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Homer Says He’s In
by IwoCPO on 06/01/08 at 03:46 PM ET
Comments (45)
And Chelios stresses he’s healthy, just sitting.
Update from Sunday’s practice: Only a handful of players skated during an optional practice. Tomas Holmstrom (hamstring) did not skate but said he is “for sure’’ in for Game 5 Monday. Chris Chelios said he doesn’t anticipate being in the lineup. He has been practicing for days now and continues to insist he is not injured and is healthy enough to play.
Anyone think Uncle Mike should hold Homer out in favor of Darren McCarty, who was effective in Game 4?
Count a vote for me that says: no. Homer’s potential for offense is too great.
More from the Detroit News’ Eric Lacy.
“Tommy is playing,” Babcock said. Homer’s hamstring injury doesn’t appear to be too much of an issue at this time. But team trainers will continue to monitor his status. Holmstrom didn’t participate in the team’s optional skate Sunday.
Hey. Whaddya know. St. James is in on the act too. It’s an all skate.
Asked for an update, Mike Babcock said, “He told me he’s playing. I don’t usually ask the player. But we’ll see what happens. Obviously, we thought he was playing last night. And so we’ll see how he is tomorrow. He’s got a hamstring injury. Sometimes they don’t come as quick as you’d like. He’d really obviously like to play.”
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Comments
i don’t buy it till he takes his first shift…
LIARS…
every last one of them
Posted by Pharazon from England on 06/01/08 at 03:11 PM ET
No, Mac sits, although I think it’s a draw when you ask which player provides more value at this point. Mac played great last night, and Homer’s troubles in front of the net (not his fault) have likely already cost us a game. Homer’s just not as effective as we saw him earlier this season, and if he’s playing injured it’s going to be worse. I don’t think he’s an offensive x-factor right now.
However.
Homer deserves to be dressed if the Wings win. Mac? He needs to do the honorable thing and support his teammates that fought all season long...from the sidelines. I’m curious if Mac gets a contract offer for next year. I’d like to see him back.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 06/01/08 at 03:12 PM ET
I’m curious if Mac gets a contract offer for next year. I’d like to see him back.
I think he has proven he can still compete effectively and contribute at the NHL level. even in the playoffs.
especially with how little work he had before he came back and played. with another offseason and training camp, and a full season next year, I believe he’ll be much better.
the Wings would be crazy not to sign him for a year and see what he can do. the cost/benefit possibilities far outweigh the risks.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 03:18 PM ET
To me, honor, or who deserves what, is irrelevant. If Homer is healthy enough to play his game effectively, he should play. If he isn’t, he should sit and Mac should stay in.
Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 06/01/08 at 03:21 PM ET
The only reasons I would say that Homer should sit in favor of D-Mac is if he’s too injured to play.
I may consider the argument that McCarty had to get in one more game to get his name on the cup (not true, but hypothetically speaking...)
Posted by J.J. from kansas on 06/01/08 at 03:36 PM ET
Keep in mind that damaged goods does pose a risk on the ice. Homer is a fantastic player, but if the trainers believe he’s in no condition to play, then Homer should sit and Mac should be in. However, if Homer can play, and the trainers believe he is ready to go, then sit Mac.
Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 06/01/08 at 03:53 PM ET
McCarty has played in two games of the finals (one and four), therefore he is eligible to have his name on the cup.
Lilja can sit for Cheli, IMO. We’re all raving about Z today and his majesty on the Kill, for great reason, but had things gone differently, we’d be screaming for Lilja’s head right now. It’s debatable whether a savvier vet keeps us out of that situation, but my money is on yet. Cheli is focused. He knows what’s at stake here. Can anyone honestly say that Lilja does?
Posted by Fan In Dive Town from Denver on 06/01/08 at 03:55 PM ET
I’m bringing a friend into the fold. Game one was the first hockey game he had ever watched. He’s even picked up on the intricacies of icing. The lesson I’ve taught him about Lilja? look for him to make one mistake that leads to a scoring chance per game. Lilja has lived up to that so far. I would not mind Chelios getting back in there for game 5.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 06/01/08 at 04:05 PM ET
I don’t think it would be fair to blame Lilja for the Ref’s giving the Pen’s every chance to tie it up. Had they tied, you would have seen the Wings get another crap call in the last 4 minutes.
The rules for interference are apparently different for Fil than they are for little gary’s diving poster boy.
