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Entertaining game
The past few games Osgood has been giving the Wings some quality goaltending but he needs a dependable backup to make the Wings a serious threat and a cup contender. Datsyuk's move in the shootout was awesome and very few players have that kind of skill. Darren Helm is one exciting hockey player with unlimited potential and with Leino and Draper this trio is probably the fastest line in all of hockey. Holland, please go and fetch a reliable backup netminder because this team is starting to roll even with Fil and Mule out but Osgood needs help!
Wings far too soft
To Dick Mc: I didn't mean to touch a sore spot on my reference to KH. I do have great respect for him but some of his moves since we entered the cap world has certainly not been exceptional (like before the cap) to say the least. Another GM that comes to mind that has made some decent moves is Ray Shero of the Pens. I hate to say and admit that but it is true. He lost some very good players this past couple years but still found a way to keep his team more than competitive and they appear to have a team that will challenge for all the silverware again this year.
Wings far too soft
Good effort by the Wings last night especially by Osgood. This guy can play when he wants too and it has showed the past couple games.However the Wings took a bad beating physically as they did in Calgary. They were banged around far too much - they just do not have anybody to send out and deliver some justice. All teams know that the Wings play a skilled game and the only way they could compete is to play very aggressively against them knowing full well they will get away with it without being punished. Brad May is certainly not the answer - he's too small and has been around far too long to be a protector. On Ken Holland - he allows Sammy to walk but picks up Eaves, Williams and Big Bert. Wow, a real genius of a move! And I think it's about time Cleary started to earn some of the big bucks he is being paid. He haven't done much offensively since he inked the big deal. Wake up Holland - you can't buy players now like you used to - you just have to be a little smarter. You are supposed to be the BEST GM in the league or is that in the past?
Poor Goaltending
The Wings probably have a good enough team to make the playoffs IF they do something about their goaltending situation. They have no # 1 and even worst as a backup. We will hear many excuses before this season is over. Osgood will blame all losses on his team and will accept no responsibility whatsoever for his very poor play. It's time Ken Holland do something about this guy. Also Rafalski and his $6 mill contract is hurting the Wings big time. Had Holland signed him to a more suited contract (In the 3.5 to 4 mill range) the team could have kept Hossa. All this stupid talk about long playoff runs and high tempo regular seasons and 2 or 3 players over 35 is pure nonsense. They ALWAYS had a few players over 35 and huge regular seasons and playoff runs and it never hurt then. Correct the netminding situation and the Wings will again soar.
Red Wings are a great team
With reference to 'number 5' and his comments concerning Hossa. Had he been greedy as you incorrectly state, he would have grabbed the 70 million offered him by Edmonton but instead he made a decision to join the Red Wings and I admire him for making that choice. I sincerely hope Ken Holland can find the cap space (somehow) to resign him. Marian Hossa is a true gentleman and he displayed great character last night when he was being interviewed. To make those comments about a fellow human being is just plain mean and it speaks volumes about the type of person you are. Pittsburg is welcome to you!
Uh huh
You there in San Jose territory - just what do you know about hockey anyway? Its not from watching the Sharks win! You also predicted the Sharks would win the cup. We missed that celebration!
Slumping Hossa
I don't buy that bad groin theory at all. If his groin is that bad, then he should not be dressed at all. He is just not putting out and all he does is skate around waving his stick. When was the last time he crashed the net? He's leaving all the heavy duty work to Zetterburg, Datsyuk and Helm. It's time Mr. Hossa got his nose dirty and put an effort into helping his team and there's no better time than Fridays night game. We will now see just how badly he wants to lift the cup. We'll be watching you closely Marian!
On blaming refs
We are blaming the refs because that's what you're supposed to do when your teams loses. We've always done it and in some cases it is justified. On Saturdays game I believe you will see a much different Red Wing game and I do not think it will be a one goal game as you suggest. Expect Osgood to rebound and the Wings to explode. They hear what is being written and said about them and they will make their statement in game 5. I do enjoy your articles Dave!
Bad goaltending
We all know the faults (and there are many) of Osgood but management can't do a thing about them - the time has passed for that. Holland and Babcock are living in the past. Sure Osgood won a cup or two but that was then and this is now. Even a team as great as the Red Wings cannot win with a very messed up netminder. When he was yanked last night he left the ice like a little whipped puppy and obviously went in hiding. Now we have to listen to him say that he has "Zero" concern heading into the playoffs. Well someone should be concerned because Osgood has lost touch with reality.
Are Wings fans spoiled or what?
I too am a great Wings fan and have been since 1953. They won the cup that year too. One of the reasons why the Wings are so successful year after year is because of the pressure put on the team by fans like ourselves who demand a winner year after year. We are winners, so what's wrong with that? Someone has to be # 1 so why not us. That's our attitude and it's not likely to change soon. I respect Barry Trotz as well and he has done a good job in Nashville but they keep getting knocked out in the first round because they are contented just to make the playoffs knowing full well that is all is expected of them. No fun in that. Now I must go and watch the Wings play Phoenix and hope that they don't have to score 9 goals to win!
Last night's game
I agree with you 100%. The players have lost all faith in Osgood and then he has the nerve to call them out after the awful performance he gave the team last game. I am concerned for them going down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Draft a goalie?
I couldn't agree with you more! I have always been puzzled why the Red Wings do not seem to understand (in recent years) that the position of goaltending is important.Remember Sawchuck, Hall and Crozier?
In a thick fog
It's nauseating listening to Osgoods lame excuses after each game. How can Babcock make a statement like "we're all in this together and we have to find a way to win". For goodness sake the team only gave up 23 shots and scored 5 themselves. Just what do you need Babcock? I know - a half decent netminder. This guy Osgood is a bad joke who has his head buried in the sand and is mired in a deep fog. Osgood keeps blaming his teammates and bad bounces. He will just not take responsibility for each poor showing - his pride will not permit it. He has himself placed on this high pedestal, so high that he cannot see the glee on the faces of his opponents faces when they see him named starter. Then throw in Babcock who is as stubborn as a mule and you have a situation where he refuses to sit Osgood and come spring I guess he'll be giving us the same excuses for the teams early exit from the playoffs. It's very frustrating as a faithful fan!
Defence First
This is the first week in February and Babcock is still saying the same things he has all season long. Does he not see that Osgood this year is not the same Osgood we saw last season. His mental condition should be a real concern to management and he refuses to face reality. He's 42nd in one category and 44th in another.He is at best backup material and the sooner Mr. Holland realizes this the better. The solution to this ongoing problem is not an easy one but this is why Kenny gets paid the big bucks and no doubt he will find an answer - he always has and he will again (I hope).
Just lookin for thoughts
I wouldn't trade Filpula for the whole Ottawa team - they're a bunch of quitters and losers and Flip is just fine where is he. Now if only Kronval would stop taking those stun pills and display some of that talent that he showed us last spring we would be a much stronger team.
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