TANK IT! 2014-2015 Season

[ShanahanMan 473]

I'm officially calling for a 2015 TANK job. I think we can all agree, there is absolutely NOTHING to amp us up and get excited about in the upcoming season. Literally, NOTHING.

Instead of praying for another 8th seed finishing of limping into the playoffs and getting decimated in the 1st round, I would much rather hope for an absolute tank and hopefully get a top 3 draft pick. Not only will this give us all something to get excited for, but it might also spark some much needed change in the organization's management.

Who's with me? #Tankit2014

[Internet.Unknown 422]

Not going to happen. Management and ownership want to keep the streak alive. Accept it.

Do I like it? Nope. I want a rebuild. I've wanted one for years. Outside of Mantha, who hasn't scored an AHL goal yet, the Wings don't have a candidate to be their next genuine franchise player. Speedy little players who get pushed around by bigger, grittier opponents won't become franchise players in today's NHL no matter how much fans want to believe otherwise.

[sjr2012 439]

im not giving up till aug 1st

[kipwinger 8,675]

Going a little far here. I'm as irritated as the next guy, and probably more than most. But rather than "tank it" how about we just give open spots to deserving kids and see what they can do? Seemed to work out well last year. I don't know about anybody else but I'd love to add a 6'4 200+ lb Mantha, and a 6'4 200+ lb Sproul to our lineup. As long as he doesn't trade anything valuable away and/or sign some washed up old guy (Alfie) we could very well see

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Mantha

Franzen-Weiss-Nyquist

Jurco-Sheahan-Tatar

Abby-Helm-Miller

Kronwall-Ericsson

Smith-Dekeyser

Quincey-Sproul

Probably won't compete for a Cup, maybe won't make the playoffs even. But maybe, just maybe, we get a little bigger, a little faster, a little bit more hungry, and a little harder to play against.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

I'm not entirely opposed, but I don't think a team with Zetterberg and Datsyuk on it is bad enough to tank.

Move one of those two and it's plausible, plus you speed up the rebuilding process by getting picks and prospects back.

[ShanahanMan 473]

Going a little far here. I'm as irritated as the next guy, and probably more than most. But rather than "tank it" how about we just give open spots to deserving kids and see what they can do? Seemed to work out well last year. I don't know about anybody else but I'd love to add a 6'4 200+ lb Mantha, and a 6'4 200+ lb Sproul to our lineup. As long as he doesn't trade anything valuable away and/or sign some washed up old guy (Alfie) we could very well see

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Mantha

Franzen-Weiss-Nyquist

Jurco-Sheahan-Tatar

Abby-Helm-Miller

Kronwall-Ericsson

Smith-Dekeyser

Quincey-Sproul

Probably won't compete for a Cup, maybe won't make the playoffs even. But maybe, just maybe, we get a little bigger, a little faster, a little bit more hungry, and a little harder to play against.

Oh don't get me wrong, I'm fine with giving our spots to kids. In fact, I would be content with scrapping all the vets (minus Hank,Dats and Kronners) and playing all kids/prospects.

However to me, this is one in the same as tanking it ala the Buffalo Sabres route.

Glad we're on the same page!

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

Oh don't get me wrong, I'm fine with giving our spots to kids. In fact, I would be content with scrapping all the vets (minus Hank,Dats and Kronners) and playing all kids/prospects.

However to me, this is one in the same as tanking it ala the Buffalo Sabres route.

Glad we're on the same page!

If you think that squad would "Tank" then I think you need a lesson in talent analysis...

[ShanahanMan 473]

If you think that squad would "Tank" then I think you need a lesson in talent analysis...

You're right. Abdelkader, Glendenning, and Miller in rotating top 6 roles has cup written all over it (despite the fact all 3 would barely make the 4th line on most teams).

We have some shining stars and glimmers of bright spots don't get me wrong, but the majority of our roster is an AHL team, plain and simple. Instead of finishing in the middle and possible BARELY squeezing in the playoffs just to get embarrassed, which accomplishes absolutely nothing, why not hope for a bottom finish and look forward to a high pick and org changes?

Now there's something to get excited about.

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

You're right. Abdelkader, Glendenning, and Miller in rotating top 6 roles has cup written all over it (despite the fact all 3 would barely make the 4th line on most teams).

