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Second (line) Helping
by IwoCPO on 04/19/07 at 10:47 AM ET
Comments (30)
Yep, that’s a Skynyrd reference to start your day. And one line from one tune off the “Second Helping” album seems to fit nicely. “People said he was useless, them people all were fools.” Now who would we be referring to, and is our claim foolish? Your call, Lang or Samuelsson. Something’s gotta be done about the second line and it needs to happen tonite. All the diggers are scratching their heads, and we’ll bring you their riveting game-day stories, followed by a little IwoAnalysis.
Oh...and name the song.
The Wings are sticking up for Lang, or at least Bertuzzi is. The Diggers are hinting at his issues. The Coach is claiming hard work is the cure-all, despite the fact that “hard work” and The Enigma aren’t exactly bedfellows. Bottom line: he’s had one nifty backdoor pass in three games. His linemates are dying on the vine. Calder, at least, makes up for it in other areas.
Samuelsson has flat-out sucked.
But, hey, at least the second line recognizes the fact that they need to turn it around, right? They see the need for that “hard work”, right?
Wrong.
Lang, Calder and Samuelsson weren’t among the four regulars who took part in Wednesday’s optional practice.
Naturally, because it’s what I do, I made too much of that. But, it’s interesting if nothing else.
We know the solution. We all know the solution. Mike Babcock knows it, too. But will he act? Does he have the sack to sit a player the Wings just re-signed for 3 years, who has the potential to get hot when you least expect it, in favor of an oompa-loompa who’s constantly improved and showed some serious heart?
The line had one shot (Lang) and wasn’t weren’t active physically (one hit, Lang).
Whether they remain the line stays intact remains to be seen. There’s a good chance Todd Bertuzzi could replace Samuelsson, either shifting Samuelsson to the fourth line (with Valtteri Filppula and Johan Franzen) or scratching him could be scratched (in favor of Jiri Hudler).
What is a good reason to keep that line together? Anyone? Samuellson’s dead in the water. Done. He has been all year and so has Lang, but Babcock’s not benching Lang. He’s gone this summer, that’s for certain. But for now, the unrealized potential is too damn tantalizing to sit.
So you break up the dirty second, you implode it. And here’s what you get in return:
Hank/Dats/Homer--Zetterberg is NOT a concern. He’s active. He’s hitting. He’ll get his.
Calder/Lang/Bertuzzi--Ok. But Bertuzzi has to arrive angry and stay that way. Hopefully someone’s showed him the tape of Game 2 and the way he was treated like a prison door prize.
Maltby/Draper/Cleary--Obviously, we change nothing.
Franzen/Filppulla/Hudler--The only issue with that line is that there is no veteran presence, and that could be a problem when it gets tight tonite...and it will.
So, maybe....
Hudler/Lang/Bertuzzi on the second and Franzen/Filpulla/Calder on the fourth. I like that even more.
Do it Mike. There is no unwritten Wing regulation that directs you to play every healthy Swede. Roll the dice and sit Sam.
That’s the gut reaction we, the fans, are supposed to howl for. Lose one game and you start tinkering. That’s how we are and how we’ll always be. Is there merit to standing back and saying, “it’s one game, and a game we definitely could have won”? Yeah. There is. What if the Wings had won Game 3. No difference in performance, just a typical Lidstrom play instead of an atypical one. Would we be calling for Samuelsson’s benching this morning with a 3-0 series lead, or would we be content to let Babcock ride him out to see if he picks up steam?
Don’t know because it’s more than Samuelsson. It always is when the Enigma’s concerned. He sets the tone for that line. And his tone has sucked. Samuelsson, if I had to guess, is press-box bound tonite. But part of the blame for his lack of visibility can be laid at the feet of Bobby Lang. Unfortunately, you just can’t bench The Enigma.
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Comments
Good on ya, Matt!! You didn’t even have to give me the title and I know you got the tune.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 04/19/07 at 10:22 AM ET
I must say that the Kulfan quotations has some serious syntaxic issues. Whose fault is it? As for line changes, I felt Bertuzzi seemed more at ease alongside Lang and Calder last game. Now the question is who fit better on the fourth line, Samuelsson or Hudler.
