Erik Marsh: GAME DAY: Wings vs Lightning

I wonder why the website you guys use for pre-game line ups always have a defenseman slotted in as tampa's 4th line winger . its not just your blog, it seems every pregame blog I read versus tampa the defenseman is always on our 4th line wing lol, strange

good luck ! hope its a good game to watch

Definitely a must win tonight. Can't let Tampa hang around with Stamkos and Hedman out. In that light, it will be interesting to see how the players who met in last year's Calder Cup finals play tonight.

I like the make up of the forward lines. Good balance in speed, grit and talent. I think Tatar will be good for a point or two that will make the difference in this game. He really plays with a chip on his shoulder when he's not in the top 6.

I wonder why the website you guys use for pre-game line ups always have a defenseman slotted in as tampa's 4th line winger . its not just your blog, it seems every pregame blog I read versus tampa the defenseman is always on our 4th line wing lol, strange

good luck ! hope its a good game to watch
- RileyB77

It duos have something to do with you dressing 7defenders and 11 fwds lol but I'm not sure

I wonder why the website you guys use for pre-game line ups always have a defenseman slotted in as tampa's 4th line winger . its not just your blog, it seems every pregame blog I read versus tampa the defenseman is always on our 4th line wing lol, strange

good luck ! hope its a good game to watch
- RileyB77

Everybody probably copies and pastes it from the same place.

Wings are in the "different teams on different nights" phase. Beat the Bruins 6-1, lose to Florida twice, etc. Partly due to injuries, and partly because that's what they do sometimes. Who knows which team will show up tonight.

no helmet,weiss,zetteberg,dekeyser.

its becoming pretty clear that this team cannot stay healthy and hasnt in recent seasons. it will only get worse as datsyuk/zetterberg enter their later 30s

It duos have something to do with you dressing 7defenders and 11 fwds lol but I'm not sure
- HomestyleMelt

good call. that's what it is!

Everybody probably copies and pastes it from the same place.
- noffsin6

as far as I know they do

How high are you all on Nyquist? Is he a movable piece or do you definitely want to hang onto him for the future?

no helmet,weiss,zetteberg,dekeyser.

its becoming pretty clear that this team cannot stay healthy and hasnt in recent seasons. it will only get worse as datsyuk/zetterberg enter their later 30s
- Jurco_28

Datsyuk and Zetterberg both have a fairly consistent history of health issues in their careers. Considering each has only played one 82 game season their respective careers (Datsyuk 07-08 and Z 11-12) I think it is pretty remarkable that before this year at least one of them had played every red wings game since 06. Pittsburgh, for instance, would love to have been so lucky with their top centers in the last half dozen seasons.
My point here is that all teams deal with injuries during the season, and usually come out better for it. I think the extra time given to the up and coming players will only help the wings going forward and the main concern needs to be developing a consistent effort that is based on solid system play. If the wings can get everyone on the same page night in and night out, they will be a difficult opponent for any team in the league. It would also go a long way to have their 1A goalie playing at the top of his game.

How high are you all on Nyquist? Is he a movable piece or do you definitely want to hang onto him for the future?
- TheJerseyDevil1

We are definitely very high on him:
Most Wings fans thought it was borderline criminal that Nyquist did not start the season in the NHL. He has been a consistent to prolific scorer at every other level he's played at and in my opinion fits perfectly into Detroit's fast paced, puck possession style. Unless there is some major disagreement on the terms of his next contract, which will be coming after next year, I struggle to think of a situation where the Wings would be willing to move him.

We are definitely very high on him:
Most Wings fans thought it was borderline criminal that Nyquist did not start the season in the NHL. He has been a consistent to prolific scorer at every other level he's played at and in my opinion fits perfectly into Detroit's fast paced, puck possession style. Unless there is some major disagreement on the terms of his next contract, which will be coming after next year, I struggle to think of a situation where the Wings would be willing to move him.
- JohnnySoze

Dang, thanks for the insight!

Datsyuk and Zetterberg both have a fairly consistent history of health issues in their careers. Considering each has only played one 82 game season their respective careers (Datsyuk 07-08 and Z 11-12) I think it is pretty remarkable that before this year at least one of them had played every red wings game since 06. Pittsburgh, for instance, would love to have been so lucky with their top centers in the last half dozen seasons.
My point here is that all teams deal with injuries during the season, and usually come out better for it. I think the extra time given to the up and coming players will only help the wings going forward and the main concern needs to be developing a consistent effort that is based on solid system play. If the wings can get everyone on the same page night in and night out, they will be a difficult opponent for any team in the league. It would also go a long way to have their 1A goalie playing at the top of his game.
- JohnnySoze

ok but, they are getting older. you know like alfred/sellane. as they age they become secondary pieces.

