Abel to Yzerman
Next entry: Homer Says He's In
Previous entry: Killed
End It
by IwoCPO on 06/01/08 at 11:41 AM ET
Comments (49)
About 100 fewer comments in the Game 4 Seger-sponsored Live Blog. Not surprising, since most of you spent the third period rocking back and forth sucking your thumbs rather than tip-tapping.
Here’s what Hank Zetterberg did last night, without registering a point. He proved that he’s not only the Conn Smythe front-runner, which we kind of assumed. But he showed the world what it takes to win a huge hockey game, and to earn the title of best player in the NHL.
There’s a difference between being elite, like Sidney Crosby, and the best--like Zetterberg. The best? They play in every situation, and they excel. The best don’t sit out penalty kills. The best dominate them.
Chris Osgood’s killing people today. Killing them. Only the stupid are saying he’s a “product of the system” or the team that plays in front of him. Osgood won that game. He won it. He staved them off and silenced thousands. Again.
And look who may have earned himself a capital C last night. It’s what captains do. Three minutes in and the Wings had given up that precious first goal. The Igloo was rocking and Michelle Therrien was probably thinking he was a very smart man, instead of the raving idiot he actually is. Captains find lanes and they seek out spots. Captains thrive. Nick Lidstrom did just that.
Sidney Crosby chased Hank Zetterberg for a minute, screaming at him, challenging him. It was a little pathetic, and must have been embarrassing for his daddy. Pens fans, who aren’t talking too much about that little episode, probably don’t point to that with any sort of pride. Then afterward, during the presser, he was still bitter. He said Zetterberg hadn’t done “anything special” during the 5-3.
But he bit his tongue. He held himself in check. He could have said more, wanted to say more, but didn’t. It wouldn’t have done any good and he realized that. As for the chase scene after the game? I’m inclined to cut him some slack. He’d just lost a one-goal Cup Final game and emotions got the best of him.
Crosby’s reaction didn’t irritate me. It was funny, but I don’t believe it defines him. He’s a kid who’ll learn from it.
Now. Michelle Therrien? That guy can flat out kiss my ass. His whining this week has been pathetic, and I’m sure it will continue. He may want to take a hard look at his own decision making before trying to distract the MSM. Nice timeout Michelle. I’m sure Uncle Mike appreciated the fact that he could keep the league’s top two defensive players on the ice. Brilliant.
And Malkin on the point? Michelle? How many times does that kid have to fail before you realize it’s not the place he needs to be with a man advantage?
Speaking of Malkin, the slew footer, anyone else hoping he wins the Hart? Never will a league MVP mean so little, and each time it’s mentioned, Zetterberg will be in the same sentence...maybe not the Hart winner, but the league’s best player.
You have every right to be proud of this team today. Their performance in the third period was inspiring. It was a hungry team who could see the glint of a Cup, just over the horizon. Tomorrow night? My god, they’re going to be flying. The Joe will be rocking. I’d give anything to be there, but I’ll take great satisfaction in knowing a few of you will be representing all 19 of us.
The Chalice comes home tomorrow night. It’s going to be hidden away for two periods. We’ll see images of dudes shining it up. “We want the Cup” chants will start right off the hop. The best team in the league, maybe the best team the NHL has seen since 1998, is going to reclaim it. And no state deserves it more.
Mortgage crisis. Gas prices. Auto industry disasters. Dirtbag mayors. Horrible Lions. Heartbreaking Tigers. All will be forgotten because a coach who can laugh on the bench in the middle of the worst kind of stress, a couple Swedes and a goalie who never forgot how good it felt to wear the Winged Wheel won’t let this team lose when Stanley’s so close.
End this thing.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
The Igloo was rocking and Michelle Therrien was probably thinking he was a very smart man, instead of the raving idiot he actually is.
That just made my day. Thanks, Chief.
Michelle is a tool in my book. He proved it by letting his players go after Franzen’s head upon his return. Michelle’s whining has given him a few power plays for sure. Except for the Red Wings winning, nothing will make me happier than seeing this man fail. Hopefully he will offer some added color commentary should he fail for a final time this season.
Posted by lilja4ever on 06/01/08 at 10:59 AM ET
@ Chief:
About 100 fewer comments in the Game 4 Seger-sponsored Live Blog.
