Quick Hits and Morning Skate: Wait... Did He Just Say "Morning Skate"?

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 7:02 AM CDT in Quick Hits

That's right, kiddies. We've got an honest-to-goodness real new hockey game between the Red Wings and a team that's not the Red Wings. Sure, it's preseason, but it's exciting. If you're lucky enough to get NHL Network, you'll be able to watch tonight's preseason match up against the Penguins tonight at 7.

Detroit will go with the Red Team for the matchup, so the lines will look something like this:

Hudler-Datsyuk-Cleary
Brunnstrom-Emmerton-Eaves
Miller-Johnson-Mursak
Tatar-Conner-Holmstrom

Kronwall-Brad Stuart
Smith-Commodore
Exelby-Pyett

Howard
MacDonald

There are no real keys to victory for the game, because it's just preseason. Score more than the Penguins. Watch out for cheap shots from last year's most-penalized team. Make the adjustment to Datsyuk wearing #24.

Morning links after the jump.

Red Wings News

Red Wing Todd Bertuzzi embraces new role on 'two kids and a goat' line | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Bert's growing a ponytail as a bonding thing with his 10-year old son, Tag. It keeps getting harder and harder to make jokes about him turning puppies into soup. Also, he's got a good attitude about moving to a checking line with Helm and Abdelkader. I've always thought Bert and Helm had good chemistry.

Lineups for Red Wings' first two preseason games | MLive.com
Just in case you haven't seen the lineups yet, here they are again.

Passing of time works in Steve Moore’s favour - The Globe and Mail
Dowbiggin goes out of his way to pat the hockey media on the back for saving hockey from itself sufficiently so Moore could get a bigger payday. What hurts the most about this article is that he's right about a lot of things.

Increasing the Workload " The Production Line - TP:60
If you didn't read this yesterday, un-screw your head from your butt and get on it. Good piece by Petrella on moving people up and down the lineup and how difficult it can be to adapt.

Elsewhere Around the League

Brendan Shanahan will stress player safety in new role – USATODAY.com
It's really going to suck when a mistake by Batman destroys half of Shanahan's face and turns him into a wild supervillain who makes all of his decisions based on random chance. Until then, I'm going to enjoy having a white knight at the helm of discipline while I can.

Winnipeg Jets' Dustin Byfuglien charged with boating while intoxicated - ESPN
If I may jump into the realm of wild and dangerous fan speculation here, I just want to point out that there is no drug testing of NHL players in the offseason and Byfuglien is in trouble for turning down the type of test which could jeopardize the career of a player if it came back positive for banned substances. It's either that or he really did just get bad advice about his rights to refuse a test. The simpler answer does tend to be the correct one.

Should the NHL blow up its conference format for realignment? - Puck Daddy - NHL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
More division realignment talk. There's a reference in there about an eight-team tournament that you can completely ignore though. No way they cut the number of playoff teams in half. The playoffs are too big of a money-maker (even with revenue sharing) for owners to agree to that.

The NHL's Most Interesting Name: 1940s Part I - Arctic Ice Hockey
I keep waiting for the day I'll get tired of these and it keeps not coming. I'm getting a lot of good ideas here for Baby #2 FromKans

FTF Interviews Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson: Part One - Fear The Fin
FTF Interviews Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson: Part Two - Fear The Fin
Two of the three in a series with FTF interviewing Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Some excellent questions here and insight to the mind of one of the better GMs in the league. Looking forward to part three.

Sleektooned Blog Logos 5: Sunday evening edition! - Battle of California
More Sleektooned logos in one of my other favorite summer series. Admittedly, the one for Habs Eyes on the Prize gives me nightmares.

Game Thread tonight. Wear your Wednesday best.

Tweet Comment 61 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

My Wednesday Best?

You mean I have to put on pants?

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Sep 21, 2011 7:21 AM CDT reply actions

Not if you’ve got a really bitchin’ pair of boxer shorts.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 7:22 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

shirt optional?

