Abel to Yzerman
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GDT - Game #59: Red Wings at Blues (8:00)
by Jeff OKWingnut on 02/09/10 at 09:43 AM ET
Comments (73)
STL are coming off a 5-3 loss last night to the Av’s. Chris Mason’s boxscore was ugly, surrendering 5 GA on 15 shots, before getting pulled in the 2nd. Conklin stopped all 18 shots in relief. Per the St. Louis Post -Dispatch: Colorado’s three-goal second period chased Mason from the game and sent the Avalanche on their way to a 5-2 victory over the Blues, “who looked lethargic considering their playoff lives are on the line.”
DET fans must be pondering the same based on the Wings play of late. 3-5-2, is just unfathomable - - all while getting healthier. Playoffs? Are you kidding me. I just hope we can win another game.
Kronwall and Eaves are out. Homer is questionable, and Mule is in. Jimmy Howard will start for the 21st time in the last 23 games. Asked why, coach Mike Babcock said with startling clarity, “Because I think it’s the right decision.’’ I’d have to agree, the Wings are rapidly approaching the point of no return; every game matters. So says Holland: “If we play .500 hockey the rest of the way, we’re not going to make it. We have to have some stretches where we go 8-2, 7-3. We just haven’t found ways to win games, and now we’ve got a huge week here with three games before the Olympic break.”
Standings:
DET: 58 GP, 27-21-10, 64 pts (9 in Conf, 3 in Central), 150 GF, 156 GA, Last 10 3-5-2, Streak Lost 2
STL: 59 GP, 25-25-9, 59 pts (13 in Conf, 4 in Central), 151 GF, 166 GA, Last 10 3-5-2, Streak Lost 3
DET on road: 12-13-6
STL at home: 9-16-5 ? ? ? STL are true Road Warriors, compare:16-9-4
Stats (rank):
DET: .552 point% (14), 2.52 g/g (24), 2.59 ga/g (10), 0.89 5-5 f/a (23), 17.9 pp (16), 81.9 pk (14), 32.7 s/g (3), 30.2 sa/g (17), 51.4 fo% (8).
STL: .500 point% (24), 2.49 g/g (25), 2.75 ga/g (16), 0.91 5-5 f/a (22), 16.8 pp (24), 85.1 pk (6), 28.7 s/g (24), 30.2 sa/g (16), 48.6 fo% (23).
Goal Differential/Game:
DET = -0.07
STL = -0.26
Player Stats:
DET Skaters:
POS Player GP G A PTS +/- ATOI
C Pavel Datsyuk 56 15 31 46 13 20:27
L Henrik Zetterberg 50 16 29 45 6 20:02
D Nicklas Lidstrom 58 6 27 33 21 25:33
R Todd Bertuzzi 58 15 17 32 -7 17:11
R Dan Cleary 46 12 15 27 -4 17:48
D Brian Rafalski 54 4 23 27 16 24:27
L Tomas Holmstrom 45 15 8 23 5 15:44
C Valtteri Filppula 32 5 16 21 -7 17:34
C Kris Draper 57 6 11 17 -1 12:37
R Patrick Eaves 47 9 7 16 -1 14:12
C Darren Helm 51 8 8 16 -3 15:05
L Drew Miller 56 7 7 14 3 12:45
D Niklas Kronwall 26 5 8 13 1 21:13
D Brad Stuart 58 2 9 11 -15 23:42
D Jonathan Ericsson 43 3 7 10 -16 17:41
C Jason Williams 20 3 5 8 -7 14:36
D Brett Lebda 54 1 5 6 -7 15:13
L Justin Abdelkader 50 3 3 6 -11 10:35
L Kirk Maltby 49 3 2 5 -1 10:05
