Good to hear from ya Chief, it’s been quiet ‘round these parts…

Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 10/05/08 at 08:35 PM ET

Franzen was a beast tonight; Datsyuk and the D-men had a really solid game too.  The best of Lidstrom’s 3 assist had to be that breakout pass right on Leino’s tape that broke him into the zone for the Wings’ second.  Wally and Happy were also looking good all game and Cleary looked pretty good wearing the A all night.  Conks looked a bit shaky with the puck a few times, but otherwise he was so good that even the puck that got past him didn’t count.

Good news: Our Penalty kill was great all night, creating more chances than they gave up.
Bad news: We gave ‘em plenty of opportunities.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 10/05/08 at 08:47 PM ET

I never realized how much I depended on A2Y live blogs until I had to make it through the pre-season without them.  I’m back in Michigan, but apparently I prefer reading the thoughts of total strangers on the Internet to listening to my idiot friends talk during the game.  Who knew.

Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 10/05/08 at 08:48 PM ET

“Juvenilicity .” There’s the name of your boat, if ya haven’t already, Chief.

I must’ve counted about 8 or 9 penalties levied against the Wings to maybe three or four for the Sabres and the Wings still came out with a shutout win.  There was some time in the first period where it felt like an endless parade of penalties against the Wings.

The names I kept seeing on Real Time were definitely Leino, Franzen, and Downey.

I’m getting good vibes from this year’s Wings team if the preseason is any kind of indication....even though I detest it completely because they don’t earn any points in the standings at all.  (If the preseason is going to exist, cut it down to maybe 4-6 games and the rest spent on real practice and preparations for the season.  I digress; that’s a whole other argument.)

Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 10/05/08 at 08:56 PM ET

i haven’t caught all of the preseasons ... but Jay Leno and Darren Helm are very impressive.

Posted by ColdWar on 10/05/08 at 09:16 PM ET

Welcome back, Chief.  I hope you enjoyed your stay in a Pacific paradise.  Things have been less than rosy on the Wings’ homefront.  The recent string of injuries has me worried. A number of players are sprained, broken, or damaged right now and we have a long road ahead of us.

.I can understand how the sun and surf may leave you stress free… you’ll quickly realize the team health is the biggest obstacle to repeating as Cup champions.  You will soon be rocking yourself in the corner of the Stress Train Club Car posting hysterical, barely comprehensible posts with a block of cheddar and a bottle of liquor.  Enjoy your vacation, Chief.  We’ll talk when you get back.

Posted by VooX from Mapping the Pipes and Tubes on 10/05/08 at 10:25 PM ET

Samuelsson is still a piece of s#!t.

I have a feeling Sammy may be headed someplace else in the very near future. With the way Leino has played, he’s totally unnecessary. In fact, he’s a danger to our own guys every time he shoots the puck.

Mule is proving that last spring was no fluke. He’s got a ton on confidence and he looks like a freight train out there. Even better than his puck-on-a-string goal today was the way he chased people down on the backcheck.

The other day I said I thought Happy would end up with a 20goal-50assist-70point season. I may have been too low in my estimate. He looks like mini-Pav out there when he has the puck. If he, Hank and Mule stay healthy for most of the year, he may end up with 60 assists...or more.

I thought Conklin looked better today than he did on Friday, but he sure gives up some juicy rebounds. His teammates saved his butt on more than one occasion. On the other hand, he’s the best puck-handling goalie I’ve seen in Detroit in a long time.

Lastly, Downey was a huge disappointment today. He backed away from two fights. He’s a one-trick pony and, today, he simply refused to get on the horse. I think D-mac makes the team if the Wings decide to carry 13 forwards.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 10/05/08 at 10:35 PM ET

Chief, you need to spend Thursday in SF! Head to the Kilowatt on 16th Street between Guerrero and Valencia! Great Detroit bar in the city with the champeenship banners on the ceiling and the Stevie Y Bobblehead on the mantle next to the TV.

Watched Game 5 at the Kilowatt. Best start to a Red Wings’ 3rd Period in my life. Worst 34.7 seconds. Come watch the new banner get raised at the Joe with a bunch of Detroit transplants!

Posted by Alex from San Francisco on 10/05/08 at 11:14 PM ET

Just came across your blog, read a few posts, love what you’re doing here. Keep it up!

Posted by Weiss Tech Hockey on 10/05/08 at 11:57 PM ET

Lastly, Downey was a huge disappointment today. He backed away from two fights.