Certainly, the tally is short by at least 25 posts of my mindless drivel 
Due to my stupid NBC affiliate NOT CARRYING THE GAME! Inlaws were most gracious hosts.
The other 75 posts or so, are as you aptly noted, due to the ridiculously exhilirating nature of the 3rd period.
Hank has to be the frontrunner for the C.S., but Ozzie is a very close second. Wonder if it will matter that Hank is not a Canadian?
Light work schedule tomorrow. The GDT will be chock full of goodness! I’ll be at the front of the Hasek queue tomorrow, and look forward to sharing Game 5 with the “19”.
1 Bitches, just 1!
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 06/01/08 at 11:04 AM ET
Lost by seemingly everyone in the media is the absolutely dominating road 3rd period by the Wings. Possession, possession, possession! Separating the Pens from the puck and work it in deep. An absolutely masterful clinic by the Wings in the 3rd period.
Last night early I posted several times, trying to hit 800 posts, that the Wings looked nervous, the passes and shots were not hitting the mark giving the Pens center ice possession. The third period was an exacting precise execution by the best team in hockey, punctuated by The Kill.
I am so damn proud of this franchise I’m almost considering buying $600 seats and spending $500 to travel from Virginia to Detroit in a frenzied trip just because I believe to do less is disrespectful to the Red Wings organization.
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/01/08 at 11:20 AM ET
Great post! I couldn’t agree more...I was in the Osgood for CS camp until last night, but I mainly want him to win it so the media will stop saying he’s the worst goalie to ever win a cup. But I suppose winning three of them might silence the critics.
The Igloo was rocking and Michelle Therrien was probably thinking he was a very smart man, instead of the raving idiot he actually is.
I have been saying it since game 1, but the three things Mario needs to do in the off season are: (1) Fire Michelle and hire Joel Quenneville. He is defense minded and is the best coach out there right now. I think he would jump at the chance to coach Crosby. (2) Let go of some firepower up front and some of those gray beards. Hossa was nice, but they don’t need him and Gary Roberts has been next to useless. Malkin, also, has proven himself not to be a playoff stud but he may be a late bloomer. (3) Fill out the roster with a stud defenseman and some 20 goal scoring character guys who have a cup under their belt and a lot of grit.
Will this happen? Probably not, after all it is the Eastern Conference and they even know how to spell “team defense” but that is what they need to do in order to compete with the western conference for the cup. Does anyone think the Stars, Sharks, or Flames would have had trouble containing the Pens offense? I don’t.
Posted by John from Pittsburgh, PA (Wings fan for life!) on 06/01/08 at 11:26 AM ET
Just read this out loud to my wife. She thinks “Bitches” should be tacked on to the end.
Posted by Clark on 06/01/08 at 11:28 AM ET
Thanks Gary. Ass.
NBC not showing games in some parts of the country? Where were you? It is a disgrace when the league is supposed to have a great TV deal, and they can’t even get national coverage on the Cup Finals.
...
Thanks Hank. Awesome.
There’s a difference between being elite, like Sidney Crosby, and the best--like Zetterberg. The best? They play in every situation, and they excel. The best don’t sit out penalty kills. The best dominate them.
That should be sent via registered mail to the authors of Pensblog. When they ask why they would want their stars on the PK, “The Kill” is the shift to show them. I honestly was jumping up and down like Tigger and screaming joyfully most of that shift… utter domination when it mattered THE MOST!
...
Thanks Thierrien. Bitch.
“HCMT” inexperience and arrogance have deluded him to think “obstruction” is causing his Pens to lose. His whining is contagious and most of the Pens locker room have developed sand in their vaginas because of the example of “HCMT”. The single greatest timeout taken in Wings history. Which is why even when Babcock loses he is relaxed and making jokes, while “HCMT” looks like he is one ulcer away from his stomach being digested by his bowels.
...
Thanks Ozzie. Hero.
The stress train would be at capacity if Ozzie hadn’t stepped in. For all the talk of him not facing many shots, his saves have been at clutch times keeping the Wings safely in the lead.
The man has a 1.48 GAA in the playoffs, and I believe his career SCF GAA is around 1.20. These are HoF numbers for a guy who usually isn’t considered as good as journeymen such as CuJo.
...
