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Posts Tagged Justin Abdelkader

Wings youth movement negates age argument

Oct 5

Posted by Chris in Soap Box | No Comments

The Detroit News offered up some insight today into what sports writers from around the league think about the Detroit Red Wings and their chances coming into the new season. The claims were mostly positive with many wondering how the Wings continue to thrive and show such incredible consistency. The retractors, however, continued to use the same line that the Wings have been dealing with for years.

They are too old.

Most of the writers agreed that the Wings are definitely a playoff contender, although there were mixed feelings whether the Wings or the Blackhawks would lead the Central division this year. But for three out of nine writers, age was a significant concern while advanced age was mentioned by six of the nine writers.

Yes, the Wings are getting older. But consider the following:

  • Sure, Nicklas Lidstrom is 41 years old, which is almost ancient in hockey years, but he is also coming off of a bounce-back, Norris Trophy-winning season and shows no signs of slowing down. Even in a off-year Lidstrom is still better than a vast majority of NHL defenseman. Injuries have never been much of a concern thanks to a smart style of play that relies on good positioning and solid stick work. Age certainly isn’t a concern for the mighty Nick Lidstrom.
  • At 36-years-old, Todd Bertuzzi certainly isn’t the offensive threat he once was with the Vancouver Canucks, but he has been incredibly consistent the last several years – especially with the Wings. Bertuzzi chipped in 45 points last season, one better than his 44 the season before. Sure, the Wings would love a 20-goal, 50-point season from Bertuzzi, but he knows his role as a secondary scorer and he does it well. Besides, do moves like this indicate that Bertuzzi shows any signs of slowing down?
  • Ty Conklin was brought on in the off-season to back up Jimmy Howard when Chris Osgood decided to retire. After a sour season last year with St. Louis, Conklin, 35, re-signed with the Red Wings. A better defense in front of Conklin and more offensive support should help bring his numbers back down this year.

The only other player on the Wings’ roster this season over the age of 35 is Tomas Holmstrom. While Holmstrom has shown signs of slowing down in recent years, probably mostly thanks to the abuse he takes in front of the net on a nightly basis, it appears as if Holmstrom will be used a bit more sparingly this season with other players such as Jiri Hudler and Patrick Eaves rotating in on the top line alongside Pavel Datsyuk.

Also consider the fact that much of the Wings’ “age” retired this offseason with Kris Draper (40) and Chris Osgood (38) hanging up the skates. Defenseman Brian Rafalski (38) also retired and was replaced on the blue line by 27-year-old defenseman Ian White.

The truth is that the Wings will actually look much younger this season with players like Eaves, Drew Miller, Darren Helm (pictured), Justin Abdelkader, Cory Emmerton and Jan Mursak all slotted to play. None of those players are older than 28.

In an ironic twist, the sports writer from Nashville at least went outside the box and cited that the Wings failed to make any significant offseason improvements. Kettle. Black. Done.

In fact, outside of the additions of Commodore, White and Conklin, the Wings didn’t make any significant additions – not because they didn’t want to, but because the talent wasn’t available this summer. Remember that the Wings are roughly $5 million under the salary cap. That gives them more than enough space to address any legitimate concerns at the trade deadline and make them serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.

This season will be the first in a long time to feature a significant youth movement on the Red Wings’ roster with many of the younger players expected to take on more significant roles. Even 30-year-old Niklas Kronwall is expected to take over more responsibility from the ageless Nicklas Lidstrom. And Valtteri Filppula could be in line for a breakout season (finally) after a big preseason with six points in four games. With younger players taking on more responsibilities and veterans still performing at high levels, it’s difficult to take seriously the argument that the Wings are too old to win.

 

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Brendan Shanahan is Busy Man in Preseason

Oct 3

Posted by Eddie in Behind the Bench | 1 Comment

NHL VP of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan has been a busy man so far this preseason. He has handed down several suspensions for illegal hits to the head. I believe he is sending a message to every player and every team that hits to the head will not be tolerated. No one is exempt from suspension, from Detroit soon-to-be-minor league player Brendan Smith to recently-suspended Clarke MacArthur. When a controversial hit is sent to his desk for review and suspensions are handed down, it won’t be a matter if someone will be suspended but rather how many games.

“NHL Rule 48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A lateral or blind side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact is not permitted”

I like this because he’s taking a no-nonsense approach to cleaning up the beautiful game. With what happened over this year with Sidney Crosby, the league has to take a proactive approach to maintain the intensity needed to play the game but without the head shots and checks from behind that has plagued the game since men have been lacing up the skates.

Below are a couple of video clips as well as my opinion on the hit. I’ve also included Shanahan’s punishment if he has made a ruling on the incident.

Brendan Smith (Red Wings) on Ben Smith (Blackhawks)

A play that was outright dirty, Brendan Smith deserved a multi-game suspension. He was about to get beat on the 1-on-1 by Ben Smith when Brendan lounged his shoulder clearly into the head of Ben. Seeing a few Red Wings preseason games, Brendan isn’t NHL-ready. He looked like a fish out of water with bad passing and failing to keep his head up when he got hit. He’ll learn how to properly hit someone in the American Hockey League and should be more prepared next season.

