Motown4013

I have always been a supporter of Johnny...even when he struggled to find his game I always thought he could elevate. I thought last night that the Big E had the VERY best game of his career. I think it was overlooked by Pashas unbelievable shot and Bruns OT winner, but he has really impressed me in the playoffs and especially last night. He used his size to punish the quacks over and again. He has been a difference maker on the PK. He also made some really good decisions with the puck. Like a few guys on this team, he stepped up.
After being the goat on this roster, I wanted to give props where they are due. We are watching Ericsson turn into a legit shut down Dman and it's very cool to watch!

Interesting things to decide on here. If you are the coach, coaching the last game in Dallas, would you consider any of these "X FACTORS"

 

We have won the last 3 in a row with the current line-up. Last game of the year and some of our guys are medically cleared to return.

Lets face it, Smith has made some costly errors in the last 3 games...Back to back penalties against PHX and one in Vancouver which led to a goal. He is 3rd on the team in giveaways (behind Pavel and Big E...who have both played more games and have more takeaways) He is also a minus player on the road.

 

We also have Cleary who has played better in the last few games but also took 2 penalties last night. He is slow and looked gassed in the 3rd last night in Nashville. Clears sits fouth on the team in PIM  and is 2nd last for plus/minus on the active roster at -6.

 

With Bert apparently healthy and White as a plus 7 on the road, do you make a roster change? If you do, who do you insert? Bertuzzi has soft hands, an offensive upside, size and would be fresh. Fresh also means rusty....and not in game shape. Smith at times looks lost and overall has make some really poor decisions with the puck. Would Cola or White provide some stability on the blueline?

 

Sammy is also healthy...but there hasnt beeen much talk about him. Is the "Shin Guard assasin" better than someone one occupying a spot on the team?

 

If you get to coach the last game of the season, who do you want in the line up with a playoff berth on the line?

Hey All-
Interesting thoughts while we keep up hope that the lockout will end and the Wings will be skating again. Anyway, here is a question.
I remember the barrage of critisim that Holland took after he "did nothing" during the Free Agency period. Some questioned his committment to the team...some called for his job. Some ranted that he "missed the boat on guys like Suter and Parise" and called him out on adding people like Tootoo and Sammy. Kenny must have got a really good tan because he took a ton of heat this summer.
Looking back, has your perception changed of what he did. The GM's meet and talk. They are directed by the owners on what to do and how to do things. Do you feel that like a lot of GM's, Holland knew a lockout was probable and didnt want the team to be over the cap, or to tie up funds that may not be availabe. Do you think this had nothing to do with Holland's choices at the trade deadline and stand by your assessment of him?
thoughts?

what do you guys think? Did the NHL offer enough to get this season back on track by Nov 2nd?

 132671975_0_standard_352_0.jpg   65.51K   2 downloadsBrunner isnt the only one ripping it up over there...THREE players in the top 10...and Datsyuk and Zetterbergs name arent on the list!
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=2364