I am now under the same preparations as an opera singer before a concert. Warm tea with honey… my vocal chords have to last until the end of the game. I cannot blow out my horn before the cup gets raised. I need to keep some gas in the tank for that one, and Lord knows I won’t stop screaming for the entire game. I worked in radio when I was youngerand listeners liked my slightly raspy voice… after Game 5 I think what is left of my voice will make me sound like Wolfman Jack for the rest of my life.
1 more.
Right on, right on, right on.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 06/01/08 at 11:28 AM ET
Expanding on the “What NOT to Say to Your Wife” theme that surfaced late last night, let me regretfully add “What Not to Say To Your Children”:
Scene: 2d period, Tie Game, Wings just called for yet another penalty. Enter 16 year old daughter.
16: Dad, In the other room I was watching ...noise...Crosby....Emrick...French School Girl....noise...hiss...DAD Are You Listening To Me?
Dad: NO I’M TRYING TO WATCH THE GAME !!!
16: I thought they lost the last game !!!
Dad: YOU HAVE TO WIN 4 IT’S THE FINALS !!!
Daughter slinks away into other room.
Dad: What did you want to say?
16: NEVER MIND !!!
Everything’s cool this morning. They know not to come near me during Red Wings games or Michigan football, but I still felt shame, temporarily.
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/01/08 at 11:29 AM ET
Clark. I considered it. Even edited the post just now to read: End this thing. Bitches. Just not working for me. Tell your wife I’ll work it in soon.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 06/01/08 at 11:34 AM ET
I said after game 2’s fit of whining that Therrien’s antics were running a big risk of spilling over to his younger players and affecting their play. I think it backfired on him. Feel free to question my objectivity here, but the chintzy stuff isn’t being called and I like that.
Even worse, the whining has spilled over to their fans. I could understand both sides of Cleary’s shooting the piece of broken stick. I don’t think it affected Crosby, so I like the non-call. Zetterberg played the stick, he didn’t hit it hard enough to be a slash, he didn’t tie up the body; there was no penalty there.
Posted by J.J. from kansas on 06/01/08 at 11:34 AM ET
Congrats gents, you guys deserved the win last night. If you cant get a goal late in the game on a 5 on 3, you don’t deserve to win. Same thing with the Wings failing to capitalize in game 3 with their PP at the end of the game. Gotta take advantage in those spots.
On the Crosby comments at the end of the game, his full quote is:
SIDNEY CROSBY: He made a good play on me, got my stick. But just did a good job of trying to get a stick in the lane. I don’t think he did anything out of the ordinary, besides any other guy would do on a five‑on‑three.
He calls it a good play. Zetterberg did exactly what any other good player would do there (and what is expected of Zetterberg - the guys is one of the top defensive forwards in the game after all). The “moment” - a 5 on 3 with 2 minutes left in the Finals with a one goal lead - is what makes it special. To jump on him for these comments I think is being a bit dramatic.
But in any event, we will see you guys tomorrow. One at a time at this point.
GO PENS!
Posted by D. Myers on 06/01/08 at 11:41 AM ET
For any of the 19 attending tomorrow night, I hope the Wings wrap it up for you. You’ll never forget the experience, I guarantee it.
In 2001-02, my wife and I were part of a group that shared a block of four season tickets (Sec. 226B). It got us two seats to 20 regular season games and every other playoff game. As luck of the draw would have it, we had the seats for the Cup-clinching Game 5.
It was an incredible evening. When Shanny potted the empty-netter from the half-boards, I thought the roof of the Joe was going to blow off. I could actually feel the concrete vibrating beneath my feet, it was that loud.
I feel pretty fortunate to have gotten that experience--something all die-hard DRW fans deserve. I hope they do it for you.
Posted by O-Joe on 06/01/08 at 12:10 PM ET
Good post DMyers, I can only speak for myself, but when I direct criticisms of Crosby it isn’t b/c of anything that he’s done or hasn’t, it’s a result of all the hype made about him and the snowballing assumption that he is already the greatest player in the world. In this series I’ve seen at least 2 players in red and white that exert a more complete 2-way game than does Crosby.
The thing is that Crosby himself never asked to be put on a pedestal or claimed to be the best in the game, it’s the media sheep. It’s them that I’m irritated with but Crosby becomes the target of my irritation along with the mindless media. The whole SCF in Don Cherry’s eyes is all about Crosby instead of recognition of the complete Red Wings team and their 5 x 5 domination in this series.
