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Originally Posted by Dr. ?
I read your post Wingnut. I completely agree that a Lidstrom-Rafalski pairing would be a waste. Both players will bring up the game of anyone playing with them.
I continue to remain concerned about our wingers. It is clear that we have talented puck handlers on offence, but our grit is a bit fine. Where Bertuzzi was supposed to be our grit, he failed and left, and we have not replaced him.
I believe the Wings realized the need for toughness nearing the playoffs last year, and their gamble with Bertuzzi shows it. But if the problem existed last year, and the solution has departed, what has been done to fix the problem?
I am worried about protecting our stars. If teams like the Ducks continue with their cheap play (and with Pronger AND Bertuzzi on the same team the likelihood is certain) who will prevent guys taking a run on Pavel, or even worse Hasek?
Let's go Red Wings, and here's hoping they put some nails into their Cheerios to toughen the team up this year.
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I am not worried about protecting our stars in any way. I've never understood a teams need to bring in enforcers that only play a minimal role, and generally are not capable enough to play on the first line anyways, and therefore their protection doesn't seem all that extensive, does it? People are going to take runs at players, that is inevitable, but having an enforcer who is just taking up a roster spot is not going to change that.
I believe this mentality is coming out because of the way that the Ducks won the cup last season. I don't understand how it is that every team has decided this, because what works for one team is not always going to work for another. I think our team grit is there. It was proven in the San Jose and the Calgary series, where we were supposed to be outclassed in that area, but we definitely stepped it up, and I don't think that Bertuzzi had a lot to do with it.
Over all, we have a good team, I think we have the ability to win, but probably not the Cup. I do think next year will be better again, and so will the year after. The Wings really have a promising future, despite not having very many high draft picks the last 10ish years.