I Hate Blake Coleman
Bandwagon Burner
It's not just the east, but it feels like the whole league is wide open this year. Chicago is the safe bet to come out of the west but they've been upset before.
So Detroit is never going to miss the playoffs I see.
They were close last year with one of their worst lineups in a long time, but not this year. They're killing it.
The turnover never ends. Good drafting and insane development make them a perennial playoff team.
They were close last year with one of their worst lineups in a long time, but not this year. They're killing it.
The turnover never ends. Good drafting and insane development make them a perennial playoff team.
Adityase
Registered User
This. I think Larkin and Sheahan as 1 and 2 will be fantastic in the new NHL if they're 55-65 point players in their prime. I still see Toews-lite and Getzlaf-lite and that should be good enough if the wing positions are as stacked as we think they'll be. Top end D will be necessary... but no one is considering that Mrazek may be the best goalie we've drafted in decades. If he can get to an elite level early, he could seriously raise the floor for this team for the next generation.
GoAwayDanCleary
DRWCC
- Aug 6, 2012
- 10,752
- 5
They've been one of the best teams in the East for a while now. All their statistics point to them being a legit threat. I don't know how they couldn't be considered contenders. Their forward depth is great, and that's with Pulkkinen sitting in the minors. All that being said, I think they need another defenseman who can produce some points.
I feel like the goalie position is such a loaded position, to please fans anyway.
They are/aren't party of the team to fit an argument contently on hockey forums:
A) "This goalie is elite!", "He plays for an elite team", "doesn't make his contributions any less noticeable for the team!"
B) "This goalie sucks!" "He plays for a bad team.", "Doesn't mean he's any good".
C) "I thought this goalie was elite, why isn't he playing like one?" "He's allowed to have a bad season, eh?"
D) "Goalie X is killing it this season", "He still sucks.", "You forget he plays for one of the worst teams in the league.", "He's not -Top 5-."
E) "Elite goalie was bad tonight!", "It was the defense."
F) "Goalie X was bad tonight.", "It was because of the defense.", "No, it's because he's just a joe shmoe who can't steal games. He sucks".
This is just some examples.
Then it get's even worse. A goalie is only allowed to contribute when they are doing horribly, or just outright steals a game (black and white thinking). But otherwise? They are segregated from team talk around this board. It's always the team, then the goalie. If they put up a perfomance that gave the team a chance to win...aka..."they didn't make out of this world saves"...then they really never get considered in the team victory. Just if they lose (goat)...or if they randomly steal a game outright (rare).
Unless you are a top 5 in the public's eye, it almost seems like a "what have you done for me lately" position for the fans. For sure a damned if you do damned if you don't position. And that's probably why no one has really considered Mrazek at all. He's just another goalie, unless he can dethrone HFboards top5, or one of them.
I feel that this is a lot of the rationalization Wing's fan have been making for their lack of elite center or defenseman prospects. Many people believe that Detroit is building a team built in the mold of Boston or St. Louis. Responsible two way centers with the wingers carrying the offensive load. The problem with this system is that Boston has won one cup with this system, while St. Louis has not yet (Although they are going to be contenders for at least the next few years. We have to wait and see with them). The problem for Detroit is, that when Boston won the Cup, Chara was there 1D and Thomas was there 1G. St. Louis also has a great defense corps anchored by an elite #1 in Pietrangelo, along with two other excellent defenders in Shattenkirk and Bouwmeester. So even if Detroit wants to build their team in the mold of a Boston or St. Louis, they are still lacking a Chara, Pietrangelo, or Thomas. Any team that is going to win a cup, needs to be anchored by an elite 1C, 1D, or goalie.
I do agree that Sheahan and Larkin are nice pieces. Every team wants a Sheahan or Larkin on their team. They are defensively responsible who can also contribute offense. They are heart and soul guys who bust their *** every night. I just believe that unless one of them can develop into a 70 pt center, it is going to be difficult for Detroit to win a cup without D or Z.
dtones520
Registered User
While I somewhat agree about the defenseman, their power play is producing at a 25% clip for tops in the league. A right handed shot on that unit could definitely improve it, but there is also a part of me that says "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I won't be angry if we do nothing at the deadline and just stick with the guys we have.
Unless of course there is a steal of a deal that's can be had. I wouldn't be opposed to unloading one of the 900 talented wingers we have to give us a better shot at the cup this year.
Two things:
1. I think Larkin's offensive potential is underrated. He has 30 points in 22 games as a freshman at U of M and led Team USA in scoring at the World Juniors on a team that featured Jack Eichel.
2. Datsyuk and especially Zetterberg have at the very least 2-3 more years of elite play. Maybe 1-2 years for Datsyuk and 3-4 for Zetterberg. And they will still be effective players after that. A lot can happen in that time frame.
I thought the assumption was that Datsyuk was going back to Russia after his current deal? Or have their recent problems made it less of a sure thing?
icKx
Vanek 4 Prez
If he's changed his mind about wishing to finish playing hockey in Russia he hasn't made it public knowledge. But as another poster said he still has two years left, after which he'll be 38
WhiteLightning91
Registered User
- Jul 26, 2007
- 32
- 18
Just did a quick tally for those who are curious...
West vs East win%: West: 51%, East:49%
Take from that what you will.
West vs East win%: West: 51%, East:49%
Take from that what you will.
bigtim1988
YES! YES! YES! YES!
I consider DET a contender going into every season. I never really know who's on that team, but they always seem to be solid no matter what.
The Red Line
Registered User
- Oct 11, 2010
- 8,600
- 5,083
That was the assumption after his last deal... an assumption that was ultimately proven entirely wrong because Datsyuk signed a three year extension last year.
417th
Pacifist Division
To the op's question.
Of course they are. How can anyone say that they aren't? I don't want them to win the cup but they have as good a shot at it as anyone else at this point. If they are healthy going into the playoffs they could be a very scary team.
Of course they are. How can anyone say that they aren't? I don't want them to win the cup but they have as good a shot at it as anyone else at this point. If they are healthy going into the playoffs they could be a very scary team.
I know, but he said 1-2 years of elite play, then still effective after that, suggesting he'd stick around a bit longer. Unless he was only referring to Zetterberg on that point.
Fair enough. I remember hearing Lidstrom was going to leave all the way back to when he was 30.
It'll be interesting to see if bringing up and keeping the 6'3" Marchenko will prove to be that big right handed defenseman the Wings need. Kid is all kinds of skilled and Babs and his teammates are definitely speaking highly of him in the few games since he's been up.
frivolousz21
2019 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS ST LOUIS BLUES
He certainly looks like he has the tool-set to be a solid 20pt second pairing guy.
Pavels Dog
Registered User
He's not the top 4 PMD they need, but he is a solid option for the #6 spot and it's a very welcome sight to have a right-handed D in the lineup.
theYman
Registered User
- Feb 28, 2008
- 21,711
- 1,912
Realize this for a sec. Wings are a contender and in 1st atm this late in the season with practically everyone on the roster from their farm system. Quincey came up through the Wings system before he went to Colorado and LA. The only 2 players not drafted are Miller and Gus. Good God!
Weiss and Cleary as well, but still ridicilous impressive.
And as since Lidströms last season the Red Wings in my opinion just are one great minute-eating defender away from being on off THE contenders. They are still a contender.