Yeah, wtf was up with that?  I’ve always been a big fan of Downey, and I thought he was looking excellent this pre-season, skating and shooting better than he had all last year.  And then last night....yeah.  True disappointment.

Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 10/06/08 at 06:08 AM ET

Last nights game was the first chance I have had to check out this years team. Yes, The Mule is a beast! Also, as usual the Wings were getting called for, well, wearing a red jersey as usual. As far as Downey goes, well it would be fine if he does just that, goes. All in all the zebras are on a pace to call a full period worth of penalties on the Wings. That set the tone, I’m sure, for the rest of the season. Conks looked o.k. I can’t wait till Thursday night!

“BRING IT ON!”
“AGAIN!”
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 10/06/08 at 07:27 AM ET

RE: Downey, I didn’t see the game last night, but would guess that he’s (wisely) saving it for the regular season. Whether he ends up in the D or GR, it won’t do his team any good if he gets hurt fighting in a meaningless preseason game. Look at Raffi Torres in Columbus. They were counting on him for their top six and now he’s out for about six weeks because he decided to go with some bozo trying to catch a coach’s eye in an exhibition game. Downey is a known quantity, he doesn’t need to prove he knows how to fight in a game that doesn’t count.

Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 10/06/08 at 09:16 AM ET

If we’re ‘forgetting The Mule’ in favor of calling him The Wrecking Ball, then forget David Alan Coe.  Let’s have Emmylou Harris’ cover of Neil Young’s “Wrecking Ball” (one of my all-time faves).  And Franzen will wear something pretty and red.

He and Hank will be the big re-signings this year-- with his play last season and this preseason, I think we’ll drain the Great Lakes dry if that’s what it takes to get him locked up long-term.

Leino may just be making this team in about a month or two’s time, at the expense of another forward.  If anybody sees him, tell him I’m sorry and that I’ll burn an effigy of Grigorenko and say three Hail Mikeys in penance.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 10/06/08 at 09:55 AM ET

For those thinking that Samuelsson may be gone because of Leino’s play I don’t see that happening whatsoever to start the season.  We all know the parts of Samuelsson’s game that frustrates us, the poor shot selection and the stickhandling that ends up going no where but the fact remains that his sound defensive game and the way he elevated his game in the playoffs isn’t going to find him off the team in favor of a kid who just came over to North America and had a strong preseason. 

I could definitely see Leino being a replacement for Samuelsson next season and I could definitely see Leino get some spot work in the NHL this year but through all of Samuelsson’s shortcomings, he’s a relatively safe player and Babcock trusts him.

Posted by Heaton on 10/06/08 at 10:14 AM ET

Hafa day Chief!

I keep hearing murmerings of the Wings trying to lockup Hossa long term.  If the horse/wreckingball/mule keeps up his current pace there is no way we will be able to afford to sign Hossa for more than just this year.  Although Kenny is a genius, so I guess we’ll have to see.

Dan

Posted by ITDeuce on 10/06/08 at 10:30 AM ET

When I was at camp Downey and mac didn’t look good at all.I know camp is camp for some vets but still you like to see guys busting their butts and playing sound defense.  neither were into it.  Leino needs a little bit of polish in GR.  Helm is ready.  I really don’t know what else the kid has to do. He played great in the playoffs and the fact they kept going with the guy speaks volumes.  How can you not have him on your team, it is mind boggling.  sammy’s game just isn’t there. They may trade him sooner or later as to get at least a prospect or draft picks instead of losing him out right after the season to free agency. 

It is great to have problems like how do we get minutes for such a great collection of players.  Many teams are looking to plug holes or stop the bleeding before the season even starts.  It all starts with scouting, that produces, leaders, depth, championship teams! That is Detroit.

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 10/06/08 at 11:15 AM ET

Oh, congats to The Detroit Shock on their championship season!

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 10/06/08 at 11:22 AM ET

For those thinking that Samuelsson may be gone because of Leino’s play I don’t see that happening whatsoever to start the season.

My comment was more about the Wings getting an offer from some team who wants one of the extra D-man and someone else in order to give up a high draft pick or a quality prospect. I agree that the Wings aren’t going to go out and just give him away because of Leino’s play.

...the way he elevated his game in the playoffs isn’t going to find him off the team in favor of a kid who just came over to North America and had a strong preseason.

