I can understand that reasoning, though I think Hudler has demonstrated that his size doesn’t hold him back. I like the idea of Franzen clearing paths of ice for Filppula, but I’d like to see him do it for Hudler, too. Personally, I wouldn’t be too bummed out if Samuelsson got demoted instead, but that’s not really fair to Sammy either since he’s been producing even more than Jiri.

You’re right, if Franzen doesn’t get going and ends up dragging Filppula down, we’ll see this line broken up pretty fast.

HockeyTownTodd,

Hudler’s probably always going to be the odd-man out under Babcock. His reputation preceded him and his new work ethic doesn’t seem to be changing it.

Could be he is anxious to bring the winning streak to a halt in order to keep the Wings from getting all full of themselves.

I know Babcock studied sports psychology in college, but that would be going too far!

That is very true, although he’s pretty tough for a little guy. He won’t get smacked as much on the power play, probably, and that should help him keep his scoring touch.

Either way, the team’s about to hit a long patch of divison rivals. Drake’s obviously limited in the amount of physical play he can bring, and Downey is in rotation, so we’re back to teams giving an unusual amount of abuse to the Wings’ top lines again. I’d rather see Franzen mixing it up a bit than someone dusting the ice with Hudler.

Exactly. I guess for Babcock the thinking is: “I had Johan slated for one of the top two lines before the season so, by golly, he’s going to be on the second line!” Never mind the fact that Hudler was supposed to be on one of the top two lines too!

I like Jiri Hudler.

I like Franzen, too, but at least let him actually do something before he pushes someone who is already producing out of a spot.