You wanna tell me that to mah face?!
YET ANOTHER Detroit Red Wings blog.

by uvgt2bkdnme on Sep 21, 2011 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions

always

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Still no clue who the Penguins are using tonight

They still have a 55-man roster. They played their intrasquad scrimmage yesterday too, but I have no idea if they’ll do the same as Detroit and just use those teams for their games. If you find anything that sheds some light, please share.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 7:24 AM CDT reply actions

Pensburgh and Pensblog have nothing? Those two are generally really good with getting that kind of info.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Just checked… that’s a negative.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions

I did find one thing on Pensblog though.

http://youtu.be/sLjXmpfDO_U

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 8:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks

I just lost brain mass watching that.

by SlapshotGoal on Sep 21, 2011 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I get the feeling I should be glad that work has YouTube blocked.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

NON-UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS ROSTER

From Pensburgh this morning.

Keep your eyes out for a roster that will likely hit the Penguins’ site today a few hours before game time. I wouldn’t expect many veterans will be in line to play, but there’s always a few that look to hit the ice for at least five minutes or so in an effort to stretch out the legs. If I had to guess, I’d say Kris Letang and Jordan Staal may be two of those guys. Not sure yet if the Pens are looking to rush Evgeni Malkin in there just yet, but knowing what we know about his offseason work ethic, he probably wants the game to start the second he wakes up. If he sleeps at all.

Yeah, you’ve got a million hack beat writers busting down Shero’s doors for a whiff of what kind of oatmeal Sidney Crosby ate today and whether he had to chew down three Childrens Tylenol or four with his glass of warm milk last night but none of those assclowns can get hint #1 from Danny Bylsma about whose playing in the game tonight.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions

I’ll bet you ten bucks that Crosby does not play.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I’ll bet you twenty that NHL Network talks about him as long as they talk about any other single player from both teams during the pregame.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions

…that’s a bigger sucker bet than my original proposal

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions

UPDATE ON THE NON-UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE (NON-UPDATE)

Pensburgh has their page updated which was updated by an update to the Penguins updated website (oh God, why can’t I stop saying that word!)

Kunitz-Malkin-Neal
Dupuis-Park-Asham
Gibbons-Vitale-McDonald
Thompson-Craig-Walker

UPDATE!

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Complete roster

Forwards
9 Pascal Dupuis
12 Richard Park
14 Chris Kunitz
18 James Neal
23 Ryan Craig
38 Colin McDonald
45 Arron Asham
46 Joe Vitale
56 Paul Thompson
57 Brian Gibbons
67 Geoff Walker
71 Evgeni Malkin

Defense
2 Matt Niskanen
7 Paul Martin
55 Philip Samuelsson
58 Kris Letang
59 Carl Sneep
70 Joseph Morrow

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions

At least we don't have to worry about...

…that piece of shit Orpick taking out any knees tonight.

by WIngsFanInBeanLand on Sep 21, 2011 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Is anyone worried that Holmstrom might be in trouble here? How’d he get moved from the 2nd to 4th lines when there is only half the main roster playing tonight?

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 7:28 AM CDT reply actions

Not super worried because he will always get a spot on the PP where he is most effective. What does worry me is his decrease in speed over the past few years. He never has been fast, but if he gets put with slower guys… that could be bad.

Get your Al the Octopus

byjenniferleigh.etsy.com/

by Josh Howard on Sep 21, 2011 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions

It could also be a precaution to keep him from getting to beat up before the regular season.

Who knows.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 7:40 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Not sure how big of a difference it makes for him.

Homer is neither competing for a spot on the roster nor is he going to help define somebody else’s spot (like Datsyuk does on the top line showing how much better he can make his linemates).

It could be as much just not trying to get him beaten up too much during preseason as it is seriously cutting his responsibilities.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Regardless of what his pre-season responsibilities are, he will more than likely be used in a lesser role while playing even strength.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 7:55 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I think so too

at least I want his five-on-five duties lowered, but I’m not sure that it’s really the case. All hints point to that right now, but Mike Babcock is a mysterious and conniving man.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 8:00 AM CDT up reply actions

This is what I am hoping, that it’s just to keep him healthy and energized. I am curious, though, if this is an indication as to where Babs will be playing him this season.

Hudler-Datsyuk-Cleary
Zetterberg-Filppula-Franzen
Bertuzzi-Helm-Abdelkader
Holmstrom-Eaves-Miller/Mursak/Emmerton/Brunnstrom

Hudler’s spot would be interchangeable with Franzen, Eaves, and possibly Helm and Holmstrom as needed. It would give us quite a bit of flexibility and depth, and make it impossible for a top defensive pair to take on Datsyuk and Zetterberg during an entire game.