Well, Leino’s the fastest “study” I’ve seen in a long time. He came into camp playing “Euro” hockey...i.e., skate around and hold the puck until someone is wide open. Babs set him straight about that on day one. “Around here, we go to the net, son” was his basic message. From that day forward, he’s been one of the best net-chrasers on the team. And he looks completely comfortable doing it. Imagine if Grigorenko had taken the same approach.

In the end, I think we lucked out when Fabian Brunnstrom chose the Stars over the Wings. At $875k, Leino is about $2.0M cheaper this year than Fabian would have been. And so far in the preseason, he’s been at least as good as Brunnstrom.

What still freaks me out about the guy, though, is how much he looks like Bertuzzi. It’s just weird!

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 10/06/08 at 11:22 AM ET

Like the rest of you, I’d be hard-pressed to not see Ville Leino in the lineup in a couple of months time.  As OTC noted, I also think the Wings got a better player in Leino rather than Brunnstrom.  I’m beginning to think the Brunnstrom hype last Spring was purposely orchestrated.  As always, the Wings scouts and management had contingencies.

Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 10/06/08 at 12:16 PM ET

I’d like to see Leino develop a bit of Sammy’s mean streak before I’m ready to call him an outright replacement.  The penalty he took yesterday for running Roy shouldn’t have been called, but it was a nice punctuation on the statement that you don’t mess with us.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 10/06/08 at 02:21 PM ET

I kinda think Leino looks like the old dman Garth Butcher who use to play for the nucks and blues.  That dude was seriously dirty and had a mean streak.

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 10/06/08 at 04:26 PM ET

Samuelsson is still a piece of s#!t.

I have a feeling Sammy may be headed someplace else in the very near future. With the way Leino has played, he’s totally unnecessary. In fact, he’s a danger to our own guys every time he shoots the puck.  Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 10/05/08 at 11:35 PM ET

Damn, OTC from the GR, this is probably the most genius post since all the immediate post-Cup frenzy.  We’ve been led to believe or jumped to conclusions that it will be a DMan that is jettisoned for Cap space, when in fact it could be Sammy.  Other clubs see he must be great b/c Uncle Mike plays him on the renowned Wing PP2, and he does have a heavy heavy slap shot, so damn he must have value. 

Drop his salary on a trade for a future 2d round pick, keep Helm and Leino and varooom, we’re off.

Still concerned that we will be on the receiving end of cheap shots all year long with our only recourse being putting the puck in the back of the net and bringing up Downey when one of those teams is next on the sked.

Posted by DICK LINDSTROM from the basement whacking off. on 10/06/08 at 06:34 PM ET

Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 10/06/08 at 07:08 AM ET

Dang Sadie what’s with the Avatar?  Reminds me of some Sunday Bloody Sunday Irish movie about the mean streets of Dublin or an 80s Manchester-British music video.  Or our House.  All of which I have a peculiar fascination with.

Posted by DICK LINDSTROM from the basement whacking off. on 10/06/08 at 06:42 PM ET

^^^^^^ Bowie ^^^^^^

Posted by alexcutter on 10/06/08 at 09:37 PM ET

Killowat has nothing on Kezar Pub.

Dude, the owner painted Gordie Howe on the front of the bar. On a San Francisco bar! He’s next to Joe Montana, Willie Mays, & Pele. We get free drinks when the Wings score in the playoffs and we do giant bus trips to San Joser Arena for Wings games. Killowat has two banners hanging. Big Deal.

Posted by cowboycoffee from San Francisco on 10/07/08 at 02:46 AM ET

almost forgot.

ALSO, we did a Lafayette Koney Island game where we had chili & Kowalski Hot Dogs flown in. I had 6 Buddy’s Pizzas flown in two seasons ago.

Kilowatt, sheesh. Gimme a break…

Posted by cowboycoffee from San Francisco on 10/07/08 at 02:58 AM ET

i used to work up in the Haight, cowboy. i like Kezar Pub. used to watch Wings’ games up there with my Amoeba friends. but i live in the Mission and it’s much easier to get to Kilowatt (and much easier to drag my fiancee to games there).

part of why i don’t make the trip up to Kezar much anymore is because of the attitude that you’re showing. i’m not shit-talking Kezar. it’s a good bar with some good Irish peeps. but Kilowatt is a good bar too and they love the Wings just as much. so lay off, brother.

don’t hate the playa, hate the game.

