WingNut722

@jammer2 Both Eaves and Tootoo presented decent trade bait and I know Holland was trying to shop them out, he just didn't get any takers. Neither of them was worth using their second buyout, so he held them as long as he could. Putting various guys on IR really helped in that it gave Holland a few extra weeks to pawn off the excess. Now his hand has been forced, and he needed to just waive them. I don't see a lot of fault in how he handled the situation. I don't know much about Grabovski, but I for one didn't like the idea of getting Ribeiro. He's way too expensive for the benefit he brings. I'd have to agree with @yave1964 on this, in that Weiss was the preferred choice. @yave1964 Gus is a center, so the only way he'll get in is if the center opens up. Helm is doing well in his return. So we have solid lines with Datsyuk, Weiss, Helm, and Andersson. Obviously Babcock sees better strength in Andersson that he does in Nyquist. The enigmatic thing is that, instead of calling up Nyquist, Luke Glendenning has been suiting up. There has to be a back story to this that we're not seeing....

The exodus continues. Patrick Eaves was placed on waivers this afternoon to make room for the returning Jonathan Ericsson, who will undoubtedly start against the Washington Capitals tomorrow night. In my opinion, Eaves has been dead weight, consuming 925,000 in cap space, but just not producing. He's appeared in three games thus far, but has no points and is a minus-2. Also on the bus to Grand Rapids is Jordin Tootoo. This brings the Wings back down the 13 forwards, where they should be. Ken Holland has been constantly trying to get these two guys traded, but has gotten no bites. The hard decision had to be made. At the very least, in the AHL, these guys get the opportunity to play every night.

@yave1964 Agreed, though I've been concerned at his performance. Even on the third line, Cleary should have a few more points than he does now. I suppose his knees are acting up again, and the man is slowly breaking down. Cleary's a warrior though. He's always in there, which is why I'm glad he's still around. He needs a nice long transition so he can successfully pass the torch

@yave1964 I'm not sold on Almquist. He enjoyed some success in the Dallas game, potting his first goal, but I have a feeling the only reason he was down in the slot in the first place is that the Red Wings were leading and Babcock ordered the blueliners to push in. I'm not sold on Oullet yet, but maybe I just need to see more of him. Lashoff I think is here to stay. As you say, he's a dependable third line D-man, and I doubt very much he'll be anything else. He may end up just being a bargain, someone the Wings can get decent service for not a lot of money. I still wonder if Howard's still thinking about Sochi, more than the extra zeros in his paycheck. He received this contract extension last season and played his heart out. Only at the beginning of this season was the Olympic potentials list really reviewed and discussed. It's got to be an honor aside from anything else to represent your country on the global stage. Jimmy honestly has a chance, but he needs to hunker down and get back to basics. I think the Wings need to approve Jim Bedard's overtime and let the two of them work it out after-hours. Until then, they should not let Gustavsson and Mrazek get cold. Despite Bogosian's slow start, he's still a respectable skater. Howard definitely got beat by his fake, but it was a good fake!

I know @yave1964 usually stars these threads but I have a busy day of work ahead of me and I don't know if I'll be able to log on later to express a few thoughts. 43 Shots from Detroit. Now THAT'S more like it! This is the kind of offensive pressure the Wings have been able to push in years past, but for some reason, have not been able to recreate with much consistency this season. 21 Shots against Detroit. Again, a very impressive stat. Particularly considering an overtime period with just over a minute of power play for the Jets when they started their last-second flurry on Howard.Mr. Alfredsson, when you have some spare time, I'd like to introduce you to concept known as the "One-Timer." I didn't watch much of you in Ottawa, but perhaps unbeknownst to you, you do not have to accept a pass, slow it down, set yourself, and wind up in order to shoot. I can count at least three instances where a perfect pass was laid to you, right on the tape. You were wide open, and if you had one-timed that puck, you would have been very pleased with the resultJimmy...Jimmy...Jimmy...Jimmy.......... High blocker side........ Let's work on that, okay?Franzen...the word of the day is "hustle." Start off by trying to use that in a complete sentence.Mr. Babcock, from now until Thanksgiving, your team will play a number of games against clubs who are much lower in the standings, most of them at the Joe. This would be a really REALLY good time to start someone else in net. Jimmy needs to know that he needs to step up. The Red Wings need to amass as many points in the standings as possible, before they start really playing the tough games. We haven't seen Toronto yet at all, Chicago, St. Louis, we have one more game against, Colorado, Anaheim and San Jose too. Start the push now, or else the legendary playoff streak could fall victim to something as paltry and obnoxious as the "Wild Card"On other notes, the Red Wings are looking to get Jonathan Ericcson and Brendan Smith back in the lineup this weekend. Stephen Weiss is also targeting next week to return from a groin injury. Hopefully, the extended absence has offered him the opportunity to clear his head so he can get back to scoring. He just needs to relax. The goals will be there.