--------------
I usually refrain from playing the wannabe GM game,
BUT
On McCarty:
I was very skeptical regarding his comeback.
He has proved he can play. He has played better in his limited time here, than he ever did the last 2 years with the Wings.
Sure, his speed is a concern...but he reads the game so well and compensates so well for his pace, that he always seems to be in the right place.
Passing is an art that you never lose, and he can thread the needle. No stupid stuff, when there is nothing to do with the puck...he knows sometimes you just have to eat it and take one for the team…
I would certainly offer him another year.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs dont live up to my expectations on 06/01/08 at 04:12 PM ET
Babs said Mac was awesome from the bench, screaming at the guys for the last 9 minutes of the game not to back off. Babs noted this without being prompted to.
Regardless, Homer is in if he can go. There isn’t too much choice about the matter frankly. Also, I think Helm is the key for our fourth line’s success, not Mac. That kid has been amazing and I hope he makes the squad next year.
Posted by Osrt on 06/01/08 at 04:16 PM ET
Osrt is right. If Holmstrom can play, simply no question that he’s in. That said, I don’t think it matters. He hasn’t been playing well enough to be a big upgrade over Cleary on the first line, who isn’t a big upgrade over Maltby on the third line, who isn’t a big upgrade over McCarty on the fourth line. Moving those guys around doesn’t change the identity or ability of any of those lines.
And Lilja’s in for next game, too.
Posted by Ryan from Toronto on 06/01/08 at 04:41 PM ET
Fun for all:
Therrien ducking for cover:
http://multimedia.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/sportsgallery/wings_pittsburgh_053108/index36.htm
Hank besting Sidney:
Posted by w2j2 on 06/01/08 at 05:50 PM ET
The Kill:
Posted by w2j2 on 06/01/08 at 05:51 PM ET
Therrien standing tall:
http://multimedia.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/sportsgallery/wings_pittsburgh_053108/index36.htm
Posted by w2j2 on 06/01/08 at 05:55 PM ET
Babcock under pressure:
http://multimedia.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/sportsgallery/wings_pittsburgh_053108/index35.htm
Posted by w2j2 on 06/01/08 at 05:58 PM ET
Therrien standing tall:
http://multimedia.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/sportsgallery/wings_pittsburgh_053108/index36.htm
Posted by w2j2 on 06/01/08 at 05:59 PM ET
Chuck a Penguin:
Beat my 361.77 !! gotta figure out how to post a screen shot to prove it.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080530/MULTI/80530114
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/01/08 at 06:20 PM ET
I thought that when Chelios first came out of the lineup it was really because he was sucking but Babcock didn’t want to embarrass him with a benching, so he said he was “injured”. Wings are 5-1 with Chelios out of the lineup and that is no coincidence. His old ass needs to hang ‘em up.
Posted by cis429 from Denver on 06/01/08 at 07:09 PM ET
Penguins offer so much more opportunity for silly games than most teams do. 
I wouldn’t be surprised if McCarty gets a year contract - Dallas Drake is 39, was thinking about retiring before this season, so Mac could fill that same role (provided he keeps himself healthy and sober, of course).
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/01/08 at 07:12 PM ET
He was hurt - his leg. While he was out the team was doing well, so he didn’t get back in the lineup. That’s how it usually works. When he was healthy, he was still pretty effective, especially for a cheap, cap-friendly third-pairing defensman.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/01/08 at 07:15 PM ET
Will Chelios’ name be on the cup if he doesn’t play in any SCF series games?
Posted by Tuba Guy from Royal Oak, MI on 06/01/08 at 07:21 PM ET
Lilly for Cheli?
It could be that Mikey has finally learned....
“don’t mess with a winning line-up”
And Chelli?
Taking the Hi-Road?
you’ll probably see him behind the bench next year.
Trust HTT
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs dont live up to my expectations on 06/01/08 at 07:25 PM ET
yes. he played enough games in the regular season.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 07:25 PM ET
I’ve been thinking similarly that a place would be made for Chelios in the organization. I think it is probably time for him to hang up the skates. What’s really convinced me is the way opposing players are increasingly able to just shrug off his hits.
