Archive for the 'Mikael Samuelsson' Category

4/9 Injury Update

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 9, 2008
in Brad Stuart, Injuries, Justin Abdelkader, Mikael Samuelsson, Playoffs, Predators and Tomas Holmstrom
. 2 Comments

Update (3:55 PM): Bruce MacLeod has an expanded version of the Babcock quote on Samuelsson provided by Ted Kulfan (below). - Matt

Update (3:08 PM): More from Kulfan. He characterizes the final statuses of Stuart, Samuelsson, and Holmstrom as game-time decisions. - Matt

Update (2:48 PM): A correction: The lineup as provided below has one of the “three of Abdelkader, McCarty, and Downey” in it: Downey (though St. James says it’s McCarty). Sorry about that. It’s what I get for writing a post during class.

That said, I’d still like to see Abdelkader or Downey play over Samuelsson, unless #37 is absolutely ready to go. On that note, here’s a great quote from Babcock via Ted Kulfan:

“[Samuelsson] just told me if it was up to him he wants to play. But my kid wants to play for us tomorrow, too. He’s one of those guys that’ll skate again tomorrow and we’ll see how he reacts.”

- Matt

Helene St. James reports that Brad Stuart (broken finger), Tomas Holmstrom (groin), and Mikael Samuelsson (groin) are all “questionable” for Game 1. She tempers that claim with quotes from Babcock that indicate the team is just practicing its usual caution by not saying for sure.

Bruce MacLeod, on the other hand, reports that it “appears that defenseman Brad Stuart will be ready to play.” He says nothing specific about Holmstrom, but lists him on the probable top line. He says it’s possible Samuelsson “might be ready.”

Ansar Khan says the final decision on Homer, Stuart, and Sammy won’t be made until tomorrow.

Based on all three reports, it doesn’t look like Justin Abdelkader will be in the lineup after all. MacLeod lists him as a likely stratch and St. James says Abdelkader told her he doesn’t think he’ll play.

A projected lineup via MacLeod and Khan:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom
Filppula-Franzen-Cleary
Hudler-Draper-Samuelsson
Drake-Hartigan-Downey

Lidstrom-Rafalski
Kronwall-Stuart
Lilja-Chelios

Healthy scratches …
McCarty
Abdelkader
Helm
Lebda
Meech

Injuries …
Maltby (hamstring)
Kopecky (knee)

Not sure I’m a fan of that look. Unless Samuelsson is absolutely 100%, I’d much rather see someone more abrasive in that spot.

The Wings need to set a tone physically as well as offensively and defensively. Playing as much talent as possible is great, of course. But sitting all three both of Downey, Abdelkader and McCarty after Samuelsson’s had just one full practice (if that) since his injury? Not so much.

4/8 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 8, 2008
in Brad Stuart, Hockey Media, Injuries, Kris Draper, Mikael Samuelsson, Playoffs and Scheduling
. 0 Comments

Update (2:34 PM): Helene St. James reports that Stuart told her he has “recovered enough that he can shoot and pass like he wants to.” That’s good news. - Matt

Update (1:12 PM): MacLeod has updated now that practice is over. The two most interesting bits of information:

First, Brad Stuart (broken finger) told MacLeod that he’s still looking at a Game 1 return, though he apparently still has trouble shooting the puck. As far as I’m concerned, as long as he can play a sound positional game and pass with authority, he should be in the lineup.

Second, Justin Abdelkader will skate on the wing of a definitely returning Kris Draper in the opener with Jiri Hudler. That’s quite a turnaround for the kid.

Also, Mikael Samuelsson skated and still think it’s possible he’ll return Thursday. I’m very skeptical about that. Kirk Maltby did not skate. - Matt

Update (11:42 AM): Bruce MacLeod reports from practice here.

Apparently, neither Kirk Maltby nor Mikael Samuelsson are on the ice. Sammy’s absence is a definite sign that he will not be back Thursday.

Also, neither Darren Helm nor Jonathan Ericsson have made an appearance. My guess it they have  been returned to Grand Rapids for the duration of the week as they prepare to finish their season on Saturday.

