WingNut722

Pardon me.... I'm usually not prone to these fits of unbridled excitement, but that was such an amazing game last night to watch.  

This was not the same Red Wings team that we've been watching for the last month or so.  They fought, they skated, they dug in.   It was quite honestly the best game I've seen all season.  

And yes, the legendary rivalry has a lot to do with it.  Chicago and Detroit bring out another level of competition when they play each other.  This time, the Red Wings were able to feed off of it and come away with a huge win.  But even then, if you think about how many minor leaguers we have in the lineup, so few of them have even played against Chicago at all, and can't really appreciate the gravity of this rivalry.  But they all brought their A-game. 

Abdelkader, Nyquisst, Tatar, Zetterberg, Jurco....they all showed up to play tonight.  

Patrick Eaves?  Patrick Eaves???  Really?  Where did this guy come from?  He's been quietly taking up space on the fourth line and now all of a sudden he brings a huge goal, and earns himself a spot in the shootout (which he converted) and even scores the (not-so) coveted post-game interview with Pierre Macguire.

I was honestly in disbelieve at the shootout.  I was giggling....  I have no idea why, but I was just on my couch giggling..........

This is proof positive that THEY CAN DO IT with the pieces they have (and more importantly, with the pieces they don't have) 

@SpikeDDS

In the event that he does tweak his groin again, (which is a distinct possibility for a goalie), Mrazek will be take his place.  But then that leaves us with Tom McCollum, which would be the likely call-up from Grand Rapids. He has very little NHL experience if any at all, and didn't perform very well in training camp.  

This is a difficult stretch.   

Frustratingly enough, Datsyuk, Alfredsson, and Franzen are still listed as "out indefinitely"

@SpikeDDS  We'll see if they can pick up the slack tonight against Chicago.  Seems interesting that Gustavsson is coincidentally ready to get in the net once it was confirmed that Jimmy Howard was out.  To me that seems like he's not 100% but the Babcock/Holland do not want to trust the team in the hands of Mrazek yet.

We will see..............

I couldn't watch this game becasue our TV was disconnected as had new windows installed and opted also to steam the carpets while the furniture was moved, so I had no TV last night...

No TV.......

AT ALL......!!!!!!!!!!!!

Naturally I cant really comment on the game itself other than an appallingly small number of shots.  Did the Blues just play outstanding defense?  It's getting just a little ridiculous that so many guys are out for so long.  I don't know about you, but "undisclosed lower body injury" doesn't answer very many questions.For Instance, a couple weeks ago, Pavel Datsyuk sat out of of practice for what Mike Babcock likes to call a "maintenance day."  We haven't seen him since....  I'd be willing to bet Franzen is out for the rest of the season, so let's put him at the bottom of the list.

Now Howard's back out.....Where does it end??? 

Just frustrated I guess.  

@SpikeDDS

Good idea about Renney.  I hadn't thought of that.  You're right in that the PP has been lousy ever since he came on board, but then, coincidentally, the PP has been lousy since Lidstrom and Holmstrom retired, so a lot of people like to point to that instead of Tom Renney.  The "kids" have been playing very well in these times and I know they'll be rewarded this season once the injuries start coming back.  It'll be a salary cap issue, though, as the big money in Franzen and Weiss start hitting the ice again.  The big, bold move by Ken Holland would be to waive Mikael Samuelsson to keep someone like Riley Sheahan up.  But realistically, if that were to happen, Patrick Eaves would be the one kept and that is still somewhat disappointing.

Being in the East this season certainly has given us a considerable cushion in the standings.  I shudder to think about where we would be in the West.  We've played Anaheim and San Jose both time for this season (and lost both of them).  Can you imagine seeing those teams both for an extra game?  Playing Chicago and St. Louis both 5 times with this crowd?  

@jammer2

You're right in that Zetterberg and Datsyuk are once-in-a-lifetime players.  But that in itself makes them irreplaceable from another team.  I should point out though that, legendary as they are, they are unlikely to "lose" their abilities as the years wear on.  These are players that will always be outstanding despite their age, like Lidstrom was.  The best thing to do is keep them on as long as they are willing so that the next generation has all the time to work with them and learn from them before they retire.  We don't want that kind of knowledge to fall into the wrong hands!  As long as Darren Helm stays healthy, he is a very capable center.  And if Steven Weiss finds his mojo, he can certainly pick up the number one spot until someone like Joaquim Andersson improves his skill.  In the meantime, as @yave1964 pointed out, we'll have a lot of money come the off-season and can certainly pick up a few key free agents to bolster that.  I haven't looked yet to see who will be available, but I'm sure their must be someone.  If times get tough, Holland has the option (albeit the grizzly one) to overpay for a hot player just to get him here. 

@jammer2

I'm afraid I'll have to agree with @yave1964 on this one too.  Datsyuk and Zetterberg are the foundation of this team.  Taking the two good components and keeping the failing parts will not help.  Besides, I doubt very much you'll get anyone of their same caliber in return.  If you do, it'll be one-for-one, and you'll be back where you started from.  

No, the problem is the Red Wings have no depth anymore (with the exception of the kids).  Bertuzzi is at the end of his career but only due to natural deterioration.  The man is still scoring goals and playing hard at his age.  He didn't fall of the wagon at all, like some of the others (Samuelsson, Cleary, Eaves).  Cleary and Eaves have not produced up to expectations for some unknown reason.  Samuelsson has not produced at all.  Injuries are one thing, and they'll always be a factor.  However Mike Babcock has had the right philosophy, in that an injured player presents an opportunity for another player to take on extra minutes and show he's worthy of the increased responsibility.  That hasn't happened yet.

Weiss is a different problem altogether that has been magnified by the lack of production.  If all the other players had contributed as they were expected, Weiss' issues would have been minor.  There would be a lot more patience and time for him to get his head straight.  Throughout the season I loved watching him play.  He's been in there digging and grinding.  It was anticipated that Weiss would center a line of Alfredsson and Franzen.    No, maybe Alfredsson and Weiss didn't mesh, but Franzen didn't "wake up" until right around the time Weiss started getting injured.  In fact Weiss's last point was an assist on a Franzen goal.  

It's there.  It's all right there.  But they have to dig deep to find it...deeper than they have before.

I might also have to agree with @Haliax on getting a new bench boss.  His job is to see the big picture, and it seems that he is not.  Or he does and he hasn't found a solution.  Something has to give.  In reality though, I doubt very much that Mike Babcock will need to dust off his resume at the end of this season.  As of this morning, the Wings are in the playoffs as the wildcard.  They would have to plummet in the standings, something I don't think will happen, even with this bunch.

@SpikeDDS

Agreed!  I used to read all the game recaps to find out the players thoughts on the game; win or loss.  But I'm just sick of reading that same garbage over and over again.  

"We weren't good enough..."  Of course you weren't good enough.  THAT'S WHY YOU LOST!!!!!!!!  The reporter knows that.  He just asked you why you weren't good enough to beat the Sharks.  And you respond with his exact same words!  

"We stopped skating..."  Why?  The game is 60 minutes long.  It has been for years.  They didn't extend the clock on you suddenly, did they?  Tired today?  Rather be out relaxing by the pool?  Had too much fun at that bar in Phoenix?  Wanna get back to that cute little Arizona State senior with the teddy bear collection?  

These are guys who have BEEN TO THE TOP!  Cleary, Samuelsson, Kronwall, Bertuzzi, Abdelkader....they all have won the Stanley Cup for the Red Wings.  I don't understand why they think a half-baked effort will suffice.  Alfredsson comes over from his 17 year career in Ottawa because he perceived Detroit was the best opportunity for him to win a Cup in what is likely his final season.  I wonder if he's beginning to regret it.  Detroit may be above Ottawa in the standings, but I'm sure that any top team...Boston, San Jose, Anaheim....would have made room for him if he suggested an interest.

No more coddling.  No more days off.  No more "rest days."  No more "optional practices."  No more cute little side trips to Arizona to take a break for a few days.  Cancel any other family holidays, and fathers' trips and mothers' bake-a-thons, and public appearances.  No more handing out donuts in the lobby of a corporate office building to thank the fans for their support.  (Keep going to the children's hospitals though)  Babcock (and Holland!) should go all high school on these guys.  Hard laps, two-a-days, and just exhaustive conditioning.  

This is stupid............... 

@yave1964  I would suggest watch the 5 minute highlight reel rather than the entire game, and save yourself the extra 2 hours.

@SpikeDDS 

@jammer2

Howard was outstanding in Dallas!  Back to playoff form in my opinion.  The whole team looked real sharp too.  I think the Winter Classic hype and Jimmy finally having an Olympic decision one way or another has lifted a lot of weight from their shoulders.  Now they can get back to hockey.  The trick will be whether they can turn in a respectable showing against the California teams late this week.  They're spending a few days vacation in Phoenix which should help clear their minds a little further.  but if they can roll out four points out of six for this trip, I'd say they'll be primed for a big push in the standings.  They'll come back for a very competitive homestand with the likes of Chicago, St. Louis and Montreal all in one week.  It'll be exciting to watch, especially if they break out of their Joe Louis slump.  