I like the fact that tiny Hudler drive the net like that, a little bit like Gionta does. Samuelsson can score goals, we know that, but what we don’t know is when those goals will be scored, and till then, it is painful to watch.
Luc
Posted by Luc on 04/19/07 at 10:41 AM ET
Morning Chief:
Will he or Won’t he change lines? That is the question that strikes much angst in the heart of the Wing Nation.
We all know he will because he already has, replacing poor Huddles with Big Bert.
Having set the precedent, I think it is fair to assume more tinkering. The Freep, DetNews, and MLive all, surprisingly, raisethe issue today. Openly questioning the play of Lang(sidaisical’s)/Sammy/Calder merit for staying in the lineup. And, IMO Calder really cannot carry any blame, the guy really has been busting his balls in the corners. You gotta wonder what he thinks, after busting his balls to get the puck and then see Lang lose the damn thing in no time at all (Must really piss him off).
In the previous post, Paul noted his Opinion for suggested lines (obviously no changes for H/D/Z or M/D/C). He suggests: 2 Line of Fill/Huddles/Mule (I suggested Calder/Mule/Fill) and 4 line of Bert/Calder/Sammy (Huddles/Lang/Sammy).
Chief, I like your changes, but not your order. I think Mule and Fill have played their way to minutes. Put Huddles out there with those two for his scorng knack or maybe Calder for his kahones.
Maybe Babs thinks demoting Lang and Sammy to line four will inspire them. Hell somthing has to aside from personal care products.
Paul’s insight also suggested BABS is worried about sitting a hi price tag player (i.e. wont sit Lang or Sammy).
Everyone can plainly see the players that are performing and the ones more concerned with their hair. Id sit Lang if I were choosing. But alas I just get to rant!!!
Of course there is a minimum of two more games here. If not tonite, maybe another time. At least now the right questions are being asked. Apparently someone with a voice reads our rants.
Posted earlier by this humble blogger: Uncle Jeffie’s 14 y/o prognisticator who is 3 and 0 this series says for tonite: Wings 2, (F)lame 0. Thats right a big fat goose egg for the (F)lame.
Now I see bewildrment, puzzlement, from the Wing Nation. Let me elucidate and validate the prognosticator!!!! As Chief said, and I (rather puzzlingly concur) Lidstrom boned up more than Lilly in game 2 (I cannot believe I just typed that!!!). I am here to tell you it aint happenin again.
And for another thing. I think the (F)lame are a mentally fragile bunch still. They know they absolutely have to win tonite—because they suck on the road. They’ll being gripping the stick so tight tonite it would splinter if they were still made of wood.
WINGS in Five!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 10:48 AM ET
I still think Hudler is not healthy, and Babblecock is hiding it. Otherwise his G#3 decision is a one-way ticket to Adirondack.
Posted by Gramps (hockeytowntodd) from HockeyTown on 04/19/07 at 10:50 AM ET
“ Lang, Calder and Samuelsson weren’t among the four regulars who took part in Wednesday’s optional practice.
Naturally, because it’s what I do, I made too much of that. But, it’s interesting if nothing else.”
You’re most certainly not making too much of it. It’s EXACTLY the point, and I hope Babcock noticed and took note that the line HE said needs to WORK HARD to get out of their slump, SKIPPED practice. WWYD? (What Would Yzerman Do?) He’d be there morning, noon, and night, riding the bike, skating, practicing, jumping jacks, hanging from gravity boots, whatever it took.
And yeah, somebody send Kulfan back to grammar school.
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 10:58 AM ET
Who would BOWMAN sit?
Posted by Chris from Born in Detroit, exiled in DC on 04/19/07 at 11:04 AM ET
Filpulla and Hudler.
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 11:07 AM ET
Agreed Paul, Bowman would sit the rookies just because they were rookies. But Bowman could get every last drop of inspiration out of his vets. Its kinda obvious that Babs cannot do that (for concrete evidence replay Lang(sidaisical and Sammy play the first three games.
