Where do the Wings end up without Datsyuk?

[Digityman]

Wings are 0-2-1 without him in the lineup.

The Blues and Preds are within 6 points.

At this point, 5th isn't out of the realistic question.

What say you?

The center, Justin Abdelkader, said:

"It's always a big thing having depth and guys who can play different roles. I think (Datsyuk) is the best overall player in the game, so it's tough losing him. It's going to be a big loss. Hopefully we can all come together and fill the void together.”

Pavel Datsyuk is expected to the side by early next month (March) if his rest period is not extend further, which will boost his team again in the later of the current NHL season.

For the time being, the team is bringing in the forward, Henrik Zetterberg, who himself is playing with a lower body injury.

[WingNut722]

The team can win without Datsyuk. They've done it before. The went the distance with Vancouver, but lost in a shootout. Todd Bertuzzi, Jiri Hudler, and Zetterberg are all good at shootouts, but just couldn't get it done then. Having Datsyuk out of the lineup is no excuse to play lousy hockey. The team hasn't been plaing at their best, and it' individual effort. Datsyuk is not some magic catalyst.

The numbers quoted by @Digityman of 0-2-1 don't look good. But they're all losses by one goal.

[SpikeDDS]

Wings are 0-2-1 without him in the lineup.

The Blues and Preds are within 6 points.

At this point, 5th isn't out of the realistic question.

What say you?

For me, it's TBD. Right now, we're without Lidstrom, Ericsson, and Quincey in addition to Datsyuk. Now granted, it was the Blue Jackets, but we still won last night's game 5-2, and Jan Mursak had a goal. We've got a lot of younger guys who, like JoeyMac are getting their opportunity to play and show what they can do. The last time Brendan Smith was up, he impressed, but they didn't have room for him of the roster. That happened with JoeyMac too...until he proved that he belongs with the team.

Your question will be answered by how these young players fill their roles. That doesn't mean they have to score goals. They need to do what they are supposed to do which allows the big guys more room to create and make plays.

The big guys will respond if they are given the time. Z is coming on strong of late. Fillpula is starting to get hot again. And JoeyMac played solid in goal, despite that breakaway goal that he might want back. (But after giving it up, he played strong and didn't let that goal get him down. That's VERY important!)

[Podein25]

@SpikeDDS - what's the deal with Howard? I know that JoeyMac has been great, but are they just giving Howard additional rest or letting his hand heal, or whatever?

[SpikeDDS]

Howard didn't play badly when he was in. I think they are just taking advantage of having a reliable backup that allows them to rest Jimmy. Columbus was a good team to do it against also. If it was a more-important opponent, I think you'd have seen Jimmy in there last night for sure.

JoeyMac hasn't lost in 7 games. They want to keep that going. It's harder to extend something like that when you're only playing every 4th game or so. Keeps your mind in the game. Keeps you sharp.

Remember that Joey isn't a youngster either. You can really see a difference in his game this year vs. last year. Not just on the scoreboard, either. His demeanor is better. Like Howard, their ability to shake off a not-so-good goal has been much better. Best example was when JoeyMac gave up that giveaway from behind the net (was it against the Sharks?) that led to a goal a few games ago. He was solid in net after that. Last year (granted with a more suspect defense last year), that would likely have led to another one...or three and a pull.

You've got to reward good play with play time. And I think Howard and Mac have a good relationship. Howard knows he needs a solid backup, and in order for it to stay that way, he's gotta play some. Howie's already got his longer-term deal solidifying him as Detroit's guy, so there's not much threat when Joey plays well. It isn't like Philly's problem. They are both solid, but there's no question who is the #1. It's Jimmy.

[Podein25]

oeyMac hasn't lost in 7 games. They want to keep that going. It's harder to extend something like that when you're only playing every 4th game or so. Keeps your mind in the game. Keeps you sharp.

So true. But I need some Howard starts and wins in fantasy goddamnit!

[WingNut722]

@Podein25

Oh well then by all means, play Howard!

[Podein25]

@WingNut722 - Howard starting tonite. Woo hoo. 'Bout time

[yave1964]

The Wings win the division, 2nd in the west behind Vancouver. Wont change no matter how long Pavel is out or soon he comes back, St. louis and Nashville will be a fun 4-5 first round matchup. Just hope we draw the Blackhawks or someone close to our time zone.