Posted by Alex from San Francisco on 10/07/08 at 10:15 AM ET

Greens on Polk Street is a good Wing friendly place not far from Haight. that is if I remember correctly But I do drink watching games (so I may forget the street name) and SF is easy to get lost in if not a local.
I usually see a game or 2 in San Ho every year as I have a sister in SF who gets tix for nadda from her day job and Greens is on the after game list.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 10/07/08 at 11:48 AM ET

MOTHERF&(@#*&@#

Helm got put in GR.

GARBAGE… FU@#$ GARBAGE… someone tell me why this is happening....

Posted by Osrt on 10/07/08 at 02:43 PM ET

Chief,
The foto of Av’s Per Ledin with Emil Kaberg?
C’mon ya let Joey Q off easy but the foto with these two Swedish Meatballs!
Chief?

Posted by Rumbear from Well, Right Here. on 10/07/08 at 03:32 PM ET

Helm got put in GR.

GARBAGE… FU@#$ GARBAGE… someone tell me why this is happening....

Quincey’s still with the big club and it appears he’s the one being shopped, and Downey could be packaged with him as well if he clears waivers.  I’d wait until Tick Tock pulls the trigger on whatever trade he’s lined up before we assume that Helm will stay down.  If Quincey goes, that opens up another roster spot.

Just a theory.

Posted by Incognetis from Exile in Alabama on 10/07/08 at 04:40 PM ET

From what I’ve been reading, it seems Leino is really giving Helmer a run for his money.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Leino is picked up before Helm.

In an interview Babcock claims he does take Leino’s age into consideration as far as him playing in the NHL.  Meaning, maybe he finds it unfair for someone Leino’s age to remain in the minors?

Here’s the video: http://redwings.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=-6&id=22021

Posted by lilja4ever on 10/07/08 at 07:25 PM ET

Meaning, maybe he finds it unfair for someone Leino’s age to remain in the minors

somehow i doubt babcock gives two sam shits about how old someone is. if he doesn’t fit the mold, he doesn’t fit. i have a feeling babcock would rather him learn the north american game a little more as a top 6 forward in the ahl before having him play bottom 6 minutes in the big time.

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 10/07/08 at 09:58 PM ET

In an interview Babcock claims he does take Leino’s age into consideration as far as him playing in the NHL.

Sounds like he was talking about his maturity level. It’s not that Helm isn’t pretty darn mature at 21, but Leino just turned 25. And I think that maturity was reflected in (1) how he handled Babcock’s challenge to change his game to fit Babs’ style (i.e., crash the net as opposed to playing “Euro” hockey) and (2) how he dealt with the workload they put on him (playing in eight out of the nine preseason games, including back-to-back-to back games).

As Babs said: “We tried to wear him out. We did the same a few years ago with Cleary. We almost killed Cleary. We tried to find out how mentally tough (Leino) is and how much he wants to be a Red Wing.”

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? I’d say Leino came out of this preseason fully “strengthened” and very much a Babcock favorite (as Helm also seems to be). All in all, I think this was a fantastic preseason for a whole bunch of the young guys, including Emmerton, Ritola, Abbadabbadabba and Ericsson.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 10/07/08 at 10:10 PM ET

I still don’t think the Wings will get any takers on a straight up Quincey deal. But I am wrong once a week so maybe this is this weeks error.lol I am still holding out for a package of players with Quincey included. I also agree with whomever said Leino needs minutes as a top six forward and some more seasoning as far as the north American game in Grand rapids. I am also with orst as far as my disbelief that Helm isn’t on the team. Freakin unreal they have to create a space for him. I could see if he had somewhat the same game in camp that Ericsson had. Not that Ericsson was bad it’s just he didn’t pour it on because he new he had no chance to make the team.  whereas Helm busted butt and was often the best player on the ice as far as all around game and they played the heck out of the guy.  He proved he could play with the Stanley cup team in high intensity high pressure playoffs.  Seriously what more does the kid have to do??? I would have had a hard time dealing with this if I was that kid.  The normal go down, work hard and when we ask Frasher who deserves to come up you will be rewarded.  More motivation antics and it’s what a coach and the brass have to say but the best players will play was motivation and what did it produce?  To me Leino and Ericsson were no surprise but Helm, salary cap or not he is ready and a few guys with cups are hanging on.  Is it too long and the right move to keep those guys or to give the minutes to Helm? This first month of the season is very important for Sammy , Maltby and maybe Mac.