Drake, on the other hand, looks like he has at least a couple good years left. Him and Maltby and Draper make a nice geriatric line. He would also help offset the loss of those intangibles Chelios brings to the table (assuming he does retire). Drake getting to the top of the mountain in the place where it all started for him is a nice story (he’s part of a succession of “character” guys that includes Foligno, Graves, McKay, and Knuble who the Wings erred by letting go).
Posted by BobS. on 06/01/08 at 07:50 PM ET
I think a lot of you are forgetting that Cheli had some of his best games early on the playoffs, he was sick.
Posted by moore00 from the Ohio State University on 06/01/08 at 08:03 PM ET
(he’s part of a succession of “character” guys that includes Foligno, Graves, McKay, and Knuble who the Wings erred by letting go).
That is called;
“letting them make their mistakes elsewhere (mature)”
and part of the Wings system.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs dont live up to my expectations on 06/01/08 at 08:04 PM ET
To a certain extent, you’re right. Conversely, given the careers those guys have had, and what the Wings got in return, one might also argue that it was just poor judgement. I’m not complaining, mind you (okay, maybe a little). The organization’s ability to mine the lower rounds of the draft for gold is pretty much unparalleled. Getting cornerstones of the team like Draper and Maltby for virtually nothing was brilliant. But mistakes have been made. For instance, along with Ryan Smith, Knuble is one of the few guys in the league who approximate what Homer does on the power play.
Still, I’m happy for Drake and hope he sticks around for another year or two.
By the way, in the case of Foligno, he was an established 30 goal scorer when the Wings traded him to the Sabres for Danny Gare on the downside of his career.
Posted by BobS. on 06/01/08 at 08:31 PM ET
There are born leaders, and it is important that you don’t clog your system with too many. When they start to surface...it is time for them to go....
I think it is pretty neat you failed to mention
Primeau and LaPointe.
Pretty neat....and Telling
Posted by Gramps from HockeyTown on 06/01/08 at 08:47 PM ET
Trading Primeau brought in Shanahan, which arguably put the Wings over the top.
LaPointe walked to the Bruins, who overpaid. I liked him, but he probably took as many or more bone-headed penalties as any Wing I can think of off hand.
I don’t agree about too many leaders. The best leaders are guys who also know how to follow and play a role but show up when the s**t hits the fan. None of those I mentioned seemed to feel it crucial to lead from the front. All were given away (I suppose the verdict’s still out on Knuble for Kopecky)for virtually nothing or, in the case of Foligno for Gare, a rapidly aging star.
I’d take 25 guys who would gladly wear the C if it were offered.
Posted by BobS. on 06/01/08 at 10:37 PM ET
There are born leaders, and it is important that you don’t clog your system with too many.
it didn’t seem to be a problem in 2002. see, a true leader knows when someone else is in the lead, and doesn’t let their ego get in the way - the accept their role and do with it what is expected of them.
honestly, I thought Brett Hull was going to ruin it. I thought his ego was going to get in the way. but clearly Scotty Bowman and Ken Holland are better at this than I am. I never really respected Hull, because of his antics - until I saw how he allowed himself to fit into the situation perfectly when coming to this team.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 10:53 PM ET
...a friend into the fold. Game one was the first hockey game he had ever watched. He’s even picked up on the intricacies of icing.
Hey, J.J., maybe he can explain those intricacies to me. Since the lockout about half the time I can’t understand why they called it, or why they didn’t.
Posted by BobTheZee on 06/01/08 at 11:36 PM ET
BTW, my best Chuck a Penguin score so far??? Only 312.something.
I’m so ashamed.
Posted by BobTheZee on 06/01/08 at 11:38 PM ET
def dress homer over mac. hopefully we will see cheli in the line up too. mac is too high risk for penalties, and hes just ok for me. you for sure want homer to complete the 40-13-96 top line chemistry. cleary is good, but pav and hank arent used to him like homer and you want that line to just rack up some points tomorrow and wrap up this series. homer is an overall better hockey player too and i love him in front of fleury as pav and hank just do magic all over the offensive zone.
Posted by kristen from troy, mi on 06/02/08 at 12:32 AM ET
I did not explain that statement well. If I may
expand on that leadership a bit.
Experienced, established leaders know when to assume the role of support. The problem is youngsters growing into leadership roles constantly challenging the current pecking order. That is the reference to clogging the system.
Posted by Gramps from HockeyTown on 06/02/08 at 01:04 AM ET
So I watched the videos from 97, 98 and 02 today. It was fun to see them and got me totally pumped for tomorrow.
