Mid-Season Report Card

[Frk It]

Well, we are 24 games into the season. Guess we could use a new thread.

Forwards

A Datsyuk- Creating a ton of offense, having a great year in the faceoff dot, playing great defensive hockey. Just stuck playing with 2 turds, or he'd have a bunch more points.
A Zetterberg- Looked absolutely amazing in the first stretch of games this year, but has slowed down a bit lately. Still centering our best-producing line for the 2nd year running.

B+ Brunner- Brought him over to score goals, and he has. Needs to make some improvements in his overall game, but seems eager to learn and has showed some progress in that regard already.
B+ Tootoo- My favorite signing along with Brunner. Guy creates a ton of energy, skates well, and he puts a lot of puck on net. Creates havoc and should play more minutes than he does I think.
B+ Tatar- Guy has great skill and hands to score in close around the net. Wants the puck on his stick and wants to score. Plays with a lot of heart. He has been great so far.
B Andersson- He does a lot of little things right that may go unnoticed, and is very responsible with and without the puck, I do question his skating a bit at the NHL levels some nights against some teams though.
B Emmerton - Has been one of the most improved players on the team. I think he has improved a bunch as a PKer and he creates some chances for himself in the Ozone battling for pucks and taking them to the goal. Has pretty decent offensive instincts compared to our other bottom 6 players minus Tatar.
B- Eaves- I think he has been OK, pretty average. Still can skate pretty good, seems like not as good, and still has a pretty good shot compared to our other bottom 6 forwards.

C+ Franzen- Guy has too much skill to only have 4 goals. Looks disinterested most games. If he played every game this year like he did last game I'd give him a much better grade. And there is no reason he shouldn't.
C Miller- Only reason I give him credit is his skating looks really good this year. I've always thought he was overrated and is a fringe NHL forward, and he's doing nothing special this year.
C- Abdelkader- I also think Abby's skating looks really good this year. He wins a lot of board battles and hits, but he has 2 pts in 24 games which is inexcusable. He really provides pretty much 0 offensively.

D Cleary- If he didn't have 5 goals I would give him an F. His goals are a result of his icetime and chances from playing with great players. Your eyes tell you he deserves an F if you have watched him play this year.

Defensemen

B+ Ericsson- Most steady and consistent defensemen. plays big minutes, positions well, and playing more physical than ever.
B Kindl- Has played very well recently, is looking cool and composed. Making good plays with his stick in his end, and even blocking shots. Also playing more physical than ever.
B Smith- Did not look great early this year with Quincey, but they both have been solid in recent games. Skill is there, needs to get in game-shape then he is going to wow people next year.
B Quincey- Thought he was terrible the first portion of the year, but he has been solid recently.
B- Kronwall- Offense is there in bunches, defense has been spotty. Has been better recently, so I give him credit for making adjustments, and holding himself accountable.
B- Lashoff- Plays a simple game, has had games where he looks solid, just overall not very impressed with him.
B- Huskins- See Brian Lashoff.
C+ White- Thought he was ok, just wasn't providing the offense that was supposed to come with his game. Think we're better off with him on the bench.

Incomplete

Filppula- looked pretty bad, but I'll give him a pass because he was definitely not 100%
Nyquist- going to reserve judgement til he is given a legitimate chance.
Bertuzzi- might be done as a Wing.
Colaiacovo- I actually thought he played pretty well, it's too bad he got hurt.

Goalies

B+ Howard-Didn't look great in the beginning of the season, though I attribute a lot of that to playing in front of a defensive unit that looked like **** and was inconsistent. Rounding into form now and I think he looks great. I think he plays better when he gets rest, and when he has competition and other goalies are playing good.

Gustavsson- Incomplete- Too small of a sample size. Has looked good so far though.

Click to read more...

 

[Frk It]

Should say that if we were healthy and Cleary and Abby were playing where they should be the line-up, I wouldn't be so tough on them.

Guess I should throw in a grade for Babcock as well.

I'll give him a B.