D Derek Meech 39 2 3 5 -11 13:14
D Doug Janik 13 0 2 2 -3 13:28
D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen 18 0 2 2 1 9:51
C Johan Franzen 3 1 1 2 0 18:41
L Brad May 39 0 1 1 -5 7:06
C Kris Newbury 4 1 0 1 1 8:41
C Mattias Ritola 5 0 0 0 0 11:41
D Jakub Kindl 3 0 0 0 -2 10:49
DET Goalies:
Player GPI W L OT GAA PCT
Jimmy Howard 40, 20-13-6, 2.31, 0.926
Chris Osgood 21, 7-8-4, 2.94, 0.891
STL Skaters:
POS Player GP G A PTS +/- ATOI
C Andy McDonald 56 17 18 35 -10 18:09
R Brad Boyes 59 10 25 35 -1 17:08
C TJ Oshie 55 11 22 33 -5 18:08
R David Backes 56 13 19 32 -3 17:58
L David Perron 59 15 17 32 -11 16:02
C Keith Tkachuk 54 12 16 28 -2 14:09
C Alexander Steen 45 14 13 27 -4 15:33
L Paul Kariya 53 10 16 26 -7 17:10
D Erik Johnson 57 5 21 26 1 21:20
C Jay McClement 59 8 13 21 -6 16:45
D Carlo Colaiacovo 45 4 12 16 -4 17:41
C Patrik Berglund 52 8 8 16 -7 12:58
D Roman Polak 59 3 11 14 2 20:05
D Barret Jackman 48 2 11 13 3 22:53
D Eric Brewer 36 6 5 11 -12 21:31
R BJ Crombeen 56 4 7 11 -3 13:27
D Darryl Sydor 39 0 8 8 -2 17:20
L Brad Winchester 50 2 4 6 3 9:18
D Mike Weaver 54 0 4 4 0 17:00
D Tyson Strachan 7 0 2 2 3 13:28
D Alex Pietrangelo 9 1 1 2 -9 16:34
C Yan Stastny 4 1 0 1 1 9:29
C Lars Eller 5 1 0 1 1 10:10
C Derek Armstrong 5 0 0 0 -2 7:31
R Cam Janssen 36 0 0 0 -4 4:42
L DJ King 3 0 0 0 -1 2:49
D Jonas Junland 1 0 0 0 -2 14:00
STL Goalies:
Player GPI W L OT GAA PCT
Ty Conklin 19, 8-8-1, 2.61 0.921
Chris Mason 42, 17-17-8, 2.58, 0.909
Injury Report:
DET:
Niklas Kronwall (D) Left knee injury (Day to day)
Johan Franzen (LW/RW) Left knee surgery (Mid-February)
STL:
No Injured Players
HOT and NOT:
DET: Hot:
Brian Rafalski (D) 3 pts in last 2 GP
Pavel Datsyuk (C/LW) 9 pts in last 7 GP
Henrik Zetterberg (C/LW) 6 pts in last 5 GP
Valtteri Filppula (C/LW) 5 pts in last 5 GP
Dan Cleary (LW/RW) 5 pts in last 6 GP
DET: Not Hot:
Nicklas Lidstrom (D) 1 pts in last 4 GP
Jason Williams (W/C) 0 pts in last 4 GP
Jimmy Howard (G) 0-2-0, 3.57, .877 in last 2 GPI
Chris Osgood (G) 0-2-0, 4.40, .814 in last 3 GPI
STL: Hot:
T.J. Oshie (RW/C) 5 pts in last 5 GP
Alexander Steen (W/C) 4 pts in last 4 GP
Ty Conklin (G) 1-2-0, 2.00, .940 in last 4 GPI
STL: Not Hot:
Keith Tkachuk (LW/C) 0 pts in last 6 GP
Brad Boyes (RW) 0 pts in last 5 GP
Andy McDonald (C/LW) 0 pts in last 4 GP
David Perron (RW/LW) 1 pts in last 4 GP
Chris Mason (G) 0-2-0, 4.92, .844 in last 2 GPI
———————————————————————————————————————————
Khan(!) has the practice lines:
Here are the lines they skated with in practice, though coach Mike Babcock said this isn’t necessarily what he’ll do in the game. And it won’t be, if Holmstrom plays:
Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Franzen
Bertuzzi-Filppula-Cleary
Draper-Helm-May
Maltby-Miller-WilliamsJimmy Howard will start in goal.