The only thing that Crosby himself has done that is beginning to get irritating is sometimes taking on the whiny nature of his French school-girl coach. With a different leader and role model to emulate you wouldn’t hear it out of Crosby’s mouth, he’s just buying in to what his coach is muttering publicly.
Go Wings!
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/01/08 at 12:35 PM ET
4 tickets to game 5 $1700
Flight from Nashville to Detroit $130
Car rental for 3 days $68
One day away from watching the best damn team in the NHL raise the cup- frickin priceless
Posted by D Town in Bubbaville on 06/01/08 at 12:54 PM ET
I’m not trying to be political here, but I feel like the Pens and particularly Crosby have a sense of entitlement here, and it reminded me of Father Pfleger’s sermon/speech about Hillary.
The Pens feel like they deserve the Cup because of who they are, and now they complain, just like what Pfelger said about Hillary…
Once again, I’m not trying to be political here - I just found it entertaining
So…
Father Pfleger Speaks about the Stanley Cup Finals in support of Sidney Crosby and the Penguins
Michael Pfleger: I really believe that he just always thought: The Cup mine.
I’m Gary’s baby boy; I’m Canadian, and this is mine. I just got to get up and step into the Hall of Fame.
And then out of nowhere came: Hey, I’m Henrik Zetterberg!
And he said “Oh, damn. Where did you come from? I’m Canadian. I’m entitled. There’s a European man stealing my show!”
Maybe Don Cherry should get a copy of this transcript as well…
Posted by arelius19 from maryland… unforunately on 06/01/08 at 12:57 PM ET
I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but, assuming the Wings win tomorrow…
When the team lifts the Cup, we know the place will go insane. Z, Dats, Ozzie, I’ll be screaming right along at home. Drake and McCarty...holy crap that would be amazing. But to be honest, you know what’s going to be “the moment” for me? Can you guess the one person who will bring me - a grown man - to tears when he lifts the Stanley Cup?
Mike Babcock.
I can’t even express the respect and admiration I have for the man and the job he’s done. If I had the chance to shake the hand of just one person from the organization and tell them how proud they’ve made me to be a Red Wings fan, it would have to be his. He’s earned that Cup.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 06/01/08 at 01:08 PM ET
All will be forgotten because a coach who can laugh on the bench in the middle of the worst kind of stress, a couple Swedes and a goalie who never forgot how good it felt to wear the Winged Wheel won’t let this team lose when Stanley’s so close.
Best sentence of the year.
I want Ozzie for CS, and if Lids’ selection in 2002 was any indication, it will go to Ozzie. Not the highlights, but the presence of a Zen master. Beside, Z will win the CS during his own captaincy.
Do Drapes and Dats still rotate the ‘A’?
Posted by Osrt on 06/01/08 at 01:17 PM ET
heh. a friend sent me this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UpLXqI0qhc
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 01:20 PM ET
and this one…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ7TNzkBBsc&feature=related
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 01:21 PM ET
Chief, amazing post. Everything last night from Lidstrom’s goal to Hudler finding the one tiny spot on his to “the Kill” showed that this team is determined. They broke the winning streak at the Igloo of the Pens, they broke MAF’s winning streak at the Igloo, they broke the record of the team scoring first always winning the game. They were amazing. A total team effort.
For anyone that is going tomorrow night...I’m envious beyond belief and I’m happy for you. Just know that over 1,500 miles away, in Colorado, a die hard fan will be watching with her champagne on ice. Don’t want to get ahead of myself, there is still a game to be played.....
LET’S GO RED WINGS!!!
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/01/08 at 01:47 PM ET
About 100 fewer comments in the Game 4 Seger-sponsored Live Blog
It might have something to do with the fact that your page was loading like crap.
It was called to your attention, but you just blew it off.
One of your advertisers sabotaging the live blog..?
Could be a Pens conspiracy.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs don’t live up to my expectations on 06/01/08 at 01:53 PM ET
I only wish Cindy was in the Western Conference so I could see Pronger play with him just a little bit. Something about the 2 of them together would be enjoyable. The little diver is a team captain in the NHL...there’s the first mistake. That’s like trusting your team’s entire success to Barry Melrose....oh wait...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Hey D. Myers...do us a favor will you? Talk to your people and have them talk Cindy into shaving...he looks ridiculous. He looks a little like a channel cat for some reason.
p.s. Does Abbadabbadoo get to hoist?
p.p.s. Is there an online resource that tracks the cup as the players get their turn?