@hf101 Cleary begged, borrowed, and stole his way into a new contract with the Red Wings. He needs to prove that Ken Holland did not make a mistake. If the man is not producing, he needs to sit. Similarly, Johan Franzen should also see that as a warning. I happen to know one particular Gustav Nyquist who has been itching to get back into the NHL face-off circle.

@yave1964 Absolutely agreed. He's really shown his true colors. I think he loves it in Detroit, even if it's just a brand new playing style than what he's been used to for his entire career. It's a completely fresh start. I also think he (in typical Swede fashion) he understands that he's been given a huge opportunity by Detroit to fulfill his dream but only if he puts in his effort too. He's really working for it. Nothing will be left on the table for this guy come then end of the seaosn. And if that elusive Cup slips out if his grasp yet again, he'll at least have no regrets in his Swan Song.

@yave1964 I was intrigued when Holland signed Tootoo. I know the Red Wings wanted to add a bit more grit to help protect their stars, but there just wasn't room. Tootoo is a scrappy kinda guy and there is a place for him, but you're right, the cap hit is too much for someone who doesn't show too much offensive prowess. It must be frustrating to know that nobody in the NHL wants him, but hopefully he'll get to play more regularly in the minors. It won't be the NHL, but at least he'll get the ice time. I wish him the best.

I was not able to watch this game, but solely looking at the highlights and the boxscore, it looks like they did okay. The Stars have a stronger team now than they did in the last few years. Agreed on missing Ericsson. I don't know if Almquist is ready for the big league yet. His goal looked good and I'm happy he was able to light the lamp, but he looks real small out there. Looks like the Red Wings are starting to shoot the puck again. 29 shots to the Stars' 24. Without looking at the stats, this is probably the first time the Wings have outshot their opponent in a couple week (save the Edmonton game). I wonder if Jimmy Howard is filling his head with this grandiose notion of playing in the Olympics and he's trying too hard. He needs to relax and play his game. He is better than this.

Yeah sometimes it's like that. Although it was a potty-poor performance against the Jets, the Wings did manage to pull 6 out of 8 points through a 4-day trip through Canada. Still a very impressive run. Just wish it ended a little better. They got a few days' rest and now they go on a homestand for the next two weeks. I will certainly be fun! By the way, we just scored tickets to the game against the Islander on 12/23. My wife and I will be spending the holidays with my family in Michigan and we can't pass up the opportunity to get to the Joe. Not going to be around for the Winter Classic though. I'll be glued to my TV back in Jersey for that one. I'm kinda bummed. Would really like to take in at least on of the alumni games at Comerica Park downtown.

it came with the stick. That's how he got everybody to autograph it, if he promised to take it out of Sid's living room.

I think the issue the Wings are having this season is rather simple... Shoot the bleepin' puck! I can't remember how many times I said that to my TV last night. I don't understand why these guys have to wait until just the perfect opportunity opens up. Shoot the bleepin' puck! DeKeyser did, and look what happened! That was an unbelievable goal! Had Nick Lidstrom written all over it! Ya know why? Because Lidstrom would shoot the bleepin' puck! Last two minutes of the game and Detroit is on a power play and needs two goals, Pavel Datsyuk, the master, floating around the slot, looking lost. Stood there with the puck for about 10 seconds and did nothing. Shoot the bleepin' puck! The Jets registered 47 shots on goal last night, clearly, they were not afraid to shoot the bleepin' puck! There, I'm done........

I kinda like that idea. But since the Wings are so close to the cap, Lidstrom would have to play for federal minimum wage, but he'd get bonuses for every point.

@yave1964 Understood. In that case I agree with you. These next two games should be fun. Darren helm has been reactivated of LTIR and should be in the lineup by Saturday. Kronner is due back tomorrow as well as Ericsson. Having Helm back should probably take The Dump Truck out of the centerman's position, so the faceoff circle will probably see Datsyuk, Weiss, Andersson, and Helm. Franzen should be on the third line until he starts showing some decent, CONSISTENT play. Here's my Mike Babcock moment: Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Abdelkader Cleary - Weiss - Alfredsson Franzen - Andersson - Bertuzzi Tootoo - Helm - Miller The only negotiable point would be switching out Tootoo with Samuelsson, but it's really based on who can throw rubber at the net. Tootoo only had two shots on goal last night, but given the stingy defense the Sharks played, it might as well have been a donzen. I'd like to see Cleary on the second line playing netfront from Alfie's point shot. Cleary is more tenacious in front of the net than Franzen. Weiss would be perfect in close somewhere to fish rebounds.

