gdt ECQF Game 1 Post-GDT: at Tampa Bay 3, Red Wings 2

[chaps80 1,591]

Richards sure was a leader last night.

[BottleOfSmoke 5,965]

my favorite hockey gif.

And unfortunately the only thing I think about when people say they want Semin on the Wings lol

[frankgrimes 1,836]

If there is one owner who isn't just about the bottom line, it's Mr. I. As proven time and time again. Even if some people think it's only about the bottom line well guess what being a contender for years to come means more revenue, merchandise sales and more often a packed house. Sometimes it's needed to sacrifice short-term goals for that but in the end it's worth it.

But a series doesn't start till you lose at home if that happens I fully expect to see the young guns getting a chance experience playoff atmosphere.

For sure Cooper is confident this wasn't a good game by Tampa standards and they still won because the Wings defense couldn't handle their speed and they got outmuscled too. The Triplets, Norrisman and Callahan are still a lot to handle for this wings edition.

Wings would need to focus on collective defense and try to score in an opportunistic way but wings also don't have a sniper for that because they've sent him down in favor of Anderson.

As sad as it may be I think with Pasha gone in the offseason it might be time to look at the other 2 vets too

Edited April 15, 2016 by frankgrimes

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

So far I'd have to say our game against the bolts has been the most entertaining of them all.

[matt198913 932]

So far I'd have to say our game against the bolts has been the most entertaining of them all.

Love love love defensive close hockey when it's not the Wings. Blues-Hawks was a ton of fun.

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

Love love love defensive close hockey when it's not the Wings. Blues-Hawks was a ton of fun.

I have to agree that match up so far has been fun. I love first games for each playoff match up because there's usually a lot of hitting going.

[kickazz 5,459]

http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2016/4/14/11431906/the-over-usage-of-henrik-zetterberg-is-a-hill-the-red-wings-will-die-on

A pretty objective article on Zetterberg. Some quotes from the article :

It's gotten to the point that you don't even need numbers to see that he's performing at the rate of a 3rd line center right now. So why do the Red Wings continue to use him as their rock to lean on?

Well, the quick answer is that the Red Wings don't have a trust-worthy bonafide first line center. You could argue that Dylan Larkin should be transitioning into this role, but not now. Not in the playoffs.

All I can say is that the Wings would be wise to adjust their usage of him before they shoot themselves in the foot. Again.

The problem isn't that he's declining. No, that happens to any player who's sustained injuries like he has. The problem is that he's still being treated as if he is a rock that the team can lean on in big situations.

Edited April 15, 2016 by kickazz

[kickazz 5,459]

Best hope Larkin can take 1C next year.

[Jacksoni 418]

Best hope Larkin can take 1C next year.

Would be nice but man that's asking a lot from a teenager. I would be content with Larking at 2C with a veteran winger. I would have said Z as his winger but he's just too slow. If he can get some speed back in the offseason that would be a nice trainee line.

[marcaractac 3,963]

Best hope Larkin can take 1C next year.

I hope Stamkos becomes our number 1 center next year

[amato 3,210]

Would be nice but man that's asking a lot from a teenager. I would be content with Larking at 2C with a veteran winger. I would have said Z as his winger but he's just too slow. If he can get some speed back in the offseason that would be a nice trainee line.

Well it's a good thing he turns 20 in July

But yeah, I agree with this. Hopefully pav decides to return and we can run something like Pav-Larkin-Tatar

If Richards could play how he did last game all year, I'd be ok with re-signing him and putting him where pav is

[VM1138 1,921]

I hope Stamkos becomes our number 1 center next year

He pretty much has to be. There's no one else available, I don't think. If we don't land him our team is going to be ugly.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

He pretty much has to be. There's no one else available, I don't think. If we don't land him our team is going to be ugly.

Think about it:

- first line center? Nope

- second line center? MAYBE but man even that's a lot to ask from someone coming of his rookie season

- Z as a third line center

And defense well we all know the story. At that point a rebuild would be the way to go because, trade Kronner for whatever the Wings can get for him and start fresh.

The TOI is ruining Z and Kronner and especially in Z 's case it's extremely tough to watch, his prime could have been a lot longer otherwise. Another problem I see is that Z just doesn't look fired up, with Lidas and the captain everyone knew they'll find the right words at the right time and would have their team ready to go. I sadly don't think Z is that kind of guy and maybe Pasha should have been the captain he just leads by example. Maybe #5 #19 set the bar for being a captain to high but so far I must say I've been disappointed with him as a captain.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

my favorite hockey gif.

And unfortunately the only thing I think about when people say they want Semin on the Wings lol

Impressive handspeed. Reminds me of Bobby Nystrom or Craig Berube in their heyday.