So waht do you do??? Play the guys that are working their asses off for you!!!!
I’m really starting to think BABS (who comes off as such a hard ass) must be afraid to follow his own freaking advice. Something sinister must be lurking that us plain joes cannot see—some unwritten code or rule or freak I dont know. Something that says you cannot demote Lang or Sammy to line 4 and play Mule and Fill on line 2. Cuz nothing else explains W.T.F. is going on.
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 11:14 AM ET
Hi Paul -
Hope things are going well on the home front, been think about ya.
Still nursing a non-gameday hangover, (strict playoff preparation at my casa) see you all a bit later.
Oh, and sit Sammy and please, for the love of all that’s decent and right, Lang. Put energy and effort out there!
Posted by TeamDub from Toledo on 04/19/07 at 11:16 AM ET
hell, sit Lang AND Sammy and put Langfeld into the game.
or (evil grin) Bootland.
Datsyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom
Bertuzzi/Calder/Franzen
Maltby/Draper/Cleary
Filpulla/Hudler/Bootland
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 11:19 AM ET
I hadn’t heard the quote from Phaneuf at the end of Khan’s post.
“Phaneuf, one of the league’s hardest hitters, gave kudos to Dan Cleary for delivering a huge check against him that led to a goal in the opening minute of the third period. “It was a good hit. It’s part of the game,’’ Phaneuf said. “When you give them out, you have to take them. It’s a part of my game. I play physical. He stepped up and he caught me.’’”
i have to say I have a sudden amount of respect for Phaneuf, that was pretty classy.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 04/19/07 at 11:20 AM ET
Hola TD tip a cervasa or two for the Wheel. Ill tip a few for you and your esteemed WarHorse!!!!
But I disagree sit Bobby Lang, give him a mirror though so hes feelings arent hurt too bad!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 11:21 AM ET
Paul, I love your insight and the thought of Bootland is friggin genious!!! But I like:
1 Line: Homer/Datsyuk/Zett (we really need a good moniker for the 47Mill man his name is too hard to get right all the time);
2 Line: Calder/Mule/Fill (as the Coach preaches but does not follow—good play gets minutes!!!)
Check line: Malts/Drapes/Cleary (another nickname needed here for the new-found bonecrunching forechecker)
4 Line: KindaWuzzi/Huddles/Bootland (some grit)
WISHFUL THINKING I KNOW!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 11:33 AM ET
“KindaWuzzi/Huddles/Bootland”
ho-lee crap.
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 11:40 AM ET
I know, I know, what your are thinking:
4 Line: Kindawuzzi/Huddles/Bootland—a helluva lot of grit but slower than frozen molasses. But if the puck is frozen in the (F)lame end by riduculous forecheck and Lang(sidaisical) is not coughing it up cant hurt too bad. And the body blows— hell the (F)lame might be outta D by the end of the game.
Put Lidstrom out there with them to CYA
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 11:45 AM ET
Jeff, the tippage of cold ones will be as frequent as Mickey’s utterance of “look oot!” during game 3.
I really don’t know what to think about tonight’s game, in my mind a ton hinges on what Babblecock decides to do with lines. I’m going to fret, sweat, consume adult beverages and have a soak in the hot tub, just to be on the safe side.
Enh, and cut the damn grass.
Oh, regarding Gramps - he’s on dialysis as his kidneys have pretty much completely shut down, but he’s more with it and taking almost all his meds by mouth. As soon as that’s 100% they’re going to move him (per his insurance’s rules) to a “regular” room. He’s doing better I guess, but he’ll never come home again and he knows it. He’s fairly peaceful about it all and resigned to the reality of the situation. Had some awesome talks with him, so it’s all good. Well, as good as it can be.
Hope Paul’s situation is good/improving/not earth-shaking/coming to a positive conclusion.
See you cats later
Oh, I almost forgot…
“‘Cause Lang you’re the finest floater
To ever shine Hudler’s shoes.”