The wings are really (frank)ing pissing me off with these shoot outs, obviously i dont expect to win them all, but 0-11 right?? Gus was lights out, he killed it, stopped 5 in a row, it seriously looked like NO ONE SHOOTING EVEN TRIED! At least alfie was mad his shot sucked, Bert didnt even look upset and he didnt even get a shot off? it looked pathetic, they all went glove side with no effort except datsyuk who also tried no move at all but went lox blocker side, hes 0-5 this year

Im trying to be patient this year with our log jam we had up front, jimmy having a not so hot year, but these points vs florida and tampa bay are crucial, We just need to take a COUPLE over-time wins Late in the season these points are going to haunt us.

The wings are really (frank)ing pissing me off with these shoot outs, obviously i dont expect to win them all, but 0-11 right?? Gus was lights out, he killed it, stopped 5 in a row, it seriously looked like NO ONE SHOOTING EVEN TRIED! At least alfie was mad his shot sucked, Bert didnt even look upset and he didnt even get a shot off? it looked pathetic, they all went glove side with no effort except datsyuk who also tried no move at all but went lox blocker side, hes 0-5 this year

Im trying to be patient this year with our log jam we had up front, jimmy having a not so hot year, but these points vs florida and tampa bay are crucial, We just need to take a COUPLE over-time wins Late in the season these points are going to haunt us.
- digitalbath

I agree with everything you said. The stats for the Red Wing shooters in shoot-outs is now 2 goals out of 21 attempts (pathetic). Add the fact that Howard is terrible at shootouts and that's why the Wings have squandered so many points they should have gotten. The Wings outplayed the Lighting in regulation... but they gotta start finding ways to score more goals.... AND PROTECT THE DAMN LEAD WHEN THEY GET IT.

Gustavsson played well.... so I don't fault him at all. He gave the Wings every chance to win this game in regulation and especially the shootout.

I'm still not crazy about some of Babcock's line combinations. Bertuzzi needs to be taken off the top line... he simply does not have the speed or energy. He was only effective when paired with Hank and Datsyuk. Otherwise... it doesn't work. Also think that Abdelkader should only be used on the 3rd or 4ith line. Would love to see the Wings call up Jurco while Zetterberg is out on LTIR. But Babcock and Holland have too much blind loyalty to Cleary and Sammy which is a waste of roster spots.

I agree with everything you said. The stats for the Red Wing shooters in shoot-outs is now 2 goals out of 21 attempts (pathetic). Add the fact that Howard is terrible at shootouts and that's why the Wings have squandered so many points they should have gotten. The Wings outplayed the Lighting in regulation... but they gotta start finding ways to score more goals.... AND PROTECT THE DAMN LEAD WHEN THEY GET IT.

Gustavsson played well.... so I don't fault him at all. He gave the Wings every chance to win this game in regulation and especially the shootout.

I'm still not crazy about some of Babcock's line combinations. Bertuzzi needs to be taken off the top line... he simply does not have the speed or energy. He was only effective when paired with Hank and Datsyuk. Otherwise... it doesn't work. Also think that Abdelkader should only be used on the 3rd or 4ith line. Would love to see the Wings call up Jurco while Zetterberg is out on LTIR. But Babcock and Holland have too much blind loyalty to Cleary and Sammy which is a waste of roster spots.
- Vladdie_Kon1

Good comments, I think Tatar and Nyquist are the future and put them on a line with Datsyuk and see what happens. These two need more and quality ice time to show their stuff. Cleary, Bertuzzi, Sammy and Weiss bring nothing to this team and are fringe at best. Weiss signing when Filppula would have resigned for same amount is really hurting. Gus is clearly a #1 starting option as he is outplaying Howard by a country mile. Gus will be a starter somewhere in the NHL next year.

Good comments, I think Tatar and Nyquist are the future and put them on a line with Datsyuk and see what happens. These two need more and quality ice time to show their stuff. Cleary, Bertuzzi, Sammy and Weiss bring nothing to this team and are fringe at best. Weiss signing when Filppula would have resigned for same amount is really hurting. Gus is clearly a #1 starting option as he is outplaying Howard by a country mile. Gus will be a starter somewhere in the NHL next year.
- flyerdude17

We'll see how Gus handles the load the next 2-4 weeks with Howard out. Looking forward to Mrazek getting a couple games in too

Just saw that Howard is out for a month from a strained knee (MCL injury from practice). This is Gustavsson's real chance to grab the starting job. If the Wings go on a strong win streak or run he could take the top spot away from Howard (and cause a goalie controversy since Howard just signed a huge contract). Gus is playing the best hockey of his career right now.

Also... Wings have called up Patrick Eves and Luke Glendenning from GR. Glad to see that Eves will be back in Detroit where he belongs.... now they can sit Cleary and Samuelsson back on the bench. Bert can sit too... this team needs SPEED and energy to have an effective transition and puck-possession game to be successful.

