WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS?

They are three of these four things:

1) A top-line sniper.

2) A 3rd line crusty playoff-savvy veteran who pisses people off and can say some wise things in the locker room. (e.g. whoever the new Mike Ricci is, or Esa Tikkanen.)

3) A playoff tested veteran back-up goalie. (e.g. Chris Osgood; you laugh, but you also would be very happy to have him as your back-up if Quick were to get hurt in the playoffs; I actually think a trade for him is not unlikely, especially if Detroit becomes a seller [!]; but I also frequently project my own thoughts onto Lombardi, so ignore if you wish.)

4) A legitimate second line center.