Amazing to see some of the people who were on those teams that I had forgotten about...Amazing how much Homer has grown up.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/02/08 at 01:20 AM ET
Experienced, established leaders know when to assume the role of support.
AND
Babs said Mac was awesome from the bench, screaming at the guys for the last 9 minutes of the game not to back off.
If we win tonight, it won’t be noted by many commentators, but this championship was built on glue. Playoff glue, character, spirit, call it what you will. Babcock, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Osgood, Draper, Drake, McCarty, Chelios, Datsyuk and even, yes, Hasek. This team has glue in spades, I’d venture more than any other Wings playoff team I’ve seen in my lifetime.
honestly, I thought Brett Hull was going to ruin it.
Hull concerned me too, with his mouth and ego. I’m still not hugely comfortable with the fact that he was a Wing for a few seasons. But when he took number 17 when the organization asked him that in order to keep Vladdie in our hearts he not wear the number he’d worn most of his career, and he did so without fuss, I figured he’d be okay.
Who else is counting down besides me?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the playoff glue factory deep in industrial Detroi on 06/02/08 at 04:34 AM ET
Don’t forget that Homer has to backcheck as well. Will he be able to effectively return up the ice to help on defense? That is the type of question a coach has to consider and something that none of us are capable of doing, because we aren’t given enough information. While the Wings don’t have anyone else AS effective as Holmstrom in front of the net, they have several that are more effective than average. Unless I was sure that Homer was 100%, I’d sit him. Rest him 2 more days for game 6 (although that game will never happen).
Re: Lilja/Chelios. My memory is old so it may be wrong, but wasn’t Lilja the one to cough up the puck to Selanne in game 5 vs the Ducks last year. I still haven’t forgiven him for that. I’ve been hoping Babcock would dress Chelios for a couple of games and I’d like to see it tonight.
Posted by Big Daddy from Charleston on 06/02/08 at 05:49 AM ET
So here’s a thought:
When Wings win the Cup, don’t rule out Little Gary giving the MVP to Crosby - as a “consolation prize” so to speak.
Posted by TheFreak on 06/02/08 at 07:32 AM ET
Only one problem with that, Freak-- Bettman (thankfully oh merciful hockey gods) doesn’t choose the Conn Smythe winner. The members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association vote on it during the Cup-clinching game (votes are discarded if the cup is not clinched), and then the trophy is awarded. And I have a sneaking suspicion that most of them, Crosby-fellating aside, haven’t been very impressed with what they’ve seen from him in the Finals so far. And it goes without saying that a fair amount of them have a rather low opinion of Little Gary as well.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the Armchair Hockey Players' Association on 06/02/08 at 07:57 AM ET
Andrew, thanks for the info.
However, with a little back door “Clinton-esque” politics, anything can be achieved. Such as Gary saying if you writers want any access to my baby, Sidney, then you will give him the MVP.
Yeah, i know, that starts to sound like a conspiracy theory, but look at what we’ve gotten so far.
Posted by TheFreak on 06/02/08 at 08:20 AM ET
I was also pleasantly surprised and impressed by McCarty’s performance. Even the supposedly huge hit Roberts put on him (I think it was #3 in the NHL Network’s Top 5 plays for Game 4) looked more like Mac losing an edge than anything Roberts actually did. That being said, Homer is in if he can go. Even injured, the guy is a massive distraction for the Penguins defense. The down side to that is, they will be even more hell-bent on punishing him in front of the net tonight.
If Homer can’t go, I’d like to see Uncle Mike give Mule as much or more time on the top line as Cleary. A little bit of line juggling magic to shanghai HC&WMT;’s line-matching efforts. The possibilities seem pretty endless...whatever the combinations, just keep rolling four! Even if Homer plays, I won’t be surprised to see his ES time shared with Buckets and Mule.
RE: Cheli—I’d love to see him in tonight, but how can you argue with Babcock’s decision-making abilities?
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/02/08 at 12:02 PM ET
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I was impressed by McCarty’s performance. I’d rather a healthy, rested McCarty than a beat up injured Holmstrom. considering the possibility of any goal he figures into being called back, and his relative ineffectiveness in other areas of the ice due to being hobbled, DMac was more valuable in the last game than I think Holmstrom will be tomorrow.
plus, McCarty’s line scored the game winning goal.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 03:10 PM ET