Gaustad only played 11 minutes, his goal was a fluke, and otherwise he hasn't scored since he joined the Preds. I don't think he warrants special lineup moves to counter other than maybe a faceoff specialist, which we don't have anyway.
The Q move was made with an eye toward next season and the post-Stuart era, but as far as this season goes it would have probably been wiser to get a forward. Then again, do we think they're one middling forward from being a Cup-favorite juggernaut? Probably not...
It's not so much just to counter Gaustad, but to show what I think would be an important difference between Emmerton and Sheahan. I think Sheahan's more likely to take the body on anyone in that situation, while Emmerton plays back and tries to play positionally. It's my longwinded way of saying Emmerton's too passive.
And I've been in the same boat regarding the Quincey move. We saw how expensive it can get for middle of the road D last year (Wisniewski aside, an old and broken down Jovanovski scored 4/$16m last summer). I think Q's looked alright for us, and will look much better next year with a full camp under his belt.
I want Dats and Z back together.. Franzen just aint working
I'm going to say it. I think he rides on his rep of being a playoff performer.
His goals often come in bunches. His stats don't tell the whole story. He got 4 goals in one game vs the Sharks in a blowout game and he goes from "eh" to "whoooooaaaaaa" statistically. In 09-10, that meant going for 2 goals in 10 games. to 6 goals in 12 games. Waaaaay more respectable. But we all know that 4 of those goals came in a single game trouncing where the goals didn't mean that much.
He had a fantastic 07-08 and then he's coasted. I know what the numbers show. I know what I've seen with my own eyes. He's never been the same kind of game changing, dynamic, drive to the net, play big power forward that he was in the 08 playoffs. All his big game winners and record setting? 2008.
But he's got that rep so that's how people see him.
Just a few Red Wings that were much worse than Emmerton:
You've got to be kidding. Defenceman and Goalies don't really count, but they'd all be at least equal with 2:52 in usefulness.
Williams had a 58pt season with the Wings, Emmerton will be lucky to reach that in his career. If Pittsburgh would take the trade I'd make it without a second thought.
I'm going to say it. I think he rides on his rep of being a playoff performer.
His goals often come in bunches. His stats don't tell the whole story. He got 4 goals in one game vs the Sharks in a blowout game and he goes from "eh" to "whoooooaaaaaa" statistically. In 09-10, that meant going for 2 goals in 10 games. to 6 goals in 12 games. Waaaaay more respectable. But we all know that 4 of those goals came in a single game trouncing where the goals didn't mean that much.
He had a fantastic 07-08 and then he's coasted. I know what the numbers show. I know what I've seen with my own eyes. He's never been the same kind of game changing, dynamic, drive to the net, play big power forward that he was in the 08 playoffs. All his big game winners and record setting? 2008.
But he's got that rep so that's how people see him.
I agree. He racked up 18 points or something. But I noted throughout the playoffs how mediocre his game was.
07-08, there's no question he was on fire
When/if Emmerton says his prayers at night he should pray he becomes as good as Jason Williams. That isn't a compliment to Williams as much as how little I think of every aspect of Emmerton's game.
When/if Emmerton says his prayers at night he should pray he becomes as good as Jason Williams. That isn't a compliment to Williams as much as how little I think of every aspect of Emmerton's game.
^That's assuming whatever forward that would replace Emmerton is also only going to get 5 minutes. I doubt that'd be the case, I think this was just Babs not trusting him at all.
Babcock has had all season to see what Emmerton's made of, so why would he put him in the lineup if he trusts him so little?
Babcock has had all season to see what Emmerton's made of, so why would he put him in the lineup if he trusts him so little?
Why do we even dress the guy then? Just because he's a C? If he's getting less than 5 minutes of ice time then I feel like we can afford to put Connor in for him. It's not like Emmerton is a faceoff specialist, and even if he were, he's out there so rarely, what difference would that make?
I'm against breaking up the Z-Flip-Hudler line. Have some faith in Mule and Bert. I expect a much better performance from them in Game 2.
This. I'd rather juggle the lines and put Homer with Datsyuk and Bertuzzi (since the post you responded to suggested Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Homer) if we need to switch lines around. But Franzen looked ineffective last night.
Emmerton only playing 2:52, despite Helm going down in the first, is pretty indicative of what Babcock thinks of him. It's amusing that he still managed to go -1 and take a penalty. I don't think Sheahan in Game 2 is totally out of the question.
In some ways I agree. The problem is that even when Sheahan was in the line up he played the Wing. I don't think babcock would have the nerve, or take the risk, to bump Sheahan into the 4th line C spot having exactly 0 NHL games of experience at the position (let alone NHL Playoff games).
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlashyG
Even though the first goal went in off Stuart it was Emmerton who coasted along side Gaustad and put no pressure on him allowing Gaustad to throw it out front.
He is the worst Red Wing I've ever seen and It floored me seeing he was in the lineup tonight.
At first I was floored too but then I thought it was because they may not have been 100% sure about Helm. Then they figured they'd need a C to eat a few shifts. I think it's only after Emmerton looked so bad on the Guastad goal and took a penalty (despite I thought that was an insanely weak call) that Babcock sat his ass down. But I sincerely doubt it was ever the plan to have Emmerton play 3 mins in total.
There is no question the Wings need a legit 4th line. They need to be eating up more ice time and having a positive effect on th egame.
For the majority of the first game, I think the Wings were the better team. So I don't think drastic changes are necessary, nonetheless, this is what I would like to see for game 2:
Scratches: Emmerton and Cleary (or Cleary in for Hudler or Holmstrom if he has to play since he's Babcock's boy, could definitely use Conner's speed with Helm out though)
For the majority of the first game, I think the Wings were the better team. So I don't think drastic changes are necessary, nonetheless, this is what I would like to see for game 2:
Scratches: Emmerton and Cleary (or Cleary in for Hudler or Holmstrom if he has to play since he's Babcock's boy, could definitely use Conner's speed with Helm out though)
Lidstrom/Ericsson
Kronwall/White
Smith/Stuart
Scratches: Quincey and Kindl
Howard
JMac
Why do you want to scratch the guy who was competing hardest out of anyone on our roster?
His 2:52 were gamechanging! jk obviously i'm referring to cleary
The thing is: Babcock probably sees Game 1 as "one lucky bounce away from a win." Therefore I don't think he's gonna change the lineup. Only to insert Helm. If we lose Game 2, he will consider.
I'd go with ANY lineup that does not involve Cleary. But, judging by his (useless) appearance in the final minute of the game, it will remain a sweet dream.
I want Dats and Z back together.. Franzen just aint working
Quote:
Originally Posted by datsyukfan
I agree DZH. Homer is playing hungry, they will be just as affective as 08
The problem with putting together the ZDH line is Weber and Suter will be able to cover both Z and Datsyuk and Fisher will be out there bear hugging Datyuk too. Basically we are making it easier for Nashville to cover our stars by pairing them up because weber and suter are a pairing. And why break up the best ES Line in the league?
You've got to be kidding. Defenceman and Goalies don't really count, but they'd all be at least equal with 2:52 in usefulness.
