no Ericsson - this leaves guys like Kindl more exposed
no Zetterberg
no upset

good season though, good learning experience for the kids.
- Jurco_28

That's the key I think. Even if they lose to the Bruins (which I think they will, but I have some hope) this is a huge experience for the young guys on the team. In that regard, I think it can be considered a win already. 5 or 6 playoff games for the kid line etc. is going to make this team much more formidable come next season.

Plus, next season, a better matchup than these Bruins, and this team could be doing work.

Our D core is too young and/or in mental breakdown with too many mistakes to last long. How many times the last 2 seasons have we seen the other team 5 on 5 skate around us in our zone while we chase the puck as if on the penalty kill? It'll be our undoing more than likely, with the likes of Kindl & Lashoff being out of position on timely goals, but it is where our weakness lies, our 2nd & 3rd D Pairings.

Babcock does need to bring back the Tatar, Nyquist, Jurco line imo, that line was great when it was together.

Too tough and too banged up, even if Hank does come back, to win a tough series vs the Bruins.
- Hockeytown4life

I think you mean Sheahan with 2 of those 3 wingers.

Wings have a shot against Boston but players will have to step up, especially on defense and goaltending.

Really liked seeing Sproul and Ouellet yesterday. They moved the puck really well and made the Wings transition game look much better. Lashoff and Kindl seem to have problems in that area. Was also nice to have a right handed shooting defenseman on the point instead of a forward for the PP. Have to love how Mrazek plays. He plays with confidence and never quits...he's also very quick and reads plays well. His puck handling skills are great compared to Howard and made a big difference. All Howard does is stop it behind the net or throw it around the boards passed his defensemen and usually right to the other team to keep the Wings pinned in their zone and chasing the puck.

I would still say, based on the (admittedly not nearly as in-depth as we would like) numbers, my (admittedly tainted by personal cognitive biases and based on a sample of just 10-15 games) eyes, and the fact that he's not waiver-eligible after this season, I would still guess Almquist has the inside track for a spot on next year's roster. He might not have the most NHL upside of the bunch, but from everything I can see he's the Griff's No. 1 defender most nights.

Sproul's shot man, though, holy crap. You can see why he broke Mitch Callahan's face with it (I was at that game, incidentally). He did get pretty badly turnstiled at least once against St. Louis, though.

I'm very optimistic about the young D. Between Almquist, Sproul, Ouellet, Marchenko, and Backman, I think at least 1 and maybe 2-3 are going to hit and become solid NHLers. And they're not the only guys in the system with upside, just the closest to being ready.

I would still say, based on the (admittedly not nearly as in-depth as we would like) numbers, my (admittedly tainted by personal cognitive biases and based on a sample of just 10-15 games) eyes, and the fact that he's not waiver-eligible after this season, I would still guess Almquist has the inside track for a spot on next year's roster. He might not have the most NHL upside of the bunch, but from everything I can see he's the Griff's No. 1 defender most nights.

Sproul's shot man, though, holy crap. You can see why he broke Mitch Callahan's face with it (I was at that game, incidentally). He did get pretty badly turnstiled at least once against St. Louis, though.

I'm very optimistic about the young D. Between Almquist, Sproul, Ouellet, Marchenko, and Backman, I think at least 1 and maybe 2-3 are going to hit and become solid NHLers. And they're not the only guys in the system with upside, just the closest to being ready.
- Sven22

I was at the STL game yesterday. I loved watching Ouellet make the easy play basically every time he had the puck. He had one bad shift where he got caught out way too long, and ultimately took a penalty, but he takes care of the puck really well, and had the confidence to skate with it when he had open ice.

1-4-1, Gaa (3.51) and SV (0.868)

those are Rask's career numbers against DET. I think the Wings have some intangibles that could get them an upset....

but I still would figure the Bs in 6 is what will most likely happen.

I think the Wings have a decent shot at an upset... having said that I think the Bruins win in 6 games.

Wings overall team defense is just not good enough to beat Boston in a 7 game series. Their 2nd & 3rd defensive pairings are the Achille's heel for the Wings. Howard would have to steal at least 2 games for Detroit to have a shot at winning and Rask is still a better (READ: consistent) goalie. Wings have GOT to stay out of the penalty box. Bruins have a damn good powerplay (3rd in the NHL).

Fast skating, puck possession teams can give the Bruins trouble... so it might be interesting to see how it plays out. If Franzen gets hot and Pavel plays to his full potential it could get interesting. At least this Wings' team has real speed and a decent forecheck with the young guns. Amazing how much better this team is with some young, fast, bigger guys on the ice. Mrazek should should get a serious look to take the backup job next season. He handles the puck much better than Howard.

(frank) Boston, Go Wings

Erik Marsh: BRING ON THE BRUINS
- Erik Marsh

I would be shocked if you don't get swept.

Biggest key for the wings is quick transitions out of the D-zone. When Boston sustains pressure, they will score. Especially since they play such a heavy game and without Erickson, the Wings defense is not a overly imposing group. Babcock talked after yesterday's game about how well Mrazek handled the puck and how much pressure that took off the defensemen with the Blues big forwards pressing down on them. Same thing against the B's except Howards puck handling skills are terrible, so it will be on the defense to make the quick plays themselves.

