GDT: WCQ Game #2 | Detroit Red Wings @ Anaheim Ducks | 10:00 PM EST | FS-D / NBCSN / TSN

[RedWingsNow*]

I don't like Abdelkader on the team, period. But he's a better winger than center. So...
.

So you think he's better first line winger than 4th line center?

That's what you're telling me?

 

[SirKillalot]

Time to win. We're going to win. 4-0 Red Wings.

 

[BinCookin]

If you listen to what Babcock says in interviews:

He knows his team is weaker than previous years BUT:

"Abdelkader has been a real good story for us"
and also compliments to
Kindl
Dekeyser
Brunner


Basically All those guys are sticking around.

Heaton's point is, Gator is on the top line wing or he will move to another line wing, but they still like him.

 

[WingedWheel1987]

I feel like a concrete block would be more productive on Pavel's wing than Justin Abdelkader.

 

[Fine young man]

I've been trying to make sense of Babcock's decisions and at this point it seems like he sees the game in a very "structural" and logical way. It's like he has an idea what a team should look like and then he picks the players who fit his criteria the most.

Examples:
-Puts Datsyuk with a skill player and a plug, tells plug to drive the net
-Has to have a RH shot on the point on the PP, even if they're not ideal for the role (Brunner)
-Stubbornly tries to use Cleary as a Holmstrom replacement on the 2nd unit (or as a plug on the 2nd line) instead of a creative player
-Generally seems to value things like size, puck retrieval and screening the goalie over skilled players (Tatar)

Basically, seems like he sees the game differently than most people, at least that's the only explanation I can come up with when trying to see the logic in some of his decisions.

 

[theYman]

Flip Z Brunner
Franzen Datsyuk Abby
Cleary Andersson Nyquist
Bert Emmerton Tootoo

This works.

 

[theYman]

And why is Sammy in? Guy hasn't played in over a month!! Oh yeah he'll just tear it up out there all of sudden. This is going to be a LOLfest tonight.



edit Just saw he isn't my bad. Thank god!!

 

[Shoalzie]

Thought Babs might put him in if someone else can't go...a game-time decision.

Eager to see Bertuzzi...he better be will to throw his weight around if you're going scratch a guy like Tootoo for him.

 

[silkyjohnson50]

I've been trying to make sense of Babcock's decisions and at this point it seems like he sees the game in a very "structural" and logical way. It's like he has an idea what a team should look like and then he picks the players who fit his criteria the most.

Examples:
-Puts Datsyuk with a skill player and a plug, tells plug to drive the net
-Has to have a RH shot on the point on the PP, even if they're not ideal for the role (Brunner)
-Stubbornly tries to use Cleary as a Holmstrom replacement on the 2nd unit (or as a plug on the 2nd line) instead of a creative player
-Generally seems to value things like size, puck retrieval and screening the goalie over skilled players (Tatar)

Basically, seems like he sees the game differently than most people, at least that's the only explanation I can come up with when trying to see the logic in some of his decisions.

Yeah that's fine and dandy, but when you don't have the pieces to fit your model you have to make adjustments. Abdelkader and Cleary aren't very good puck retrieval players, yet he's attempted to use them in that role all season long. Tatar and Nyquist have shown the ability to create offense when they were given an extended opportunity (both took a few games consecutively to get comfortable), but neither were given a chance once they were comfortable to play with a Datsyuk or Zetterberg.

 

[YostisHome]

Guys im stuck in Minnesota.... is there anywhere to stream or buy the game online? thanks for any help!

 

[RedWingsNow*]

Flip Z Brunner
Franzen Datsyuk Abby
Cleary Andersson Nyquist
Bert Emmerton Tootoo

This works.

We're relying a lot on Andersson and Nyquist to carry that line. And I think that's asking too much.
Essentially, you've got two fourth lines.

 

[aar000n]

I've been trying to make sense of Babcock's decisions and at this point it seems like he sees the game in a very "structural" and logical way. It's like he has an idea what a team should look like and then he picks the players who fit his criteria the most.

