Comments on: Should the Detroit Red Wings be worried about their defense?

By: polegojim

polegojim — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:48:27 +0000

Answer: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO worries on D after this one.

Big D showed up, and several guys I’ve criticized most SHOWED UP.

Salei – points and toughness
Ericsson – somebody TOLD HIM how big he is… and he PLAYED LIKE IT

Great Job Jimmy, GUTTY game by Mule – Great Win Wings!!!

By: redwingrick

redwingrick — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:55:04 +0000

My concerns, too. It’ll take a huge effort and a bit of luck for the Wings to make the finals. At any rate, some changes will have to be made in the off season. The defensive and net minder positions definitely need an overhaul. I expect Salei will be gone. And wouldn’t be surprised if Lids retires. Stuart will be probably be traded and there is certainly a possibility that Rafalski could be moved. Osgood is finished. Another top tier goalie is a must.

By: polegojim

polegojim — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:42:45 +0000

Salei is my biggest disappointment. Supposedly a big hitter, big game D. NOT
Even in Colorado it looked like he showed up just enough to collect a paycheck.
He was close to joining Modano and being a healthy scratch.

Ericsson just needs some one to get in his head and remind him that he’s big man.

Bruise brothers will be active tonight – watch for the highlights and replays.

By: James O'Brien

James O'Brien — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:16:58 +0000

I hear what you’re saying, but Ericsson and Salei play less minutes than the top four D. They’re bigger weaknesses, for sure, but won’t be exposed as often.

By: datsyukian

datsyukian — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:23:57 +0000

James,

I totally agree with you. In fact, I’ve been worried about Detroit’s defense situation since before the playoffs even began. I understand what you’re saying about Jimmy Howard, but he’s good enough to go all the way with the Wings in front of him. Sometimes he has a bad game, but Detroit can usually rally behind Joey MacDonald (who I like a lot). But I think you’re focusing on the wrong players when it comes to suspect Wings defensemen; You mention Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, and Stuart. That surprised me seeing as how you could have mentioned instead the declining play of Salei and the still-learning Ericcson. Those are the two guys on D that make me nervous, but especially young Ericcson. I can’t really comprehend that you’re “not quite sold on” Brad Stuart and don’t seem that impressed with Nick Kronwall either. Those guys, along with Lidstrom and Rafalski are solid as a rock defensively. It’s the third line D-men that need to get with the program. Go Wings!

By: polegojim

polegojim — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:46:10 +0000

My pressing question is: Who becomes a healthy scratch when Hank comes back?

Eaves – Cleary – Abdelkader – Miller?

Eaves, just nothing there this series and very little during the season. But someone goes to R.

I’d hate to see Cleary (46 pts) or Abdelkader (+15) out, but both need to do something to PROVE they should still be on the ice during these playoffs. Both have ZERO points and 4 PIMs. Miller at least has a point.

C’mon guys, let’s crank it up tonight and make it a hard decision.

By: polegojim

polegojim — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:14:16 +0000

James – as a die hard Red Wing fan, I agree the D needs to tighten it up… but don’t let Howard off the hook so easy. Howards our guy, and needs to get past his ‘flustered moments’ that put the defense in bad spots with poor puck handling. Just stick with ‘get the puck out of the zone’.

Penalties are hurting us agaist Phoenix…I won’t whine…too much, but a couple have been ridiculous at best – Helm on Jovanovski for example? Please… but hey, we’ll push through.

Tonight will get rough and physical. Buckle up boys, this desert battle won’t be for the faint of heart.