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 10/07/08 at 10:38 PM ET

Osrt,

Helm is one of our few youngsters who doesn’t have to clear waivers and is a victim of circumstance.  The cap has changed everything and we will have to grow accustomed to decisions being made not solely on talent but on the effect of a player’s salary on the cap and if they have to clear waivers.

Look at The Poultry.  They are bleeding expensive talent and having to watch them leave for next to nothing, and are left picking up waiver scraps to fill out their roster with cheap talent.

Really is quiet around these parts with the Chief on extended leave.  I have been putting up Red Wings depth chart polls at HFboards to provide some forum for debate and argument, but even that is tame.  It is much too civil on the pipes and tubes with the Chief’s absence.  Here’s hoping to a long winter of name calling and finger pointing.

Posted by VooX on 10/07/08 at 10:41 PM ET

Good post olderthanchelios. sorry I spelled your name wrong osrt.lol

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 10/07/08 at 10:48 PM ET

I’ll breathe and drink until this roster issue gets sorted out because I simply don’t see Helm sitting in GR. If he does, Babs’ talk about “best players play” will not be taken seriously and that man will not allow that. I could see Quincy going for a low pick only because other teams are having D issues.

Right now, I’m voting all skill all the time. Send away Mac and Downs, bring up Leino and Helm. I know we need someone “to keep the flies off” but damnit.

Posted by Osrt on 10/07/08 at 10:57 PM ET

Don’t forget the cap isn’t just a salary issue. With Howard and Dmac on IR, they’re also taking up roster spots. Even tho they can be sent down with no or little worry, it can’t happen until they’re off Injured status.

Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 10/07/08 at 10:58 PM ET

Here’s hoping to a long winter of name calling and finger pointing.

Amen to that!  Pre-Season was about 8 games to long.  On with the show! The goal, no pun in ten did, is to win another cup.  If Abababdabbadoo, Helmr or the Son of Jay need to warm a spot on the pine in GR no worries.  They will get their time in due course.

Focus.

In the meantime...I was pouring the milk in my Wheaties this morning and the Chief’s face was on the carton.  I called the 800 number and told them he was in Guam.  Maybe there is a reward.

Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 10/07/08 at 11:01 PM ET

I can’t say I didn’t expect this, so it doesn’t bother me all that much.  The fact that both Helm and Leino are waiver-free NHL fourth-liners, along with the harsh reality of the salary cap and the roster limit, made this pretty much inevitable no matter how good they played.  The fact that they worked their butts off and played like the devil himself was on their tails speaks volumes about their work ethic, commitment level, and especially maturity both on and off the ice.  This move was done in their best interests, however-- to make sure that they get consistent playing minutes instead of scraps, to build their confidence and keep their development on track.  I have no doubt that neither will take the demotion badly and let it affect their hunger to play well and make it back to the big club.  I’ve changed my angle on Helm as well-- I think he’ll see top-six minutes in Grand Rapids, as of course will Leino.  They should really blossom with the Griffs, and those of you lucky enough to make it to the Van Andel will really be in for a treat.

This move was also made with the full season and postseason in mind.  The fact that both of them, as well as Ericsson and others, are pretty much at least steady and consistent NHL players (not to mention potential AHL all-stars), gives us great depth.  In a capped league, depth is strength.  We have them ready to put on the red jersey in case of injuries, and that’ll help greatly.  The early season is the time to build up a lead and cushion, get off to a good start and get the regular team back together and gelling again.  In the long-term, regardless of the injury situation, we will see them in spot duty this year, giving the vets and stars a rest in preparation for the playoffs, putting in shifts down the stretch run, and will most likely compete to form the strongest and most talented lineups during the playoffs.  The best players may not have made it today, but come the playoffs, rest assured they will.

Besides, I know this view will be unpopular, and I know it’s completely irrational, but I’m pleased to see that D-Mac will be making the NHL minimum salary instead of the AHL maximum, at least for now.

And does anyone really doubt that Helm, Leino, Ericsson, and possibly Howard and Abdelkader will be anything but full-time NHLers next season?

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 10/08/08 at 03:05 AM ET

Missed a couple of things that I meant to say up there.  First, I meant to say that the fact that Helm and Leino worked so hard and played with such intensity, even with the full knowledge of their waiver-free status, the cap and the roster limit, and the situation that put them in, really is admirable.  It shows a commitment and maturity that is commendable and is the main reason why I think they’ll play hard in GR in order to make it back onto the Wings’ roster rather than let the disappointment cause them to slack off.  Leino is the Anti-Grigorenko.

