Mark Spizzirri: GAMEDAY: Red Wings vs. Ducks GAME 5

How big will the offer be for the Sedins? ? ?

It's a huge game tonight, just depends on which Wings team will show up tonight...the one from the last 4 games of the season, or the team that was severely inconsistent before that run. Normally after being able to score a few goals, this team the next game goes back to all of a sudden not being able to score 1...so it should be interesting.

Lose tonight, and I think it's all but over sadly...not sure if this group has the resolve enough to come back from 3-2.

How big will the offer be for the Sedins? ? ?
- Whiskey-Tango

After their current playoff output? A bag of pucks and maybe a signed 94 Trevor Linden jersey...but that's about it.

It's a huge game tonight, just depends on which Wings team will show up tonight...the one from the last 4 games of the season, or the team that was severely inconsistent before that run. Normally after being able to score a few goals, this team the next game goes back to all of a sudden not being able to score 1...so it should be interesting.

Lose tonight, and I think it's all but over sadly...not sure if this group has the resolve enough to come back from 3-2.
- Hockeytown4life

The core (Zetterburg, Datzyuk, Franzen, Filpula, Kronwall, Ericsson) is older now but they were a big part of all the wings' success for a long time, so I wouldnt count them out.

noooooooooooo

The Red Wings have too many defenders that just can't handle an aggressive forecheck. It seems like at least 2 times out of 3 when a Detroit defender has the puck behind the net, the Ducks crash in with two forwards and the puck gets turned over before it gets out of the zone.

It's just one situation of many where the Wings clearly still miss Lidstrom.

And not to say the game or the series is all Lash's fault (because it isn't), but I have a really hard time believing that he gives you a better chance to win than White or Colaiacovo.

The Red Wings have too many defenders that just can't handle an aggressive forecheck. It seems like at least 2 times out of 3 when a Detroit defender has the puck behind the net, the Ducks crash in with two forwards and the puck gets turned over before it gets out of the zone.

It's just one situation of many where the Wings clearly still miss Lidstrom.

And not to say the game or the series is all Lash's fault (because it isn't), but I have a really hard time believing that he gives you a better chance to win than White or Colaiacovo.
- Sven22

Couldn't agree more. That forecheck last night was either really stellar, or our D was just lousy. I'll say it was probably more the former. We have got to figure out a way to get out of our zone faster and limit those stupid turnovers.

After Cleary went down, I was thinking, "oh, just slide Abdelkader right into his spot," but when he came back, I was trying to think who Babs will sit. Sammy had a huge goal last night, and the last two games Bert has been pretty solid on that 4th line. I'd love to swap Abs in for Cleary, but I know Babs would never do that. I lost count with the number of times Cleary either made a stupid choice with the puck (fire 5 feet wide of net, then lose possession) or just coughed it up altogether. The third line has really shown energy and created some quality chances. Goose is fast, and he's got Datsyuk-like moves. That guy's ready. Anyway, sorry for the rambling thoughts here. So, who would you all sit in favor of Abs?

what r u going to do, rookies are rookies. lashoff and andersson out there for the goal. I think andersson has been good this playoffs and season as a whole. Cant really blame Lashoff as he just got back to playing after being a scratch for a while. I dont know who else was out there but, yeah should be a exciting game 6

Couldn't agree more. That forecheck last night was either really stellar, or our D was just lousy. I'll say it was probably more the former. We have got to figure out a way to get out of our zone faster and limit those stupid turnovers.

After Cleary went down, I was thinking, "oh, just slide Abdelkader right into his spot," but when he came back, I was trying to think who Babs will sit. Sammy had a huge goal last night, and the last two games Bert has been pretty solid on that 4th line. I'd love to swap Abs in for Cleary, but I know Babs would never do that. I lost count with the number of times Cleary either made a stupid choice with the puck (fire 5 feet wide of net, then lose possession) or just coughed it up altogether. The third line has really shown energy and created some quality chances. Goose is fast, and he's got Datsyuk-like moves. That guy's ready. Anyway, sorry for the rambling thoughts here. So, who would you all sit in favor of Abs?
- drice97

I tend to take the perspective that Emmerton is the worst forward in the lineup by about a mile and a half, and the only reason he's in the NHL at all is because he plays center and Helm is injured.

So, at the risk of upsetting the "chemistry," I'd shuffle things around to get him out of the lineup. Realistically, that means dropping Filppula or Abdelkader to the bottom six (where they probably both belong anyway) to play center there and having Franzen center the 2nd line.

We all know Babcock won't do that, though. I'm guessing he'll sit Bert.

I can't say that the Wings have had much better success with Lidstrom the past year or two.

The reality, is I like what the Wings are doing -- letting some youth play and gain some experience. There will be mistakes along the way, the Wings are by no means en route for the cup.

The chase to get into the playoffs was great for the youth guys, and so is this series. Sure there are holes, mistakes but I think this is more of a case of a Ducks team (which is probably the best one they have had in the past 2-3yrs) showing their experience on a young Wings team. Live and Learn, but I think the Wings will be better for it in a few years.

How is this hit from behind not a worthy of a suspension? Guess he didnt sustain a severe enough injury?......

http://youtu.be/nKN7Pg-mYVY