Don't think he should be fired, like others on here. But I do think he has made some questionable coaching decisions. Mostly his willingness to try and stick with Cleary and Abby on a line with Datsyuk. Even with everything considered he is still putting us in a chance to compete and win, and I think he does a good job of maximizing his roster.

I give him credit for his willingness to play Kindl, Lashoff, and Smith while he benches White. I also give him credit to take an extended look at Tatar and Andersson.

 

[Kronwalled55]

Forwards

Datsyuk: B+ , Not great for his standards, but certainly not bad for playing with dead weight.

Zetterberg: A , Give this man a medal this season. Snake bitten lately, but I would hate to see where this team would be if it wasn't for his dominant start.

Brunner: A- , Who the heck expected this from him? Leading the team in goals halfway through the season.

Franzen: B , The guy is backchecking and skating hard out there. It's nice to see from him. The points will come... hopefully.

Filppula: C- , Very disappointed. Not sure what happened before his injury, but he wasn't good.

Helm: N/A

Tootoo: A- Expected this to be a good signing, but not THIS good. Finally someone who can play with a pair on this team.

Miller: C+ , Just "meh"

Tatar: A- , The kid has "it." He'll be around for a while.

Andersson: B+ , He has surprised me. Solid player, and has proven me wrong.

Emmerton: B+ , Another player making me eat crow. Most improved player on the roster IMO.

Cleary: C- , At least he plays hard out there. Doesn't have much to show for it though

Abdelkader: C- , I'll never see what people see in him, mediocre at best.

 

[Kronwalled55]

Defense and Goaltending

Kronwall - B+ , Has temporarily stopped screening his own goaltender. Superb offensively, average defensively.

Ericsson: B+ , He's been a rock defensively. I cringe whenever he shoots the puck though. Can't get shots through.

Quincey: B- , Captain PLUS! Man was he bad the first couple weeks of the season. He's been good lately though.

Kindl: B: He's been good, proving me wrong out there.

Smith: B+ , He's been great lately. Looks more like "him" than the pre-injury Smith

Lashoff: C+ , I thought he looked better earlier in the season.



Howard: B- , Hit or miss. More softies this year, but has also dominated a few games. Great lately, could be completely different next week. Who knows.

 

[Flowah]

Don't get Miller grades. He's a cheap as hell fourth liner who sets up goals and puts some in too. More points than Emmerton, Tootoo, Abby. He plays solid on the PK.

I mean... what more are you looking for from him?

 

[RedWingsNow*]

Everyone gets an A

Or else thread gets locked down.

 

[Frk It]

Don't get Miller grades. He's a cheap as hell fourth liner who sets up goals and puts some in too. More points than Emmerton, Tootoo, Abby. He plays solid on the PK.

I mean... what more are you looking for from him?

Fair point, my grade for him is probably too low. Just always felt like he was a bit overrated on this board.

 

[Edge of Sanity*]

Datsyuk - A
Zetterberg - A
Franzen - B - guys gets the most undeserved hate of anyone I've ever seen
Filppula - D - dude sucks this year
Brunner - B+ - some of his idiotic plays brings his grade down a bit
Cleary - F
Abdelkader F - worst player in the NHL hands down, never want this guy to play another game
Tatar/Andersson/Emmerton - B
Eaves/Miller/ - C+
Tootoo - B
Bertuzzi/Helm/Samuelsson - inc

Kronwall - A - another guy that gets undeserved hate
Ericsson - B+
Kindl - B
Smith - B+
Lashoff - D
White - D
Quincey - C
Colaiacovo - inc
Huskins - C

Howard/Gustavsson - B

 

[RedWingsNow*]