Sidenote: I think Firefox’s spellcheck is planning to murder me. I can see the red in its eyes.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions

It's preseason game 1

This is about seeing what the young kids can do while keeping the older guys fresh.

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Sep 21, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

I know that. But it does make me wonder why the other vets are all linemates and then Holmstrom is stuck with a bunch of rooks. It probably is to rest him, but I am really beginning to think Babcock is looking to reduce his even strength role with the team severely this season.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Well

I’m on record as saying that I’m on board with that, so personally, I have no problems with him seeing less time at ES.

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Sep 21, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Spot-on!

I like those combos. Only thing I would change is Miller swapping with Eaves on the 4th line.

Now, with the spare parts..

Mursak>Emmerton>Johnson/Brunnstrom

Emmerton is a guy that could come in and put up points with better quality linemates than he was given in the A. In that case I would but him ahead of Ryan Johnson. If he isnt putting up points then Johnson is more valuable than him, especially in a grinders role. The difference is one if them has a contract and the other doesn’t.

Brunnstrom has the tools to become a productive NHL’er. But hasn’t shown the heart that it takes to win Babcock’s. If he has a good preseason I see him winning a contract. Probably a 2-way contract though.

Mursak is a guy who could grind or be a 3rd-2nd line tweener. I think he is the most valuable of our spares.

Dark Horses:

Tatar: Pure heart from the moment he was drafted. He works hard, and has shown that he will do whatever it takes to play with the big boys. The only way I see him winning an spot is if he blows the roof off during preseason, and Hudler does nothing. The organization won’t put him in a minimal role when he can play huge minutes in GR.

Nyquist: This horse is darker than Claude Lemiux’s empty cavity of a chest. He would have to be a dominate force during the pre-season, and force the organization to basically give him a spot on the big club straight outta college (having played only a fistful of AHL games). He has serious skill. I would bet on Dustin Byfuglien ordering a salad before I would that happening though.

Brendan Smith- This kid just wants it. Sure his game needs a little polish, but he has extraordinary drive and skill. A serious game-changer. With a Red Wings office who are intent on him developing into a very special player.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 9:51 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

What is with all this love for Ryan Johnson? He’s never struck me as someone with any serious NHL future ahead of him and when we signed him, I figured he’d fit into a Doug Janik type role in Grand Rapids. Borderline NHL player that plays almost permanently in the minors and provides veteran leadership for the younger guys.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Also meant to mention he stands little to no shot at making the roster simply because Emmerton can’t be sent back down. The only one who really stands a chance is Brunnstrom because his potential is about four Ericssons larger than Emmerton’s. Unless Emmerton is really unimpressive during the preseason, I see him as our 14th guy for the foreseeable future

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Very good point. I don’t like Ryan Johnson very much. the only way I see him above Emmerton is the same way you see it. It is Emmerton’s spot to lose.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 10:08 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

And even then Johnson stands no shot because Brunnstrom has reportedly impressed damn near everyone at camp and at one point, he was seen as one of the top European prospects in the world (granted… so was Leino). Picking Johnson at this point would be a lose-lose situation.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Brunnstrom isn’t worth anything on the fourth line, unless he changes his game.

Johnson is a center, who’s only value is on the fourth line.

It all depends on who shines the brightest, and where Babs and the boys feel player A, B, or C best fits.

My bets would be on Emmerton, like you said, he has an actual real-life contract.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 10:23 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Bertuzzi is growing a ponytail?

I hope it’s more of a mullet. If not, oh god.

Also Helm says Abby and Bert have more offensive upside than him? Bert is more skilled for sure, but personally I believe Helm is more likely to blossom into an offensive threat than Abdelkader. Hmmm..

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 7:37 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Helm's being humble

The kind of thing that future alternate captains do.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 21, 2011 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Ahhh, what a beautiful thing to imagine.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 8:13 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

He’s been mentored by Kris freaking Draper his entire career, you learn these kinds of things from guys like Drapes.