MacLeod also provides the practice lines:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom
Cleary-Flippula-Franzen
Hudler-Draper-Abdelkader
McCarty-Hartigan-Downey
Drake

Expect the Eurotwins to see a lot of time together when the Wings are at home and a lot of time apart when they are on the road. - Matt

I plan on adding to this post throughout the day, so check back. I’m short on time at the moment so I can only pass along a couple thing nows:

… The Tennessean has the times for Games 3 and 4: 7:30 ET and 9:00 ET respectively. Game 3 presents a problem for me as I have a class until 8:40 that night and missing time is very much frowned upon. Hmm.

… According to Helene St. James, Brad Stuart (broken finger) is no longer the lock for Game 1 he was expected to be. Ken Holland told her “It’s how he feels.”

Obviously, the sooner Stuart can make it back, the better, but whatever it takes to get him healthy.

… Kris Draper, on the other hand, is expected to be back from his groin injury.

… Mikael Samuelsson (groin) is unlikely to play in Game 1 because the team would prefer he go through a few practices first. If he can make it through the full practice today, I believe that would be the first time since he went down with the injury March 25th.

… If you read nothing else this morning, read this post by George Malik. The hockey media is really making itself look silly these past few days.

… Lastly, I’ll have a series preview up Wednesday evening or Thursday before 1:00. I have some school things I have to take care of before I can devote energy to that. Sorry.

4/5 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 5, 2008
in Brian Rafalski, Darren Helm, Injuries, Justin Abdelkader, Kris Draper, Lines, Mikael Samuelsson and Playoffs
. 0 Comments

Update (2:12 PM): Helene St. James notes that the playoff schedule given below is not yet official. It’s just what the team is anticipating.

Also, I’ve added a sidebar section with first round info and links. For some reason, it’s not showing up on the main page, but it’s there in the post pages. I hope to get that fixed, but because it’s tied to a conflict between the new version of Wordpress and the k2 theme I use, I can’t do much aside from wait for a fix to be posted. - Matt

Update (2:06 PM): For those wondering why the Wings signed Abdelkader when they could have just called up a Griffin or two, here’s my thinking (posted as a comment over at Abel to Yzerman in response to IwoCPO calling it a panic signing):

I think it’s a matter of timing. Abdelkader decided just this past week that he was going to forgo his senior year at MSU. When he told the Wings, they had two routes they could take: 1) sign him by the Saturday deadline and have him available for the playoffs, or 2) let him hang out for a summer and sign him by the August deadline so that he could join the organization next season.

The benefits of Option 1 are obvious: you can bring in a highly-touted prospect who would be idle otherwise. He brings a fast, physical style as well as buckets of motivation to play for his home team. If nothing else, he can join the group of young guys the team will be calling up at the end of the Griffins’ season and give the Wings a heck of a practice squad.

So, they signed him to an amateur tryout in order to whet his appetite. He then signed the entry level contract and now has the chance to play hockey in real life this summer instead of on his Xbox.

Not a panic signing at all. Just a realization that an idle Justin Abdelkader is a waste of talent.

- Matt

Ansar Khan has an update from practice:

… Tomas Holmstrom (abdomen/groin) is definitely going to play tomorrow. He’ll skate on Henrik Zetterberg’s wing with Pavel Datsyuk.

… Kris Draper (groin) is out tomorrow, but claimed he’ll be back for Game 1. So, the 10-14 days claim from the FSN broadcast Thursday night was incorrect. Draper implied that he’d be playing through pain by telling Khan he would play tomorrow if it were the playoffs.

… Mikael Samuelsson (groin) was on the ice but not for long. No return date has been set yet.

… The team recalled Darren Helm from the Griffins, apparently to give Babcock more options.

… The practice lines:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom
Filppula-Franzen-Cleary
Drake-Hartigan-Downey
Hudler-Helm-McCarty

… Justin Abdelkader was the odd man out in practice, but Babcock told Khan he’d dress 13 forwards prior to the game and decide who sits after warmups.

… Brian Rafalski will be rested tomorrow, which means Derek Meech will be on the blueline.