Posted by Scott H from Kalamazoo on 06/01/08 at 01:55 PM ET
p.p.s. Is there an online resource that tracks the cup as the players get their turn?
The Hockey Hall of Fame has a Stanley Cup Journal page that gives a pretty nice recap of every player’s day with the cup. Unfortunately it only goes back to 2003!
Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH on 06/01/08 at 02:12 PM ET
HTT, odd, I wasn’t having any problems with it. Loaded just fine for me...repeatedly.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 06/01/08 at 02:20 PM ET
All will be forgotten because a coach who can laugh on the bench in the middle of the worst kind of stress
That laugh was the classiest move of all…
and the best way to tell his players.
“I don’t have to tell you guys how to handle this,
you know what has to be done, and how to do it
(Almost like you’ve been here before).”
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs don’t live up to my expectations on 06/01/08 at 02:33 PM ET
Gabe, re-check the comments on the live blog…
scroll to 9:53 PM and start with Paul(miami).
I was having a lot of difficulty too (broadband, other sites were loading fine).
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs don’t live up to my expectations on 06/01/08 at 02:41 PM ET
Saw the rest of the quote on Snapshots and laughed my balls off:
I don’t think he did anything out of the ordinary, besides any other guy would do on a five‑on‑three.
Except, um, guys like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Got it.
Paul, that NHL ‘08 video is EVIL...I love it.
And Gramps, not to get on the back as well here, but the liveblog loaded okay for me too, and I’m an ocean away.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the city of the serial penalty killers on 06/01/08 at 03:01 PM ET
p.s. Does Abbadabbadoo get to hoist?
nope. unless he plays in one of the SCF games. he only played two games in the regular season.
besides, do you think - with the honor of a hockey player and the respect for The Cup - he’d want to hoist it considering he didn’t contribute?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 03:07 PM ET
Saw the rest of the quote on Snapshots and laughed my balls off
again he said that he made a good play. I dont know what else he is supposed to be doing up there. They just lost the crucial game of the Stanley Cup Final and he still praised him for making a good play. I think most quality PK guys (let alone a Selke candidate like Zetterberg) will make that play. again its the timing, on the biggest stage in a critical moment that makes it a legendary (or from my viewpoint, tragic) intervention.
Harping on imagined slights or what Crosby allegedly “thinks” he deserves or is his birthright is a little much, given how much there is to praise amongst your own players. Again, congrats to the Wings, they deserved the win no question.
GO PENS
Posted by D. Myers on 06/01/08 at 03:46 PM ET
LOL
reading the Pens’ comments is a riot.
Jordan Staal: I don’t know. I think, obviously, he’s [Malkin] playing hard. It’s not his lack of effort. And obviously he’s a great hockey player. And at times it doesn’t seem to go his way.
And a lot of players have gone through it. It’s just bad timing. But again, we all know what he can do in the dressing room, and we know he’ll step up when the time’s right.
four games into the SCF hasn’t the time been right already?
[quoteQuestion: The third period in this series has been tilted very much in their direction. It’s 6 1 score, 45 24 shots. Why do you think that is? And is it really just a matter of one bounce? Is that the case?
Jordan Staal: I think every game has been real tight. Obviously, you know, there have been a lot of one goal games.
um, no, there have been 2 one goal games. that’s “a lot”?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 04:16 PM ET
so how genius does Mike Babcock look, taking the Wings to that resort on Thursday to relax them?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 04:30 PM ET
This is the smartest graphic I’ve ever seen; thanks Pensblog:
Posted by Osrt on 06/01/08 at 04:40 PM ET
Malkin’s obviously been bad, and he won’t win the Hart, but he’s not some European shrinking violet who disappeared in the playoffs. He was pretty clearly the best player in the playoffs through two rounds and one game. The drop-off after that was almost immediate. That says there’s something else going on, not a lack of effort, or commitment, or will.
And I hate Michel Therrien’s whining interviews. Some analysts were saying that if the roles were reversed and Detroit had been down 2-0, Mike Babcock would have done the exact same thing. But I’m pretty sure that’s a total lie. That’s very much not his style.