I do have to wonder if he caught the pranks habit, though…

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Also note that when talking about Bert:

“Helm had just the right amount of glint in his eyes when he was asked about his new right winger, replying, “I hope I can match his speed and intensity.”

He is working on the Red Wing mainstay, playing coy.

"Hey Laserlips. Your mama was a snowblower."

by AirmanSD on Sep 21, 2011 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Ha ha

Any mention by Helm on matching someone else’s speed is hilarious.

Fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings.

by Elfuego51 on Sep 21, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Also, the A on Helm’s chest is pretty much inevitable at this point, I think. Franzen is our third best forward, but not much of a leader. On the blueline, maybe Stuart or Kronners could don it, but who knows.

Once TPH hangs them up, I think we’ll see this:
C – Zetterberg
A – Datsyuk

A2-1 – Helm
A2-2 – Stuart

It’ll be much like how Drapes used to cycle in and out as an alternate.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions

I think
C – Zetterberg
A – Datsyuk
A2 – 1 – Kronwall
A2 – 2 – Cleary or Helm

Cleary is a leader in the locker room and work outs. Kronwall has already worn the A at one point last season. Franzen may wear it, but he doesn’t like bring in the spotlight. I cant remember where I read it but he has an anxiety disorder.

Helm is no doubt a future Captain of this team. He is all heart and hard work.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 9:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Fly on the helmet

I’d give anything to hear the conversations when Datsyuk is involved as an Assistant Captain and is talking to the ref about some call he made….with his broken English, sly wit, and everything else Datsyuk – it would be priceless.

by Kendal on Sep 21, 2011 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions

We do have that fly. It’s @NotPavelDatsyuk who hasn’t tweeted in a while. I am now ashamed and sad.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions

You know… I completely forgot about Cleary.

I am ashamed.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions

Stuart

Stuart will need to be resigned before he gets teh A. I dunno if he will resign though, cause he is going to get a raise.

by Red Wing Nut on Sep 21, 2011 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Same can be said of Kronwall, though. And Helm. And Cleary only has one more year after this season. All four of the choices have soon-to-be expiring contracts.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions

I’m actually cooking up a little something to keep an eye on all of the Wings’ upcoming FA this offseason. We’ll debut it early in the season. It will give everyone a place to talk about whether certain guys should be kept around or not.

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Sep 21, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Kronwall will likely get a contract during the season.

http://mobile.mlive.com/advannarbor/pm_103361/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=hUV7Oekp

I think Stuart will as well, depending on what he is asking and what other options there are.

by PavelsBabbles on Sep 21, 2011 10:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

No, I agree completely. I’m on record saying that Kronwall will get one before the All Star break, Helm shortly after, and Stuart after that with Abdelkader probably getting a deadline deal like Ericsson, Eaves, and Miller did this summer. I was just pointing out that, as of right now, all the alternate captain prospects aren’t signed long term

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions

damn

I have work tonight…this blows, I need some hockey…

by HockeyGuy9125 on Sep 21, 2011 8:34 AM CDT reply actions

NHL-Network Tonight

can anyone say DVR? I thought you could.

by Kendal on Sep 21, 2011 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions

I will have it recorded...

but I would rather be watching hockey than working…

by HockeyGuy9125 on Sep 21, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Morning Skate?

Morning skate.

Huzzah!

by Casey Richey on Sep 21, 2011 8:35 AM CDT reply actions 5 recs

I can rec this.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions

I can't

and that’s the truth, Truth.

by Casey Richey on Sep 21, 2011 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Is it really you?

You should have warned us you were stopping by. Here I am looking like a slob while the place is a mess.

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Sep 21, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, usually a good idea to have the pants on when your former boss shows up

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 21, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

TOO LATE.

by Casey Richey on Sep 21, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions

isnt there a way to stream for free on verizon? i just got me a fancy smartphone

by mikerlz on Sep 21, 2011 11:53 AM CDT reply actions

4-3 Red team- POTG - TATAR

…it may be too early for that but why not :)

i’m rocking my Wings Jersey in Shark(s)-infested waters!

GOO HOCKEY

Also – i wonder if there will be a stream online for the game hmm hmm

Asheeshy's Twitter

"A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day." ~ Calvin (C & H)

by Igorzba on Sep 21, 2011 12:45 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs