Mathieu Schneider broke his wrist and now he's done for the rest of the playoffs. That's a big loss for the wings, especially on the power play.

I know it sounds like I am full of sweetness and light, but losing Schneider sucks for depth, but I liked seeing our forward lines handle the puck more on the PP and using Samuellson as another gun at the blueline.

I think the Wings were getting away from their strength of using skill and relying too much on Schneider pounding shots on the net for them to chase garbage goals.

We gotta play Red Wings Hockey.

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Momma was queen of the mambo, Poppa was king of the congo, deep down in the jungle, I start banging my first bongo
Every monkey like to be, in my place instead of me, cause I'm the king of bongo baby, I'm the king of bongo bong
-Manu Chao

I'll drink to that............................

Schneider's play is not only on PP. He was out on PK and he's one of the better Wings D-men in the even strength. He also played many minutes (I believe 2nd behind the St. Nick). His loss is definitely going to hurt, but I think Wings have enough depth and hart to pull through. Lebda should be back and he'll fill in.

I'm surprised they didn't just sew him up and send him back out there.
Talk about your tough love.
Let's get this game 6 now..."MO" change loyalty in 2 seconds.

Sunday Practice Update
From Detroit News
Even if Lebda can play Wings are going to be shorthanded on the defense. Lebda is quick, but he's small. The way the calls are being made in these playoffs that may turn out to be an issue. And how much more can Wings hang on Lidstrom and Chelios? I know Cheli hadn't played many minutes during the year, but he's what, 43? And how much of this wear and tear can he handle?

Well, Lebda is going to play after all.

It's official: Wings' Lebda will return for Game 6 tonight

Let's go wings.

This is a big one.

Guerin should hopefully help offset the loss of Schneider. (gulp)

Cheli is 45.

Lebda is not that small.

He's only 5'11" but he is 195.

If he can help carry the puck, which he can, that will be a huge help.

Markov will need to step way up also and stop making mistakes.

I'm not looking to trigger a big nit-picky debate about this, but could someone give me a top 10 Redwings player ranking for the current team with a short description of why they are good.

Hockey is much more subtle than basketball for someone who basically only watches 10 games/ year. There isn't the starting line-up and since there are so few goals, it is difficult to see the advantages. Most of what I know already is from listening to the announcers and the between-period analysis.

Again, just looking for an education... because it will make it more interesting to watch.

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"Will was rolling, wasn't he? I roll with the guy that's hot." MC