the 2008 preseason that is, tomorrow against the Habs.  I’d love to provide some hard-hitting analysis on who’s shining in training camp and who’s likely to emerge as filling spots those last few lines, but all that seems to be happening about a million miles away.  I’m probably not the most qualified to make those calls right now since I haven’t seen much of the action happening in Traverse City.  I can tell you this though, I couldn’t be more excited about the news I’ve read coming out of training camp

The red wings have depth.  I’m serious.  depth. You thought they they looked good last year?  If they can stay healthy, they’re going to dominate this year. dominate.

Some of the stories nick can’t wait to watch play out

The goaltending - Bruce says

Forget about outplaying Ty Conklin.  Jimmy Howard hasn’t outplayed Daniel Larsson ... and that’s a compliment to Larsson, not a slam on Howard. The Swedish netminder has come to camp ready and looks very strong. He’s an excellent position netminder, who looks much better than a No. 2 AHL goalie.

What? Since when do the wings have promising goalie prospects?  Where did this Larsson guy come from anyway?  Anyone else getting the feeling that there’s something in the Detroit drinking water that turns Swedes into superstars?  Wait - I’m getting ahead of myself, but I will say this - I’m looking forward to seeing the guy play.

The Defense -

Ken Holland has pretty much said “we’re trading a defenseman shortly after the preseason.” Where did he say that?  I dunno, it’s quoted in pretty much anywhere anyone has written an article about detroit’s defense.  I’m too lazy to look it up right now, but are you surprised?  Lidstrom-Rafalski and Stuart-Kronwall are given.  That leaves Chelios, Meech, Lilja, Quincey, Lebda, and Ericsson fighting for a 3rd defensive pairing spot.  A lot of people like to hate on Lilja, but I don’t think he’s that horrible.  He had a bad turnover against the Ducks during the playoffs a few years ago that he’ll never live down.  Ericsson is staying, Chelios is staying.  You other four?  One or two of you are gone.  Hope you haven’t been slacking off during the offseason.  Based on performance last year, I predict Lebda and Quincey are the most at risk.  Meech proved himself capable when he had to step up and play big minutes during the rash of injuries last year.  Lilja?  He’s fine as long as you don’t ask him to play top-4 minutes.

The Offense -

Another glut of talent.  Can Franzen keep up playing like he started to last year?  That was Conn Smythe performance until he got injured during the playoffs.  How awesome is Marian Hossa going to be?  Super awesome?  or just merely really awesome?  And what about all those guys fighting for those last roster spots? Abdelkader? Downey? McCarty? Helm? Leino? Where did that Leino guy come from anyway? There’s just too much going on here, I could write ten pages.  Detroit could fill two teams.

I can’t wait.