Kind of disappointing with all the depth.

Can't be disappointed with this depth. When injuries start happening we'll be happy to have it.

Andersson and Ferraro are ultimately getting waived. No big loss if either are claimed.

Helm can be an asset moving up and down the roster in any spot. Would rather see him on the fourth line with Glenny and Miller.

If Jurco and Pulks are pulling their weight, and unless Franzen is tearing it up, I don't see why it wouldn't be Franzen sitting in the press-box.

Wouldn't be bad to have him rotate in and out as necessary... give him and his noggin a rest every so often.

[krsmith17 7,191]

I can't speak for other fans, but the only person that matters knows what he's capable of... Jeff Blashill. The fact that, like you said, Babcock made Pulkkinen believe that he should fire the puck from anywhere any chance he gets, is just another point to how Babcock completely misused certain players. I have faith that Blash will use both Pulkkinen and Jurco to their full potential, something Babcock never seemed capable of doing...

[DatsyukianDekes 2,428]

Can't be disappointed with this depth. When injuries start happening we'll be happy to have it.

Andersson and Ferraro are ultimately getting waived. No big loss if either are claimed.

Helm can be an asset moving up and down the roster in any spot. Would rather see him on the fourth line with Glenny and Miller.

If Jurco and Pulks are pulling their weight, and unless Franzen is tearing it up, I don't see why it wouldn't be Franzen sitting in the press-box.

Wouldn't be bad to have him rotate in and out as necessary... give him and his noggin a rest every so often.

I love the depth don't get me wrong and we are going to have injuries so I will be relieved that we have good players to fit in. I just don't want to see Jurco / Pulks get down on themselves because they might have to play on the 4th line due to the depth.

Edited September 25, 2015 by darkmanx

[Jesusberg 1,256]

Can't be disappointed with this depth. When injuries start happening we'll be happy to have it.

Andersson and Ferraro are ultimately getting waived. No big loss if either are claimed.

Helm can be an asset moving up and down the roster in any spot. Would rather see him on the fourth line with Glenny and Miller.

If Jurco and Pulks are pulling their weight, and unless Franzen is tearing it up, I don't see why it wouldn't be Franzen sitting in the press-box.

Wouldn't be bad to have him rotate in and out as necessary... give him and his noggin a rest every so often.

Eh? Why would both get waived?

Detroit only needs to waive one of them, unless you think Cleary or Callahan will be the 14th forward? Unless you're thinking they'll run 13 forwards to get under the cap once Pavel returns?

Edited September 25, 2015 by Jesusberg

[joesuffP 1,746]

Yeah someone gets hurt for a week they're bound to lose a job. Lots of competition in the roster

[e_prime 1,936]

Eh? Why would both get waived?

Detroit only needs to waive one of them, unless you think Cleary or Callahan will be the 14th forward? Unless you're thinking they'll run 13 forwards to get under the cap once Pavel returns?

Oh jeezus. Math. 14+7+2 = 23. Lol.

I'm a maroon!

EDIT: Although I guess getting under the cap is going to be a concern, huh? According to General Fanager with 15 forwards we're over the cap:

+1,314,543 - 950,000 (Cleary) = +364,543

There's a 215K difference between Andersson and Ferraro. Still putting us at just under 150k over carrying Ferraro instead of Andy.

There's gotta be a trade and I see it on the defensive side. There's huge difference in our salary cap situation between carrying our current 7 d-men (Green, Kronner, Quincey, Ericsson, Smith, Kindl, Deke) and six of those guys plus ANY of our d-prospects sitting in Grand Rapids.

Edited September 25, 2015 by e_prime

[Jesusberg 1,256]

Oh jeezus. Math. 14+7+2 = 23. Lol.

It's all good. I was just confused. Though, I wonder how they're going to get under once Datsyuk returns. It hadn't occurred to me that they might go with 13 forwards if they don't have any other options.

[HockeytownRules19 902]

not sure where to put this:

Ansar Khan ‏@AnsarKhanMLive 9m9 minutes ago

Wings group that didn't play last night skating right now. Green not skating. Quincey takes his place with DeKeyser.

Let's hope its nothing

[e_prime 1,936]

It's all good. I was just confused. Though, I wonder how they're going to get under once Datsyuk returns. It hadn't occurred to me that they might go with 13 forwards if they don't have any other options.

Like I said above in the edit, I think it's gotta be a trade at some point.

[HockeytownRules19 902]

Helene St. James ‏@HeleneStJames 41s42 seconds ago

RedWings D Mike Green not skating today. Per Ken Holland, precaution for tender groin. (Mark off "tender groin" on camp bingo card).

[Echolalia 2,961]

Lol so in addition to getting tix to this game from a friend, now I find out my gf just scored some tix for tomorrow's game. I'm lucking out this preseason. I hope Green ends up playing though.

[kickazz 5,459]

Maples Leafs 3-0 in preseason so far

[amato 3,210]

part of me wishes pulks had another year of waiver eligibility.... not because I don't think he's ready or don't think he deserves to be up with the wings, but because it'd be awesome to give him a season (or at least some of a one) on a line with larkin and bertuzzi to develop more chemistry. they looked great and their play styles compliment each other very well imo.

Edited September 25, 2015 by amato

[Rivalred 630]

Was an entertaining game and Wings have a good prospect pool, but everyone needs to remember the Pens didn't have a full roster last night, would of been a lot different I think

[krsmith17 7,191]

amato, I do agree that that line has looked great in camp / preseason so far, but I'd rather see if Larkin and Mantha can gain some chemistry down in GR this upcoming season. Who's put on the other wing doesn't really matter to me, whether it's Athanasiou, Bertuzzi, Miele or whoever. I just want to see what Mantha can do on a line with Larkin all season. It wouldn't hurt for some of Dylan's work ethic to rub off on Anthony. Although it seems that Mantha really is willing to put the work in off the ice, he still seems to lack that drive and intensity every shift.

Rivalred, did you happen to notice our roster? We didn't exactly have a "star" studded roster by any stretch either. It would haven been cool to see what Larkin's line could have done up against Crosby though...

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

Was an entertaining game and Wings have a good prospect pool, but everyone needs to remember the Pens didn't have a full roster last night, would of been a lot different I think

Larkin was playing against Malkin and hornquist a lot of the time, he wasnt out there against scrubs, and he and lil bert looked really good against them.

and two/three of the defenseman for the pens are going to be on their full time roster depending on what happens with pouliot.

Edited September 25, 2015 by jimmyemeryhunter

[HockeytownRules19 902]

The Wheel Deal ‏@Bill_Roose 20m20 minutes ago

#RedWings coach Jeff Blashill said Mike Green and Teemu Pulkkinen are day to day. Said Pulky was injured "upper, mid-level" last night.

Helene St. James ‏@HeleneStJames 26m26 minutes ago

Plan is for Johan Franzen to play again Saturday when Wings host Boston. Daniel Cleary also to play.