Are the Red Wings in an unenviable Position?

Question

It seems the Hockey world (non-Wings fans) let out a collective groan w/ the signing of Hossa. Do you think it puts them in an unenviable position that any thing less than a SC Repeat will be a MAJOR disappointment? I mean, I know the Wings are expected to win every year by their fans, but w/ the addition of Hossa, I think it puts a lot of pressure on them to win or look really bad.

Also as a secondary question: w/ the signing of Hossa who is out of the Wings roster to make room?

Answer 1

No they are not.  In fact quite the contrary.   Don't you think that all the other teams would rather be in the position of having won last year and attempting to win again.  It's a better place to be than having not won at all no matter how you look at it.



Secondary:  Most likely Darren Helm will be sent back to the minors

Answer 2

When I read this question I thought you were going to mention something about the Cap, not the Cup.

No, I don't believe that to be so.

Here's how my line-up looks:

Forwards:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Hossa

Maltby-Draper-Cleary

Samuelsson-Hudler-Kopecky

I don't see them breaking up the top line.  McCarty and Helm will probably go to Grand Rapids but I expect them to be called up by the end of the year.

Defense:

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Stuart-Kronwall

The four-headed monster of Lebda, Meech, Lilja, and Chelios.

Nothing new here, except for Meech.

Goalies:

Osgood

Conklin/Howard

It will all depend on who shines at camp.

amber: I have to agree with Major Tom on this one.  I don't see Zetterberg going anywhere.  As a matter of fact, I think he signs an extension mid-season.

Answer 3

No...your team getting better when you are already the favorite on paper is never a bad thing. The Red Wings are contenders every year, so there is no added pressure this year as opposed to any other. Also to the other answer...Crosby saying something about repeating as a Cup champion being tough is not something I'd take to heart. Ya know since he hasn't won one.

To your second question alot of Wings fan seem to think their lineup looks something like this

Hossa-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Zetterberg-Filppula

Cleary-Draper-Samuelsson

Kopecky-Hudler-Maltby

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Lilja/Chelios/Lebda/Quincey

Osgood

Conklin

Answer 4

I  would never have thought that the Wings could get any better.................and they did. But little mistakes cause big problems in the long run.......what I mean is that just because the Wings - still - have an unbelievably talented group of players doesn't mean they'll get the Cup again. Take the Patriots for example.........not a good example.........gahh nevermind haha

And your second question is the first question I asked myself when I heard that the Wings signed Hossa, I'm still clueless.

Answer 5

This is an excellent question, but I don't think so.  I am a hardcore wings fan, but Sidney Crosby even said himself to repeat a Stanley Cup in the league these days is close to impossible.  I feel that the Wings are still the best team, but other teams mature, change their style of play, and even picked up players in spots where they had trouble before.  Detroit could play a team that actually finds it's weakness.

I don't think it would be a huge disappointment.

Excellent question.

Answer 6

Hi

Holland was saying he expects to have Zetterberg extended by end of summer. Filppula is right now rumored to be looking over a couple offers priced above where Det could match. He has to make the choice money or family. Its going to be a hard choice for him and I wouldn't fault him for going with the money cause its not type that he will get in Det ever.

Hossa agreed to the one year deal knowing Holland's priority of signing Franzen and Zetterberg. So far all I have read is this may turn into similar situation as Detroit had several years ago where everyone signs for a bit less to keep everyone together. Lilja may be on trading block though and Chelios now may not get resigned, Babcock was quoted as saying Ericsson will be getting MAJOR NHL minutes.  Baring a couple major injuries that couldn't happen unless couple D wasn't around. I guess asking price is 2nd rounder for Lilja.

Personally I think anything can happen in the play offs so I don't get to disappointed at early round exits.

Thank You