Commie Has Earned His Spot In The Lineup
Prior to December 21st, Commodore, recently a #1 pairing defenseman in the league, had played a total of three games for the Wings. And you know what you heard from him? Nothing. Which is exactly what you wanted to hear from a guy who was ran out of town for having a bad attitude. If asked about it, he simply would say, when the chance comes, that he wants to be able to show his stuff.
"When I get an opportunity, I want to play as well as I can, and I want to make sure I'm ready to go," he said. "Whether that's every night, whether that's every other night, once a week -- I just want to make sure I'm ready and do well with the things I can control."
Well his chance has come and he's fit in very nicely in the number #6 spot on the blueline when called upon. He can fight. He can hit. He's the kind of guy you can rally around. And I think that having him in that spot gives the Wings the best chance to win in the playoffs this year.
He's Lilja with more of an edge and maybe slightly more offensive talent. Kindl has been great this year, don't get me wrong. But I like a sixth defensemen to be able to be rough and tough when it comes down to it. Commie brings that. Kindl doesn't. He'll be a great D in the future for the Wings, but the offense, while solid, isn't enough to keep his spot.
Simply put, in my mind, right now, Commie gives Detroit the best chance to win #12 in 12.
What do you think?
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I like Commie. I like the idea of adding a defenseman, but only if it is someone of the caliber for Lidstrom to train as his protege for the next 7 years. As a sidenote, 4th place in the Central (CHI) now has over twice as many points as 5th place COL.
@moorecha@ThroatShot For a second I thought you meant Colorado and I was going to ask how drunk you were.
I love the Commie/E combo. I really think that Big Rig plays better with Commie than anyone else.
I really think the wings should bolster the defense by acquiring somebody for the playoff push. I don't think Commodore fits well as he's slower and doesn't handle the puck that well. His hitting, fighting, grit etc are all fine, but that isn't the Wings game. I like Commodore more than Kindl but I'd rather see somebody back there who can skate and handle the puck better than Commie and be more reliable defensively than Kindl.
I have been waiting for him to truly get a chance. I was more excited about commie than I was white. The biggest sign of how good he is? Watch Ericsson able to play on instinct instead of worrying about his partner. Those two show get major minutes even strength against more physical teams.
At the beginning of the season, I would have told you to go jump off a bridge, but now I have to agree. I like what I've seen and if he can help Rig play better and grow; that's pretty valuable in itself. I say yeah to Commodore and hope he plays more the rest of the reg. season so he's all ready for playoffs.
I agree. He's willing to put himself on the line, has a great attitude as far as I can see, and I believe that when it comes to the playoffs he will work hard, put the effort in, and grind it out because he knows how to win in the postseason.
Kindl is good, and in a few seasons I'm sure he'll be a top 6, but right now, I feel he's a little green.
I think Commie should be there too... He will be able to show E52 how he is supposed to play... Something Chelios could not in his mid 40's.