… Lastly, Khan provides the first round schedule. Not times yet, but Game 2 will be an evening game, apparently:

Game 1 — Thursday in Detroit
Game 2 — Saturday in Detroit
Game 3 — April 14 in Nashville
Game 4 — April 16 in Nashville
x-Game 5 — April 18 in Detroit
x-Game 6 — April 20 in Nashville
x-Game 7 — April 22 in Detroit

x-if necessary

4/1 Injury Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 1, 2008
in Brad Stuart, Injuries, Kris Draper, Lines, Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Holmstrom
. 0 Comments

Update (2:54 PM): Ted Kulfan has a slightly different take on Holmstrom’s situation:

The status of Tomas Holmstrom (abdominal strain) will be determined by Wednesday’s morning skate in Chicago. If Holmstrom doesn’t play in Chicago, he’ll likely play Thursday against Columbus.

Makes sense. If I had to guess, though, I’d say they keep him out tomorrow night no matter what. - Matt

Update (2:12 PM): Ansar Khan also has more, but about the only new piece of injury-related information is that Holmstrom said he expects to play Thursday night.

Khan also astutely suggests that Babcock may break up the Eurotwins on the road, but keep them together at home, when he has the last change. - Matt

Update (2:05 PM): George Sipple has some more on Draper’s injury, with quotes from Mike Babcock. Apparently, it is a recurrence of the groin issue that kept him out earlier this month, though it does not sound that serious. The team is just being cautious. - Matt

… Bruce MacLeod has some bad news: Kris Draper skipped out on nearly the entire practice today due to tightness in his groin. He definitely will not play tomorrow or Thursday, and probably won’t return for the home game Sunday. MacLeod says he likely won’t be back until the playoffs begin on the 10th.

As MacLeod points out, Draper only recently returned from a groin injury that sidelined him for five games. Here’s hoping this goes away with some rest.

… It looks like Tomas Holmstrom (abdomen) won’t return tomorrow after all. The team is looking at a possible Thursday return date for #96, who has missed 11 games. Just as long as he’s good and ready. There’s no rush.

… Mikael Samuelsson (groin) did not skate and does not appear to be close to returning.

… In an earlier post, MacLeod reported that Brad Stuart (broken finger) took part in practice, but did not participate in 5-on-5 drills.

… MacLeod also provided the practice lines and pairings:

Filppula-Datsyuk-Cleary
Hudler-Zetterberg-Franzen
Kopecky-Hartigan-Maltby
Downey-Drake-McCarty

Lidstrom-Rafalski
Kronwall-Chelios
Lebda-Lilja

It’s interesting to see the Eurotwins split up again. Obviously, that’s preparation for the playoffs, when keeping them together (and matched up against the opposition’s shutdown players) would be less productive than splitting them up.

Also, with Draper’s injury, it looks like we won’t get a reprieve from Hartigan any time soon.

Osgood to start in San Jose; Zetterberg, Lidstrom possibly out

Published
by
Matt Saler
on October 17, 2007
in Chris Osgood, Dominik Hasek, Henrik Zetterberg, Injuries, Links and Mikael Samuelsson
. 1 Comment

Ansar Khan writes that Chris Osgood will be in net against the Sharks, saying it’s a case of Ozzie being rewarded for playing better than Hasek.

He also reports that Nick Lidstrom (ribs) and Henrik Zetterberg (hip flexor) did not practice Wednesday and are therefore questionable for the San Jose game. He takes Babcock’s word for it when the coach told him he hadn’t really thought about possible lines if Hank can’t go.

If Zetterberg does sit, look for Mikael Samuelsson to return or for the Wings to go with 11 forwards. I doubt they’d call up a Griffin and fly him out to California. If Lidstrom can’t go, we’ll likely see Derek Meech’s regular season debut.

Losing either one of those players to injury would be huge. Losing both would really suck. Hopefully they got the rest they needed to be ready to go. We should find out sometime before the game.

