Adieu, Leino

We hardly knew ya.

In perhaps the least significant trade of all time, the Red Wings sent Ville Leino to the Flyers for a 5th round pick and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen. If he clears waivers, Tollefsen will spend the rest of the year in the minors.

Since the entire league knew the Wings needed to part with Leino due to Franzen's return, I'm surprised Holland found anybody willing to part with a draft pick. A fifth rounder might not mean much, but the Wings European scouts tend to find steals in the late rounds.

As for Leino, he fell swiftly from grace. After such a promising surge late last season, Leino's output dropped significantly. He actually scored more goals (5) in just 13 games last season than his 42 games this year (4). Somehow, he managed only 3 assists to boot. I would've expected his plus/minus to be lower than the -10 with that dreadful offensive production, so maybe his defense improved. Either way, the dude is gone. Fare well in Philly, Leino.

Speaking of plus/minus, Stuart and Ericsson now sport a -15 and -16, respectively. Stuart is a -6 the last two games alone. For some reason, Stuart's play improves dramatically when paired with Kronwall. Ericsson is best paired with Lidstrom or Lilja. Together, though, Stuart and Ericsson lose 3-goal leads, as was on display this weekend.

In a stark example of effectiveness, Stuart and Ericsson were a combined -6 for the game, while Lidstrom and Rafalski were a +6. I've watched the Wings all season, and I can honestly say the disparity in talent is not nearly so severe. There's just something with that pairing that does not work, and Babcock should split them up.

Lilja spent the past two games with the Griffins, and his return to the big league is imminent. Lilja used to be a favorite whipping-boy of Red Wing fans, now they can't wait to get him back (see the comments). He was usually good for a bone-headed turnover each game. Yet, we discovered that the bone-headed turnovers continued despite Lilja's absence. I have no doubt that when he returns he will step right into a top-6 role. No healthy scratches for Lilja. Assuming a healthy Kronwall, we're looking at Lidstrom/Rafalski, Kronwall/Stuart, Lilja/Ericsson from this point out.

I still believe the playoffs are a long-shot, but it's possible the Olympics may give this team a shot in the arm. It will be rest for the grinders, and a surge of adrenaline for the stars.

Super Bowl Ads
I'm not a huge fan of the Super Bowl, but I do love the ads. This was my favorite from last night (I'm a softie... and the music was perfect):



And for Golden Girls fans... I'm looking at you Mrs. Nofrownmotown... this one's for you: