Two quick notes before the game tonight just because I can. Well, first I suppose it's worth noting that Ville Leino did indeed play his way out of the lineup and Rad Bray May is in again. As much as I dislike Leino's disappearing act, I give the decision a thumbs down. Leino needs to be sent the message, so I suppose it's ok that he comes out again. But if I had the choice of giving eight minutes of ice time per game to someone who might have a slim (we're talking super-slim) chance of being a useful NHL player, or someone who has not been a useful NHL player for about five years, it's an easy decision. If the press box doesn't wake up Leino, I really think the only thing you can do with him (until others get healthy) is just throw him in the lineup and let him know that if he doesn't get it together within two weeks he's done in the NHL.

However, we're talking prospects today. Brian Lashoff, who's struggled in his past two games after looking so composed in his first three, is going for gold tonight, as the United States is getting another shot at taking down Canada. Canada has won five straight gold medals, last beaten in 2004 when the United States took them down in the gold medal game. The US usually has a talented team, but seem to have major problems getting motivated for teams that aren't located in Canada. This year, while they lack true top end talent, they have a great blend of solid players who will populate the third and fourth lines of tomorrow. They work hard, and they're going to come out flying against Canada. Should be a great game. That starts at 8PM on NHL Network. I highly recommend that if you have a DVR you put the Wings on hold. Even if you don't have a DVR... it might be worth missing ten minutes of the first. You'll probably only miss one or two Corey Perry cheapshots.

Keep in mind, the two teams are just six days removed from this epic showdown:

Also, there was a pretty major blockbuster trade today in the OHL between Belleville and the defending Memorial Cup champions, Windsor. In the seven player trade, Detroit prospect Stephen Johnston was moved to Windsor, in a move that's likely going to make or break his professional career. Windsor is again the favorite from the OHL to represent the league in the Memorial Cup. Johnston, ranked 26 in the last prospect rankings (where I also predicted the trade to a contender, score), had been limited this season because of some major injury issues, but shouldn't be out too much longer.

Johnston gives Windsor a bit of veteran leadership, as he was in the Memorial Cup alongside then teammate Jan Mursak in 2007-08 with Belleville. He was just 17 then, so he didn't play a big role but he looked very comfortable as a checker. That may be the role he gets in Windsor as well, but with their excessively talented offense, he's going to pick up points anyway. It's a great move for him as he just didn't break out the way Detroit expected him to in Belleville. He is the lone Detroit prospect that needs an NHL contract this summer for Detroit to hold his rights, and he likely was not on pace for that in Belleville. A change of scenery might be all he needs, as his speed, hands, and size really should be leading to more success in the OHL.

That's it. More later after the Wings game.

Comments (2)

Name

Website

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

Add Comment