Nevermind

I've never been keen on Hudler playing the point on a powerplay.

I'd put Ericsson back there.  He's got a bigger shot than Hudler and they paid him a boat load of money.  Let's see how he looks on the point.

I would go back to Kindl.  Even though it wasn't working well with him on it the first two games (yes, I know he coughed the puck up for that one breakaway), I still think he has some good potential to be a solid powerplay quarterback.

On a side note, anyone else really liking Kindl's overall game this year?  Definitely some huge steps from last year.  He looks really confident out there, making good passes and not shying away physically.

I just think Hudler's numbers would be similar if he had similar ice time and line-mates.  Hudler is a gifted hockey player.

Franzen's playoff numbers before last season:

07-08:  13 goals and 5 assists for 18 points in 16 games played.  Plus 13.

08-09:  12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points in 23 games played.  Plus 8.

09-10:  6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 12 games played.  Plus 8.

Now please tell me again that Hudler could put up these numbers or better in the playoffs.

There was a camera shot late in the game of Ericsson skating backwards basically one on one and breaking up the rush.  The camera angle was from behind the end glass and showed really well his positioning and crossover skating skills.  I have some high school hockey players that would benefit from seeing this video.

Sorry, I can't help you with the video.

But are you sure you want a video of Ericsson?  I think your players would benefit more from watching 5 seconds of Lidstrom than 100 hours of Ericsson.

More like 'Common sense move'.

Hudler with all 17!  

esteef

Don't be ridiculous.

You know Ericsson will have at least 3 or 4.

Ericsson is a clown. Can't shoot, can't pass, can't use his size, can't defend....

At least he has a good agent.

I'd be shocked if he doesn't make the team.


By the way, anybody else think he looks eerily similar to Getzlaf?

Brunnstrom isn't bald.

To beat a dead horse...

In terms of the dollars and our cap situation, I don't care all that much about spending the more than an extra million or so needed for Ericsson.  What I do REALLY care about though is the precedent his deal has set.

If Ericsson is worth $3.25M, then what are much better defensemen in Kronwall and Stuart worth? 6 and 5 million, respectively?  I don't know, but surely Kronner and Stuey's agents will play this card heavily during negotiations.

And this could have a dramatic effect on our D for years to come.  So hopefully Kronwall and Stuart decide to take  nice hometown discounts despite E's contract.  Or Ericsson plays like a top 4 guy.  

He was great in the playoffs. He couldn't stop a beachball in the regular season.

At least it wasn't the other way around.

I'm more worried about any lingering health issues.

Too bad for us.

If we win one more game in '09, the Cup would be ours and the Conn Smythe would likely go to Chris Osgood.  

That was just two years ago.  It's not ancient history.

In the playoffs, I think Ozzie still has it in him to step up to the occasion if called upon.  This is because he's done it before not that long ago.  Could you say the same about Ray Emery or Ty Conklin?

But just so I can get this straight, you think Hudler is a *****, right? And you want to replace him with Semin? Can I get you to confirm for me that you'd rather have Semin than a *****?

I see what you did there.

Officially

To be a downer, he's only making $2M more than Ericsson for about 4 times the offensive production.

There wasn't a problem with Dave Lewis...

I miscounted, like  (5 syllables)
Kenny when giving out (6 syllables)
Doug Janik's 'young' age. (5 syllables)

You failed once again,

So please leave us alone now,

And never come back



5-7-5!!!

How are you holding up?

Must be real tough to think it might actually happen.