Also, newly acquired defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen cleared waivers and was assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL).
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
Gawd, the Smurfs suck at home. Maybe, as usual, we’ll help them to get out the slump. Or we’ll play like an NHL team for 60 minutes and bury them deep.
It would be nice to win all before the break, eh?
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 10:17 AM ET
I have a feeling we’ll see Helm with the Twins in the playoffs: DET up 3-1 against CHI, they pull the goalie to save the season, 13-40-43 will shut’em down. You’ll remember me.
Funny you should say that, Herm. I’ve been thinking the same thing, only in a more offensive role. Think about it. He’s lightning-quick, and can cause opposition defenses to back down, giving more space to Zetterman & Dr. Dangle—or he can chase down and win dump-ins, starting and sustaining pressure in the offensive zone. He’s strong on his skates and can pick up the puck along the boards or wrestle back possession. And in a few short steps he can beat anybody on the ice to a spot to shoot from. He doesn’t quite have a goalscorer’s hands, but he can learn. The only thing he can’t do is crash the crease (not effectively, at least) and redirect tip-ins like Homer, but he brings so many other things to the table I think he’s worth a try. And defensively, that’d be one helluva line.
He looks pretty happy here, haha
That’s because he’s in Prague in that photo. That ain’t Moscow.
Still, if he’s unhappy I’d have him back in a second. If he needs back-licking hookers to cheer him up, offer him a bushel of ‘em.
By the way, where the faux is Osrt and why doesn’t he respond my emails?
Berlin, and because he’s too busy foolin’ around with his lady friend.
Or Zurich, and same answer.
Nice work, Okie. But Jimmah needs a rest. Seriously.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 02/09/10 at 10:32 AM ET
Jim Mora Sr. quotes never get old, do they?
“WE PLAYED LIKE DIDDLY-POO!”.
Posted by Primis on 02/09/10 at 10:34 AM ET
Jim Mora Sr is a riot.
Jimmah probably does need a rest - - but the Wings need to win is paramount.
Holland is spot on: “If we play .500 hockey the rest of the way, we’re not going to make it.”
However, is that asking the Wings to do something they have failed to do all year? One of the reasons I am in law is because I could not get a diploma in any field that required more math than simple statistics. One thing I do recall from stats, the bigger the sample, the better at determining probabilities. Wings are 27-21-10. Why in the world does Holland think they can go on a 7-3 run?
Mo is right, the time for excuses has expired. Do or Do not.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/09/10 at 10:46 AM ET
Jimmy has a nice long break coming as of the end of this week, he’s 25. He’s maybe a little mentally drained from the pressure of “must win” every game… but get used to it kiddo the NHL season is a grind for a #1 goaltender. Off the soapbox now….
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 10:56 AM ET
I have a feeling we’ll see Helm with the Twins in the playoffs: DET up 3-1 against CHI, they pull the goalie to save the season, 13-40-43 will shut’em down. You’ll remember me.
Funny you should say that, Herm. I’ve been thinking the same thing, only in a more offensive role. Think about it. He’s lightning-quick, and can cause opposition defenses to back down, giving more space to Zetterman & Dr. Dangle—or he can chase down and win dump-ins, starting and sustaining pressure in the offensive zone. He’s strong on his skates and can pick up the puck along the boards or wrestle back possession. And in a few short steps he can beat anybody on the ice to a spot to shoot from. He doesn’t quite have a goalscorer’s hands, but he can learn. The only thing he can’t do is crash the crease (not effectively, at least) and redirect tip-ins like Homer, but he brings so many other things to the table I think he’s worth a try. And defensively, that’d be one helluva line.
I’d like to subscribe to this newsletter, please.
Another thing that I haven’t mentioned enough this season, but it’s been growing is that Helm does have some really good hands. He stepped through two people into the middle of the ice in the Kings game before ringing it off the post and he’s reminiscent of Datsyuk and Flip when he’s on the side boards spinning around to shed backcheckers.
