battered, but not beaten

sThis has been a tough week in Hockeytown full of could of, should ofs and would ofs.

Despite still being on the outside looking in, I am still standing my ground that the Wings are still going to make the playoffs and keep the streak alive. I have one concern though, Why would Ken Holland allow Mule to play for Team Sweden in the Olympics?!?!?! And further more, why would he put his season in jeopardy by doing so.

I understand the honor and the pride for playing for you home country in the Olympic games, and maybe I am being a little selfish by disagreeing with this decision, but with the defense struggling like it is right now, any kind of offensive spark we can find is a must.

Also, you think the other NHL stars are serious about winning a Stanly Cup, these guys take great pride in playing for their homeland and are just as competitive on the international ice as they are on the frozen ponds of NHL arenas. I am just afraid that this Mule may be headed for the for the barn when the Wings need him the most.

Good news is that everybody seems to be recovering nicely and familiar names are getting back to the ice, while up and coming stars are heading back to Grand Rapids to hone their skills for future seasons. If all goes well, we should have the original planned roster Babcock had set up in October.

My other concern is the goal tending. Now, I know our goalies have not been getting as much help as they would like, but to be a Stanley Cup contender, you need a tender that is going to steal a few games for you. I know Howie has done that a couple of times this season, but he really needs to step up with Ozzie still struggling to get back into form. If both keepers continue to play like they have, Holland may need to look at bringing in a solidified No. 1 G at the trade deadline.

Friday we have the Music City crew coming to town for a big rivalry game. They are struggling as of late like the Wings, so both teams will be like two clans of stray cats fighting for the last fish bone in a dark alley. It could be a good confidence booster.

Wingnut5013