I prefer not to discuss the (lack of) performance from The Dump Truck....

@yave1964 There is no way you can consider their point to be "stolen" by any stretch of the word. I agree that the defense was huge for the Wings despite being short-handed. They really mustered up to the challenge. Neither team was able to generate any real, sustained pressure in the zone. The Wings have been consistently allowing way more shots on goal than they should, but to keep the Sharks, who up until this point had been averaging close to 40, down to 27 SOG, including overtime is a huge feather in the cap for this young defense. The fourth line of Miller, Tootoo,and Andersson really had some jump. I wouldn't call this a boring game at all. Normally I despise 1-0 shootouts, but this was a gem to watch. The Sharks have developed a suffocating defense strategy, and they can easily frustrate the likes of Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Still, the Wings didn't get a lot of help from the officials (again) on this one. The Sharks got away with several minor penalties, not to mention Cleary's offside call in the third when the puck hit the linesman. The Wings should be proud of this performance, despite taking the OTL.

Say, when is McLeod's hearing, anyway?

I was not able to watch this game, but I did see the clip of Kronwall getting destroyed. Ugly hit. First impressions say he has a concussion but it responsive. I'd hate for him to be out for too long. Drew Miller mixing it up too! I guess 1998 isn't THAT long ago, is it.... I wonder if Paddy showed all the old videos to his team before they went out on the ice, and asked them to resurrect the rivalry...for old times' sake! Still, looking at the box score, it seems Detroit is taking too many penalties and allowing WAY too many shots. Thrilled with the victory. I'm also impressed that The Dump Truck has finally found the back of the net. I will continue to call him The Dump Truck until a successful scoring trend has developed, though.

@SpikeDDS I think maybe times have changed. I've proudly worn my Wings sweater to MSG on a couple of occasions and never got to much as a foul look. Most people are too self-absorbed these days to notice things like that, I suppose. Especially in NYC. I've never really had a problem, but I've never acted obnoxious in enemy territory either! That might have something to do with it!

@Commander Clueless I'm sure he'll suit up once or twice against the Leafs this season. We'll see how that works!

@Haliax @SpikeDDS The rules on penalties are so strict these days, but the game moves so much faster. The officials are still humans, and what looks like a hook, or a trip, or interference will usually get called. I don't fault them too much, but the European players aren't used to such strict rules regarding stick handling. Nicklas Ldstrom for crying out loud would be in the box for hooking at least once a week. It's the way these guys (mostly Swedes) learned to play the game, and now it doesn't jibe with the North American rules of the 21st century. I wouldn't necessarily say they're undisciplined. The good news is that despite the elevated number of 5-on-3 situations the Wings find themselves in, they haven't yielded a single goal yet. And I don't believe the lingering power play after the first penalty expires has been successful either. Three-game win streak heading into undefeated Colorado. Jim Howard listed by the press as "questionable" for that game. I'd say they'll lean on Gus one more time while he's in the zone.

@SpikeDDS Agreed. With all the competetition for forwards, I'm surprised Babs is giving Tootoo some quality minutes. Tootoo hasn't fought anybody at all, but in favor of some of the younger and perhaps,more offense-minded, talent he has on the bench, it's interesting to see Babcock's decision.

@Haliax Latest reports say Jimmy Howard is "doubtful" for tonight's game against the Jackets. Looks like Monster will suit up again

@Polaris922 I have gotten a few things thrown at me at Ranger games before, but nothing serious. No beers or food or anything. Mostly just from young knuckleheaded punks. Whenever we visit a venue other than JLA we try to get seats down with the season ticket holders. They're the ones who really talk hockey

@goalnut3133 I didn't notice the Bergeron hit (or almost-hit) on Datsyuk. I suppose there is still a measure of respect for a player like that in this game. Datsyuk is pretty tough and he's taken his share of hard hits. Chances are though, from what you're telling me, Bergeron might have been called for boarding, or at least have to explain himself to Jordin Tootoo. On another note, I have seen Vermont in the fall and it is unbelievable! We went up several years ago and spent a long weekend in a small, quaint country inn, neat Mount Snow. I certainly can't wait for the opportunity to go back. This year though, we'll have to let the foliage come to us....