B+ Zetterberg - Has had a couple giant games to pad the points, but offense comes and goes
B+ Datsyuk - Was finding groove until Babcock saddled him.
A- Brunner - Can't expect much more from the guy, who is starting to show more defensively. Still hasn't shown one-on-one moves vs defense. Must get more competitive on boards. Grading will be tougher when he gets his raise.
B- Franzen - Seemed like he was getting hot when he got hurt. But everyone knows the floating issues with this guy now.
F Cleary - Guy lacks speed to get it done. His mistakes are an embarrassment to himself and the coach who loads him with all this icetime. Can't wait until he's gone.
D Abdelkader - His stats would raise eyebrows for a fourth liner. But for a guy getting regular 2nd line/2nd PP minutes, they've become a curiosity. How could anyone be this unproductive?
C- Fillpula -- Hurt a lot even before he was injured.
B Andersson - Beats most expectations. Not sold on him yet as a center. Has been decent in the dot.
A Tatar - Kid has game and a goal scorer's mentality. Only thing holding him back is the role he plays. If he was playing alongside Datsyuk for the last 2-3 weeks, we'd be talking about him as a Calder candidate.
C+ Eaves - Has a fluke goal and some assists. But isn't the old Patrick Eaves. His skating has slowed.
C+ Emmerton Has looked really good some nights. Invisible other nights. Starting to look like a legit NHLers. Faceoffs still an issue
C Miller - Had too many rough shifts in his own end early, with giveways, etc. But has been better of late.
B+ TooToo - Goes out and hits and fights and skates. Other than Tatar, no forward is being held back more by his role.
Inc Bert - Looked pretty bad before he was hurt
Inc Sammy -- Always looks like hell
Inc Helm -- Been a long time

B Kronwall -- Has gotten over a brutal start, much of it due to the horrid pairing with Lashoff.
B Ericsson -- Prone to costly errors, Big E has been solid for the Wings this year. It's troublesome, however, when this guy is your defensive rock. Lots of even strength points. Very few shots on goal.
B- Kindl -- Outside of turnovers, this guy's game is the most improved on the team - bar none. Both goals are gamewinners, oddly. Love how he walks the line on the PP.
C+ Lashoff - Has done an admirable job for someone who has no business in the NHL. His positioning is too poor for someone thought of as a defensive defenseman.
B- Quincey - Has stopped taking stupid penalties. Has stopped making really dumb defensive plays. His plus/minus leads the team. But he's providing no offense and no physical play.
C+ Smith - Gets turned around easily on defense. Just one assist in 13 games.
C- Huskins - Reall below average kind of guy
C- White - Offensive defenseman can't score, removed from first pp unit. Yep. it's ugly
INC Colaiacovo --- Story of his life

B Jimmy Howard -- Been great lately. Was brutal early.

 

[last_sd]

I am going to stick with letter grades only no plus minus

Forwards

A
Datsyuk, Z, Brunner, Tootoo

B
Tatar, Emmerton, Andersson, Miller, Eaves

C
Abderkader, Cleary, Franzen, Flip

Inconclusive
Helm, Bert, Sammy

D & G
A
None

B
Howard
Every D except White

C
White

Inconclusive
Colo, Gus

 

[Edge of Sanity*]

I don't understand how people can give Cleary and Abdelkader anything above a D with a straight face.

 

[silkyjohnson50]

I don't understand how people can give Cleary and Abdelkader anything above a D with a straight face.

That's the truth.

They were terrible in the bottom 6 role to start the season. Does everyone forget how bad our bottom 6 was? Then a couple of kids come in and Cleary and Abdelkader move up and the bottom 6 starts playing good hockey and finding the back of the net from time to time. Then Cleary and Abdelkader get to play next to one of the best players in the world and still cannot produce. Even worse, they've completely taken him away from his usual game. And don't give me that they're helping defensively. Datsyuk was great defensively with Tomas Holmstrom on his line.

Literally every line they've been on has been a disappointment. Coincidence? I think not.

 

[Flowah]

Tomas Holmstrom on his line.

Homer at least has the offensive intelligence to play with Dats.

 

[Kiddington]

Forwards

A
Brunner - Doing everything that was expected of him and more. Defensive game is still suspect, but finally gives this team an offensive weapon we've lacked for quite some time.