Shanahan Sentence: Three preseason and five regular season games.

Next up: Clarke MacArthur (Maple Leafs) on Justin Abdelkader (Red Wings)

The first clip was a hit by a Detroit Red Wing. The clip above was a hit on a Detroit Red Wing. Two days after Smith’s hit, Abdelkader was the victim of a hit to the head. Shanny even decided to clearly explain the rules and why it was called. While MacArthur didn’t intend to hit Abdelkader to the head, it was wreck-less. To help my point, look at the time of the incident. It happened with a few seconds left in the game and it was headed to overtime. It wasn’t like MacArthur tried to stop a scoring opportunity (potentially giving Abdelkader a breakaway). Not to mention, the official should have called interference on MacArthur because the puck was no where near Abdelkader and he was trying to turn up the ice to play the puck. What helped in MacArthur’s case is that this was his first incident and any other time he violates this rule, he will be considered a repeat offender.

Shanahan sentence: Remainder of the preseason as well as two regular season games.

In the end, Shanny is going to use the following guidelines when reviewing cases:

  • Illegal check to the head
  • Head position doesn’t change
  • No discipline history
  • No injury

Check back Behind the Bench periodically throughout the season for my take when ever a controversial play or ruling is made on the ice, in the Toronto War Room, or behind Shanahan’s desk.

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Several players will get opportunity to step up in place of Modano

Dec 1

Posted by Chris in Fantasy | No Comments

With only two goals and six assists in 20 games on the season, Detroit Red Wings forward Mike Modano was by no means a Fantasy Hockey stud before his injury over the weekend against the Columbus Blue Jackets. But his injury, which is expected to sideline Modano until close to playoff time, could allow some other Red Wings players to step up and shine both on the ice and on your Fantasy roster. Here are a couple players that might be look a second glance in the coming weeks if you’re in need of an offensive boost.

Justin Abdelkader will see significantly more playing time as he steps in to center the third line with former 20-goal scorers Jiri Hudler and Dan Cleary on his wings. With seven points in 13 games, most of which came as a fourth line grinder, Abdelkader has the skill set to play in the top-6 and seems to get better every game. He will get ample opportunity to create offense and help fill Modano’s shoes on the third line. Abdelkader also excels in hits and shot block categories if your league rewards for those stats.

Dan Cleary, who is already off to an impressive start with 10 goals and five assists in 21 games, will also be looked upon to shoulder the load and help carry the offense. He might be worth a look if your league is deep and he hasn’t been snatched up already.

One real anomaly on the team is Jiri Hudler. In his first stint with the Wings before defecting to Russia for last season before rejoining the team this year, Hudler managed to increase his scoring production in each season he played and finally topped out at 23 goals and 57 points in 2008-09. However, Hudler has struggled to find his way this year and only has six points in 18 games and has often found himself the odd man out as a healthy scratch. However, Hudler replaced Modano on the point of the second power play unit this past Sunday against Columbus. With a bomb of a shot and excellent play making abilities, Hudler could see a lot more power play time this season as a point man which will give him more ice time and hopefully help increase his sluggish production.

The Wings currently boast the second best goals per game average in the league and the 10th best power play percentage. Some of these players may be worth keeping an eye on if your league is deep and you need options for players with the possibility to have breakout campaigns. At least stash them on your watch list and see how things pan out over the next few weeks. Abdelkader seems to have the most room to benefit and will finally see steady ice time for the first time in his young career. He has been a workhorse this season and continues to get rewarded for his stellar play and his work ethic.

While no exact timetable has been given for Modano’s return after suffering a severed tendon and some nerve damage in his right wrist, the team hopes that Modano can make it back in time to get back up to speed before the playoffs roll around in April.

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Modano to Detroit?

Jul 5

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

Once I heard Mike Modano possibly being signed by Detroit this I had to take a double take. Could it be, the player I grew up watching and loving, a home grown Michigander, possibly playing for my home team? The thought still makes me tingle with anticipation.

Mike Modano is on the verge of retiring as the Dallas Stars have decided to part ways with their once franchise player. Modano is no spring chicken anymore, this is not contested, but he has plenty left in the tank. Modano played only 59 games last season and the majority of that on the third and fourth lines but put up a respectable 30 points. Modano’s strong suit is on the power play where he posted 3 goals and 7 assists. Ok, I know right now you are saying 10 points is pretty low, but factor in he did not play much on the power play, he did just fine.

Detroit currently, as always, waits on free agency to see who they can get for cheap and under the cap space. With Detroit losing a few free agents by will,  most likely including Jason Williams who did play point on the power play, it would make sense not only from a cap space opportunity to sign Modano, but also because he can work with young up and coming stars like Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm.

Please Detroit, I know I have criticized you for signing old and over the hill players, but please sign Modano, I guarantee I will purchase a jersey with his new number on it. (9 is retired, 19 is retired, what other combination with 9 could he take?)