Khan: Post-practice Update

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 29, 2007
in Brett Lebda, Henrik Zetterberg, Injuries, Kyle Calder, Lines, Links and Mikael Samuelsson
. 0 Comments

Ansar Khan has an update on Tomas Holmstrom, Brett Lebda, Henrik Zetterberg, the top line, and Kyle Calder. Basically, Homer is staying in Detroit until cleared, Lebda won’t be back until Game 5 at the earliest, Zetterberg did not skate, Todd Bertuzzi or Mikael Samuelsson will start on the top line tomorrow, and Kyle Calder is okay.

4/27 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 27, 2007
in Henrik Zetterberg, Injuries, Jiri Hudler, Johan Franzen, Lines, Mikael Samuelsson, Todd Bertuzzi and Tomas Holmstrom
. 2 Comments

Update (7:20 PM): I just remembered that a Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi line was tried in Game 3 of the first round. It was Todd Bertuzzi’s return from a concussion, and it was classified as the fourth line at the time, so I wonder now if the media wasn’t off base when they called it a second unit (and the positioning of Lang between Hudler and Samuelsson a demotion). It does sound like Fil’s been promoted, since he and Lang basically swapped wingers, but that could be a misreading of the situation. I guess we won’t know until we see where and how much he plays tomorrow.

As I recall now, that particular Filppula-centered line was not all that successful as there didn’t seem to be much chemistry. If they try it again, at least they’d have had some more practices in which to develop some, though, so that’s something. - Matt

Update (3:35 PM): Well, it looks like we were wrong to doubt the Wings’ word: Ted Kulfan and Bruce MacLeod both report visual and audible confirmation on at least the tail-end of Henrik Zetterberg’s flu.

So, does that mean his back is okay and that it had nothing to do with his sitting out of practice? Perhaps not, since the fact that they were telling the truth about the flu doesn’t mean they didn’t “forget” to mention other reasons, in spite of what Babcock said according to MacLeod. Still, maybe it’s a little melodramatic of me to be reminded of The Captain’s habit of skipping practice is 2002. His back may very well actually be okay. - Matt

… Helene St. James reports that Henrik Zetterberg still has the “flu,” as he did not practice. The party line there seems even more laughable now that Hank has played in a game and looked good doing it. So, he can play games, but not practice? Am I the only one thinking of the situation with Steve Yzerman in 2002 here?

… St. James also notes that Robert Lang skated with Jiri Hudler and Mikael Samuelsson today, while Valtteri Filppula centered Johan Franzen and Todd Bertuzzi. If you’re keeping score at home, that would be a demotion for Lang and I say it’s about time, though I feel bad for Hudler and Samuelsson. Of course, Babcock told the media not to read too much into these lines, but, like St. James writes, “let’s do it anyways,” especially since it was a bona fide line for a stretch of play last night, according to John Niyo. I think a Filppula-centered second line would be great.

… An update on Brett Lebda and Tomas Holmstrom will not be in the lineup for Game 2, according to Bruce MacLeod. Ansar Khan writes that Tomas Holmstrom skated by himself with a helmet, but Brett Lebda did nothing, as his ankle is still bothering him and until it heals, he won’t be able to play his game. So, inactivity is best for him.

… Khan relates an interesting anecdote relating to Holmstrom: apparently, the team was surprised by the comments he made in a Swedish newspaper that indicated his return would come in Game 4 at the earliest. According to Khan, Homer was even more surprised than the organization when he found out they’d seen his comments. Khan quotes someone from the front office:

“Hasn’t he ever heard of the Internet?”

Ha. How ironic it is that someone from the Detroit Red Wings organization would ask a question like that. This is the same team that daily ignores the rising importance of the internet community (unless you shell out the $$$ for an account on Red Wings World) and remains stuck in old-fashioned ideas about media (bloggers do not exist). When will they get it like say, the Caps, have gotten it?

Thank You Ansar!

Published
by
Sarah Baker
on April 20, 2007
in 2006-2007, Flames, Mikael Samuelsson, Mike Babcock, Playoffs, Robert Lang, Todd Bertuzzi and Valtteri Filppula
. 9 Comments

Thank you for validating everything I’ve been thinking for this entire series. Khan has a great little piece on his blog today (of which I am not the only fan) highlighting the Wings’ struggles against the Flames and providing a number of helpful suggestions. Let’s just hope he sent Mike Babcock a copy.

