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Super Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: London, ON
Posts: 3,748
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Red Wings mid-season review
Since we have now hit the midway point for the Red Wings, I decided its time for another somewhat long-winded post.
Forwards:
Zetterberg: I really don't think that there is much to complain about the guy. He has come out this year and been a dominating force both offensively and defensively, and in my mind has been one of the best players in the league. He is one of the highest scorers on the PP, and plays a tonne of minutes. I do not think that he is going to finish with an Art Ross winning performance, but I definitely think that he should get Hart Trophy consideration. I just hope that he can keep it up through the rest of the season and playoffs. The only issue to take with him is his back problems. Everyone cross their fingers and hope that there are no more problems.
Datsyuk: Some people like to say that Zetterbergs success is because of Datsyuk, and others say it is the other way around. Well, I'm going to say that both are great players regardless of who they play for. During the stretch that Zetterberg was missing, Datsyuk played the best hockey he's played all year. The guy is just absolutely amazing to watch, and seems to be getting better every game. He is great defensively, leading the league in take aways by a long shot, and is one of the most entertaining players in the league to watch. The only problem is that he does tend to be streaky, and he needs to prove that he can play under pressure in the playoffs.
Holmstrom: The guy is still slow, and still a defensive liability, but provides the same service he has always offered in being a great pest in front of the net, and scoring the ugly goals. He was on pace for career highs in points before he was injured, and very well could still make it. To me, he's worth more than what he's paid, and everyone who complained about his extension last season really has no clue. One of the most valuable players this team has.
Hudler: He has more than made up for his slow start, and has been one of the best Red Wing players on the ice over the last month. I have been very impressed with his development defensively this season, and he seems to be getting smarter and smarter offensively as well. He makes our second PP unit dangerous. He is really feisty for a little guy, and won't shirk away from a pushing match. Fighting is another thing. Still, he is somewhat of a defensive liability, and still seems to make Babcocks doghouse.
Cleary: streaky and fun. The guy had a really slow start to the season, but has really stepped it up since then. He is a very energetic player, and isn't afraid to go into the corners to dig out the puck. He's on pace for another 20 goal season, and with the pace he has been on lately, I wouldn't doubt that he hits 25-30. He plays his role really well, and is another good defensive forward. He has turned out really well for the Wings, and makes for a cheap 2nd-3rd line role player. I have no complaints outside of the fact that he can be rather inconsistent, and takes the odd bad penalty.
Filppula: He's one player that I think hasn't quite lived up to the expectations I've had of him this year. He started off really slow, and has picked it up, especially over the last month. He stepped up nicely when Holmstrom and Zetterberg went down, and that gives me hope for the rest of the season. I think he can keep it up, and get around 45 points. Next season I'll be hoping for 50+.
Samuelsson: Good shot, but poor selection of when to use it. He is a big body that I would like to see do some more pushing around, but thats something he has always shirked away from. I also find that he is slow to back-check and easily gives the puck away. But, he plays his role well enough, and is probably paid right for what he contributes. I'm hoping for more points in the second half than what he has had so far.
Draper:He started off really well with 5 goals in 5 games at one point, but his offensive production has since tapered off. He is having a better year this year than last, which is good to see, and seems to have gained back some of the jump he lost last season. He is still one of the best defensive players in the league, and provides great leadership on this team.
Franzen: I haven't been overly impressed with his offensive production, but he has been good defensively and provides a big grinding force in the corners that Detroit needs. Its too bad that he was injured in training camp, because he really seemed to have good chemistry with Datsyuk, but hasn't been able to gain it back since his injury. Hopefully he can pick it up offensively in the second half, without sacrificing his defensive contributions.
Kopecky:Another guy I'm slightly disappointed in, though he has shown a bit of a scoring touch, and does the job defensively. His progress offensively has been tediously slow, and I think he will end up being a career 3rd, 4th liner. Not paid a lot, so you can't expect much, but I think he could be more physical and forecheck a little harder and fiercer.
Drake: He fights and takes penalties, and gets paid minimum. Can't expect much out of him, but he really does take some dumb penalties, and really isn't that good at fighting. Hopefully he can be more of a physical presence in the playoffs, and bring leadership that this team needs on that 4th line. But, we can't expect much offensively.
