WingNut722 Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 An excellent analysis of Detroit's game, and, despite their position in the standings, why we could very well see them in the Cup final this spring. http://intelligenthockey.com/detroits-dark-horse-potential/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yave1964 Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 An excellent analysis of Detroit's game, and, despite their position in the standings, why we could very well see them in the Cup final this spring. http://intelligenthockey.com/detroits-dark-horse-potential/ We have hung in there with the big boys out for a ridiculous amount of games, last night Mickey pointed out that since mid November this is only the fourth game that Pavel and Z have played in the same game. When you consider the injuries to such key players as Howard, The Monster, Ericsson (Twice) Helm, Andersson, Franzen, Weiss and everyone else it is amazing to me that the Wings are still sitting in a playoff position. It is a big if but if everyone is healthy the club has developed the kids and has the depth to make a deep run if things break right. Of course we have to get to the dance first, lol...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpikeDDS Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 (edited) @WingNut722@yave1964I will be the first to eat my words if I'm wrong, but the answer to the question is the D. I would have said net play at the beginning of the season, but I am seeing an improvement in this area both with the addition of the young guys, but also a significant uptick in Abdelkader's role in this regard. The guys are setting better screens than the veterans who are now being scratched. They are hungrier. They are more willing to pay the price, but they are also getting a better return.I'm not worried, but rather concerned about goaltending. If New Jimmy continues to build with the continued play he's shown in the past month on what he did in January, I'm no longer concerned. I'm not sure what had him in "the funk," but he has played from solid to excellent. Every game except for 1 that I can think of.But the D, the D is a concern. Two things: 1. We give away easy opportunities. And 2. The swings of the playoffs make these gaffes much bigger and mentally significant. And since, as we all know, goals will decrease in the SCPs because of the tighter checking, we are gonna lose a bit of the upside of the young guns. If this is not accompanied by a significant decrease I defensive lapses, the answer to the question is: "THAT'S why not."Truthfully, they aren't too too far away from being good enough to make a run. I just think without upgrading the back end, we don't yet have what it takes to hoist the Cup this season. Edited February 8, 2014 by SpikeDDS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 @SpikeDDS As long as they don't make any Quincy type moves, they will be fine. There should be lot of solid NHL defenders available at the deadline. Not sure if he is available, but Brad Stuart might be worth a look, better to deal with the devil you know kinda thing.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpikeDDS Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 @jammer2 Regarding Stuart, I don't think that will happen. He left the RWs not because of $ or hockey-related issues, but because his family was not leaving California, and it was too hard on his family. He openly stated that toward the end of his time in Detroit. It's unlikely that he would leave again. He "learned his lesson" the first time, I think. We'd like to have him back, of course, but I don't think it will happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 @SpikeDDS Ahhhh, didn't know the Cali angle, some nice insight there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WingNut722 Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share Posted February 10, 2014 @jammer2 I even think Holland traded him to the Sharks for a draft pick, just to make sure the deal went through, and Stuart would end up in California. He still had a year left on his contract in Detroit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haliax Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 @jammer2 I even think Holland traded him to the Sharks for a draft pick, just to make sure the deal went through, and Stuart would end up in California. He still had a year left on his contract in Detroit.No, he finished his contract with the Wings. The Wings just traded his negotiation rights to the Sharks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStraw Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Hey wait a doggone second here... Z played last night? I thought he was out for the season, maybe for the rest of his career after that horrendous Olympic injury... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpikeDDS Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 Hey wait a doggone second here... Z played last night? I thought he was out for the season, maybe for the rest of his career after that horrendous Olympic injury... Uh, no, Z won't be playing for quite a while. MAYBE first round of the playoffs. He just had back surgery. He's done for the regular season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 I'm willing to give Weiss the benefit of the doubt, he's a legit established player, just some flukey injuries and a bad slump. BUT...if he does not look good early, I'd be looking at promoting the whole Jurco-Sheahan-Tatar line to the second unit. Love what these guys bring, and if they continue to play well, why not promote the whole trio and run with them.....the Wings should be looking at any and all options to achieve their goal of the playoffs...including playing kids over vets if they deserve it. Of the 3, I really like the looks of Sheahan....nice wheels and great insticnts....he's a keeper! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStraw Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 Uh, no, Z won't be playing for quite a while. MAYBE first round of the playoffs. He just had back surgery. He's done for the regular season.Sorry. I didn't realize that article was from before the Olympics. Still, he did have two weeks off without missing any games which I'm sure helps his chances of getting back in time for the playoffs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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