Posted by TeamDub from NW Ohio on 04/19/07 at 11:47 AM ET
One more thing, a slight ray of hope for this evening’s game…
From the LGW Forums:
Wes McCauley and Brad Watson are the referees tonight.
Posted by TeamDub from NW Ohio on 04/19/07 at 11:51 AM ET
I was hoping they’d announce the refs as Fraser and McCreary...then McCreary would take a puck in the face a minute into the game.
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 11:54 AM ET
TD: I am thankful for the peace God has blessed Gramps and your family with. If we tip on Mick’s “Look Out”, I’m not sure I’ll see the whole game!!!
God Bless!!!
Ditto’s to you and yours Paul. I’ve had lots of chuckles and delusions about Bert/Huddles/Bootland. My 14 y/o and I play alot of NHL2K6 and Bootland is our 4th liner there too. We Laugh out loud when he pots one!!! But I bet Huddles would get a few with that forecheck. That line would indeed be the Czech 2 line. And that little Czech would find the net, the stats say that he does, regularly, in what 7 mins/game. FU#@ PLAY HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 11:55 AM ET
Heh. Even the photo the NHL has up for the Wings/Flames series has Lang pegged:
Lang has a look on his face like he’s skating laps while posing for the photo. The Calgary player is trying to get somewhere.
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 12:17 PM ET
Great Photo!!! A picture is worth a thousand words huh!!!! Doesn’t that say it all (Hey, isn’t that my hairdresser in section 110) LANGSIDAISICAL!!!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 12:48 PM ET
So wer’e puzzling over what to do with The Enigma? Hmmmm...there’s an oxymoron in there somewhere.
I’m with the Chief, not enuff cojones in Hockeytown to sit Bob, but it seems a sure bet his summer will include a move to another town. Think I’ll get my haircut in honor of his playing tonite..... at least we will both look good!
Kindawuzzi/Huddles/Bootland now THAT would be fun!
Olde Tyme Hockey......
Posted by Rumbear from Hockeytown South (aka Sandy Eggo) on 04/19/07 at 12:56 PM ET
Paul,
Awesome comment. It even looks like Lang’s giving the camera a look. Not Magnum, maybe Blue Steel or Ferrari.
Posted by Matt Saler from Grand Rapids, MI on 04/19/07 at 01:12 PM ET
Oh. My. Gawd.
I hope this is just random speculation and not that he heard something while hanging around the team.
Ken Cal mentiones putting Hudler back in. Good.
At the expense of sitting Calder. OMFG. It can’t be true.
http://podcast.1270sports.com/wxyt/411784.mp3
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 01:25 PM ET
Hudler in GOOD!!!!
Sitting Calder—An almighty W.T.F.!!!! The man has been a best on the boards and in the corner. If that is accurate, and I’m not doubting Ken (unless he is purposely spreading misinformation—or Calder is hurting) the Wheel are doomed!!! Doomed I say because they can’t tell their ass from a hole in the ground!!! Where in the hell is their perspective coming from???
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 01:43 PM ET
TSN reports that: “Defenceman Robyn Regehr who was out with a knee injury will not play Thursday. - Calgary Herald”
We could call Kindwuzzi/Huddles/Bootland the Hanson brothers redux line!!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 01:47 PM ET
Have to disagree. Generally, Bowman did sit the rookies, but we saw in 01-02 how he handled Datsyuk (70 RS games, 20+ playoffs).
At this stage in his career, Flip works harder than Datsyuk did that year, and is far better defensively. That adds up to Bowman puttin him on the ice.
Hudler, I agree with. He would not be playing.
And Matt, I think it’s Blue Steel. His hair isn’t feathery enough in that photo to pull off Magnum.
Posted by Nathan on 04/19/07 at 01:54 PM ET
One look? ONE LOOK?!
Posted by TeamDub from Toledo on 04/19/07 at 01:58 PM ET
Cause curtis lowel (sp?) was the finest picker to ever play the blues.
Posted by Aaron from PHX on 04/19/07 at 02:49 PM ET
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Score me a goal, Robert Lang! Robert Lang!
Posted by Matt from Chicago on 04/19/07 at 10:21 AM ET