Downey I love the guy, he fights and agitates, and does a good job sticking up for our star players. Plays his role, and will be a welcome presence come playoff time. He can be a defensive liability at times, but with his minimal playing time it doesn't make that much of a difference.
Ellis and Hartigan: They make for good fill ins, and have done their job. Not much else to say.
Defence
Lidstrom: What can you say about the guy? He is having another fantastic season, and the Red Wings offense really seems to stem from his spectacular transition game, and defensive positioning. He does seem to have lost a step over the years, but he rarely makes a mistake, and almost always bails someone out at some point during a game. He is the most valuable player in the league, but does not get that kind of recognition. I am very excited to have him back for the next 2 years, as his veteran presence on D will really help in the development of our young defenders. Another Norris trophy in the works this year.
Rafalski:He is my favourite scapegoat for when the Wings lose a game. He makes some horrendous mistakes defensivley, and Lidstrom has to bail him out, but overall he is a great player, who is really contributing to this team. He needs to make better decisions on the ice, and needs to step up his game defensively. His offensive contributions have been large though, and playing with a defenseman like Lidstrom, thats all we really need. I don't like him, but I'm starting to get over that.
Kronwall: Has been great over the last 20 games, and has stayed healthy *knock on wood*. He has provided the physical game we have come to love from him on the back end, and his defensive game has improved this year. His offensive production is starting to grow into expectations, and his $3 million cap hit is starting to look like a steal. I have no problem with him being around for the next 4 years. He should get better offensively over the years, but he needs to stay healthy.
Lebda: This guy has elite skating ability, and decent defensive skills, but is undersized and that has shown this year. He has been easily pushed off the puck, but has done well on the point with the 2nd PP unit. Overall, he has been a very pleasant surprise this season and last, and has exceeded most peoples expectations. He needs to bulk up a bit though, and make some better decisions in the defensive zone. Sometimes I think he would better serve as a forward.
Lilja: I was very vocal early in the season on how much I dislike Lilja, but has has stepped up both his physical play and his defensive play. He is not paid much, so his minimal offensive presence is acceptable, and he is effective when killing penalties. I hope that he can continue to do better physically though, because Detroit really is lacking size on the back end.
Chelios:The old bastard is still playing great defensive hockey, and has for the most part stopped taking stupid penalties. He has also started playing more minutes over the last 10 games, and I think he thrives with it. He is such a great presence to have on the team, and if he can continue this, and then provide the same presence as he did last year in the playoffs again in this years playoffs, that makes Detroit a difficult team to beat.
Meech: Has played his minimal role well when called upon, and is a pretty steady 7th defenseman. I still think we would be better off with Quincey, but at least Quincey is getting his playing time with the Griffins so as to continue his development, and Meech is no longer exempt from waivers, so I understand this decision by management.
Goalies:
Osgood: Has above above and beyond everyones expectations this year, and really has been one of the best goalies in the league. It would be great to see him play in the all-star game, but I do not think he will end up being there. I think I would now feel comfortable with having Osgood in net come playoff time if Hasek gets injured or is not playing well. We love you Osgood, keep up the great work.
Hasek: Started off really badly, but has definitely picked up the last 10 games. He has been great lately, which is definitely a great sign for this team, because he really can make a difference in big games. I think it benefits him a lot that Osgood is there if he does crash and burn, as it lifts some pressure off of him, but it also presents some competition for him, which is something he thrives off of. All in all, a great situation for Detroit.
Overall, I have been very impressed with the Red Wings season, and there really is nothing more that can be expected of them. Their special teams play has been really good this year, certainly better than last year, and they have been very successful at getting other teams to play their system. They are the best puck possession team in the league, leading the league in Goals for, goals against, points, and faceoff percentage. They are without a doubt the best team in the league so far. Concerns of poor secondary scoring has recently been proven wrong, and they have plenty of space to make a trade around the deadline for both a physical defensemen and a 2nd liner if they so decide. Now, they just need to continue this play into the playoffs, and win us a Stanley Cup.
Grades:
Offense: A+
Defense: A
Goaltending: A
Powerplay: A
Penalty Kill: A
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Last edited by wingsnut19 : 01-03-2008 at 07:04 PM.
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Red Wings mid-season review
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