First off, Sport Illustrated ran a photo piece that listed the top 15 goalies in a shootout as voted by 186 players. I was astounded, no outraged, no pissed, no...*insert whatever you want synonym for angry* that Jimmy Howard didn't even MAKE the list. He's only given up 2 goals on 18 shootout attempts. If you look here you'll see that he's 3rd in shootout wins and 5th in save percentage. RIDICULOUS!!!!!

Now, on a semi more reasonable thought, ESPN Rumors made mention of the thought that because of the Winter Classic, Nick Lidstrom might be more apt to stick around the extra year to play in front of 115k people. I think its an interesting idea that he would stick around just for that game. Do you think he's more likely to stick around because of the Winter Classic?

So, the 2013 Winter Classic has officially been announced. It will feature our Detroit Red Wings facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a classic Original 6 Match-up at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The city of Detroit was not forgotten as Comerica Park is set to host various events leading up to the Winter Classic. Most of us have known about this for awhile but now that it is official we can look forward to things such as new jerseys, the alumni game, and other festivities.

There's also the possibility of HBO renewing Road to the Winter Classic: 24/7 for another season that would feature both teams which I'm sure everyone would love to see. The question is, if it happens, who will be the stand-out camera stars on both sides?

This year, which featured the Flyers and Rangers, had an assortment of different personalities appear on screen. The variety ranged from the odd Ilya Bryzgalov and his stories about tigers in China to Sean Avery and his creepy fashion shoot. Of course, you can't forget Tortorella and Laviolette's colorful speeches before and during games.

I think the obvious guesses as to who will be the camera stars for the Red Wings side would be Howard, Datsyuk, and Bertuzzi. I think guys like Hudler, Cleary, and Abdelkader can also step up and provide us some quality entertainment as well.

On the Toronto side, i think guys like Grabovski, Kessel (lol), and Phaneuf will stand out the most. I think Wilson is also a good bet to put on a performance similar to Tortorella's this year.

Anyway, what do you guys think? Who will shine on 24/7 from both sides? What will Babcock's speeches look or sound like? Will next year's 24/7 be entertaining as this years (if it happens)? Remember, this is all speculation and it's just for fun so feel free to discuss!

EDIT: I remember someone posting about this awhile back, but i thought I'd make my own post now since the Winter Classic is now official and we got a taste of what 24/7 could be like with NHL36's feature on Lidstrom. It still may or may not happen, but for now we can speculate as to what it would be like.

Well that last round wasn't even close. Sidney Christ who was neck and neck with the two in the first round lost all his supporters and no one else (not even Corey Perry!?) came close. So Pronger vs. Thorton it is. One's a giant fuckstick whose made a career out of increasingly dirty plays and patented surprise elbow attacks. The other is a giant fuckstick who leads his team of somewhat lesser giant fucksticks by epic diving and snowshowering the opponents goalie whenever the opportunity arises. Both are obvious HoF players but that doesn't excuse them for being shitheads.

Let's watch some videos after the jump!

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We all have heard Jeff Carter is not happy in Columbus. Now the word is getting around that Rick Nash is more than ever wanting out, without directly asking to get out.

More than likely, the asking price for Nash is through the roof. Carter may be much easier to grab with his 'bad attitude." I have read that he is a gamble with that attitude, but the right place and happiness he can thrive.

What do the think asking prices are? As Wing fans...what would we give up? What should we give up?

I would love to see either one wearing our loved wheel. I think it would cost way too much that the Red Wings SHOULD NOT lose, but I am not Mr. Holland. And landing Rick Nash would be incredible.

Uniforms are undoubtedly my favorite part of sports. They make a team what they are. What will the Red Wings organization use to represent themselves for this upcoming Winter Classic?

http://www.nhluniforms.com/RedWings/RedWings.html

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(Ed Note: I'm putting this on the front page because this can be the place to discuss Franzen. Love him or hate him, he's pretty polarizing right now, and everyone's got an opinion. Feel free to share yours in the comment. - Graham)

Since I'm usually the eternal optimist around these parts, this may be a bit jarring for some. Let me lay it out for you what's been bugging me. It's like a broken record. No complaining is going to change any situation or player. Let's face it, you know who I'm talking about. He's our Mule. He can be a goal scorer and contributes on the top lines more often than not. There are times when he disappears, only to reappear and take over a period. That's just how it goes.

