Jeremy Laura: Wings get goals and tending, beat Philly in 2nd straight.

Hey, Jeremy!! Good wrap and analysis. Always awesome to see you on here!!!

The Guelph line is something to behold. Seems like things are progressing well with Zadina on the 1st line as well. He’s always “this close”, but a 4% shooting percentage (saw it on one of the Wing’s websites…) doesn’t help. He’s got soo much potential. He’s matured from the kid who put the NHL on notice, to a player who’s developing varying strengths in order to adjust to the NHL. Speaks volumes of him as a player, and to his maturity. There are doubters, and truly he’s most-likely not going to pot 40+ a year. He’s a 6th pick who realizes what’s needed for a more complete game. I’d like to think he’ll develop into a more consistent scorer, only time will tell.

The thing that I wonder about is where in the world will Vrana slot in when he comes back? Zadina’s good on the 1st line, would be a shame to see the Guelph line broken up. Maybe 3d line to get him back into the groove? I dunno. But, if he is put on the 3d line and catches fire, we now have 3 lines that are scoring threats. They may not be complete lines, mind you, but…. It’s going to be interesting to see.

Mo Sides. Just. Wow. Beast? Yeah. He’s simply legit. Want to see which of the kids come up to get their 9 games in. Saw something about Sebrango or Jared Mac….Sevrango looked like he has the tools during pre-season, but LOTS of growth needed with him. Simon Ed? Yes, please!

It’s been a good season. Probably not going to make the play-offs, but no one expected that. But the future does look GOOD!!!!

Can you elaborate on what Yzerman thinks of Rasmussen now versus before? Any quotes or a link? Or maybe just your opinion here?

The Wings looked good, except for their porous defense! Greiss pulled this one out for them. He needs to play a few more before he is sent to Edmonton!

Speaking of D, Staal is 10 games from 1000! There is word that a deal for another one-year deal has already been talked about! Something about what a great mentor he is and a respected voice in the room. (sounds like a Kenny quote, yeeeesh)

Did Kenny make an offer on Greiss yet?

Good to see Zadina on the scoresheet again. He's been been getting great scoring chances the last 4 or 5 games... so I figured eventually some would go in if he kept at it. Let's see if he can keep it up.

Nice to see how Bertuzzi has really energized that second line with Fabbri and Suter. It will be interesting to see how long Blashill keeps it together and how well it performs against better teams (if it does stay together).

Rasmussen has improved his game since he was called up from GR last year. He was told to work on his skating specifically, but the biggest improvement I've seen is his intensity and effort. He may have hit his ceiling at this point. I'd like to see him keep his big body planted in front of the other team's goalie more often for screens or deflections. Heck.. he might even get in a rebound or two.

Good to see Zadina on the scoresheet again. He's been been getting great scoring chances the last 4 or 5 games... so I figured eventually some would go in if he kept at it. Let's see if he can keep it up.

Nice to see how Bertuzzi has really energized that second line with Fabbri and Suter. It will be interesting to see how long Blashill keeps it together and how well it performs against better teams (if it does stay together).

Rasmussen has improved his game since he was called up from GR last year. He was told to work on his skating specifically, but the biggest improvement I've seen is his intensity and effort. He may have hit his ceiling at this point. I'd like to see him keep his big body planted in front of the other team's goalie more often for screens or deflections. Heck.. he might even get in a rebound or two.
- Vladdie_Kon1

Seems a lot of fans are throwing in the towel on Zadina, I have not, but i've been losing a bit of faith. Last few games, he's looked better and a bit more confident, imagine if he can heat up here, start scoring, and Vrana gets back into the mix? There's potential to finish the season strong, and maybe make a push for playoffs next year, depending on the deadline, offseason moves, and what happens with Edvinsson and if he sees time on the Wings or not.

Seems a lot of fans are throwing in the towel on Zadina, I have not, but i've been losing a bit of faith. Last few games, he's looked better and a bit more confident, imagine if he can heat up here, start scoring, and Vrana gets back into the mix? There's potential to finish the season strong, and maybe make a push for playoffs next year, depending on the deadline, offseason moves, and what happens with Edvinsson and if he sees time on the Wings or not.
- Datsyuks_Dangle

I like Zadina as well and think he can still improve his play. However, I am not opposed to see him traded in a package for a good young center or an NHL LD.
There is speculation on Petry coming to Detroit again.
There is some speculation on Hronek going to the Leafs as well with Richie and Holl +??? coming here. As long as it isn't Mrazek!

I like Zadina as well and think he can still improve his play. However, I am not opposed to see him traded in a package for a good young center or an NHL LD.
There is speculation on Petry coming to Detroit again.
There is some speculation on Hronek going to the Leafs as well with Richie and Holl +??? coming here. As long as it isn't Mrazek!
- HenryHockey

God i hope none of those happen. Petry is not needed and even less at that horrible salary. Unless Romanov is coming with Petry, i wouldn't touch Petry and his contract...even then i'm not sure that would be enough to take on that contract.

Ritchie is a cap dump they are paying 2.5mil for the AHL now, he's been a bust signing for the Leafs. Holl is 30 years old (also making 2mil a year) and not much of anything. Unless that + is a top prospect or two and a couple of 1st round picks (late first round picks), i would pass on trading them Hronek.

