Nev

Is it wrong that after all the "world is ending" threads that would have plagued the forums, the thing that worried me most about missing the playoffs was the lack of Photoshop Wars?

The Ducks are always a tough team and they love to beat us when they can. I expect some very childish antics from Perry and Getzlaf, but I am confident that the Wings will be very competitive this series. 

LGW

Thing is, this year is seeing something of a role reversal of previous seasons.  I think its no longer a case of the Ducks brawn vs the Wings skill.  Just look at our D corps - they're all big boys.  Kronwall is our smallest guy at 6-0 190.  Whenever Perry and Getzlaf are on the ice, so will be Ericsson and Abdelkader, so if they start trying to pull their usual crap we've got a couple of players who can stand up to them.

The 3rd line are in for a shock to the system though, they'd better be prepared to stand up to it.

We've been close the last 3 games, but tonight really, really, really is the night we win 14-3.  Pavel will get his traditional goal and 13 assists.

As a hockey fan, sometimes you don't even notice when things are spelled the Canadian English way. I didn't catch that until you pointed it out

FTFY

I can honestly say I haven't felt this way since game 7 in 2009.  In a do or die situation like this, there's only one tune for it..

Or spend the game in a Stars jersey and when security asks who threw the octo, just shrug and ask them to explain icing.

I'm not down with ragging on other teams fanbases normally, but that my lady is pure comedy gold

Guys chill out with the Jimmy Howard rant. Jimmy is a great season goalie and has been this year. He still has to prove himself as a playoff goalie. I think people who are on his case need to lay off a bit cuz he's actually doing good right now and those of you who are worshipping him need to take a step back and wait until he gives us some playoff depth. We're jumping to conclusions too quickly with him. He's been solid thus far this year, lets hope he can continue this into the postseason. Remember, we haven't gotten past the second round in the playoffs since Jimmy took over from Ozzy in 2010. Let's hope this is the year Jimmy can pull a Jonathon Quick and get us far.

Just because he hasn't taken us past the 2nd round doesn't mean he hasn't played well.  Those Sharks series when we were getting bitchslapped up and down the ice, it was only Jimmy (and Pav) that managed to get them to 7 games.

Jimmy's a decent goalie.  He doesn't win you games

 

You lost me right there.

OK, tonight really really is the night when we win 14-3.  Dats with a goal and 13 assists.

Wow, have the Wings flipped a switch in the last week or what?  What is so noticable is just how much more speed we're playing with.  As soon as we win the puck in our own zone the forwards are off up the ice at full pelt.  Obviously it helps having guys like Nyquist in the line-up, but everyone is busting their ass.

Even the lines are all clicking.  Abdelkader on the top line is a wrecking ball, he didn't get an assist on Pav's goal last night but he sure as hell deserved one as it was his chip, chase and check that turned the puck over behind their net.  Franzen is in Mule mode on the 2nd line, despite having Filpulla and Cleary as line-mates.  The rookie 3rd line is swarming all over the ice, and the 4th line is playing like a 4th line should.

And James T Howard continues to play lights-out.  It feels wierd, but we've turned into one of those teams that's playing playoff hockey just to get into the playoffs.

I miss when the NHL was on TV in the UK - and on a free to air channel too, not pay TV.  2 live games per week, plus lotsa highlights, and often a tape delay game after the live game too.  Now, nada because Uncle Gary can't agree a lucrative enough deal.

Just another thing to thank Bettman for!

Play reflects personality. Someone like franzen slacks off. Ie needs a kick in ass. Dat and z bring it every night that y they don't. Watch a game you might learn something.

 

No, no it doesn't.  I'm guessing you've never read many sports autobiographies?  Or at least the good ones, not the by-the-numbers ghostwritten ones.  Because if you had, you would know what a complete fallacy this is.  You'd learn about the swashbuckling, fearless player who was a terrified crybaby in the dressing room.  You'd learn about the player who had ice in his veins when the game was on the line, but would be so nervous before every game he'd be throwing up.  The dressing room bully who would hide out on the pitch ("don't pass that bloody white thing to me" syndrome).  The innocent patsy whose career the coach destroys to make a point to the rest of the team. 

I can think of countless examples in all sports the buck the trend.  Babcock, with his sports pyschology background understands this.  Tough guys like Tortarella and Keenan don't.

 

LGW could run the Wings better than the current regime

 

LGW would run this team like the Flyers or Rangers, constant big trades, FA agent signings and big buyouts, with questionable levels of success.

 

Also get rid of Kronwall he is a nice #3 but has learned nothing from Lidstrom.... he is useless

 

 

And if you get rid of him we have no #3.  Surely we need to keep him and try and add some high-end defensive talent?  But I like your reasoning - Not as good as Lidstrom therefore he sucks.

Kicking it old-skool tonight - listening to the radio commentary over the internet whilst doing a nightshift.  Not done this since, ooooh, 2008

“I did meet with Gary Greenstin during our last homestand,'' Holland said. “We briefly talked about Pav and we both agreed that between now and the end of June, when he heads home, we'll sit down and have further discussion about Pav.''

The Red Wings would like to sign Datsyuk to an extension on July 5, the first day he is able to re-up. Datsyuk, however, hasn't committed to staying in the NHL beyond next season, having previously indicated a desire to finish his career in his native Russia, whether that's in 2014-15 or later.

Greenstin said no decision has been made on Datsyuk's future, but said he assured the Red Wings that if Datsyuk remains in the NHL beyond next season, it will be with Detroit.

Some in the organization don't believe it's a slam-dunk that Datsyuk will return to Russia after 2013-14. Greenstin's desire to talk with the Red Wings after this season indicates that Datsyuk at least is seriously considering remaining in the NHL.

 

http://www.mlive.com...pavel_dats.html