Tatar - Kid is definitely a gamer. Tenacious, hard on the puck, and might have the best offensive instincts on the team outside of Brunner. Really wish Babcock would get his head out of ass and give him a chance on a real line.

Tootoo - Exactly what this team needed on the 4th line. Makes the most of every opportunity given, which, sadly, doesn't come often enough. Another case of severe roster mismanagement.

Zetterberg - Slowed down after a huge start, but is still playing very solid hockey. A good fit for the captaincy.

B
Andersson - Exceeding expectations. Size, good on draws... I like his potential.

Datsyuk - Not at his best, but making the most he can out of essentially having two lead bricks tied to his feet every night. Still one of the most dangerous players in the game, on both sides of the ice.

Emmerton - Quite a pleasant surprise. I didn't think much of this kid at all last season, but outside of Kindl, he's definitely the most improved player on the team. Starting to like his future as a solid 3rd/4th liner and PK specialist.

C
Eaves - Just not the same player he once was. Looks okay some nights, invisible most others.

Franzen - Production is kinda there, but still takes way too many nights off. Very frustrating player.

Miller - Does everything expected out of a 4th liner. Would probably be higher if not for the rough start.

D
Cleary - As bad as he's been in nearly every facet of the game, at least he's been able to sponge off of Datsyuk somewhat (I believe 4 of his 5 goals have come since that line's been together). Otherwise, he'd be a flat "F" for sure. Guy just doesn't have it anymore. His complete lack of speed and hockey sense is just embarrassing at this point.

F
Abdelkader - lol

...but seriously, one point (of which was an empty netter) while playing on Datsyuk's line? And not to mention all of the ample PP and OT minutes? No excuses. Absolutely no excuses. That level of production, given the circumstances, is simply an embarrassment. I was never a fan of the guy to begin with, looking at him as largely nothing more than a plug who doesn't hit hard, can't fight, can't win faceoffs, can't really do anything effectively as a 4th liner, and probably only continues to exist on this team because he's a local boy, but now this... I just, I don't even know what to say anymore. Get rid of this guy, PLEASE.

Inc
Bertuzzi - He's done.

Filppula - Tough luck hurting so much in a contract year. That should work to our advantage though, assuming he stays.

Helm - Definitely a shame. Much has been overblown on our injury situation thus far, due to almost none of these guys being actual gamechangers, but this is probably the biggest exception. Really hope we can get him back soon.

Samuelsson - why

Defense

A
None

B
Ericsson - Still prone to the occasional braincramp, but I definitely like the improvements he's made. Looks like all those years of growing pains are finally turning out to be worth it.

Kindl - Most improved player on the team, by far. Like I've been saying all along; give the guy an actual chance, and you'll see what he can do. Excellent passer, good offensive instincts, a lot more solid in his own end this year, way more physical, and his confidence is growing by the game. Just can't help but shake that nagging feeling that he's still not one of Babcock's pets, and this increased opportunity is nothing but a showcase. Hope I'm wrong on that.

Kronwall - Brutal start, but way better lately, enough so to bump him out of C territory with Quincey. Still our most gifted offensive blueliner, by far.

C
Huskins - Looked like a solid pickup at first, but it appears as though his days are numbered. Still, might be good to keep around as a 7th.

Lashoff - I'm not a fan, but admittedly, he's been much better lately. Still don't see much of an NHL ceiling on this guy, but hey, I've been wrong plenty before.

Quincey - His play early on was F worthy, but he's definitely turned it around. He's been solid; cut way down on the braincramps, and the +/-, flawed stat as it is, does speak for itself. Still... given that salary, he should be way more to this team than Kent Huskins plus. Invisible defenseman shouldn't be making an upwards of near 4 million a season.

Smith - This is tough, but... you know what? I'm not impressed. Granted, he's been hurt, and yes, this is his first real taste of NHL action, but... I dunno, I guess I just expected more. He's been completely ineffective offensively, and he gets turned around worse than probably any of our other defenseman, now that Quincey is no longer in terribad form. Only 1 point so far... really, he just looks invisible most nights.

