Crymson

every year we get abused in the late season and playoffs, and this takes its toll. what if someone jumped malkin after his attack on Z and beat him down, causing the mandatory game suspension for both?

malkin had 2 goals in the game 6 that changed the momentum.

Malkin avoided that suspension because he's a star. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. The NHL front office made a fool of itself. That said, Malkin was successful in the first four games because Datsyuk wasn't around. He didn't have a single point after Datsyuk returned to the roster.

or what about the spearing of lidstrom during the blackhawk game?

Accidental.

1. I think Osgood will be fine when he comes back. The fact that he was playing through the injury at all makes me think that he's going to come back strong. It might take him a few games to get sharp, but he's been looking good this year.

2. I like Jimmy and I have a lot of faith in his ability to develop into a real-deal starting goalie, but I don't think he's ready for the playoffs and I don't see how you can suggest he played "great" last year. Even the Osgood haters around here were calling for Osgood to go in! He had his moments where he came up big, but he had far too many moments where he utterly and completely dropped the ball. You don't become a playoff goalie overnight. I've maintained all along that it was just too much for him early on.

If we're able to keep Nabokov, it's really nothing but a positive in the short run. I trust him more than Howard in the playoffs at this current point in time and if indeed Osgood isn't able to get things going, it'll be good to have Nabokov around.

That said, I don't think this is good for Howard. He's struggled this year and this is hardly a vote of confidence in him. Do you think for a second that they would have made this move last year when he was playing great? Really? If he wasn't letting in 4 goals a game on a regular basis and getting pulled, do you really think Holland would make a move now? Even with the injuries, I highly doubt it. I really can't help but think this might be the first sign that Howard will not be returning next year. Think about this...

If he can't beat out Nabokov for the starting role after struggling last playoffs and then struggling this season, they're not going to want to throw a lot of money at him. Same can be said if Osgood ends up starting in the playoffs, but if Nabokov starts and does well, they'll sign him and Osgood up before Howard and Osgood. Howard's not going to take a backup role for a million or less now, but Osgood will.

One of two things has to happen for Howard to stick around: he either has to play great from here on out and steal the show and show some semblance of success in the playoffs, or Nabokov has to be terrible.

And personally, I'd rather hang tight until Osgood comes back and let them fight it out and keep them both around next year at reasonable prices. Having three goalies around is never a good idea. Even if they're all decent guys, the simple "two net" thing will get frustrating real quick.

You hate Howard. We get it.

The Wings made him a star - he was never as good as they made him look.

And the Wild, and the Stars, and the Devils. He didn't win the Conn Smythe for nothing, although his equipment certainly helped.

That said, Dave Lewis was a terrible head coach.

Honestly, what do you guys expect when SEVEN regulars are out?

I wanna thank Belle Tire for going the extra mile.

What exactly do you base this bold comment on?

Many no longer have much ability to appreciate the team's success, and instead protest when perfection is not the order of the day.

I do it just to increase your post count.

Thanks.

I'm off to do stuff.

Because we're not blind homers like you?

So says the guy who will always tend towards predicting doom rather than success at any possible stage.

Miller can do that?  Who knew?

Trade Ritola.

Kind of surprised there's no mention of Howard as a runner-up...

You know, Eva, your flagrant bias has become even more bizarre this season. Apparently you're ignoring the fact that Howard is currently 22-7 and leads the NHL in wins.

We know you love Osgood. We know you love Hudler. Unfortunately, we also know that you often lose touch with reality when it comes to discussing them.

IT'S A DOUBLE DION!!!

I don't see why people hate McGuire.  The dude has more hockey knowledge then this hole forum combined.  It's almost like it's the cool thing to hate on him, one person does it so everyone jumps on board.  Quite lame to be honest.

It'll be a sad day when Pierre is no longer on TV.

I think that as a color commentary guy and interviewer, he's obnoxious, incompetent and unpleasant to view and listen to.

I also think that it's silly of you to call the views of "this hole forum" wrong just because people dislike him and you don't.

You should be the enforcer.  You have one duty: Bash one player's head in every night.  I'm sure you'd love to do that.

He already verbally does so... to our players.

Go away for real. No one wants to hear your smart ass comments for anytime someone criticizes the Red Wings.

Apologies. I'll step aside so that nobody will be distracted from your senseless whining.

Should have went after Roloson...

Howard is so inconsistent. By the time Ozzie gets back, it will almost be the playoffs. We're in big trouble with this goaltending.

You're either a troll or you're headless.

I don't like how Jimmy turns out his best game of the season against the league's top team and has now given up three in the first period to Colorado.

I'm sorry that simpletons like you just can't seem to figure out that some pucks cannot be stopped.