My only worry on that line would be the same thing that Filppula went through and Bertuzzi still does: the tendency to defer to Datsyuk too often. A lot of times, people other than Hank tend to have the puck on their stick for two seconds in the zone, or just long enough to create an opening for themselves they could walk into, and then get seemingly uncontrollably nervous about things and pass the puck off to Datsyuk, who is in a less advantageous position. The funny (read: sad) part is that a lot of the times these guys get open is because the person that’s supposed to be covering the puck carrier is cheating more towards Datsyuk in anticipation of that pass.
I’d like if Uncle Mike put Helm on Pavs and Z’s line, but I’d also like him to take Helm aside and say “Don’t worry so much about getting it to Datsyuk, kid. The puck belongs to him, when he wants it, he’ll take it”.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 10:59 AM ET
Helm has good hands, he scored like 40 goals in juniors once(future Maltby), his only problem is that he’s often too fast to be able to control the puck. But in two or three strides (like the LA goal or the CHI kill), before gaining full speed, he’s an amazing puck controller.
By the way, I bet he’s next on the captain line behind Zetterberg.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 11:12 AM ET
Oh, and about the Dats-Zetta-God combo, I don’t see it happening too often.
Maybe for 3rd periods in the playoffs, or if the Wings can get more centers in the future. If Babcock is so reluctant in playing Z and Dats together, how hard would it be for him to use three awesome centers in one line?
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 11:20 AM ET
I dunno. Thinking about it now, I’m not that sure he’d really need to score to be effective on that line. He’s already hell on the forecheck, which itself would cause opposing defenses all kinds of problems. With his speed, sometimes even three defenders aren’t enough to contain him. And people tend to forget it, but Esa Tikkanen rode a regular shift on shotgun for Gretzky because he was the ‘defensive’ player on the line—his job was backchecking and distraction. Now Taz isn’t a pain in the ass like Tikka was, but he’s this whole other pile of trouble. Can you imagine what would have happened in the Anaslime series last year if Marchant, Niedermayer, & Moen had had Helm to contend with as the third player on that line? One big reason they had an easy job of shutting down Hossa & Pav is because they could take Homer for granted—they just left him alone in front of the net and concentrated on the two guys that had the puck. So what happens when it’s not big unmoving Homer, but another fast little ball of hate that they have to contend with?
But yeah. There’s probably no way Uncle Mike puts three natural centers on one line. Besides, he’s loath to break up Draper-Helm-Eaves, for good reason.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 02/09/10 at 11:41 AM ET
3-5-2, is just unfathomable
Don’t sugar coat it…
That is 3-7 for those of us with our feet on the ground,
or in games where your opponent gets 2 points.
I expect tonight to be one of those occasional games where the Wings get it together…
I have started to look forward to RWBill’s ‘Big Bang Theory’ Charts….
Any chance you could update it every morning?
If I was still working there would be an ‘Injury pool’ in the office for every game.
For Herm:
If you need an address at the Airport, you can use mine…
I am only a few miles from OSRT.
hockeytowntodd at hotmail dot com
I forget when OSRT said he would return, but I am thinking he may be whipped…
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 02/09/10 at 11:44 AM ET
Yikes—I just looked at Tikkanen’s stats, and he actually has a lot more points than I remember. He hit thirty goals three times—but this was back in the 80s. Okay, so maybe Helm wouldn’t put up as many points, but I bet he could pop twenty regularly playing with the Eurotwins.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 02/09/10 at 11:49 AM ET
One big reason they had an easy job of shutting down Hossa & Pav is because they could take Homer for granted—they just left him alone in front of the net and concentrated on the two guys that had the puck. So what happens when it’s not big unmoving Homer, but another fast little ball of hate that they have to contend with?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor
Are you suggesting the PP may be more effective if they used 5 skaters instead of 4…?
