Comments on: Retrospectacus IV: The Kids are Alright

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:55:59 +0000

Does anyone else think he'd make a great partner for a guy like Stuey who just stays at home and does the dirty work?

Lidstrom-Rafalski
Kronwall-Kindl
Stuart-Smith
Ericsson

(for even strength situations)

Then PP would be L/R and Kronwall/Smith, with Kindl getting a few looks?
PK Lidstrom-Ericsson Stuart-Kronwall

By: Jeff Hancock

Jeff Hancock — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:23:19 +0000

Thanks to everyone for the feedback on the post. Big thanks to Michael and Rob for giving me the opportunity to write for TPL. I'm excited for training camp. Looking forward to getting that #2 sweater.

By: stabbityjones

stabbityjones — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:58:43 +0000

And as for the off-ice stuff, it's kind of a non-issue. The party incident was total B.S. I believe there was some Badger baiting going on. It happens with the football players.

By: stabbityjones

stabbityjones — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:53:37 +0000

I believe Smith can make the leap. I'm not just saying this as a Badger homer, but Smith has kind of played at a higher level then those around him. He's got great skating ability, which will be his biggest issue at the next level. I'll explain. He pinches a lot, and if that play busted, he could rely on his speed to get back defensively. That won't work for him at the next level. He's got good vision and needs to pair that with picking the correct offensive opportunities.

By: Michael Petrella

Michael Petrella — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:41:27 +0000

Rob, there was an incident this season as well. He's had two separate run-ins with the law, but I agree with JJ when he says it isn't indicative to his character. It's Wisconsin, what else could there be to do?

I felt the same way when I got to meet Riley Sheahan -- just a kid being a kid. You nailed it, Rob. Who hasn't done something stupid?

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:39:26 +0000

Loved the post, just one thing though: The Smith incident happened prior to the draft, so the Wings knew about it when they selected him. It's not a big deal though, who among us hasn't gotten into and old fashioned college frat tussle once in a while?

By: J.J. from Kansas

J.J. from Kansas — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:38:48 +0000

I'm convinced. I don't think his little legal problem was indicative of a major character flaw and, besides, if you can have a major character flaw and look Nick Lidstrom in the face in the locker room, you might just actually be the devil himself, in which case, you're probably really good at hockey.