On the Wings

Well, with the two trade deadline deals significantly altering the Wings’ forward corps, I thought I’d put out what I think are likely lines.

I don’t think the Wings are interested in breaking up the top line, which just so happens to be one of the hottest in hockey. So, Holmstrom-Zetterberg-Datsyuk likely stays the same. For tonight, Valtteri Filppula will fill in for Zetterberg.

The two acquisitions were made with the aim of regaining a productive second line, so I see Robert Lang playing between Todd Bertuzzi, when he’s healthy (projected to be mid-March), and Kyle Calder. Until Bertuzzi suits up, it looks like this spot will be filled by Johan Franzen, and then Mikael Samuelsson, when he returns. However, if Calder proves to be less of a scorer than the Wings appear to hope he’ll be, his spot could be filled by Samuelsson as well. Clarification (08. Mar, 7:20 PM): last sentence should end, “with Bertuzzi taking the other wing.” - Matt

The third line will likely consist of Dan Cleary, Kris Draper, and Kirk Maltby. Cleary showed a scoring touch earlier in the season, but that seems to have become dormant as he has re-assumed his role as a defensive forward. Still, that line can be a scoring threat as all three players create good energy. With Cleary out, Matt Ellis or Josh Langeld will probably see time here, though Calder could as well, if Samuelsson takes his spot on the second line.

For now, the fourth line will be a bit of a revolving door. With three Griffins on the roster, it is likely they will play together fairly often, but that leaves Jiri Hudler without a clear spot. I suspect we’ll see something like Hussey-Hudler-Langfeld/Ellis tonight, and Filppula-Hudler-Langfeld/Ellis once Zetterberg returns. If the regulars all become healthy, Hussey, Ellis and Langfeld will go back to GR and the fourth line will be a bit of a toss-up, with the only sure pieces being Filppula and Hudler, though one of them will sit out each night. The two remaining spots could be filled by whoever is slumping out of the Calder, Franzen, and Samuelsson group.

So, there are my thoughts. Of course, we can never be sure about what Babcock will do, though the #1 line seems to be about as close to a surety as we’re likely to get. The others, not so much. The combos I list, and their qualifications, are the best guesses I can offer.