dagies

Kozek

So does he play "defense" or "defence".

While unfortunate, there's probably no way anything else could be done. Unless a rule exists to deal with this situation you have to go with the rules as they are. You can't change the rules to accomodate a past situation because then you do lose your integrity. Rules changes will have to come in the off-season and I would guess something will be done to address a situation like this because Bucky got hosed worse than anything I can think of.

Saw that in the paper today. To be honest I was a bit surprised because after seeing the look on Lucia's face, and frankly the horrible performance Frazee had last weekend on top of this struggles, I thought Frazee was done forever. However, I think Lucia has done a good job of taking a deep breath and trying to help Frazee rebuild himself based on what I read.

I agree. If he's solid in his own end, limits or eliminates opponent scoring chances, and can move the puck (either carry or pass) it out of his own zone then that's all you need from your D.

Big defensemen don't have to be physical if they can do one of two things: 1. Keep the opponent from scoring and/or 2. Score LaPoint hasn't been flashy but he seems like he's done a solid job so far. I wouldn't knock him for not being physical. For me, sometimes he looks a little tentative but with experience I imagine that will improve too. Some people are talking about Hextall having big numbers and being a big time player. I think he'll contribute but I wouldn't expect it will be with huge offensive numbers. I think he's going to be more of a PrPich/McMahon/Kaip type player, but that's just my impression.

I'm looking forward to seeing him play in the future myself.

I can't see it. We already have something like 17 forwards available next year not counting those two.

Our team appears to have just turned the corner and is finding their stride. I suspect Hakstol won't be wanting anybody to go out for a DQ right now unless they absolutely have to. There's no reason to try and change the team's fortunes by getting into an indiscriminate scrap aka Kaip last year. This time the team is starting to build momentum. You don't want to mess that up by having one of your key guys getting into a fight. That said, if the Mavs push things too far the Sioux may finish it. But until that point I wouldn't expect to see Sioux players doing any instigating.

That was my point.

hmph My lab begs....

Age-wise you are correct but I believe he is only in his junior year of high school right now.

I believe the Kristos aren't interested in rushing Danny along at this point in his life.

Ahhhh... 6-8 hours afield chasing my dog's tail through the Dakota prairie the rush of a rooster flushing my swing and a miss ( ) a heavy game pouch good hunting buddies tired and hungry but cleaning birds as fast as possible, one hand on a scotch and water ...and Patsy, Merle, Waylon, Willie, Johnny, David Allen, Billy Joe, Buck, and the gang......... Season's over.

Thanks, Jim. That's an interesting perspective.

I watched the Saturday Shattuck game and he was good. Played in all situations. As far as standing out, I thought Jordy Murray did in that game. Toews did some good things but isn't a flashy player. Just kind of quietly goes about what he does.

From today's Strib. This is a travesty if true.

This was my favorite part: Ouch!

I believe RedFrog or someone else posted it on the video thread.

From what I've heard not for 2008 anyway.

Duncan did. My buddy noticed.

Oshie and Duncan can finish. IMO what they need is someone to help them control the puck in the offensive zone. This person doesn't need to be a finisher, but needs help with puck possession and distribute the puck to the other two. That's the way I see it anyway.

While I agree with you on Trupp not being a big guy, he's much more willing than Miller to play along the boards and way more capable of being effective with puck possession. I don't think you can compare the two when contemplating who should play on the first line because other than size they do play different games.