Jeremy Laura: Wings vs Capitals - appreciating Gr8ness

Ovi is the man. Was at the game in 2009 when he did the burning stick celly for his 50th goal of the season.

Ovi is the man. Was at the game in 2009 when he did the burning stick celly for his 50th goal of the season.
- Feds91Stammer

Oh my God. I forgot about it. That’s when he actually just won me over. I laughed so hard. His “the goal” against the Coyotes and Gretzky’s expression are still just unreal to watch. Where did the time go. I just can’t figure it out sometimes.

Hope is not a strategy. But I don't have high expectations for a good outcome for our team.

Hope is not a strategy. But I don't have high expectations for a good outcome for our team.
- HenryHockey

You’re right, my friend. I want Raymond to soak in watching Ovechkin a bit. I also want Raymond on his off wing on almost every shift (but that’s not likely).

I just don’t understand what the staff is laying down as a strategy. It’s tough to figure out how the team should execute when it looks like they don’t know what they’re trying to execute.

You’re right, my friend. I want Raymond to soak in watching Ovechkin a bit. I also want Raymond on his off wing on almost every shift (but that’s not likely).

I just don’t understand what the staff is laying down as a strategy. It’s tough to figure out how the team should execute when it looks like they don’t know what they’re trying to execute.
- Jeremy Laura

I know everyone loves to harp on coaching and it’s only 6 games in but it’s hard not to like how they’ve played at 5v5

NST has Detroit 4th best in 5v5 xGF%

MoneyPuck has them 3rd best.

I know everyone loves to harp on coaching and it’s only 6 games in but it’s hard not to like how they’ve played at 5v5

NST has Detroit 4th best in 5v5 xGF%

MoneyPuck has them 3rd best.
- Feds91Stammer

The scoring bunches have been a really nice add this year. It does seem like they have their best opportunities at 5 on 5. The Larkin line zone entries and setups have been some of my favorite to watch.

Nice drop, thanks for that.

I would really like to see the defense not look so lost out there.

The scoring bunches have been a really nice add this year. It does seem like they have their best opportunities at 5 on 5. The Larkin line zone entries and setups have been some of my favorite to watch.

Nice drop, thanks for that.

I would really like to see the defense not look so lost out there.
- Jeremy Laura

It would seem the defensive structure is to allow teams to hold the puck (which kind of goes against human nature) but the keep them to the outside. Probably not the most ideal way of playing but it might be the best bet for the defenseman they have.

If the 2nd line could get some scoring and keep the team alive in the standings long enough to get Vrana back we could actually see some meaningful games come March.

It would seem the defensive structure is to allow teams to hold the puck (which kind of goes against human nature) but the keep them to the outside. Probably not the most ideal way of playing but it might be the best bet for the defenseman they have.

If the 2nd line could get some scoring and keep the team alive in the standings long enough to get Vrana back we could actually see some meaningful games come March.
- Feds91Stammer

Big "if". I would put Suter to the 3rd line and give Joey V a shot at 2C, or the wing. Seems Joey is not a 200 ft player yet, so that may be premature.

It would seem the defensive structure is to allow teams to hold the puck (which kind of goes against human nature) but the keep them to the outside. Probably not the most ideal way of playing but it might be the best bet for the defenseman they have.

If the 2nd line could get some scoring and keep the team alive in the standings long enough to get Vrana back we could actually see some meaningful games come March.
- Feds91Stammer

At least it is not that boring low-event defensive game.

It would seem the defensive structure is to allow teams to hold the puck (which kind of goes against human nature) but the keep them to the outside. Probably not the most ideal way of playing but it might be the best bet for the defenseman they have.

If the 2nd line could get some scoring and keep the team alive in the standings long enough to get Vrana back we could actually see some meaningful games come March.
- Feds91Stammer

Can you imagine, if Vrana were going right now? Such a different look.

One of the things I’d like to see on defense is puck out of the D zone decision making. When Tampa is on their game (Championship Chicago as well) the defense did such a nice job on the breakout. Of course in the Lidstrom era it was just awesome to watch. Both in killing pressure against and transitioning to offense. I keep replaying defensive passing that gets intercepted or bounces off the back of a skate. Overthinking etc. just cleaner breakouts and solid passing.

Can you imagine, if Vrana were going right now? Such a different look.

One of the things I’d like to see on defense is puck out of the D zone decision making. When Tampa is on their game (Championship Chicago as well) the defense did such a nice job on the breakout. Of course in the Lidstrom era it was just awesome to watch. Both in killing pressure against and transitioning to offense. I keep replaying defensive passing that gets intercepted or bounces off the back of a skate. Overthinking etc. just cleaner breakouts and solid passing.
- Jeremy Laura

I think unfortunately the back end lacks the skill to consistently have sound zone exits. Too much off the glass and outs or flips up and out to the neutral zone. And most of them aren’t capable of lugging the puck up the ice when there isn’t a clean passing lane. Hopefully someone is ready to take some of the LD spots next season.

I think unfortunately the back end lacks the skill to consistently have sound zone exits. Too much off the glass and outs or flips up and out to the neutral zone. And most of them aren’t capable of lugging the puck up the ice when there isn’t a clean passing lane. Hopefully someone is ready to take some of the LD spots next season.
- Feds91Stammer

Yeah. Seider looking more comfortable carrying the puck than most of the vets. Leddy had a nice drive the other night. But I think you’re right. It’s like some of them freeze up when they get the puck in the defensive or neutral zone. Johansson just got his minutes cranked up. He’d been around 16 and just jumped to over 20 for one of the recent games. Edvinsson really has surprised me. His average is over 20 and he seems to want the puck. I don’t know if either would make the big team next year out of camp, but one or both should be in GR.

I didn’t realize how much I missed Lidstrom until I saw him the other night. Go back and watch some of his plays behind the net. His breakouts, he and Rafalski walking the blue line on the power play. He was really something special. He’s a big fan of Johansson so far (does some scouting for Yzerman/Draper if Sweden).

MO Seider meets the Great 8, should be interesting and a great measuring tool.

Dekeyser sucks.

So now that they added someone who struggles with English Detroit without a doubt has the worst broadcast team in the league.

This top powerplay setup is inexcusable

Dekeyser sucks.

It is painful to watch Dekeyser on the ice. He is now paired with Seider so that means blashill will sit Seider next for not playing well. Danny D brings all on the ice down when he is out there

Dekeyser sucks.
- Feds91Stammer

Seider let Ovi score. Osterle for DeKe next game.

All those 'Kuzi gets traded' rumors got him playing better!

Erne!!!! and Hronik showing why he was the top point getter!

So now that they added someone who struggles with English Detroit without a doubt has the worst broadcast team in the league.
- Feds91Stammer

Diversity happens!

Seider let Ovi score. Osterle for DeKe next game.
- HenryHockey

Seider got left covering 3 guys while Dekeyser is (frank)ing off doing whatever the hell that was.

Seider got left covering 3 guys while Dekeyser is (frank)ing off doing whatever the hell that was.
- Feds91Stammer

Next year Seider will be able to cover 3 guys and Danny Deke will be watching at home!