I don't think the wings will look out of place in this series, but B's in 6
- JohnnySoze

This is what the series hinges on for Detroit, IMO. When the Hawks were able to get the quick transition game going, Bruins couldn't handle it. I think the Red Wings are definitely capable of winning the series because of the transition and from what I've seen this year they can capitalize on even the slightest mistakes the Bruins make.

This year, the difference with the Bruins will be the 3rd line. Soderberg/Eriksson/Kelly are going to give 3rd lines and 3rd D pairs a much tougher fight than last year.

Much respect to the Wings and their fans, pretty much the model NHL franchise. Also loved watching Nyquist play for Maine in Hockey East, kid can fly.

I would be shocked if you don't get swept.
- nikoli1206

Possible, but I would be as shocked if they get swept as if they actually take the series IMO.

My source being the Wings taking 3 out of 4 during the season series. Yeah, I know it means little now, but gives one an idea the Red Machine can take at least one out of the first four.

This is what the series hinges on for Detroit, IMO. When the Hawks were able to get the quick transition game going, Bruins couldn't handle it. I think the Red Wings are definitely capable of winning the series because of the transition and from what I've seen this year they can capitalize on even the slightest mistakes the Bruins make.

This year, the difference with the Bruins will be the 3rd line. Soderberg/Eriksson/Kelly are going to give 3rd lines and 3rd D pairs a much tougher fight than last year.

Much respect to the Wings and their fans, pretty much the model NHL franchise. Also loved watching Nyquist play for Maine in Hockey East, kid can fly.
- GSDIV

Our 5th/6th D pair is train wreck at times. Lashoff folded last year vs the Ducks with the pressure of the forecheck. Carlo C was waiting in the Wings to bail them out. This will be evident the first 2 games.

What I see Babs doing is trying Sproul and Ouelette back in Detroit games 3-4 with having the last change. He will being them both in at the same time since they have been together the whole year. There is a reason they are staying in Detroit for the Boston prep until going back to the Griffins on Thursday I believe (per M-Live)

Our 5th/6th D pair is train wreck at times. Lashoff folded last year vs the Ducks with the pressure of the forecheck. Carlo C was waiting in the Wings to bail them out. This will be evident the first 2 games.

What I see Babs doing is trying Sproul and Ouelette back in Detroit games 3-4 with having the last change. He will being them both in at the same time since they have been together the whole year. There is a reason they are staying in Detroit for the Boston prep until going back to the Griffins on Thursday I believe (per M-Live)
- MedicineMan

Honestly, if Bruins didn't have last change most of the games I'd take Detroit to win the series. Most fans in Boston are pretty uneasy about this matchup. I think the 3rd line if healthy and having last change is what saves the Bruins in 7.

I would be shocked if you don't get swept.
- nikoli1206[/uhquote]

Not my favorite match up

As dangerous as the Red Wings can be, I don't see them or anyone in the East posing much of a concerted threat against the Bruins. Tampa is the only team that might match up well against them.

On the other hand, I am happy that the Bruins pulled the Wings in the first round. They will challenge the Bruins like no other first round opponent could have. This will make for a tough series, which I think the Bruins will wrap up in no more than six games. However, the Wings will push the Bruins to the next level and force them to up their game for the remainder of the playoffs. something neither the Jackets nor the Flyers could have done.

I look forward to a fun series.

(frank) Boston, Go Wings
- Symba007

Your fear tastes so gooood.

Going to be a good series, I think the bruins take it in 5 games. RIP to the victims of the marathon 1 year ago today.

Have to say didnt want to see the Wings, hate those small skilled teams that burn the outside, that being said I'm sure Claude knows what he's dealing with here.

Hey Bring it Detroit, see what your made of
Cheers and Best of Luck !!!

Tough match up for the B's, let's hope it's a good one! Have fun boys.

I have the Wings winning the cup!!

I think they're going to upset boston in 6, then go all the way riding the momentum from the upset. Any team coached by Babcock has a shot. Good luck guys!

I have the Wings winning the cup!!

I think they're going to upset boston in 6, then go all the way riding the momentum from the upset. Any team coached by Babcock has a shot. Good luck guys!
- NYI44

If they get past the B's, they're my pick to take the East as well.

Detroit / Chicago would be a fun final if the B's don't make it.

If they get past the B's, they're my pick to take the East as well.

Detroit / Chicago would be a fun final if the B's don't make it.
- Double_A

I'd like to drink the Red kool-aid but The Swirl of yellow and black make it too difficult. Babcock miracle required

1-4-1, Gaa (3.51) and SV (0.868)

those are Rask's career numbers against DET. I think the Wings have some intangibles that could get them an upset....

but I still would figure the Bs in 6 is what will most likely happen.
- BooBoo997

These are the numbers that concern me as well...B's in 7?

The newest Red Wings prospects are coming to Grand Rapids this week and will play in the the AHL playoffs. And they look like a good group... especially Anthansiou (looks like he's a keeper). Anybody seen these guys play at all ??

http://griffinshockey.com...releases/?article_id=2812

I have the Wings winning the cup!!

I think they're going to upset boston in 6, then go all the way riding the momentum from the upset. Any team coached by Babcock has a shot. Good luck guys!
- NYI44