Comments on: Red Wings say goodbye to 2009 with a win

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:24:36 +0000

I'm with you completely on Ritola. Underwhelming at times, but you could tell once he got his legs he plays that Wings style. Not an elite talent, but does a decent job on every line.

Really interested to see what happens next year. Miller and Eaves are really securing their spots for next year, and Abdelkader will be full-time (I'm still assuming he gets sent to GR when everyone's healthy). The only way Ritola can really crack the roster is if Detroit sends Maltby packing. If Maltby wants to stay, expect Ritola in another NHL city.. or possibly Sweden.

By: Michael Petrella

Michael Petrella — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:48:44 +0000

@Baroque -- I don't think they'll let him go, but I would LOVE to see Helm re-signed IMMEDIATELY to give him that "You're a Red Wing for life" kind of vibe.

@Anon -- Couldn't agree more. He really does have that forever feel, doesn't he?

@JJ -- I also get that feeling that he'll be wearing a letter when Lidstrom and Draper hang em up. He's relentless and hard-working and truly embodies the kind of spirit the city of Detroit is proud of and can embrace.

I remember the Ritola shift where he was hitting everything that moved after a questionable check to a Wing. That's what I like to see. I'm looking forward to seeing him more regularly, and with Brad May supposedly out with a lower body injury tomorrow, we should get another look.

By: J.J. from Kansas

J.J. from Kansas — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:13:47 +0000

My buddy got a Helm jersey from his gf for Christmas. When it got there, it had an A on the shoulder. Unfortunately, the construction of the jersey was sub-par as the 4 on the back is peeling off. They agreed to send him a new one without the A and with numbers that should stay attached. I told him to keep the one with the A on it, because it'll only be a few years before Helm's wearing it anyway. He's a Wing for life and I think once Z gets the C and Draper hangs 'em up, I'm really rooting for Helm to get Drapes' letter.

Filpulla was really creating space last night. He was the one Wings player who noticeably took the puck to the middle. I missed him so much.

I was also impressed with Ritola, primarily with the fact that he spent a shift hitting people after a Wings' player took a nasty check. I liked when Leino, Filppula, and Ritola were on the ice together.

For Leino, I'm really happy to see him get a goal. I'm actually a closet Leino supporter and have been disappointed to see him languishing on the fourth line with the likes of Brad May. He's not that kind of player. He looked infinitely better with skill guys on his line and I'm hoping Babcock is a bit more patient with him in future games and keeps him out there with Flip.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:23:33 +0000

Helm is not going anywhere. He's in the club with Z, Pavs, Mule, and Fil as successors to the Captain, Homer, Lids, Drapes, and Malts. Some people are just hard working Red Wings (I'd like to believe Abby is working his way into this group as well) and other people just end up back in Finland.

By: Baroque

Baroque — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:02:32 +0000

If they let Helm go anywhere they are morons. He's perfect for the Draper-ish role on the team as the speedy, relentless penalty killer.

(Even if he doesn't score more goals that often he's worth it for effort alone.)