We have some shining stars and glimmers of bright spots don't get me wrong, but the majority of our roster is an AHL team, plain and simple. Instead of finishing in the middle and possible BARELY squeezing in the playoffs just to get embarrassed, which accomplishes absolutely nothing, why not hope for a bottom finish and look forward to a high pick and org changes?

Now there's something to get excited about.

How are Glendenning and Miller in rotating top 6 roles?? You realize forward depth is one of our strengths right?

Just because we didn't land a top defenceman doesn't turn half our roster into an AHL squad....

I'm as disappointed as anyone but some of you guys need a serious reality check...

Edited July 2, 2014 by Son of a Wing

[sjr2012 439]

I guess im one of the few out there that cares about the streak and knows that's all we have to look forward to right now idont want us to tank just because everyone thinks we don't have a chinamens chance in hell of doin anything and lets not forget its only july 2nd plenty of time to make other moves guys lets not get to far over the cliff

Edited July 2, 2014 by sjr2012

[number9 3,297]

I for one wanna watch my team actually play hockey, so yeah, no tank

[ShanahanMan 473]

How are Glendenning and Miller in rotating top 6 roles?? You realize forward depth is one of our strengths right?

Just because we didn't land a top defenceman doesn't turn half our roster into an AHL squad....

I'm as disappointed as anyone but some of you guys need a serious reality check...

Forward depth for our farm team and that's it. And yes, all 3 at times were playing somewhere in the top 6 throughout last season, especially Abdelkader who is cemented as a 1st line winger on our team (for some reason).

Looking at our squad, I don't know how you can look at it and actually look forward to next season. I literally don't see how this is possible, especially after last season with the same squad.

And before you go blaming injures, we had a NEGATIVE record heading into December before all the major injuries really started happening.

I for one wanna watch my team actually play hockey, so yeah, no tank

Just because they need to tank, doesn't mean we can't enjoy some fun moments in the season. Look at the Islanders and Oilers. Despite them tanking, it's still fun as well to watch Tavares and Hopkins tear it up.

[amato 3,210]

Tanks, but no tanks.

[WingedWheel91 271]

What is wrong with you people?

You cannot and will not be in a position to compete for the Stanley Cup every year in a hard capped system. If you are lucky enough to make the playoffs every year in between then that's what you have to be excited about.

Plus the emergence of a very young core of players, who (even if only one) can turn into a superstar this season. You also have Mantha, Pulkinen, and 2-3 AHL Defenseman who look very promising already. If Kenny HAD to sign Boyle or Niskanen because we had no OTHER alternatives he would have jacked the offers, but he probably knows a bit more than we do about who we have coming up and wants to atleast give them a try

[unsaddleddonald 357]

I think we can all agree

I disagree.

[Shaman 713]

What is wrong with you people?

You cannot and will not be in a position to compete for the Stanley Cup every year in a hard capped system. If you are lucky enough to make the playoffs every year in between then that's what you have to be excited about.

Plus the emergence of a very young core of players, who (even if only one) can turn into a superstar this season. You also have Mantha, Pulkinen, and 2-3 AHL Defenseman who look very promising already. If Kenny HAD to sign Boyle or Niskanen because we had no OTHER alternatives he would have jacked the offers, but he probably knows a bit more than we do about who we have coming up and wants to atleast give them a try

This is a joke, right? Watching 87 games where the Wings lose 4 of the extra 5 isn't exciting, it's embarrassing. It's worse when the GM labels that a success.

[8 Legged RedWing 367]

Lol. 24 hours into free agency. What a joke.

[DannyD 79]

So let me get this straight. Just because we missed out on signing ONE DMAN you want to tank the whole season? Holy overreaction Batman!

Forward depth for our farm team and that's it. And yes, all 3 at times were playing somewhere in the top 6 throughout last season, especially Abdelkader who is cemented as a 1st line winger on our team (for some reason).

Looking at our squad, I don't know how you can look at it and actually look forward to next season. I literally don't see how this is possible, especially after last season with the same squad.

And before you go blaming injures, we had a NEGATIVE record heading into December before all the major injuries really started happening.

Just because they need to tank, doesn't mean we can't enjoy some fun moments in the season. Look at the Islanders and Oilers. Despite them tanking, it's still fun as well to watch Tavares and Hopkins tear it up.