Also meant to say that in the playoffs, provided they’re not needed in Grand Rapids, they’ll compete to form the strongest POSSIBLE lineup.  In other words, even if our fourth line isn’t much to write home about during the regular season, if, during the stretch run and into the playoffs Helm gives us an effective fourth line like he did last season, then he will be with us to do just that.  In the postseason, where it really counts.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 10/08/08 at 06:01 AM ET

And does anyone really doubt that Helm, Leino, Ericsson, and possibly Howard and Abdelkader will be anything but full-time NHLers next season?

Next year, I think Ericsson definitely will replace Lilja...unless Lilja is part of some package deal this fall or at the trade deadline next spring (in which case the Big Rig will get to Detroit sooner). Howard has to take Conklin’s spot or he’s gone because he’s out of options next year.

As for Leino and Helm, some things will have to happen to open up space for them. If the Wings sign only one of Mule and Hossa, as cap issues dictate will be the case, then a top-six spot will open up for Leino (who Babs describes as being a future “scoring machine").

Helm should get the spot vacated by the departure of either Sammy or Kopecky, both of whom are UFAs next year. How those two play this year probably determines who stays and who goes. I guess another option would be both of them stay and Maltby becomes the 13th forward because I can’t see either Leino or Helm spending any part of next year sitting in the press box at the Joe.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 10/08/08 at 09:31 AM ET

OTC,

I agree to have Helm and Leino in the pressbox would be counterproductive.  Leino needs to grow accustomed to the North American ice surface, while Helm needs to wok on his strength and build.  Neither one can do that while sitting on their butts watching games from the press box.

The Wings are not the Leafs… they do not feel compelled to rush every prospect along.

Posted by VooX on 10/08/08 at 09:44 AM ET

The Wings are not the Leafs…

And thank God for that, VooX!

...they do not feel compelled to rush every prospect along.

Ken Holland has started using a new word to describe the Wings approach to prospects. He says they like to “over-ripen” them. I’d say they’d better “pick” Helm soon or they’re likely to experience a hail storm from Osrt.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 10/08/08 at 10:11 AM ET

We have a poster at HFboards who is from Helm’s hometown… she is our #1 Helm bandwagon supporter and is careful to remind us ALL how she has been praising Helm for years… not that we aren’t all on the bandwagon now.

Helm and Leino were the most impressive prospects, by far, this pre-season… That and the fact Mule added another gear in his gearbox and is now FLYING down the ice (he won two footraces vs. Buffalo where he was clearly behind the defender at the start of the race), oh and let’s not forget his complete dominance in the faceoff circle that same game…

Tick-tock is going to have some very hard decisions next year with the Zetterberg, Franzen, Hossa, Samuelsson, and Filppula all needing new contracts.  Until then, let’s sit back and enjoy the circus.

Posted by VooX on 10/08/08 at 10:49 AM ET

Yes, contracts at the end of the season will be interesting.  I think a few will get hammered out sooner like Z.  Filppula is signed through 12-13 but add Hudler to the list he is a RFA at the end of the season.

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 10/08/08 at 12:13 PM ET

Fil is locked in. Oh, if he was gone I would gone APESH#$%

I get the theory of “over-ripe” but I want our fourth line to put other first lines to shame. SHAME THEM I SAY!!

Posted by Osrt on 10/08/08 at 12:13 PM ET

Over ripe is cool but a guy like Helm who proved he could do the job at the most crucial time and could clearly replace Maltby right now. Ericsson and Lenio need some extra polish, it’s a crying shame that Helm is in GR. Situations have a funny way of working out though. who knows what is in store.

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 10/08/08 at 12:23 PM ET

...add Hudler to the list he is a RFA at the end of the season.

I didn’t include Happy because, unless he’s a complete failure on the 2nd line this year, I don’t think he’s going anywhere, hs40. I also think he’s one guy who will take a “discount” to stay in Detroit. Everything about the team and the town seem to suit him.

Fil is locked in. Oh, if he was gone I would gone APESH#$%

I was going to say something earlier, Osrt, about your latest man-crush on Helm and how Fil might be feeling a bit jealous. But I see now that he has nothing to worry about.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 10/08/08 at 12:47 PM ET