Went to the GR Griffins game last Wednesday... they finally lost a game and it broke their 7 game winning streak. There certainly is no comparison between McCollum and Mrazek. Mrazek has far surpassed McCollum in development.

Just saw that Howard is out for a month from a strained knee (MCL injury from practice). This is Gustavsson's real chance to grab the starting job. If the Wings go on a strong win streak or run he could take the top spot away from Howard (and cause a goalie controversy since Howard just signed a huge contract). Gus is playing the best hockey of his career right now.

Also... Wings have called up Patrick Eves and Luke Glendenning from GR. Glad to see that Eves will be back in Detroit where he belongs.... now they can sit Cleary and Samuelsson back on the bench. Bert can sit too... this team needs SPEED and energy to have an effective transition and puck-possession game to be successful.

Went to the GR Griffins game last Wednesday... they finally lost a game and it broke their 7 game winning streak. There certainly is no comparison between McCollum and Mrazek. Mrazek has far surpassed McCollum in development.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I don't think there will be a goalie controversy even if Gus is lights out the rest of the season. I don't think he really has a future with the Wings past this season. He might get the nod more often when Howard is healthy but Holland can't sign him again for more than another season or risk losing Mrazek which would be insanity. Mrazek has earned the right to be the backup next season but with Holland, he might be stuck in the minors for another year. Also have to watch out for players in contract years...most of the time they play a lot better when they really want another payday unless it's Cleary, he can just coast for the season and show up for a couple of playoff games and fool Holland into thinking he will be better next season.

A bit annoyed that the Wings called up Babcock's pet Glendening (the new Cleary) instead of Jurco. Also odd that two players who will have to clear waivers next year in Ferraro and Sheahan are not even getting a look. Both play center and can kill penalties if need be. This has always annoyed me about Babcock...some players get every opportunities no matter how they play while others have to "earn" everything and get bumped down very easily.

Very happy to see GR doing so well (another win). Team seems great and tougher than last year...hell they are tougher than the Wings team. I doubt they would have let Gudas take runs all game long at one of their players returning from a concussion and not done anything about it like the Wings did.

I don't think there will be a goalie controversy even if Gus is lights out the rest of the season. I don't think he really has a future with the Wings past this season. He might get the nod more often when Howard is healthy but Holland can't sign him again for more than another season or risk losing Mrazek which would be insanity. Mrazek has earned the right to be the backup next season but with Holland, he might be stuck in the minors for another year. Also have to watch out for players in contract years...most of the time they play a lot better when they really want another payday unless it's Cleary, he can just coast for the season and show up for a couple of playoff games and fool Holland into thinking he will be better next season.

A bit annoyed that the Wings called up Babcock's pet Glendening (the new Cleary) instead of Jurco. Also odd that two players who will have to clear waivers next year in Ferraro and Sheahan are not even getting a look. Both play center and can kill penalties if need be. This has always annoyed me about Babcock...some players get every opportunities no matter how they play while others have to "earn" everything and get bumped down very easily.

Very happy to see GR doing so well (another win). Team seems great and tougher than last year...hell they are tougher than the Wings team. I doubt they would have let Gudas take runs all game long at one of their players returning from a concussion and not done anything about it like the Wings did.


- dcz28

Great highlights from the Griffins game... Cowen would have gotten his butt kicked in GR if he'd made that same dirty elbow hit on one of their players. Sad that none of the Wings player made him pay a price for the cheap hit on Datsyuk. Saw that Cowen got suspended for another dirty hit on somebody else. Wings got to send a message to other teams there will be a physical price to pay for dirty hits on their players.

Yeah... you're probably right about Gustavsson being gone after this year. Even if he plays great Holland is not going to pay him big $$$ with Mrazek ready for the NHL. Just hope Howard can get his act together fast when he comes back off LTIR.

It is stupid that Holland will not call up Jurco. Glendenning does not have half the raw talent of Jurco. It's not even close. Jurco is a point-a-game player right now. Even coach Blashill in GR said Jurco can be a top 6 forward in the NHL. Let's hope Holland doesn't let Jurco rot in GR until he's 24 like he did Nyquist because him and Babcock have a couple of pet favorites they want to keep playing. The Wings 4th line is total crap because of Holland's terrible contracts and his blind loyalty to older washed up Wings players (READ: Cleary, Samuelsson and even Bertuzzi).

JURCO!

JURCO!
- Jurco_28

Gonna be a fun player to watch.


Samuelsson looked like he was done when he got traded for Booth, I can only imagine what he looks like now.

Gonna be a fun player to watch.


Samuelsson looked like he was done when he got traded for Booth, I can only imagine what he looks like now.
- Nucker101

samuelsson has been scratched, says a lot considering the amount of injuries and crap forwards the team has.

JURCO!
- Jurco_28

looks like we'll finally be getting a glimpse of him tonight against TB. Definitely wont make the team any worse