None of these guys (Petry, Ritchie and Holl) address any of the Wings needs and take up a lot of cap space for nothing. Better to just keep a cheaper Hronek than have an over the hill more expensive Petry. I guess the good news is none of these will happen if they are being speculated about since Yzerman trades don't show up in the media anywhere before they happen.

There is speculation on Petry coming to Detroit again.

- HenryHockey

Dan Petry's coming back to the Tigers?!?!?!?!?!?!? What an amazing pitcher, and a really good mind for baseball. Be a GREAT addition to the coaching staff





We'd take Jeff as long as Montreal accepted Willie Huber's used skates, they retain 1/2 of his salary, gave us free reign to take ANYONE we wanted, and their next 3yrs of 1sts.....at best.

I'm not a Petry fan now, he was good in his prime, but that's long passed. But I'll take DAN any day!!!

Nice road win in NY.... tough building to play in. Love that shot Suter scored on in the shootout. I think we can finally put to rest all the talk about Larkin not being a legit #1 center for this team. He's on fire this season... hope he can keep it going.

Despite the abysmal numbers, our G are literally stealing games and wins for us. Greiss was amazing last night. Great to have Stecher back as well. Just seemed like we were skating with more focus and energy. Great game......the future looks SO good for us!!!

Despite the abysmal numbers, our G are literally stealing games and wins for us. Greiss was amazing last night. Great to have Stecher back as well. Just seemed like we were skating with more focus and energy. Great game......the future looks SO good for us!!!
- mcmastermike1968

Yes... forgot to mention that Greiss was outstanding. Having Stecher back does help our defense. Hoping Vrana can get back in the lineup soon. The team looked great from the very start of the first period. They were putting great pressure on NY the first 10 minutes. NY has one heck of a good goalie in Shesterkin... first time I've seen him play.

Yes... forgot to mention that Greiss was outstanding. Having Stecher back does help our defense. Hoping Vrana can get back in the lineup soon. The team looked great from the very start of the first period. They were putting great pressure on NY the first 10 minutes. NY has one heck of a good goalie in Shesterkin... first time I've seen him play.
- Vladdie_Kon1

Great game. Greiss has owned the rangers aince his Isles days. Shesty should win the vezina this year.

Greiss stole one and is upping his trade value! Where does he go? Pens or Knights or Oil?? Maybe we get him back this summer.

Gemel Smith claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay... that was a quick Red Wings careeer. Guess they wanted him back now that he's healthy and playing. Guessing the Wings will use Veleno as the 4th line center until Rowney heals from his injury. Rowney is close to returning per MLIVE.

Gemel Smith claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay... that was a quick Red Wings careeer. Guess they wanted him back now that he's healthy and playing. Guessing the Wings will use Veleno as the 4th line center until Rowney heals from his injury. Rowney is close to returning per MLIVE.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I am hoping Stevie rewards this team with a trade for a physical LD yet this year. Mayfield, Soucy, Graves, even Hakanpaa or Schenn shouldn't cost that much.

I am hoping Stevie rewards this team with a trade for a physical LD yet this year. Mayfield, Soucy, Graves, even Hakanpaa or Schenn shouldn't cost that much.
- HenryHockey

Soucy or Graves would be my choice with Soucy being #1. Almost anything is better than DeKeyser and Soucy would even be an upgrade over Leddy too for sure.

well THAT was tough to watch. Kinda knew that beating the Avs was a bridge too far. I will say this; Mo Sides grows with each passing game. He's going to be a defensive juggernaut for the Wings. Working with the Nicks (Kronwall & Lidstrom) will only further enhance is abilities. His "shot" on Francouz that turned into a rebound goal for Zadina was simply magical. Eeven Mick said he can't recall ever seeign that....and he's got a pretty impressive and storied history. This kid a truly special.
Raymond continues to grow. Watching him with the puck is like watching poetry; smooth skating, eyes all around him, feels the puck on his stick.....again, as he develops (maybe The Captain's working with him???), there's going to be some VERY impressive years in his future.

Probably wouldn't have mattered but I was hoping to see Ned starting this game. Even if Greiss did earn the start. I had a feeling he was going to get lit up... and he did. Frustrating to watch the Wings just standing around in the first period... especially the first 5 minutes of the game. You can't spot a team like the Avs a two goal lead so quickly. Was hoping the Wings could grind out a patient, slower tempo game... but nope. The Avs remind me of the Wings in their puck-possession glory years of the past.

Probably wouldn't have mattered but I was hoping to see Ned starting this game. Even if Greiss did earn the start. I had a feeling he was going to get lit up... and he did. Frustrating to watch the Wings just standing around in the first period... especially the first 5 minutes of the game. You can't spot a team like the Avs a two goal lead so quickly. Was hoping the Wings could grind out a patient, slower tempo game... but nope. The Avs remind me of the Wings in their puck-possession glory years of the past.
- Vladdie_Kon1

It was VERY disheartening to watch. You're exactly correct: You cannot spot the Avs anything and expect to come back on them, they have an awesome team with depth and strength up & down the line-up.

Never thought of them as a reflection of the Wings back in the day. That's a GREAT analogy!

the sad thing (or scary thing) is that the rest of the season looks eerily similar; strong teams, great depth, power-houses. We have the 2d toughest schedule in the 2d half of the season....but I remain hopeful they can pull off some surprises!!!