For a Sniper, Franzen doesn't require a setup guy. So many of his goals involved him skating the puck over center, cutting to the middle and firing a wrist shot.
He's never open for Datsyuk. Not sure why.
And when he has the puck, he rarely passes to Datsyuk
Franzen likes to carry the puck. So does Datsyuk. Separate them.
I say move Franzen to center. AND I say bring Connor up.
Eh, Nyquist has some chemistry with Datsyuk and he also had chemistry with Mule at the start of the season during the preseason games. So I'd stick with:
Mule-Pav-Nyquist
Fil-Z-Hudler
Then move Bert down to the third line. If Helm returns do something like:
For a Sniper, Franzen doesn't require a setup guy. So many of his goals involved him skating the puck over center, cutting to the middle and firing a wrist shot.
He's never open for Datsyuk. Not sure why.
And when he has the puck, he rarely passes to Datsyuk
Franzen likes to carry the puck. So does Datsyuk. Separate them.
I have been thinking the same thing. I've wanted Franzen on the third line for much of the season not because I'm one of those posters that thinks he's lazy and he sucks but because I think he fits so much better with Helm/Abdelkader as the centre. Franzen likes the puck and when you use speed with Helm/ABdelkader driving the net they cause havoc.
I agree that Nyquist had chemistry with Franzen in the pre-season so it'd be worth while to see if they can get somethng going in a game or two but we also alreayd know that Nyquist - Datsyuk - Bertuzzi have chemistry so I would prefer to see:
We are making the god damn playoffs for the 21st consecutive season. We have arguably the best player in the league, the greatest defenseman ever, and a host of other great guys and upcoming greats (Nyquist). People seem to complain / worry about anything these days. It's a long season. We do it every single year. You can't have incredible seasons every year; injuries start happening, people become disinterested and lazy. And most of all, sometimes, **** happens. A good rest and smooth ice, and we kill Columbus. A couple lucky bounces and a defensive breakdown, and Columbus kills us. That's the game of hockey.
Every time I see an answer like this I
For the question at hand, regarding the current situation, it does not matter that the Red Wings will be "making the god damn playoffs for the 21st consecutive season" and might have some "upcoming greats". Although they neither "have arguably the best player in the league" (how could you make a case for any Detroit player?) nor "the greatest defenseman ever", a description which is almost unanimously used for Bobby Orr, the Red Wings have a lot generally elite or good players.
Even though many second or third tier-players like Howard, Filppula, Hudler, Miller or Abdelkader have career seasons, Lidström's absence practically made the Red Wings a sub .500-team. Since Lidström certainly will retire within the next years, the window for being a fierce cup contender is much more likely to close than to open.
Thus we have any right to demand better performances of the current roster, which has shown its talent and abilities already. The game of hockey is open to any result - yet I want the Red Wings to dominate it. This team should be able to do it, thus it is perfectly legit to question, why they fail to do it.
Since Lidström certainly will retire within the next years, the window for being a fierce cup contender is much more likely to close than to open.
Meh. We've heard this a million times. If we're under the impression that Lidstrom will retire and Holland will not find someone who can play in all situations 20+ minutes a night, you'd probably be right.
I think the reason Babcock doesn't put Franzen on the third line is because his confidence is fragile. I'm not saying that in a mean way as he (and Wings' brass) has a history of saying he has confidence issues which probably goes hand in hand with streaky players. That being said maybe they could do this:
I have been thinking the same thing. I've wanted Franzen on the third line for much of the season not because I'm one of those posters that thinks he's lazy and he sucks but because I think he fits so much better with Helm/Abdelkader as the centre. Franzen likes the puck and when you use speed with Helm/ABdelkader driving the net they cause havoc.
I agree that Nyquist had chemistry with Franzen in the pre-season so it'd be worth while to see if they can get somethng going in a game or two but we also alreayd know that Nyquist - Datsyuk - Bertuzzi have chemistry so I would prefer to see:
I think the reason Babcock doesn't put Franzen on the third line is because his confidence is fragile. I'm not saying that in a mean way as he (and Wings' brass) has a history of saying he has confidence issues which probably goes hand in hand with streaky players. That being said maybe they could do this:
Meh. We've heard this a million times. If we're under the impression that Lidstrom will retire and Holland will not find someone who can play in all situations 20+ minutes a night, you'd probably be right.
When Lidström retires, Holland will have to find a player with the ability to show similarly strong performances on a regular basis. These elite defensemen are very rare; Suter might be one of them and become an UFA in July - if he does, he will be heavily coveted by many teams. Weber might become an UFA in 2013, making him a similarly coveted player. Ironically, Detroit could be the one team that will have a major influence on Suter's and Weber's decisions, depending of the outcome of a first-round series.
After he is still one of the best players in the league, I do not expect Lidström to retire this year. However, I think it will not become easier for the Red Wings within the next years to win the cup. Do you think otherwise?
Well, there goes the home ice against the Predators.
And since they suck on the road, the Predators will take them easy in first round.
I've said it before and I will say it again.
The bottom 6 are "passengers" on this team, no secondary scoring from them.
Today, against the Devils, they couldn't and wouldn't contribute in any way.
And Babcock can't even rest his stars before the big games, because the bottom lines suck.
Well, there goes the home ice against the Predators.
And since they suck on the road, the Predators will take them easy in first round.
I've said it before and I will say it again.
The bottom 6 are "passengers" on this team, no secondary scoring from them.
Today, against the Devils, they couldn't and wouldn't contribute in any way.
And Babcock can't even rest his stars before the big games, because the bottom lines suck.
Is there any way to hold each other accountable for our playoff "predictions" here at the DRW board? Because you are gonna have to eat your words Sergei, I guarantee it.