Helm, Franzen, DeKeyeser and Datsyuk are all eyeing a return during this West Coast trip.

The season starts now!

I received this book as a Christmas gift, and will probably start reading it soon.  It will be an interesting story into the life of a troubled Red Wing.  To hear it from his own mouth.

  If Jimmy Howard is an Olympic goalie i am a lugnut. Just sayin

By the way, you're a lugnut.

Just sayin'  

Happy New Year @yave1964!

I loved watching both games.  I just giggled in front of my TV for a couple hours.  I am a HUGE Mickey Redmond fan.  I think he's one of the five people I wish I could go drinking with!  

Stevie looked old and slow and it kinda broke my heart, but it was nice to see him again.  Not exactly sure how the shoot-out participants were chosen, but the crowd certainly wanted Stevie to give it a go.  I think he should have.  But Holmstrom and Lidstrom...?  

The Winter Classic game itself was exciting to watch.  The snow really made a huge impact on the kinematics of the puck.  That issue, along with just getting lost in the hype of the day, prevented me from really analyzing the game.  I just had fun watching.  It was interesting to see the plays broken up because the puck was over-skated or a pass wasn't completed.  Very odd to see the game halted in the middle of the third to switch sides (and overtime too.....Interrupting Z's breakout!!).  Tough loss in the shootout but hey, got a point out of it.

By the way, for the record, (though I don't like to admit it) I was in JLA attendance for the Dec. 23 misadventures against the Islanders....pathetic........  Only able to attend one game this season and it HAD to be THAT one...   Sheesh!

Confirmed....

Nyquist is out with a sore groin.

Oy............

@yave1964

I can't imagine being in the West with this going on.  39 points would put us in the bottom half of both Western divisions.  I also have been seeing some mutterings (though nothing official) that Gustav Nyquist did not participate in this morning's skate.  This is an epidemic...........

@yave1964  Don't forget Abdelakder and DeKeyser too!  But, no deals just yet.  Holland (I hope) is still trying to make a shrewd play to get rid of Quincy.  He needs to keep playing close to the vest so he doesn't lose any foothold.  He knows Quincy doesn't get much on the market so he can't let the others think he's in need.  Otherwise the tables will turn.  I'm surprised they haven't announced a timetable for Abdelkader yet, or even Weiss.  Zetterberg, Helm and Dekeyser are all due back in time for the Winter Classic.  But no real word on the others.  

As I say though, it's time to step up.  There's more than enough scoring talent on that team to take a few games between now and then.  Datsyuk, Bertuzzi, Kronwall, Cleary, Tatar, Nyquist...hell even Samuelsson have all been know to score and score well.  It's time to make it happen.  No more excuses, no more leaving anything on the table.  Forget the HBO cameras.  Let's get back to basics...a good palce to start would be 40+ shots on the Ducks tonight.  Overwhelm them with pucks.   

So says Ken Holland on his big red hotline to Grand Rapids.  Need another body!  

Johan Franzen's out for Tuesday against Anaheim and likely longer as he goes through concussion protocols from last nights head hit in tge game against Tampa Bay.  Riley Sheahan has gotten the nod to join the big club. Although lately, it may not feel much different with the exception of the color uniform he'll be wearing, what with all the other call-ups the Red Wings have made this season to deal with injuries.  

The interesting thing is that, with Henrik Zetterberg (and his $6.08MM salary) on LTIR, the Red Wings have plenty of money in the bank to pay for all these extra forwards.

Here's hoping the rest of the veterans step up to their full potential to help make up the difference and win some games.  It's now or never for guys like Dan Cleary and Mikael Samuelsson.  I'm quite certain their future with this club will be based very heavily on their contributions over the course of this month (Winter Classic excluded).

Here's your big chance, Gus-

The Detroit Free Press reports that Jimmy Howard has sustained an MCL sprain and is out a minimum of 2-4 weeks while he heals.  This will put his appearance at the Winter Classic in real jeopardy and likely eliminate him from Team USA representation.  

Howard has had a tough go in net over the last few weeks, but now it looks like he'll have plenty of time to think it over.  Petr Mrazek, already up from Grand Rapids, can now send for a few extra pairs of clean underwear...he'll be in town for a while.

Were these people patients in the mental ward of your local hospital?

They may be now, but they weren't then.  Matter of fact, this cockamamie system may have confirmed their reservation at the funny farm.

