Mark Spizzirri: JUDGMENT DAY: Predators vs. Wings; Sirius/XM NHL Home Ice at 1:05 ET

This is basically Nashville's playoff game. They'll be a challenge.

This is basically Nashville's playoff game. They'll be a challenge.
- jmatchett383

Not really. It looks like they're ready to throw this game. They just sent Forsberg, and Watson to Milwaukee, and Chris Mason will start in net.

Forsberg has shown some incredible playmaking ability. They could have kept him on the roster and sent him down for the Columbus game instead.

Watson just scored his first NHL goal. He's been playing really well and is from Michigan. You don't think he would have had some extra incentive to play at a heightened level for this game?

Instead of Forsberg or Watson they called up Joonas Rask who has ZERO NHL experience.

Mason's GAA sucks. Not sure why he's playing as I haven't heard a thing about Rinne being injured. It's bizarre that is is occurring. Makes no sense unless they're either A) Intentionally throwing games to improve their draft status or B) The NHL has gently 'suggested' that they do what they can to help the Wings get into the playoffs.

I'll take off my tin foil hat now, but these moves make zero sense if they're actually trying to win.

Obviously Howard starts the remaining 2 games for the Wings even though it is a back to back correct?

Not really. It looks like they're ready to throw this game. They just sent Forsberg, and Watson to Milwaukee, and Chris Mason will start in net.

Forsberg has shown some incredible playmaking ability. They could have kept him on the roster and sent him down for the Columbus game instead.

Watson just scored his first NHL goal. He's been playing really well and is from Michigan. You don't think he would have had some extra incentive to play at a heightened level for this game?

Instead of Forsberg or Watson they called up Joonas Rask who has ZERO NHL experience.

Mason's GAA sucks. Not sure why he's playing as I haven't heard a thing about Rinne being injured. It's bizarre that is is occurring. Makes no sense unless they're either A) Intentionally throwing games to improve their draft status or B) The NHL has gently 'suggested' that they do what they can to help the Wings get into the playoffs.

I'll take off my tin foil hat now, but these moves make zero sense if they're actually trying to win.
- Predaceous

thanks for the breakdown

The sad thing is that if the Wings played with the same effort they have in the last two games earlier in the season they would be fighting for 4th place instead of 8th.

Obviously Howard starts the remaining 2 games for the Wings even though it is a back to back correct?
- Daceroni

maybe, if they clinch a spot tonight, maybe he doesnt play vs. dallas?

Not really. It looks like they're ready to throw this game. They just sent Forsberg, and Watson to Milwaukee, and Chris Mason will start in net.

Forsberg has shown some incredible playmaking ability. They could have kept him on the roster and sent him down for the Columbus game instead.

Watson just scored his first NHL goal. He's been playing really well and is from Michigan. You don't think he would have had some extra incentive to play at a heightened level for this game?

Instead of Forsberg or Watson they called up Joonas Rask who has ZERO NHL experience.

Mason's GAA sucks. Not sure why he's playing as I haven't heard a thing about Rinne being injured. It's bizarre that is is occurring. Makes no sense unless they're either A) Intentionally throwing games to improve their draft status or B) The NHL has gently 'suggested' that they do what they can to help the Wings get into the playoffs.

I'll take off my tin foil hat now, but these moves make zero sense if they're actually trying to win.
- Predaceous

Oh theres no doubt the NHL told them to throw the game

Just like yesterday they had Shanny suspend Brown.

Dekeyser is the next Lidstrom

...It's bizarre that is is occurring. Makes no sense unless they're either A) Intentionally throwing games to improve their draft status or B) The NHL has gently 'suggested' that they do what they can to help the Wings get into the playoffs.

I'll take off my tin foil hat now, but these moves make zero sense if they're actually trying to win.
- Predaceous

- noffsin6

SO TRUE

Maybe after they "throw" tonights game they can stop calling us big brother

maybe, if they clinch a spot tonight, maybe he doesnt play vs. dallas?
- wingz4life

Nah.

Even if Minny beats the Oil their next game, 7th seed would be on the line Saturday.

Not really. It looks like they're ready to throw this game. They just sent Forsberg, and Watson to Milwaukee, and Chris Mason will start in net.

Forsberg has shown some incredible playmaking ability. They could have kept him on the roster and sent him down for the Columbus game instead.

Watson just scored his first NHL goal. He's been playing really well and is from Michigan. You don't think he would have had some extra incentive to play at a heightened level for this game?

Instead of Forsberg or Watson they called up Joonas Rask who has ZERO NHL experience.

Mason's GAA sucks. Not sure why he's playing as I haven't heard a thing about Rinne being injured. It's bizarre that is is occurring. Makes no sense unless they're either A) Intentionally throwing games to improve their draft status or B) The NHL has gently 'suggested' that they do what they can to help the Wings get into the playoffs.



I'll take off my tin foil hat now, but these moves make zero sense if they're actually trying to win.
- Predaceous

Sounds like the Forsberg move saves them a year on contract/eligibility so it makes sense. If Mason doesn't start in Columbus, it will make me wonder.

