Can Brian Rafalski really replace Matthieu Schnieder? And can Dallas Drake replace Todd Bertuzzi?

Question

Will Rafalski really be able to fill the gap that opened up when Schnieder decided to sign with the fu... i mean ducks?

What about Dallas Drake taking the spot of Todd Bertuzzi, also signing with the f..ducks?

Answer 1

Yes they both can and do you know why Because they play for the wings. I mean there was no huge signing when Shanahan left and YZerman retired and look how well that turned out. I mean Schneider and Kronwall were out during the Ducks series and we still played well. The Red Wings have so much depth that if they are just adequate we'll end up right back at the top.

Answer 2

Rafalski has something that Schnieder didn't have: a Stanley Cup ring. He is younger and faster, is good on the power play, and still is very experienced. Schnieder had a better shot, but Rafalski beats him in other areas.

A can of pop could replace Bertuzzi, so Drake will be fine. He lacks the (alleged) scoring punch of Bertuzzi, but is better defensively, has better leadership skills, and is better disciplined. And like Bertuzzi, he is slower than frozen molasses. Great.

Rafalski and Drake are the least of the Wings' worries. After Datsyuk and Zetterberg, they have NO scoring punch at forward. They are essentially those two, and a bunch of role players. No replacement for Lang. They never did replace Shanny. Bertuzzi was a bust. How long can they ride Lidstrom and the rest of the D? They need some scoring quick, or they are going to decline. Lidstrom's MVP-worthy season last year is what got them as far as they did. If Nick can't carry them on his back like he did last year, then losing Bertuzzi and Schieder isn't going to matter much. The Wings simply have no depth.

Answer 3

Drake cannot replace Bertuzzi, Rafalski can certainly replace Schnieder. Rafalski was the Lidstrom on NJ. Rafalski is one of the better D-men in the league. Drake is just a veteran and there for leadership, not to replace Bertuzzi.

Answer 4

Rafalski is a more complete defenseman, although he doesn't have the same shot from the point.

As for Drake, he's a character guy who'll kill penalties and is versatile enough to fill in for injuries at different positions. Besides, Bertuzzi didn't leave much of a legacy for anyone to try and live up to, anyhow.

Answer 5

Rafalski is much better than Schneider. The only thing remotly to an advantage that schneids has is his booming hsot on the powerplay.

Dallas Drake wont replacfe Todd Bertuzzis scoring but will more than make up for phsyical play.

Answer 6

I dont think rafalski will be able to replace schnieder....i have been watching rafalski for years cause im a devils fan and while he is good he is no where near an elite player....he ahs problems keeping the puck in the zone, it tends to jump over his stick a lot and while solid on defense he isnt a real enforcer....definitely a great skater though and you will love that in detroit

bertuzzi i feel was never fully healthy and was under achieving so i bet Drake can replace him rather easily...as always the detroit red wings look strong

Answer 7

i think Rafalski will do a pretty good job. as for Drake.......anyone with half a brain can play better than bertuzzi. all he did was get Detroit penalty minutes. he didn't really contribute like he should have during the playoffs. i'm optimistic about Drake

Answer 8

Drake will fill the spot for Bertuzzi.I mean what did he do that needs replacing.Hes not the same player he was in Vancouver.
Schnieder is tougher to replace,but Rafalski is good.

Answer 9

Bring Hasek back. Howard had a shaky season in the minors last year, and the Wings are known for never rushing their prospects. Hasek will probably sign for a base salalry of about $2.5 million or $3 million. That leaves the Wings about $4 million, which should be enough to sign just about anyone left on the market, and another $1-$2 million to store away till the trade deadline. The thing that Im worried about is that there really arent many players on the market that are capable of leading a second line. But like someone else said, Grigorenko (sp?) will probably be on the roster next year and hes supposed to be a really slick player. If they cant pick anyone up from free agency, a second line with Cleary, Filpula, and Grigorenko wouldnt be too bad. It wouldnt be ideal either, but Im sure Kenny would pick another forward up at the trade deadline too.

Answer 10

Are you kidding me? Rafalski is leaps and bounds better than Schneider. He can work both ends of the ice. Schneider has always been a defensive reliability.
As far as Drake for Bert. I call that a saw off. At least Drake won't stir up bad blood just by stepping on the ice.