If they lose in the 1st round to whoever they play I will be the first one to apologize for my blind faith, join the bandwagon and start honestly supporting/encouraging the many disbelievers who want Holland to make some major changes. If they win I hope there is something you will say to admit you were wrong.
Is there any way to hold each other accountable for our playoff "predictions" here at the DRW board? Because you are gonna have to eat your words Sergei, I guarantee it.
If they lose in the 1st round to whoever they play I will be the first one to apologize for my blind faith, join the bandwagon and start honestly supporting/encouraging the many disbelievers who want Holland to make some major changes. If they win I hope there is something you will say to admit you were wrong.
So if they go out in the 2nd round you still get to say "I told you so"? Ha!
How about if they win the Cup we'll apologize and sacrifice three lambs at the altar of Ken Holland?
We are making the god damn playoffs for the 21st consecutive season. We have arguably the best player in the league, the greatest defenseman ever, and a host of other great guys and upcoming greats (Nyquist). People seem to complain / worry about anything these days. It's a long season. We do it every single year. You can't have incredible seasons every year; injuries start happening, people become disinterested and lazy. And most of all, sometimes, **** happens. A good rest and smooth ice, and we kill Columbus. A couple lucky bounces and a defensive breakdown, and Columbus kills us. That's the game of hockey.
Going to agree here. I mean, we could consult with other fans whose teams have spent the last decade and a half dominating the NHL.....oh wait, we can't because this is the only team that's done it. If the run is over, the run is over. Yeah, it'd be nice if they could get to the conference finals every year, but they've made, what, 8 in the last 15 seasons? 6 cup finals, 4 cups. This team has done more than any other in the league. If they can do well this year,Hooray. If not...well, we've gotten more from this team than any others fans have of theirs.
Meh. We've heard this a million times. If we're under the impression that Lidstrom will retire and Holland will not find someone who can play in all situations 20+ minutes a night, you'd probably be right.
Lidstrom's retiring gets a Meh? Oh boy, you're in for a surprise when he does finally call it quits. I don't care who they bring in, this will be no "meh" situation.
I know they've been lucky to fill the gaps left by guys like Yzerman, Fedorov, Draper, Shanny, Vladdy etc., but if you don't know how unique and crucial Lidstrom is to this team, I gotta say I'm a little surprised.
So if they go out in the 2nd round you still get to say "I told you so"? Ha!
How about if they win the Cup we'll apologize and sacrifice three lambs at the altar of Ken Holland?
LOL!
No I am going to try hold my tongue (and hand haha) from the "I told you so" stuff no matter.
As the team gears up, the earth is springing with life and sunshine here in MI today. Playoffs are almost a religious festival, throwing all the training, preparation, sweat and blood into the universe to see what lands where. Give it up to the Creator to decide our fate. It's a fun time.
All year long we've heard again and again from Coach and the players about staying positive. NOT getting frustrated, losing confidence and the simple enjoyment of the game. I'm with it. Mike Babcock is the strongest voice I hear regarding this team and I have to remain supportive and hopeful.
Again I've learned so much here my friends. To read all the thought and analysis from top to bottom of the organization that before I only blindly cheered for is a real eye opener. I've never questioned Holland or thought of the possibility. We are at a crossroads and if things don't go well in the post- season I will be more than open to accepting the critiscsm and calls for change. But losing in the 1st round? Bah. Let's have a little faith people!
What's gonna bite us in the ass in the playoffs is our 3rd and 4th lines. Our 3rd line is more like a 4th line and our 4th line is..... umm.... AHL. Doesn't bode well for a long run
I don't think our third line, with Helm, is that bad at all. I think it's actually rather good. And there was a little tear during which they were practically carrying the team on their backs.
I don't think our third line, with Helm, is that bad at all. I think it's actually rather good. And there was a little tear during which they were practically carrying the team on their backs.
Helm is extremely important for this team and not to put him down but until he learns how to finish he's not a strong 3rd line guy. He's todays version of Chris Draper and that's a good thing. I loves me some Chris Draper. Maybe we were spoiled with our 4th lines of the past (the Grind Line) but I do think we need a stronger 3rd line. IMHO
Is there any way to hold each other accountable for our playoff "predictions" here at the DRW board? Because you are gonna have to eat your words Sergei, I guarantee it.
If they lose in the 1st round to whoever they play I will be the first one to apologize for my blind faith, join the bandwagon and start honestly supporting/encouraging the many disbelievers who want Holland to make some major changes. If they win I hope there is something you will say to admit you were wrong.
I will be the first to appear here and eat my crow should they pass the Predators. I think with the way they played all season, getting a home ice advantage was the key.
Not any more apparently.
Lidstrom's retiring gets a Meh? Oh boy, you're in for a surprise when he does finally call it quits. I don't care who they bring in, this will be no "meh" situation.
I know they've been lucky to fill the gaps left by guys like Yzerman, Fedorov, Draper, Shanny, Vladdy etc., but if you don't know how unique and crucial Lidstrom is to this team, I gotta say I'm a little surprised.
Holland has replaced 10-15 Hall of fame or borderline Hall of Fame quality players in his time with the Wings without missing the playoffs a single time.
I don't know how people can still consider him "lucky" and not recognize the incredible job he's done as a GM.
Have faith, he's never let us down before, why would you expect he will this time?
Holland has replaced 10-15 Hall of fame or borderline Hall of Fame quality players in his time with the Wings without missing the playoffs a single time.
I don't know how people can still consider him "lucky" and not recognize the incredible job he's done as a GM.
Have faith, he's never let us down before, why would you expect he will this time?
Because being a GM in reality is less like a guy with a science kit building something and more like a guy walking through a minefield.