Sounds like the Forsberg move saves them a year on contract/eligibility so it makes sense. If Mason doesn't start in Columbus, it will make me wonder.
- MedicineMan

Dallas got Mason and we got Rinne a couple of weeks ago when we were neck and neck. If they're trying to throw a game I'll take it, but they're probably just trying to get Mason some work to see if they want him around next year or something.

Nah.

Even if Minny beats the Oil their next game, 7th seed would be on the line Saturday.
- MedicineMan

Exactly! Wont suprise me if we will meet the Ducks in the playoffs. Its not im scared to meet the Hawks in round 1, all games this year have been close.

Like the Wings have never won the presidents trophy and been KO the first round in the past.

http://www.sportsclubstat...tern/Central/Detroit.html

Dallas got Mason and we got Rinne a couple of weeks ago when we were neck and neck. If they're trying to throw a game I'll take it, but they're probably just trying to get Mason some work to see if they want him around next year or something.
- noffsin6

That makes sense. Forsberg will be back though for the Columbus game and if Rinne is also in net, I'm thinking I'm not liking how things "just worked out" if I'm a Blue Jackets fan.

Exactly! Wont suprise me if we will meet the Ducks in the playoffs. Its not im scared to meet the Hawks in round 1, all games this year have been close.

Like the Wings have never won the presidents trophy and been KO the first round in the past.

http://www.sportsclubstat...tern/Central/Detroit.html
- Muskoka88

IF and that is a big IF..the Wings win the last two and Minny takes only 3 out of 4 points, Wings have the advantage with the first tie breaker. (ROW) ..Howard will be in net..

IF and that is a big IF..the Wings win the last two and Minny takes only 3 out of 4 points, Wings have the advantage with the first tie breaker. (ROW) ..Howard will be in net..
- MedicineMan

Its not really that big of an "if". The whole team has been playin well and Howie is proving his worth. No reason why they cant have a litte winning streak.

One thing thats nice is that they have the depth going into the playoffs. Would'nt mind sitting Smith for White or Cola, but I do understand hes more part of the future then they are.

Its not really that big of an "if". The whole team has been playin well and Howie is proving his worth. No reason why they cant have a litte winning streak.

One thing thats nice is that they have the depth going into the playoffs. Would'nt mind sitting Smith for White or Cola, but I do understand hes more part of the future then they are.
- Muskoka88

Is it just me, or has DeKeyser looked more poised and "NHL ready" than Smith? From what I've seen, Smith has had a bit of tough going here (streaky, at best). Granted, I haven't played nearly as much hockey as Muskoka, but Smith has been for the most part, underwhelming IMO.

Damn I wish we had helm.

Is it just me, or has DeKeyser looked more poised and "NHL ready" than Smith? From what I've seen, Smith has had a bit of tough going here (streaky, at best). Granted, I haven't played nearly as much hockey as Muskoka, but Smith has been for the most part, underwhelming IMO.
- drice97

Smith has been a bit disappointing, he has flashes here and there but has made quite a few bad mistakes, I really thought he was going to step up this year. It's nice that he wants to line up hits, but he's telegraphing it so much that whenever he tries they see him coming a mile away and just step out of the way to have a 2 on 1.

Smith has been a bit disappointing, he has flashes here and there but has made quite a few bad mistakes, I really thought he was going to step up this year. It's nice that he wants to line up hits, but he's telegraphing it so much that whenever he tries they see him coming a mile away and just step out of the way to have a 2 on 1.
- tmanv

He's looked like a rookie who has gotten this far on talent but who still has questionable decision making. Last night he decided to try to play goalie on the Kings goal for example, rather than clearing the crease. Not sure what that was about. He'll be fine eventually but he still needs to keep developing his game.

DeyKeyser on the other hand has really impressed me with his decision making and steady play on the back end. Even when he gets a lot of pressure he usually makes a good play.

Is it just me, or has DeKeyser looked more poised and "NHL ready" than Smith? From what I've seen, Smith has had a bit of tough going here (streaky, at best). Granted, I haven't played nearly as much hockey as Muskoka, but Smith has been for the most part, underwhelming IMO.
- drice97

+1. He started rough, got better and has lately digressed.

Dekeyser is either that much better and making the Quincy's and Smith's stick out more, or it a combo of normal rookie growing pains plus being paired with a partner who hasn't been quite right since being rushed back from injury. Maybe a little of both.

He will learn much from this season.

Is it just me, or has DeKeyser looked more poised and "NHL ready" than Smith? From what I've seen, Smith has had a bit of tough going here (streaky, at best). Granted, I haven't played nearly as much hockey as Muskoka, but Smith has been for the most part, underwhelming IMO.
- drice97

No he has. You play hockey? most people on this site dont or never have

No he has. You play hockey? most people on this site dont or never have
- Muskoka88

mini sticks doesn't count

Gota luv when the 4th line scores! Howie will now shut the door