I was glad to this quote in a Helene St. James blog post today:
“The person no one ever talks about is Matty Ellis. His skating has improved 300 percent and he just works like a dog every single day and is a competitive guy and a big, strong guy. He’ll be in the mix, too.”
Grigorenko’s stock is falling somewhat, even given all the slack the Wings are allowing him, and if he doesn’t pick it up, people will be talking about Ellis and Aaron Downey competing for that last spot instead Downey and Igor.
Saw the Wings in Grand Rapids today. An AWESOME lunchtime practice event. The squad looked great and they hung around later for autographs…..EVERYONE. Most in Detroit would kill for the opportunity for what we had today. THANKS Wings….it was awesome.
Sopel was on FIRE! He looks great.
Ellis was smooth too….great hands.
Later in the practice Jonathan Ericsson ( 6′5″ 205 ) stood his ground on D while Jiri Hudler had his head down. What happened next was an example of gravity inertia….was almost humourous had it not been a bit frightening. Jiri lost.
Igor Grigorenko did NOT look impressive. Paired on a line with Pavel and he still did not have that NHL polish…too bad I was hoping for him.
Dallas Drake looks awesome in the winged wheel. True Wings fans are in for a surprise in him. He looks fit, fast, and ready to dole out some justice.
Filpulla, also, looked really good today. Finesse and focus.
Overall, I am PUMPED. I saw a TEAM today…a really focused team. Young and fresh.
Biggest surprise was how amazing Sopel is!
Biggest concern = Lidstrom seemed a bit winded. May have been me, but something seemed off.
p.s. Hasek was standing on his ears and coming out too far to attack the puck, but what else is new. Grandpa still has gas in the tank and he looked healthy and prepared.