Examples:
-Puts Datsyuk with a skill player and a plug, tells plug to drive the net
-Has to have a RH shot on the point on the PP, even if they're not ideal for the role (Brunner)
-Stubbornly tries to use Cleary as a Holmstrom replacement on the 2nd unit (or as a plug on the 2nd line) instead of a creative player
-Generally seems to value things like size, puck retrieval and screening the goalie over skilled players (Tatar)

Basically, seems like he sees the game differently than most people, at least that's the only explanation I can come up with when trying to see the logic in some of his decisions.

I echo these thoughts

 

[Winger98]

We're relying a lot on Andersson and Nyquist to carry that line. And I think that's asking too much.
Essentially, you've got two fourth lines.

we're relying them not to slow Cleary down you mean.

 

[JmanWingsFan]

Guys im stuck in Minnesota.... is there anywhere to stream or buy the game online? thanks for any help!

http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=icehockey

 

[TatarTangle]

If they think they can finesse the Ducks out of the series it's going to end quickly. Tootoo is the closest thing to Helm -who everyone desperately wants back- the Red Wings have right now, scratching him doesn't make any sense. Keep in mind when I say he's the closest thing to Helm doesn't mean I am comparing the two.

The only reason I can see bringing in Bertuzzi is to replace Abelkader on Datysuk's line, which I can understand. One doesn't forget to play hockey and his hands and size can help Datysuk, we've seen it before. But, since he's not in game shape, he'll be in the bottom six, seeing limited ice time, in which he'll be no better or worse than Tootoo, providing much less energy.

Of course, all of this is a moot point if they win, which I think they will. I didn't think they'd win the first game but the silver lining is they played mediocre and was still in the hunt to win the game.

 

[rx7dryver]

-Generally seems to value things like size, puck retrieval and screening the goalie over skilled players (Tatar)

Basically, seems like he sees the game differently than most people, at least that's the only explanation I can come up with when trying to see the logic in some of his decisions.

Ummm, Most coaches value things like size, puck retrieval and screening the goalie.

Why? Because hockey is about determination and will and the attributes listed above help you win.

 

[Fine young man]

Ummm, Most coaches value things like size, puck retrieval and screening the goalie.

Why? Because hockey is about determination and will and the attributes listed above help you win.

So you agree with him playing Abdelkader and Cleary in the top 6?

 

[Heaton]

So you think he's better first line winger than 4th line center?

That's what you're telling me?

I think Abdelkader should take Tootoo's spot on the 3rd or 4th line. But I wouldn't like Tatar on the 1st line with Datsyuk and Z. I'm not sure who should be there.

 

[Kronwalled55]

We can talk about Abdelkader until the cows come home. He's not the reason Detroit will win or lose this game.

 

[Heaton]

We can talk about Abdelkader until the cows come home. He's not the reason Detroit will win or lose this game.

Games are won and lost based on how Howard, Z, Datsyuk, Franzen and Filppula play.

 

[Yemack]

I thought Abby played great game 1. was surprised to see how much he improved

anyway my pregame ritual says Wings are going to score alot of goals and will chase Hiller away.

 

[RedWingsNow*]

We can talk about Abdelkader until the cows come home. He's not the reason Detroit will win or lose this game.

Right.

An out-of-touch coach who improperly uses players might be why Detroit loses.

 

[silkyjohnson50]

Games are won and lost based on how Howard, Z, Datsyuk, Franzen and Filppula play.

Your best players have the biggest impact on wins vs loses, no question...

But putting the rest of the puzzle together plays a big role. You can make life easier on your best players by surrounding them to succeed. You seem to neglect that since it's partially seen as a criticism to Babcock.

 

[Heaton]

Right.

An out-of-touch coach who improperly uses players might be why Detroit loses.

The players need to be held accountable as well.

 

[Heaton]

Your best players have the biggest impact on wins vs loses, no question...

But putting the rest of the puzzle together plays a big role. You can make life easier on your best players by surrounding them to succeed. You seem to neglect that since it's partially seen as a criticism to Babcock.

Not really. Teams go nowhere without your best players being your best players. You need depth to get you there, but if Howard, Z, Datsyuk, Filppula, Franzen don't get it going, depth won't matter.