Kinda funny….
everyone that keeps saying Babblecock is the greatest thing
since sliced bread….
spend 3 days after a loss trying to change the way he does things.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 02/09/10 at 11:55 AM ET
The method name is SDE_FAQs.
he’s got one coming up after the next three games.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/09/10 at 12:19 PM ET
Kinda funny….
everyone that keeps saying Babblecock is the greatest thing
since sliced bread….
spend 3 days after a loss trying to change the way he does things.Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the “NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE” on 02/09/10 at 11:55 AM ET
Part of the fun [pant}
of being a fan {pant….pant….]
is the mental exercise [pant]
of playing with line combos [passes out]
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 12:19 PM ET
The adress is not for taxis or anything, I hope you pick me up, it’s just that I need to give the adress of where I’m staying, and you moved since we talked the last time.
Posted by Guilherme
That is weird. I haven’t received anything. Try again, or just send me a message on Facebook.
I think you can use the same address since it’s my parents’ house and in a nice area. You’ll be a suspect with rich contacts at least.
I forget when OSRT said he would return, but I am thinking he may be whipped…
Posted by HockeyTownTodd
Nah, I got these new pills and @ock ring that keep me going. It’s all the rage Gramps; let me know if you need the hookup.
Posted by Osrt on 02/09/10 at 12:25 PM ET
mason’s 5 goals on 15 shots are osgood numbers. Let’s hope he gets the start!
Posted by redxblack from Akron Ohio on 02/09/10 at 12:28 PM ET
You’ll be a suspect with rich contacts at least.
The most dangerous kind of suspect.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 12:39 PM ET
bitches. this is just brutal. I added team icons on the left of the chart to make it easier to track a team from the beginning (or game 50, whatevs). Sure, it would be easier just to look at the conference standings every morning, but this graphically shows you how the Wings have lost a chance to cease the 8 or 7 spot, and are now up to their ass in aligators.
Remember, now it will take .600 just to get to 93 points, what will 93 give us, early tee times?
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 12:40 PM ET
Part of the fun [pant}
of being a fan {pant….pant….]
is the mental exercise [pant]
of playing with line combos [passes out]Posted by Roger Daltrey from the Super Bowl halftime show on 02/09/10 at 12:19 PM ET
Sorry…I love The Who, but they’ve clearly lost a step or three.
Gawddammit Wings, for the love of sweet baby jeebus, just win. You got the tools, you got the talent, just win.
Posted by cephalopod from Chicago...nope, still not over it. on 02/09/10 at 12:40 PM ET
For the eternal optimists among us, we will say, “look what winning 3 or 4 in a row can do for you. The trouble is we haven’t shown any ability to do that, and what if CGY or NSV also win 3 or 4 in a row at the same time. The other teams ain’t gonna stand still.
I eliminated PHX and LAK off the top of this chart because they are in a different universe at the moment and screw up the vertical scale.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 12:44 PM ET
Nah, I got these new pills and @ock ring that keep me going. It’s all the rage Gramps; let me know if you need the hookup.
Posted by Osrt
Thanks for the offer…
But, for me, a cyanide pill would be just as effective,
and probably faster….
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 02/09/10 at 12:45 PM ET
MIN ANA DAL have been doing a dance for 3 weeks, unfortunately Detroit has dropped back into this Peloton of non playoff teams.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 12:50 PM ET
I left a note on the TV this morning when I left for work. The family’s been warned.
Dad will be on the rampage tonight. I’m brining ear plugs home from work for the meek.
Posted by 42jeff from Minot, North Dakota on 02/09/10 at 12:51 PM ET
Word is Homer will give it a shot tonight according to John Forslund on NHL Live.
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 02/09/10 at 12:51 PM ET
Look at it this way, still 48 points out there for the earning, or leaving.
“Some will win, some will lose. Some are gonna sing the blues.” - Journey.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 12:53 PM ET
Gramp’s adress
Thanks for the offer, but I don’t want to give any reason for airport officials to bitch about.
3 or 4 wins in a row
There were times this season we got those “streaks”, but followed them with losing streaks. To avoid them, we just stop winning.