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Phoenix Coyotes Win Game 7, Here’s Why

Apr 27

Posted by Matt in News | No Comments

Coyotes captain Shane Doan scares off opponents with the Doan face

Coyotes captain Shane Doan scares off opponents with the Doan face

While I’m not on the Phoenix Coyote bandwagon, like EB, and I root for my hometown Detroit Red Wings, I just don’t think they have what it takes to win Game 7 in Glendale tonight.

This series has been very well coached from the beginning. Some errors have been made here and there, but overall you have, arguably, the league’s best coach in Mike Babcock, going against a sure thing for coach of the year in Dave Tippett. The biggest difference I notice between the two, is how their respective players show up for every game. While the Coyotes are playing their hearts out every night, some Red Wings appear to only show up when they want to.

Mike Babcock often says he loves the playoffs because it keeps you honest. His team knows what they need to do, but lately its been a challenge for them to actually get on to the ice and do it. On the other hand, Dave Tippet’s squad knows how to bring it each and every game. They are playing high energy, physical, playoff style hockey. Plus, not only are they playing to keep their season alive, but they’re playing for their coach too. Somewhere along the line, this seems to have been lost for the Red Wings.

While coaching isn’t everything, some of the philosophies remain strong. Babcock is also a fan of telling the media that the Red Wings best players need to be their best players. This means guys like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Lidstrom, and so on, all need to step up. When the only guys showing any urgency are players like Helm, Abdelkader, Eaves, and Miller, you have to question who is playing playoff hockey? They may not be all stars, but every shift they go out there and lay everything on the table. The same cannot be said about the Red Wings big names recently.

When it comes down to game time, the players decide everything. Right now, everything is going the way of the Phoenix Coyotes. Tonight’s home crowd is going to be rowdy, full of energy, and ready to celebrate a series clinching victory. Ilya Bryzgalov will be in a position to lead his team to victory. His all out effort, and save after save performance will give his players and the home crowd a giant boost from the get go. On top of that, the strong defense and penalty killing we saw in Game 6 will return tonight.

It’s not so much that Phoenix will be good enough to win, but more or less that Detroit will be bad enough to lose. Rookie goaltender Jimmy Howard faces a lot of controversy after calling the Coyotes latest victory “lucky.” In his first playoff series, and first game 7, I don’t think he has what it takes just yet. He has been shaky, at best, in four out of six games thus far. While he will come to play tonight, a soft goal or two will lead to the ultimate demise of the Red Wings Stanley Cup dreams.

Prediction: Ilya Bryzgalov outplays Jimmy Howard in a battle of the netminders, while the Coyotes defense and penalty kill will stifle the Red Wings once again. A close 3-2 game down the stretch will be sealed by an empty netter for the Coyotes, who will advance to play San Jose in round two. Final score, 4-2, and the Doan face haunts the Red Wings all summer.

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Cam Ward and Jason Williams Bit by Injury Plague

Nov 8

Posted by Matt in News | 10 Comments

Cam Ward, of the Carolina Hurricanes, is out indefinitely after Rick Nash's skate lacerated his leg

Cam Ward, of the Carolina Hurricanes, is out indefinitely after Rick Nash's skate lacerated his leg

Despite all of the great hockey we have seen in the 2009-10 NHL season so far, one tremendous downfall continues to plague the league. This season, some of the NHL’s most notable stars have been injured, along with dozens of role players as well. In addition to the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Johan Franzen, Daniel Sedin, Simon Gagne, Marc Savard, Sergei Gonchar, and Valtteri Filppula, two more players have now been sidelined with injuries.

First we have Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes. While Ward is having a sub-par start to his season, his career numbers are good. He helped lead the Hurricanes to the Eastern Conference Finals last season where they were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2005-06, Ward lead the team to a Stanley Cup Championship in a 7-game series over the Edmonton Oilers. He went on to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs as well.

Against Columbus, last night, Cam Ward’s leg was lacerated by the skate of Blue Jacket Rick Nash. Ward left the game and was taken to the hospital. He remained in the hospital Saturday night, and did not make the flight home with his teammates. There is no timetable for his return, so Carolina will be forced to give Michael Leighton the starts in net. Beyond that, they will either have to call up a goalie from their minor league system, or begin to look at possible trade options to provide added depth.

Just as things we’re beginning to look up for the Detroit Red Wings, winning three straight, they took another huge hit. In the second period of last nights game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jason Williams suffered a fractured fibula when he lost his balance and fell wrong on the ice. This injury will put Williams out for at least two months. Detroit is already without forwards Valtteri Filppula and Johan Franzen, and another injury obviously hurts the team.

Injuries in Detroit will give players such as Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves and Ville Leino a great chance to step up and show what they’ve got. The young players bring a tremendous amount of speed and energy to the team, but they have yet to show much on the scoreboard this season. Leino, for example, was considered by many to be in the running for Rookie of the Year honors after netting five goals and four assists in thirteen games when he was called up last season from Grand Rapids.  In fourteen games this season, however, he has two goals and one assist with a minus four rating. If we are to see any more success in Detroit this November, these energy players must begin to produce.

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