Suggestion #1:

He should insert Jiri Hudler back in the lineup. Hudler played with a lot of energy in the first two games.

Jiri played so well in the first two games, only to be dropped with the return of Todd Bertuzzi. Now Bert has earned his keep, but there’s no reason Hudler shouldn’t be out there in place of one of our underachievers. I’ve been hoping Huds would get the call over Samuelsson.

Suggestion#2:

Or he might take out Samuelsson, who has just one assist in 10 playoff games the last two years. If he leaves Samuelsson in, he should at least stop playing him on the point on the power play. It isn’t working. Brett Lebda would be a better option.

Every time I bring up the idea of scratching Samuelsson, somebody says “Oh, but he’s playing the point on the power play.” Here we go again. Babcock is a great coach, but what is his obsession with putting forwards on the PP point?! Now, Samuelsson is no Jason Williams - he’s not a total liability there. But he’s not producing either. It just is not working. Oh, and if I had a dollar for every time I’ve told somebody that Lebs would be a better choice than Sammy for the PP point in the last two weeks, I’d be watching the next game from The Joe instead of my living room. Brett is a great skater and he’s got tons of offensive ability. He’s practically a forward anyway with the way he’s always wheeling around in the offensive zone. Babs should be all over this.

Another thing that I’ve had a hard time understanding is the fact that, despite being one of our hardest working players, Filppula can not manage to get decent ice time - instead it continues to go to guys who are simply wasting it. The thing that really gets me is that Babs admits that he should be playing him more.

“He probably wonders why the coach doesn’t get him on the ice more and the coach wonders that himself,” said Detroit coach Mike Babcock. “My son told me after Game 1 that I didn’t play Fil enough.” (via USA Today)

Even his kids know it! Is Babcock aware of the fact that he’s the coach and he’s actually allowed to make these changes himself? If he thinks he deserves more time, why doesn’t he give it to him?

Suggestion #3:

Valtteri Filppula needs to play more. I’d also try to find a way to work him in on the struggling power play.

Power play time? Now there’s an idea. That would give Fil more playing time AND change up our miserable power play. No, I think that would make too much sense…

Despite Babcock’s stubbornness regarding lines, he has done more this year than last and for that I am most greatful.

Coach Mike Babcock’s reluctance to change his lineup or even his line combinations proved costly in last year’s first-round loss to Edmonton. He made a good move by replacing Kyle Calder and Mikael Samuelsson on the second line with Todd Bertuzzi and Johan Franzen.

Darn right, Ansar. I just want to know what took him so long. I think everybody and their brother knew that Todd needed to be on that second line with Lang the day he returned to the ice. Sometimes I think Babcock is just a little too reluctant to make changes. It scares me. When you’re afraid to make changes, then sometimes you don’t do it until it’s too late. Hopefully that won’t be the case in this series.

Oh, and for anyone who didn’t think Babcock was completely insane for putting Lang out for the last faceoff of game 3 (I’m sure there is no such person, but you never know):

Robert Lang has won only 17 of 54 face-offs.

For those of you without calculators, that’s about a 31% win percentage. That means he loses them 69% of the time! I bet every time the opposing center sees that he’s facing off against Lang, he throws a little party in his head. “Freebie faceoff win! Coach will think I’m good at those! Yay!”

Suggestion #4:

Maybe Franzen should start taking the draws for that line. It couldn’t be much worse.

Sure it could, Lang has actually made an improvement from his game 1 faceoff win percentage - a whopping 20%.

Basically, I think Babs has made some unfortunate decisions up to this point. Maybe he’s overcomplicating things. To put it simply, the players who are playing the best should be playing the most. Makes sense to me. If someone’s not cutting it, they should be replaced, whether it be on the PP, in the faceoff circle, or on the lineup completely.

