kipwinger

I don't want to turn this into a blame game, we're all aware of who the LGW whipping boys are.  But if you look at the stats, we currently rank 15th in goals against, and 20th in goals for.  So, other than copping out and saying "we need to improve both", who does the failure fall on...the offense or the defense?  Here's something things to consider...

1)  Jimmy has been pretty shaky at times this season, arguably making the defense look worse than it really is. 

2)  Transition game starts with the defense and it has been bad this year, arguably making the offense look worse.

3)  We've given up three or more goals 12 times and scored three or more goals 10 times. 

4)  Injuries have, so far, disproportionately affected the offense.  Presumably making it less productive. 

Ok discuss.  And please don't just start singling people out, it's boring...and intellectually lazy.  The first person to do it will be admitting that they are a meat-headed sack of s*** by default.

Saw this topic over at Hfboards and thought it was interesting.  Who's the one player that you think would put us over the top, and who would you give to get him.  Over there, they put everyone in the league in play and the only stipulation was that you had to give fair value to get him.  I'm changing that.  Has to fit under the cap, has to be "reasonably" available (so basically no elites like Stamkos, Crosby, Malkin, etc.), has to get fair value in return, and try as best you can to meet the other team's needs as well.

Also, assume that Eaves and Tootoo are gone as well.  Giving us an extra 3.2 million toward the cap.  As such, we'd be sitting 2.4 million below the cap. 

Mine?  Evander Kane for Franzen, Mrazek, 1st. 

Zetterber-Datsyuk-Kane

Alfie-Weiss-Sammy

Tatar-Andersson-Nyquist

Miller-Helm-Abby

Bert

Kronwall-Ericsson

Dekeyser-Kindl

Smith-Quincey

Lashoff

Howard

Gustavsson

In his article today, John Niyo of the Detroit News suggested that the Wings should seriously consider trading any one of their young up and comers (not named Dekeyer).  He listed Kindl and Smith by name and lumped all the young forwards as potentials as well.  I don't want this thread to become a debate about the merits of Niyo's suggestion, but rather wanted to know who you'd all rather keep if it came down to trading Tatar or Nyquist.  I think one of the two is likely on the way out for a couple reasons.  They're stock is about as high as it's going to get.  There's very little roster space as it is without adding anybody from outside the organization.  Also it would be a bit redundant to have Tatar, Nyquist, AND Brunner on this team.  That's a lot of small skilled euros on a team that keeps talking about getting bigger each year. 

My thoughts?  Nyquist is undeniably talented and showed good chemistry and skill with Andersson and Brunner in the playoffs.  However, Tatar had the better season in terms of point production, seems to attack the net more, and might have leap frogged Nyquist after his Calder Cup performance.  Tough call, but I've got to say I'd rather keep Tatar. 

So, your thoughts?

According to the Ottawa Sun, the Avs are reportedly interested in trading Ryan O'Reilly's contract rights for a "young forward and a second round pick".  Supposedly O'Reilly wants to sign for between 3-4 million per season, but there's no mention on how long he's looking for. 

Nyquist + 2nd for O'Reilly?  Done. 

http://www.thefourth.../col130127.html

According to reports from the Free Press, Holland has been on the phone all day finalizing a deal on a defenseman who may play tonight.  The details are vague, but they did say it was a "veteran" defenseman.  Anybody wanna make some guesses. 

I'm going with Mike Commodore.