Roger Daltrey from SuperBowl
Yeah, it was bad. And I got it out of synch for the first minutes, which made it worst.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 12:54 PM ET
Word is Homer will give it a shot tonight according to John Forslund on NHL Live.
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 02/09/10 at 12:51 PM ET
Gave us a big lift his first game back. Hope this doesn’t jeopardize the rest of the season. Couldn’t even push off his skate yesterday.
Will Franzen go down again like Homer and Kronwall?
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 12:55 PM ET
I’m thinking VooX put the nail in the coffin….
He stumbled on a winning combo with Rachmaninoff,
and then he goes and changes things for the next game.
Kinda like Babbles putting Leino back in the line-up after a win.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 02/09/10 at 12:55 PM ET
Blame D, blame injuries, blame coaching… blame your unlucky jersey
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 10:07 AM ET
Jersey choice gives me anxiety every gameday. Who the faux should I wear today? I went with TPH today (fingers crossed).
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from somewhere in the North....Winter Is Coming on 02/09/10 at 12:57 PM ET
For the eternal optimists among us, we will say, “look what winning 3 or 4 in a row can do for you. The trouble is we haven’t shown any ability to do that, and what if CGY or NSV also win 3 or 4 in a row at the same time. The other teams ain’t gonna stand still.
No, what the Wings haven’t done is actually win 3 or 4 in a row, we’ve shown the ability to do so several times this year.
Listen, I got it, we’re donkeyfucked and there’s no point in sugarcoating anything for the rest of the season. If we can accept in February with more than a quarter of the season remaining that the Wings are completely lost this year, it will make things easier to handle come April if they don’t make the playoffs or get bounced out early. If you’re wrong and they do storm back strong, then all that February doom and gloom is forgotten among the puppies, hookers, drugs, and Robocop impersonators we’ll all be enjoying.
If I’m wrong and you’re right, then all that means is you got a two month head start over me on being a bitch in the offseason about how much this year sucked.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 01:00 PM ET
Re: graph thingy
Posted by RWBill from the engine room feeding The Hasek. on 02/09/10 at 12:40 PM ET
What scares me looking at that graph is the Stars ascent. I predict that of LA, PHX, COL and VAN, one of those teams will begin to coast after the olympic break and fall fast.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 02/09/10 at 01:01 PM ET
What scares me looking at that graph is the Stars ascent
I take it you did not see any of the *ucks game last night? Damn they looked kinda fauxing mean…
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from somewhere in the North....Winter Is Coming on 02/09/10 at 01:13 PM ET
What scares me looking at that graph is the Stars ascent. I predict that of LA, PHX, COL and VAN, one of those teams will begin to coast after the olympic break and fall fast.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 02/09/10 at 01:01 PM ET
Relying on another team to hid the skids isn’t how we need to get into the playoffs. Earn the spot, damnit. Backing into the playoffs would make me feel as good as having Lewie on the bench again.
If collectively WE (not they) put the honus, responsilbility & accountability where it belongs… we’ve got nothing to worry about. We hear any post gamers full of the same BS we’ve heard for 6 months now, we’ve got nothing to worry about either.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 01:16 PM ET
RW, a pic to go along with your spaghetti graph?
Or it could be ‘shopped to read the little engine that could, but didn’t? Time will tell.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 01:25 PM ET
This is what other teams will be saying about us come playoff time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_N1OjGhIFc
I am with you JJ its not over till its over bitches.
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from somewhere in the North....Winter Is Coming on 02/09/10 at 01:27 PM ET
Here are the lines they skated with in practice, though coach Mike Babcock said this isn’t necessarily what he’ll do in the game. And it won’t be, if Holmstrom plays:
Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Franzen
Hot. Dog.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 02/09/10 at 01:27 PM ET
take it you did not see any of the *ucks game last night? Damn they looked kinda fauxing mean…
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from w/a box o matches behind the chickenhawk bandwagon on 02/09/10 at 01:13 PM ET
The *ucks are the best non-playoff team in the West right now. Hands down, bar none. If they can keep up their current pace, they’ll be upsetting someone in the first round, for sure.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 01:00 PM ET
I always keep my expectations low/zero. That way when something good happens, I can be pleasantly surprised… and when the bad happens, I can just say “Meh, figured.”
