kipwinger

I'm glad we're in a playoff position and lord knows I'd like to kick back and feel good about the fact that our team is playing decently well, but sadly I can't.  Yesterday we left another point on the table after leading 2 to nothing in the first.  In a race this tight we can't afford to give points away, but we blow leads every game. 

It's Babs' stated goal to get early leads and then lock down defensively.  As such, this shouldn't be happening.  So, the topic for discussion is...why?  Let's talk about problems, and let's talk about solutions.  And for the love of god can this thread not devolve into a "Player X sucks" discussion, because surely we can all agree that if an entire team strategy is failing there are more issues than one or two players.  

A tiny bit of good news amidst all the trade day speculation.  Just came across this gem online....

"The Ilitches' development company gets naming rights in the complex deal to build the arena, but it could be months before a decision is made on what to call the building.  'We have not finalized that," [Christopher] Illitch told WJR's Paul W. Smith. "We refer to it just as we've been referring to it externally, which is the Detroit event center. That's our working name for now. Of course we'll be working through all those details within the coming months.'"

While it's no guarantee that this means the new arena won't get a corporate name, it's a really good start.

When asked to comment on his first start in Boston since his puzzling departure, Tim Thomas had this to say...

"I'm really just focused on getting ready for tomorrow's game," he said. "You know me, I don't try to overblow things."

Ha.  I sure hope that was Timbo being cheeky, because if he really feels that way he's delusional...er...more so than usual. 

Simple:  All things considered, who's the better player.  Knee jerk is obviously Datsyuk because of his skill level, but I've been thinking about it and conclude that Zetterberg is the better player.  Skill alone doesn't make one better.  Their points per game are nearly the same, very slight edge to Datsyuk.  Both are extremely good defensively.  Datsyuk has the hardware and the takeaways but in my opinion Zetterberg gets the tougher defensive matchups as evidenced by his shutting down Crosby in the finals in 08 and 09, and doing the same to Toews last season.  Datsyuk is the better passer while Z is the better goal scorer, though neither are too shabby in either department.  Both makes their linemates better.  Z is (in my opinion) more versatile, able to play both center and the wing with equal aplomb.  Dats hasn't ever shown much from the wing.  Finally, intangibles.  Zetterberg ALWAYS rises to the occasion, scoring key goals when it matters and is a playoff beast.  Dats is by no means bad in the playoffs, but Z is a monster.  Also, Z seems to have the ability to carry the team on his back for extended periods and generally relishes the role.  Finally, Z's got the leadership capacity in spades.  Dats leads by example, Z in every way possible. 

So, your thoughts?

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.