@fanaticV3.0

I have heard from several different, unrelated people who suggest the following:

5 points for a regualtion win

3 points for overtime win

2 points for shootout win

1 point for OT/SO loss

I'm not thrilled with the OT scoring system either, but at least it's not this....  Can you imagine the ridiculousness in the standings??

   I have determined that if a tie is like kissing your sister, an overtime loss is like kissing your grandmother and having her slip you the tongue.

Uhhhh..........not exactly sure how to respond to this....

@yave1964

Ya know I never thought about that.  The Florida Panthers roster (at least this season) is very heavy on the North Americans.  Still, now that I think about it, I don't know if it's that difficult to adjust.  The Wings may have more European-born players, but that doesn't necessarily mean they play a European style.  Babcock (Canadian) still calls the shots.  Veterans like Zetterberg, Alfredsson, Datsyuk, and Kronwall have played the bulk of their professional careers on North American ice.  While I agree they're traditional training is European, they are more or less North American players now.  Still, you don't see Weiss missing passes or consistently being in the wrong spot.  He melds with the flow of the team.  He just can't (hasn't been able to) score.  Just needs that puck-luck.  

The trick with Weiss is that because of his lack of offense, he's been relegated to third line, which greatly reduces his opportunity.  This is not the way to get the guy out of a funk.  Case-In-Point:  Justin Abdelkader.  Abby had difficulties getting on the scoresheet last season (or was it the season before).  Same scenario as Weiss -- a very capable, young player who just needs to find it.  Babcock put him on the top line with Pavel Datsyuk.  18-20 minutes of ice time per game and the kid went bonkers.  Weiss needs the same prescription.  

@yave1964

@SpikeDDS

This may actually be better for the Wings.  I hate to continue to knock on Howard, but he just needs to park it for a while.  Gustavsson is more than adequate to handle the workload and Mrazek is still young and brash enough not to feel any pressure.  He's still riding his Edmonton shut-out so he'll be fired up to play.  

Despite Spike's misgivings, I will miss Weiss.  I like him, and as I mentioned in another post, as long as he doesn't give up, we shouldn't give up on him.  The guy is "right there."  He needs some puck luck...a dirty goal....a blooper, to get him on the score sheet and get his confidence back, then it's off to the races.  He's not even going to get that chance now.  The scary thing is that this groin issue could bother him for years if he rushes his return.  As long as the Wings can take tonight's game against the Lightning, you'll hear a huge exhale coming out of that locker room and in the front office.  They have the tools and talent to still compete without the likes of those sitting out.   

@flyercanuck  I don't know where the DRW scouting staff finds these gems without anyone else noticing, but they're out there.  There are any number of news stories on these high-caliber players for the Red Wings, selected in later rounds of the drafts.

@yave1964 - Love the thread titles you come up with! 

Weiss had a honey of scoring chance in the middle of the third.  Probably the best scoring chance he's had during his drought.  A clean, beautiful shot, but Tim Thomas snagged it.  I'm pulling for the kid, really I am.  He's not getting down on himself at all.  And as long as he doesn't give up, the Wings shouldn't give up on him either.  41% in the faceoff circle, though, could be improved.  

The Red Wings went flat-footed after being up 2-0.  It's ridiculous how they always think they can do that.  

Was glad to see The Kids getting their much-deserved respect.  Nyquist and Tatar getting the nod for the shootout was a huge compliment from Babcock.  Instead of going with regulars, Datsyuk and Bertuzzi, or even Franzen, Babcock showed real class and faith, and solidified their place on this team.

Jimmy Howard didn't pay bad....he just can't win in shootouts.  Matter of fact he made several huge saves and kept decent control over his rebounds.

Abdelkader, again, is playing hard every minute of every shift.  He may not make the scoresheet, but he's out there, visible, making things happen.  I love watching him play.  

@SpikeDDS

Trade Quincey...

He is such a liability with his lousy play.  His salary is way too high to overlook.  He came to this club with the chips on his side when Detroit needed a D-man in a bad way.  That's not the case anymore.  I know @yave1964 thinks he can stay on as a bottom D-man, but I'm sure we can get that kind of performance for a smaller salary.  Might even give us a little cap flexibility to bring yet another Griffin up in case of *gasp* further injuries.

Looking forward to Datsyuk's return.  Will be interested to see what he does.  He's been gone long enough to lose a step or two, but not long enough for the rust to form.  If nothing else, it'll be a moral victory for the team, and likely a chance to send Emmerton back down I-96.

@yave1964

Would've been a helluva game to watch......  I'm happy with the two points, though.