Quick Hits: Wednesday Edition

Rafalski in 2008 was perfect for that team but his declining health and defense was worrying me for the team we have now. White seems to have taken his place almost perfectly. No one can replace that breakout magic Raffi has, but White’s other skills are really shining.

As every single sportswriter ever was repeatedly sure to remind us, Ian White is not Brian Rafalski. There was nothing scarier for other teams than a Lids-Rafa defensive pairing on the PP. Obviously the offensive upside is not nor will ever be at Rafa’s level but as stated before the hopes are that he can contribute enough defensively to make up for it.

I think overall, Rafa was a better Dman, but the dropoff so far has been non-existent (and is barely noticeable anyway).

And Nash makes less money. Hmmmmmmmmmmm

There’s a story on Puck Daddy about Alex Radulov possibly coming back to the NHL next season. Given that he’s still beholden to the Predators if he were to return, could said return improve the chances of the Wings obtaining one of the Preds’ d-men? By the article, Radulov’s gotten better than he was before he left, and if he does end up coming back and negotiating a new contract, wouldn’t that hamstring Nashville’s front office in terms of resigning Weber/Suter? Alternately, could he become a target for Detroit? The team’s already got history repatriating KHL ship-jumpers after all.

+1 what everyone else said. Hell of an acquisition by Kenny. KH might want to save a little cap money for Whitey, if he keeps up the good work.

LGRW

DALLAS – Sidelined for the last four games (4 WHOLE GAMES!) with a concussion, Claude Giroux has watched Phil Kessel and Henrik Sedin pull into a tie with him for the NHL lead in points. (So he’s risking permanent injury over the NHL points lead in December!?)

It has been only 11 days (Sidney Crosby waited much longer than that the little girl) since Giroux suffered his second career concussion on Dec. 10, but Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren revealed yesterday that his star player was cleared for all full-contact activities on Saturday. Officially, Giroux’ status changed from “out indefinitely” to “day-to-day.” (Oh dear god)

Link here: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20111221_Giroux_appears_set_to_play_tonight_in_Dallas.html

Am I the only one who sees this ending really, really badly?

And Peter Farceberg quickly flip-flops from his previous comments about the Sweedish Olympic team. What I meant to say was that even for someone like me, with a winning mentality, it is sometimes difficult to find full motivation for a match that doesn’t have to be won at any cost.

link hear: http://espn.go.com/olympics/hockey/story/_/id/7375826/peter-forsberg-reverses-claim-sweden-threw-2006-winter-olympics-game

You go Peter.

First of all, I think Rafalski and White play very different styles of games. Rafa was an offensive defenseman with slick skills and smarts. White, while good offensively, is more of a gritty all-around defenseman. His passing nowhere rivals Rafalski’s (who may have been one of the best passing defensemen ever), but he more than makes up for it with grit and attitude.

I think Rafalski is the more talented of the two, but White actually gives Detroit a better chance to win. Especially because there was obviously something wrong with Rafa the last year or two, whether it be injuries or age. He was not the elite player he was in 08. But he will remain one of my favorite Wings of all time.

White was an incredible signing by Holland, and it just further proves his excellence as a GM. Cup #12.