4/8 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 8, 2007
in Blackhawks, Flames, Kyle Calder, Kyle Quincey, Mikael Samuelsson and Playoffs
. 4 Comments

Update (6:30 PM): Via Alanah at Kukla’s, it looks like the Wings and Flames will kick off the postseason on Friday as Game 2 will be at 1:00 PM on Sunday on NBC. - Matt

Happy Easter, everyone. Just a few things before heading off to chu

… The Wings won their last game of the season last night, 7-2 over the Blackhawks. It was basically the dominating performance I’ve been hoping to see in these last games, as they skated circles around the Hawks until the third period, when they backed off a bit. As much as they controlled play, the Wings probably still wouldn’t have put up so many goals had Patrick Lalime allowed a bunch of stinkers. He had a bad game, and I think the fact that the Wings didn’t score in the third had as much to do with Nikolai Khabibulin coming in as their apparent decision to back off.

… Probably the best thing to come out of the game yesterday was the fact that both Mikael Samuelsson and Kyle Calder scored twice. For the Wings to succeed in the playoffs, they’re going to need guys like Sammy and Calder contributing, so hopefully their confidence and touch has returned. It was also good to see Tomas Holmstrom net his 30th.

… Kyle Quincey, in because Chris Chelios had the day off, continues to impress. I don’t remember seeing him make a bad defensive decision and he possesses the strength to handle most situations without much trouble. It looks like he has a good shot, too, as his first NHL goal was a boomer from the point. If he’s ranked behind Derek Meech and Jonathan Ericsson and still looks this solid, I’d say our defensive future is bright.

… The Wings’ playoff match up was decided last night when the Avs lost to Nashville. The first round opponent will be Calgary, a team the Wings tied in the season series 2-2.

I can’t say I’m thrilled about this matchup any more. A couple weeks ago, the Flames looked like they were floundering and seemed like a desirable team to play. Now, they’re scary, as Helene St. James outlines. As both Detroit wins came at JLA, the Wings’ home ice advantage could be key. It’ll be a tough series, that’s for sure, but maybe that’s what the Wings need. I do have a different feeling about this team, and I know they’re more capable of fighting for their lives than previous complacent Wings teams. They’re saying the right things, at least.

… Other Western Conference matchups:

Anaheim vs. Minnesota
Vancouver vs. Dallas
Nashville vs. San Jose

4/4 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on April 4, 2007
in Blue Jackets, Dominik Hasek, Kyle Calder, Mikael Samuelsson and Playoffs
. 0 Comments

… The Wings were credited with a win last night over Columbus, but really all the credit should go to Dominik Hasek, who kept them in it four 2+ periods. Once again, they waited until the third period to show up to play and even then they weren’t as dominate as they should have been. Kudos to the Blue Jackets for not giving up and making this interesting with a number of great chances throughout the game.

… A big thank you to Kyle Calder for getting his teammates going by scoring the first goal of the game at :16 of the third period. I think he got a bit of an elbow into Hainsey on that hit, but it was a great effort through the finish. Probably one Norrena would like back.

… The win put the Wings within a point of clinching the Division. They have 110 points to Nashville’s 106 and both teams have two games remaining. As the Preds can only reach 110, either they need to lose a game or the Wings need at least an OT/SO loss to be sure. As far as the Conference goes, the Ducks also have 106 points, but they have three games left and can max out at 112, meaning the Wings would need at least a win and an OT/SO loss if Anaheim doesn’t lose again. Of course, the Ducks play San Jose tonight, so a loss is a possibility.

… If the playoffs started today, the Wings would face Calgary, which has become a much less desirable matchup over the last week and a half or so as the Flames have heated up big time. They trail Minnesota by four points and it looks like the Wild are falling off a bit, so it’s possible that they could pass them if they win their three remaining games. Their job will be made easier if the Wild lose either (or both) of their last two games.

… One thing I’ve noticed over the past couple weeks, but have forgotten to mention, is the decision of Mike Babcock’s to put Mikael Samuelsson on the point during the power play. I have to say that I like it. Sammy is definitely better there than Jason Williams was, and is one of the only forwards on the team that has a hard enough shot for the job. Of course, it’ll be come less necessary once Mathieu Schneider returns, but it may not be a bad thing to mix it up like that every once and a while.

… Be sure to check out Dave’s recap.