So we had a NEGATIVE record heading into December. Before Pav and Z missed 40 games. Before Big E missed 30 and had an extremely underachieving Weiss. And we still made the playoffs? Oh god we must've played HORRIBLE to still get into the playoffs the rest of the season despite not having Pav, Z, Big E, Franzen etc... Don't forget guys like Sheahan and Jurco didn't even get called up until half way through the season. Goose didn't get called up until late November.

And injuries are to blame for ANY time Glenny and Miller might have spent in the top 6 last season. Lest we all forget we had multiple games with Andersson being our #1C because Pav, Z, Weiss, and Helm were ALL out.

[ShanahanMan 473]

The blind head in the sand defense in here is astounding.

Fine guys, so you're all pretty much saying if we make the playoffs and lose the same way as this season, you will be happy. The same team that got booed off the ice at home this past playoffs.

Nice to see how easily satisfied you are.

Edited July 2, 2014 by ShanahanMan

[Guest fat guy in a maltby jersey]

OP nailed it.

zero to look forward to this season.

thanks, kenny.

[Internet.Unknown 422]

The blind head in the sand defense in here is astounding.

Fine guys, so you're all pretty much saying if we make the playoffs and lose the same way as this season, you will be happy.

Nice to see how easily satisfied you are.

I want a Red Wings rebuild. That being said, "head in the sand" is thinking that the Wings will tank. Say it all you want, shout it on every message board, but the management and ownership want to keep the streak alive. Ignore this fact all you want; that won't make it less true.

[DannyD 79]

The blind head in the sand defense in here is astounding.

Fine guys, so you're all pretty much saying if we make the playoffs and lose the same way as this season, you will be happy.

Nice to see how easily satisfied you are.

We aren't Cup contenders right now. Signing Niskanen or Boyle wouldn't have changed that at all. They would've helped, but they wouldn't have put us over the top. So yes, I would love to still see us make the playoffs even if we do lose in the 1st round, but give me Pav on two legs...not just one, a healthy Z, and healthy Big E in that series and things might've been a little different. We might not have won but I don't think we would've lost 4-1. Not to mention our kids are getting valuable playoff experience. Sure as hell beats missing the playoffs all together. So what if we get a pick 3-4 picks lower than what we would've had? We aren't tanking. It's not going to happen. Pardon me if I have realistic expectations.

[ShanahanMan 473]

I want a Red Wings rebuild. That being said, "head in the sand" is thinking that the Wings will tank. Say it all you want, shout it on every message board, but the management and ownership want to keep the streak alive. Ignore this fact all you want; that won't make it less true.

Oh I'm not doubting that. I'm just saying I (and hopefully others) will go through next season wanting as many losses as possible to get a high pick and influence management changes.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

What is wrong with you people?

You cannot and will not be in a position to compete for the Stanley Cup every year in a hard capped system. If you are lucky enough to make the playoffs every year in between then that's what you have to be excited about.

Plus the emergence of a very young core of players, who (even if only one) can turn into a superstar this season. You also have Mantha, Pulkinen, and 2-3 AHL Defenseman who look very promising already. If Kenny HAD to sign Boyle or Niskanen because we had no OTHER alternatives he would have jacked the offers, but he probably knows a bit more than we do about who we have coming up and wants to atleast give them a try

You don't sign Kyle Quincey then if you are willing to give the prospects on defense a try. Holland keeps contradicting himself in that regard. His words always claim he believes in the kids and they are ready, yet every move he makes says otherwise.

[Shaman 713]

We aren't Cup contenders right now. Signing Niskanen or Boyle wouldn't have changed that at all. They would've helped, but they wouldn't have put us over the top. So yes, I would love to still see us make the playoffs even if we do lose in the 1st round, but give me Pav on two legs...not just one, a healthy Z, and healthy Big E in that series and things might've been a little different. We might not have won but I don't think we would've lost 4-1. Not to mention our kids are getting valuable playoff experience. Sure as hell beats missing the playoffs all together. So what if we get a pick 3-4 picks lower than what we would've had? We aren't tanking. It's not going to happen. Pardon me if I have realistic expectations.

Getting bounced in 5 games isn't playoff experience per se. Also the lack of forward depth, the kids disappearing, Howard being Manny Legace 2.0, there really wasn't much hope even if Z and D were both healthy.