I think he'll be fine in the long run, of course. But in the context of this point in the season (which is what we're doing here), he hasn't shown me much.

D
White - Offensive defenseman not doing his job, and probably had no real future with the team anyway. He's done; get rid of now while he still has value.

Inc
Colaiacovo - Ugh. What an absolutely useless signing. An injury history documented as long as the sky is blue, and we give this guy two years?

At my absolute most optimistic, I'd like to think if this guy actually does play sometime between now and 2014 that he could come in and actually be of use and help the PP, but I'm not holding my breath on that. Really, can we just get rid of him? I'm tired of spelling his name anyway.

Goalie

B
Howard - Inconsistent. Brutal start (given the turnover on defense, probably to be expected), followed by damn near outright dominance lately. Not quite sure what to think at this point.

Inc
Gustavsson - Sample size is too small, but looks good in limited action.

 

[CloneHakanPlease*]

Came into thread

Saw Abdelkader was rated a C.

Left thread

 

[SoupGuru]

Everyone gets an A

Or else thread gets locked down.

Awww.... did someone pee in your Cheerios?

 

[silkyjohnson50]

Homer at least has the offensive intelligence to play with Dats.

Homer, until his last 2 seasons where he just couldn't keep up anymore, was a great linemate for Datsyuk. Believe or not he was a puck possession player. He was strong along the end boards, won more puck battles in a week than Cleary and Abdelkader have won combined this season, and understood how to play with Datsyuk: get the puck, quickly give the puck to Datsyuk, go to the net or give him a passing lane.

But my point was that as good as Homer was in the offensive zone - and he was very good - he was average at best in the neutral zone and lost in his own end. He was not a good defensive player. He was so bad in fact that he'd get replaced in the 3rd period if Detroit was trying to hold onto a lead. Despite this, Datsyuk's ability to tilt the ice and make up for him defensively still allowed his unit to dominate - which on many nights was against top opponents. Datsyuk won 3 Selkes with Homer on his line. He doesn't need 3rd line, blue collar guys to be effective against top lines. His current wingers are only making him less effective offensively. That's it. They keep him out of the offensive zone more than he should be and they're good for at least one brutal turnover in the defensive zone per game. They were poor as 3rd and 4th line wingers to start the year and now they're with Datsyuk. Woo who.

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

Came into thread

Saw Abdelkader was rated a C.

Put Op on ignore list.

Continued on with thread.

Gator is a fourth-line winger who so far this year has been forced to play 3rd line center and winger alongside Datsyuk. No question he's been bad for where he's been in the lineup, but he's not expected to do much more than be a fourth-line winger who grinds it out. Its almost unfair to give him a grade because there's no way he's going to be productive in the ridiculous roles Babcock is giving him. So to me I'd give him a C-.

 

[Flowah]

Smith - This is tough, but... you know what? I'm not impressed. Granted, he's been hurt, and yes, this is his first real taste of NHL action, but... I dunno, I guess I just expected more. He's been completely ineffective offensively, and he gets turned around worse than probably any of our other defenseman, now that Quincey is no longer in terribad form. Only 1 point so far... really, he just looks invisible most nights.

Since his injury, Smith has been one of our best d-men. He'd have a lot more points if our forwards could convert, but since he got back our scoring has been.... bad. Very low scoring for the most part. He's broken up at least 4 plays I can think of off the top of my head, converted 3 into good scoring chances including a beauty of a pass to Franzen where he was practically alone with a good shot at the goalie. He just didn't put it in.

If he keeps playing like that, the points are gonna pour in when the forwards starting cashing it in.

 

[RedWingsNow*]

Awww.... did someone pee in your Cheerios?

I did. right before you used them for **** rings.

 

[Mantha Poodoo]

Cleary: F

Don't have room for anything else.

 

[Vladdy84]

Just read Ted Kulfan's grades in the News. Gave Cleary a C and Kronwall higher than Big E. In short, what a rummy.