Oh, and DAMN Robocop impersonators, I want the real thing. It is Detroit, after all.
Posted by RedMenace from the darkest recesses on 02/09/10 at 01:30 PM ET
Great info Jeff. Love the Mora reference.
JIMMAH! Ride that Happy Pony right in to the Limpick break and he will get all the rest he needs. He and Ozzie can hang out and trade recipes. Read some Zen…
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 01:00 PM ET
BRAVO! If being an optimist, eternal or otherwise, was easy every pessimist would be one.
Let’s Go Red Wings !!!!!
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, when in doubt, pinky out on 02/09/10 at 01:32 PM ET
14-10-3 down the stretch will give us 95 pts, and a healthy Wings team can be better than that. Of course, this “stretch” begins tonite.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 01:34 PM ET
“Some will win, some will lose. Some are gonna sing the blues.” - Journey.
Posted by RWBill from the engine room feeding The Hasek. on 02/09/10 at 12:53 PM ET
DONT STOP BELIEVIN’!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by pgoody on 02/09/10 at 01:35 PM ET
The *ucks are the best non-playoff team in the West right now.
Only good thing for us is Getz(laugh) went out of the game last night with an tweaked ankle. Looked kinda nasty but it might just be a sprain. Still it looked like he will miss afew games. Another thing, S.Doan messed up his wrist, that looked like it could be bad, reminded me of the Wally injury. So that could faux with PHO hopefully, no bad wishes to Mr. Doan of course. 
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from somewhere in the North....Winter Is Coming on 02/09/10 at 01:37 PM ET
no bad wishes to Mr. Doan of course.
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from w/a box o matches behind the chickenhawk bandwagon on 02/09/10 at 01:37 PM ET
Remember, debilitating injury with the wish of a full recovery
Posted by pgoody on 02/09/10 at 01:38 PM ET
ok just checked on Doan and it looks like it was nothing big :( and Getz(laugh) didnt break anything but they still dont know the extent of the damage.
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from somewhere in the North....Winter Is Coming on 02/09/10 at 01:45 PM ET
You know Conks is getting the start…
Posted by pgoody from #9 spot in the West on 02/09/10 at 01:29 PM ET
Of course they’ll start Conks, it’s against his former team. Would be dumb not to.
I am going to feel a good amount of relief just seeing 93 out there on the ice tonight, even if my expectations are too high.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 02/09/10 at 02:16 PM ET
Oh shit. KK was blocked at work. (obviously) I know how to unblock it, but it’s too dangerous doing it. Shit.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 02:33 PM ET
Off topic, but a good read. I am not a big Burke fan nor can I stand Bucci… but still take the couple of minutes and read:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=4685761
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 03:16 PM ET
Helene St James, Freep, has the lines from the morning skate:
Holmstrom is battling a bruised left knee, and will be a game-time decision, coach Mike Babcock said.
If Holmstrom is in, Todd Bertuzzi will be demoted to the third line:
• Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom
• Franzen-Filppula-Cleary
• Bertuzzi-Miller-Williams
• Draper-Helm-Maltby
If Holmstrom is out, Johan Franzen would be with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, and Bertuzzi with Valtteri Filppula and Dan Cleary.
Also, defenseman Niklas Kronwall (knee) said he expects to play as soon as he gets his new brace, which he hopes is in time for Thursday’s game against San Jose.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/09/10 at 03:17 PM ET
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We’ve been playing .500 puck all season & it hasn’t cut it. Picking up .75 points a game “or so” lately simply isn’t good enough. Blame D, blame injuries, blame coaching… blame your unlucky jersey, regardless there’s more than enough blame to go around. Enough for everyone.
Time to stand in front of the mirror and take a good look boys & then wander out on the ice at JLA and take a look up.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 10:07 AM ET