Wings Poised for Full Flight?

by Casey Richey on Jun 3, 2009 3:48 PM CDT in News

Some good news came out of Pittsburgh today as both Pavel Datsyuk and Kris Draper practiced. The addition of Datsyuk/Draper means that Justin Abdelkader will likely sit, despite his two goals in the series. Datsyuk is not a definite yet for tomorrow's game but it is an encouraging step forward for his return.

Here, from mlive.com, are the lines the Wings practiced with:

Franzen-Zetterberg-Cleary

Filppula-Datyuk-Hossa

Hudler-Helm-Samuelsson

Leino-Draper-Maltby

To me it was a surprise that Abdelkader will likely be the man left out instead of Leino, but I suppose Babcock sees something in the way Leino has been passing or playing defense. We'll have to wait and see if Pavel's in tomorrow or if the rookie is still in the line-up. Draper is a definite according to Babcock so hopefully his return to the face-off circle will help out the team after dominating faceoffs in Game 1, suffered in Game 2, and was about even in Game 3

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Come on back Pavel

even at 75% he is still a monster and a big time presence on the ice….lets get em guyss…time for a 3-1 lead tomorrow

2 more wins for back to back on the Pens and a repeat Go Wings!!!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jun 3, 2009 3:59 PM CDT reply actions

Hell yes. I hope to see him back on the ice tomorrow. Even with him being held off the scoreboard he is definitely an obstacle for the Pens, one they have yet to face in this series.

by rrasco on Jun 3, 2009 4:13 PM CDT reply actions

Interesting thought

No Homer on those practice lines. Gotta believe Leino will sit too.

Find me on twitter @chollis

by motownchollis on Jun 3, 2009 4:22 PM CDT reply actions

Holmstrom sat out of the practice

Probably from the weird crash into the boards. He and Rafalski were given the day off

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jun 3, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions

just saw the Datysuk interview

haha funny guy says he been drinking a lot of beer watching the games lol he sounds good to goo

2 more wins for back to back on the Pens and a repeat Go Wings!!!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jun 3, 2009 5:31 PM CDT reply actions

Babcock and his constant line changing

The wings practised today with: Franzen-Zetterberg-Cleary Filppula-Datyuk-Hossa
Hudler-Helm-Samuelsson Leino-Draper-Maltby

If he put back the original lines, that got the Wings to this point, the series will be over in the next 2-3 games with another stanley cup.
Zetterberg-Datsuk-Holmstrom w/ Lindstrom/ Rafalski
Franzen-Filppula-Hossa w/ Kronwall / Stuart
Cleary-Hudler-Samuelson w/ Ericcson / Lebda
Helm-Draper-Maltby or Leino w/ Chelios / Meech

In Goal: Ty Conklin I think everyone is sick of Osgood, giving up so many easy goals

Off season: Cut loose Chelios, Lebda, Maltby, Draper, Kopecky McCarty, these
players have all made alot of contributions over the years, time to move forward.
Key Acquistion: find a big strong right handed defenseman to pair with Ericcson.
They will be the next : Kronwall / Stuart pairing for years to come.

by StevenSharit on Jun 3, 2009 10:48 PM CDT reply actions

I only have one real problem with this: Yes, put in Ty Conklin who has had about as much playoff experience as i have over a 3 time Cup winner who still has the team leading 2-1. It’s weird how many people jump on Ozzie for one bad game after carrying the team to this point.

Holmstrom has been ineffective so why put him on the top line? Hossa needs two passers with him like Filppula and Datsyuk and both of those guys are selfless players and will give up the puck if Hoss has a better chance. Franzen is a great scorer but to be honest he needs Zetterberg and Cleary to pave the way for him to the net and set him up with passes.

Chelios likely will be gone (maybe retired) but i would be surprised if Maltby and Draper are cut. Kopecky is a free agent and unless he signs a minor league contract he wont be here next year whereas McCarty probably will stay with GRapids or get cut.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jun 4, 2009 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions

Oh " I " forgot

Send Osgood packing first !

by StevenSharit on Jun 3, 2009 10:54 PM CDT reply actions

StevenSharit: "Send Osgood packing first !"

Seriously, you need to lay off the “smoke pipe”
Ozzie has been playing at a Hall of Fame level in these playoffs……….IMO.

Let me guess………the last game he let in some soft goals and should be benched? In your crazy world then, Mr. Brodeur should be sent packing in New Jersey since he let in some easy goal this year in the playoffs as well.

I need a beer……

GO WINGS!

OZZIE! OZZIE! OZZIE!

by Hercof74 on Jun 4, 2009 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

Send osgood packing???

Wow. He gives up 3 goals and now you’re ready to jump on the Ozzie hater bandwagon again huh. First goal… Fedotenko is in PERFECT scoring position. The only way a chance like that is stopped is if it hits Osgood, and Fedotenko is too good for that. The others were power play goals in which the PK is struggling mightily. Not because of goaltending, but lack of agressive play.

Seriously if you are a Wings fan then you need to be banned. Shut the **** up and support your team and the players who keep bringing the Cup to Detroit.

by dewman8810 on Jun 4, 2009 4:09 PM CDT reply actions

Tomas Holmstrom???

Did I miss something or is he injured???

by dewman8810 on Jun 4, 2009 4:10 PM CDT reply actions

Steven Sharit

Obviously you’re clueless. Since when does any team, let alone the Wings, dress eight defensemen during a game? Apparently you haven’t been watching ANY of the playoffs either, or you’d know that Osgood has been playing better than he’s ever played this year. He’ll backstop them to another Cup. No fear there, and I’m sure you’ll be the loudest cheerleader for Ozzie when it happens. I also like how a “Wings fan” thinks Lidstrom’s name is “Lindstrom.” Hossa gets a hat trick in a Wings blowout tonight, 5-1. Datsyuk shuts down Crosby, Zetterberg shuts down Malkin. Wings win the Cup at home on Saturday.

by Mike Braun on Jun 4, 2009 6:22 PM CDT reply actions