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

Zetterberg A
Datsyuk A-
Brunner B+
Tatar B+
Andersson B
Tootoo B
Emmerton B
Franzen C+
Eaves C+
Miller C
Abdelkader C-
Cleary D

Ericsson B+
Smith B
Kindl B
Kronwall B-
Lashoff C+
Quincey C

Howard A
Gustavsson A

 

[14ari13]

I can't go through all grades and players but
Cleary >>>>>>>>>>>> Abdeldaker

 

[ProPAIN]

Datsyuk - A - Playing with two scrubs and still stealing the show. He's still got it.
Zetterberg - A- - Started the season red hot with the C on his jersey. Kind of slowed down lately, but still trying to score the goals.
Franzen - B- - Inconsistent, but still a good top 6 winger and plays best with Z.
Filppula - C- - Had a couple of good games. Injury doesn't help.
Brunner - B+ - Really happy with this signing. Goalscorer who shoots and has good chemistry with Z. Silver lining of the lockout I guess. Needs to improve in other areas of the game, but I'm sure he can do it.
Cleary - D- - Could be an F, but he still has some points to show for his time in the top 6.
Abdelkader - F - worst player on this team. He isn't a top 6 forward. Babcock might try to spark his offense, but it's just not his role. He's a shutdown grinder who pots in the odd goal. No business on the PP or the top 6.
Tatar - B+ - I'm really rooting for this guy. Love watching him play. He needs to focus more on his decision-making. He has great hands, but sometimes does too much. He needs to slow down in his head and work on making the better play. Definitely a top 6 NHL'er now and going forward.
Andersson - B- - Doing well in his role and could be solid bottom 6 forward in the future. Has his work cut out with guys like Emmerton, Sheahan and Helm competing for a spot.
Emmerton - B - Not a fan, to be honest, but he's played well in his role. Ok on the PK and can skate well. Best game was against Edmonton. Still think he lacks the tools to make an impact in the long term. Doesn't have much size, isn't the fastest skater and doesn't ooze talent either. Average cookie-cutter bottom 6 forward. Needs to work on faceoffs.
Eaves/Miller - C+ - Nothing special. Ok in their roles. Average across the board.
Tootoo - B+ - Hated him in Nashville, love him on this team. I wish he had a bigger role though.
Bertuzzi/Helm/Samuelsson/Nyquist - N/A

Kronwall - B+ - Brutal start to the season, but improving. Norris talk is baseless, but could still get some votes by the end of the season. I think it's unfair to expect him to replace Lidstrom only 25 or so games into the season. I want to see some hits too!
Ericsson - B+ - Stuck with it and is solid now. Eats minutes, good on the PK and supports Kronner well. Still has the odd brainfart.
Kindl - B - Working hard for his spot. Good for him. Second in +/- and improving both offensively and defensively. Getting the confidence back.
Smith - B+ - Finally picking it up and how! I really like watching him play. He has poise and handles the puck so well. Just needs to get some points.
Lashoff - C - Not a top pairing defenseman. It's his first full season in the NHL, so I'd cut him some slack. A lot of things he can learn from his teammates and he will. He seems like a professional and has some good assets to offer. I'd give him a fair shot.
White - C- - Either he's traded or gone in FA. Below average this season and I prefer going with our future than a soon-to-be FA. He's our only RHS defenseman though.
Quincey - C+ - Stopped taking stupid penalties and making dumb moves on the ice. Babcock has him on a short leash. I rather he be solid defensively and not make a lot of mistakes instead of trying to pot goals. He needs some more time before I think he can be a serviceable player on this team.
Colaiacovo - N/A - I'm shocked he got injured. Truly shocked.
Huskins - C+ - Solid pickup by the Wings. He was very good whenever he played. Blocked shots and provided depth. He's gone soon though.

Howard - B+ - Lately he's been playing like an A-grade goaltender. But averaging out the whole season...a B+ is fair.
Gustavsson - B - Good backup and hopefully can stay healthy. He stole some games for the Leafs so hopefully he can do so for the Wings.
Mrazek - B+ - Kid looks legit. Excited for the future.