DRWExaminer

Dude right on! Please check your LGW email - I have sent you a message, and I hope to talk to you about this.

Have you ever thrown an octopus onto the ice at Joe Louis Arena? Do you someone who has?

Shoreline, That is exactly where I was going with this at the start. I'm sure every one of these guys can stand up for themselves when needed, but it's energy wasted by our stars. Within each game it's not a big deal, but over the course of a season ... and you never know, a freak injury could happen when Z is ducking yet another punch or is falling down awkwardly after another push after the whistle, etc... And in the playoffs as the intensity picks up I don't want Z, Pavs, or Hossa etc... wasting any energy with nonsense after the whistles because the other team has no fear of repercussions. McCarty and Downey are very tough players but I don't think anybody mistakes them for a Derek Boogaard (extreme example). Ideally you would like the player to be able to contribute at all ends of the ice but realistically you're sacrificing a fourth line spot for him.

In last night's game against Calgary, Todd Bertuzzi and Andre Roy made a point of throwing their weight around, as well as Phaneuf to a lesser extent. Normally it doesn't get under my skin because they save that stuff for other big body tough guys, but it concerned me when Zetterberg was getting punched in the head repeatedly after a whistle. Lilja made efforts to step in as the tough guy, but I don't think he gives other teams any reason for concern. Obviously if McCarty or Downey were in the lineup they would have been targeted for this stuff, but I wonder if they are enough to deter or give other teams pause for thought before they take shots at the top players. Do you think the Wings need to find a tougher guy than McCarty or Downey to handle the policeman role, and if so who do you suggest?

Here is a picture of the ring given away at JLA at last night's game

I did an article on the renewal of Blackhawks - Red Wings rivalry, and based on the coach's and player comments they can feel it too. But if there was any doubt about the rvalry being on check out the back and forth in section 211A during the game Saturday night at: http://www.examiner.com/x-1405-Detroit-Red...rivalry-renewed Thanks, Mike

No I live in Windsor, Ontario just across the river from Detroit. I was not aware that my posts picked up different cities as its originating locale. It looks like it picks up the city on our network that is closest to yours. Enjoy the game on the 13th and that is a road trip I would love to take!

Please check out my latest story for all the details at: http://www.examiner.com/x-1405-Detroit-Red...n-the-Red-Wings Thanks, Mike

Is Chris Osgood a Hall of Fame goalie? Check out his stats in comparison to some of the greats and place your vote at: http://www.examiner.com/x-1405-Detroit-Red...-of-Fame-goalie As always I appreciate the support, Mike

I believe this rumor started when Al Strachan made the comment on Hockey Night In Canada. It was an off the cuff remark by Strach in reference to the fans in Detroit not being able to support the franchise due to the economic woes of the area should things continue to deteriorate. There was no factual basis for the comment, but nonetheless it has sparked converasation which is exactly what Strachan had hoped for.

Making the three star selections is not as easy as at home when nobody has to hear who I pick. Check out how I made my choices in the Detroit vs. Montreal game at: http://www.examiner.com/x-1405-Detroit-Red...ion-not-so-easy Thanks, Mike

Thanks for the link. Although I wasn't a fan of the Cat, it was a great read.

I was worried about being too lenient Konnan511 - and your comments confirm my fear. I find it hard to be critical of players on a team that are racking up 80% of the available points, thinking they must all be playing their roles at an above average level or else the team would be average. Like your grades too though and understand your thinking. Thanks for the kind words about the site, please do come back often and as always leave your comments. Mike

The Wings have reached the quarter pole and it's time for report cards. Please come and check out my player grades, and let me know your thoughts and grades at: http://www.examiner.com/x-1405-Detroit-Red...on-report-cards Thanks, Mike