We're Better Than You
Crazy week of [real] work for yours truly, so I'm going to have to keep these sporadic posts short and sweet.
Just like the old days, eh?
It's just like the old days in that Detroit ends up winning the game and the music guy giving the Blues a little jab by playing some Elton John. I can't really recap the game any better than Twig did last night, but I can tell you a short story about when I walked into the locker room last night in downtown Chicago...
Chicago Fan Teammate: "Did the Red Wings win tonight?"
Me: "Did they play tonight?"
Chicago Fan Teammate: "Yes."
Me: "Then yes, they won."
I actually have some stuff to talk about, so make the jump.
I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but check out the Central Division:
Fourth place in the Division would be at least tied or better for the lead in any of the other divisions. That is insane. And the Red Wings got me that third wonderful insurance point over the Bitter Blues...so even if they win that game in-hand...we're still better than them. Last night was one of those wonderful moments when Detroit smacks an upstart team in the mouth and tells them to go get their shine box.
You've got a long ways to go yet, Bitter Blues.
And I just wanted to note that the Florida Panthers...the SOUTHEAST DIVISION LEADER Florida Panthers have a total of 54 points...just enough to take 8th place if they were in the Western Conference.
So to reiterate...we're better than you. I can say that about every team in the NHL.
Let me leave you with this question - do we even need to make a move by the trade deadline...or would you feel confident enough taking this squad against any team in a seven game series? Why give up ANYTHING if we already have the best team, and save that cap room to bring in a big name who wants to be a part of a back-to-back Cup run?
Think about it...
I think it depends 100% on the deals that are available. Kenny didn't get this rep by making anything less than outstanding moves when it comes to value. He will not give up too much for anybody. He almost never even pays market value, but will if he's in a corner. If someone wants to play ball, then great. If not, then we trust our farm system. I'm not sure I see him making a move before the deadline unless a player with a NTC specifically requests us, and the team has no choice but to make a move.
I'm the superstitious type as with many hockey fans so I'm not really into changing things unless they are not working. I think we saw last night that we can truly beat the best teams in the league if we play to our potential. The problem though is when we play to the opponents potential which is what happened in the SO win against the BJ and has happened too many times this season. Unless Kenny sees someone that will bring an excitement to the locker room to keep our guys playing at a high level, I wouldn't change a thing. I mean you can't argue with 16 straight.
I would take us in a 7 game series with anyone. But, injuries happen, and it can't hurt to get better.
was is just me or did Howard make the glove save, then fight without dropping the puck?
If we can get something for draft picks then I think Kenny will pull the trigger. I don't see him trading away any integral part of the team at this point. Maybe Emmerton or Mursak along with draft pick can reel in a nice trade. I can see them trading Stuart because he wants to be closer to his family in CA. Bobby Ryan?? If we trade Stuart we would have to get something awesome in return. He is too good to just trade away. On the other hand, he is just too good to trade at all. He is probably our most clutch defenseman. He always steps up big and would be crucial in the playoffs. I think if he had his way he would stay with the Wings and then head off into free agency in the summer.
1 Like
I was thinking about this the other day. This team is strong, hell even Ericsson doesn't look terrible out there! That being said, if they've got the money they might as well spend it, however I would like to see it go to someone who wants to hang around opposed to a rental.
I definitely think we need another top 6 forward. We are awesome but we do need someone to put us over the edge to dominate.
Remember that we have been on a good streak recently; but all of them have been tight games. I think we need that piece to just make us dominate.
But I do think these close games are good for us and are making us a stronger team. I can't remember ever feeling confident going into OT/SO like I do this year. We are finishing and that's a great thing. But I'd rather have that extra piece so we can start finishing in regulation and not give these teams the Loser point.
Red Wings Rule!!!
1 Like
whoa now, yes we're on a 7 game winning stream and almost unbeatable at home but we still need one more power forward to make us the favorites for the cup, in my opinion. personally, i want to see how we play against vancouver and san jose. that will give us a better answer.
I'm confident in this team, but I want some insurance. We have the cap space to make a massive move. Either a top 6 forward or someone who doesn't play defense as well as Lidstrom to 'fill' the void next year, because I'm decently sure this TPH's last season.
But I would only give up draft picks, Happy, Errorsson, maybe Emmerton. Or Conk, we need a solid backup tender real McBad. At this rate, Jimmy will gas out by the time playoffs roll around. We need someone who can play 20-30 games a year and win 12-16 of them.
@Kronwalled55 E has an NTC so he would have to waive that, which is unlikely. Cap space is not the issue, it's more that we would have to give up more than picks in all likelihood.
Remember, we need to re-sign Stuart this year and a backup for Jimmah. Don't be fooled by Hudler's good year - I'd like to get him around 2M/year; Probably going to lose Homer, and maybe get Bert for another year? We'll get Helm and Abdelkader back with each of them making like 1.5M/year. Holland is going to have TONS of cap room for a big-namer. I intentionally am not mentioning someone here.
@freakazoid0587 Stuart is already talking like he won't be in Detroit next year... If lids and stewie both don't re-up... The D is going to be is serious trouble... Hate to rain on the parade, but that info from Khan ruined my morning.
1 Like
I think we'll sign someone this summer but not at the trade deadline. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I'm all for keeping the team as is and signing a big name FA in the offseason. Not sure we need much, unless we can get a steal for a couple of draft picks, because we do have a decent number of prospects.
My only long term worry is that we havent drafted many players that are NHL calibre without some AHL time. I.e. Datz/Z replacements.