Now, I was asked to post this so that I wouldn't have to keep posting replies to people in the game thread.

NOTE: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I will not try to keep you from having it. That's NOT the point of this post. It's just, I get tired of hearing the same old, rehashed and tired arguments over and over again. Franzen may be a loafer, but he's OUR loafer who can score goals. He's a part of Kenny's game plan. Get used to seeing him around. He's been here for how long and I still hear this argument? You don't get 9 GWG by riding pine, sitting in the Leino lounge, or by skating around waiting for Datsyuk to just pass to you. One has to have SOME sort of talent. I will not deny that Franzen doesn't give 100% all the time, but read on to hear me out... or not if I've already offended you. Warning: No pretty pictures beyond this point.. just me whining about others whining.

via farm8.staticflickr.com

THE MULE DOESN'T CARE WHAT WE THINK...

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Hey guys,

Couple of questions. I'm actually flying in ALL the way from CA to go see the Wings play the Sharks on February 19th.

1). Website to buy tickets for the Sharks vs Wings game? I know there are a whole bunch but do you have a preference? I'm willing to spend some money because god knows that if I fly all the way to Detroit from San Jose, I want the seats that are NOT the last row of the Joe.

2). Any good places to eat around the Joe?

3). Fastest way from the JLA to airport as I'll be running to catch a flight after waiting to see if Pasha or Z stop to sign some swag (cross-stitch portrait, got to stop right?)

4). What do you guys know about this outdoor skate on the 18th that's happening and how early would you recommend one gets there? if they start at 11, is 9AM early enough?

Sorry for all the random questions. Not used to going to a GOOD hockey city where people care about the game. (last time I was in San Jose, someone asked me if they had a hockey team... serious).

And also, hope this is okay to ask.

For those of you who know me, know that while I live in Phoenix, I grew up in Seattle (and somehow became a Red Wing fan).

Anyways, there have been a number of rumors running around of NHL realignment/team movement. New Jersey, the Isles, Phoenix, Florida, Carolina, Columbus.

The one that kinda hits me is that there's talk of the Coyotes being the team to move to Seattle. I'm torn, because I like have a hockey team here in town to go see from time to time, plus it's my only chance to see the Red Wings in person. But I'd love for my hometown to get a team, but then I'd feel torn rooting for them and the Red Wings (unless the Wings move to the East). Yes, I am a homer and root for all the Seattle teams.

So if the NHL were to move a team, do you think Seattle would be a good location? They've had the Thunderbirds for years and always been willing to support them. But the Canucks are relatively close already.

Should Phoenix lose it's team, even though it does have a pretty decent fanbase here?

What city should lose it's team? Which one should get one?

Lots of questions, answer what you want...

It can pretty much be agreed that this entire year, most everyone has looked at Hudler as trade bait. Every time a move has been discussed, Happy's name has popped up. And I've been a heavy supporter of this; he's small, he isn't the best skater, he lacks defensive awareness, and he's a womanizer. Sure, he's got a bit of scoring touch, but does that really outweigh all of those things that he lacks? Is he really worth keeping?

I want to say no, but after last night, I'm at a crossroads.

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[Editor's note: Added to the front page for interest. If you've got a similar story, please share it in the comments]

I wanted to pass along some information regarding "authentic" jerseys on NHL shop.

(Gets on soapbox)

I recently received an authentic Pavel Datsyuk road jersey as a Christmas gift from my wife. I was very happy with the quality when I got it, but had to send it back because they shipped it to me with a snag in it. Upon getting my replacement, I could immediately tell it was of inferior quality – it was thinner, lighter, rougher feeling, not identical to the picture on the NHL shop’s website, missing the RBK logo on the back, missing tags on the inside of the jersey, and, most importantly, made in Indonesia. Now I don’t really care where it’s made, but I know for damn sure the original one I received was made in Canada.

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