Once Osgood let in three goals and Franzen only scored one goal in three games, Zetterberg became a shoo-in to win the Smythe. “The Kill” was just icing. It’s unfortunate, in a way, because these playoffs have really been an example of every player stepping up in his own role; no one carried the team at any point. Of course, Zetterberg obviously isn’t a bad choice--he’s been the most impactful player through all four rounds, although certainly not always the best.
Posted by Ryan from Toronto on 06/01/08 at 05:12 PM ET
BTW: Saturday night outings, to watch the game amongst other rampaging drunks, led to fewer comments. I’m looking at you Baroque...freakin alchy
Posted by Osrt on 06/01/08 at 05:24 PM ET
I don’t think he did anything out of the ordinary, besides any other guy would do on a five‑on‑three.
I take this as good news, because that means “any other guy” can also completely shut down Crosby - so we can give Z a rest on the PK.
Posted by number9 on 06/01/08 at 05:30 PM ET
PaulMiami - Folks check out the Sid dives in the link above posted by Paul. Pretty funny, Sid could be going for the Canadian diving team in the Olympics.
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/01/08 at 05:46 PM ET
Ryan, if you or anyone else can say with any degree of confidence that the Wings would be a game away from the Cup with Hasek in net, then sure, Zetterberg, or Lindstrom, or Datsyuk is MVP (and MVP doesn’t mean best). Without Osgood coming off the bench and coming up big, the Wings may well have beat the Pistons to the golf course.
Posted by BobS. on 06/01/08 at 06:36 PM ET
Ryan, if you or anyone else can say with any degree of confidence that the Wings would be a game away from the Cup with Hasek in net, then sure, Zetterberg, or Lindstrom, or Datsyuk is MVP (and MVP doesn’t mean best). Without Osgood coming off the bench and coming up big, the Wings may well have beat the Pistons to the golf course.
This, I believe, separates the talk about Zetterberg and Osgood. Ozzie has been the rock, Hank has been great all playoffs long, but without Ozzie, I can’t help but think that there’s a total meltdown against Bubba Jr.
Posted by HockeyJoe from NY on 06/01/08 at 06:41 PM ET
Excellent post, Chief. Excellent. Monday will be it. Michele sounded like it was over at last night’s post game presser.
Posted by TDeters on 06/01/08 at 06:50 PM ET
BTW: Saturday night outings, to watch the game amongst other rampaging drunks, led to fewer comments. I’m looking at you Baroque...freakin alchy
What? I don’t drink.
I just can’t type with crossed fingers, and the game was making me nervous. I also had no idea I could go an entire pk without breathing - but I’m not entirely sure I didn’t pass out a few times.
Conn-Smythe: Osgood very well would be a good choice if the Wings win the series, but so would Zetterberg - or Datsyuk or Lidstrom, for that matter. The 2002 team was also like that - there were so many players who contributed, who was going to win wasn’t all that obvious.
And re: Crosby’s comments: I don’t think it is entirely that particular comment regarding Zetterberg, but what comes across as a refusal to give the Wings credit during the entire series (at least in his written comments - maybe his tone of voice and body language is different). His comments about the Wings not really getting very many scoring chances, Osgood not playing all that well, Detroit not running away with the games - it would have seemed less dismissive if he acknowledged that the Penguins were up against the toughest opponent they had faced yet in the playoffs, as would be expected in the last series, and no matter how well Detroit played it was up to Pittsburgh to match them. He’ll probably speak to the media differently in ten or fifteen years than he does now, though, so I’m willing to cut the kid some slack.
Therrien, on the other hand, has no excuses. Big whining baby.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/01/08 at 07:06 PM ET
Conn-Smythe: Osgood very well would be a good choice if the Wings win the series, but so would Zetterberg - or Datsyuk or Lidstrom, for that matter.
This is all politics, no matter the most deserving candidate, you can count on CS going to a good ‘ol canadian boy.
That leaves Ozzie as the frontrunner, in spite of all I have read About goalies need to see more traffic to win it...A european...forget it.
Politics (same as the HOF).
Posted by Gramps from HockeyTown on 06/01/08 at 08:36 PM ET
I really don’t see Lidstrom getting it. yes, overall he is the foundation of this team. but in this year’s playoffs he hasn’t really stood out.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/01/08 at 10:54 PM ET
Re Crosby’s comments…
It’s not just what Sid said or didn’t say about Zetterberg—there’s more to it than that. His comments about Z are just the prime example. Baroque pointed out that it’s Crosby’s general refusal to acknowledge his opponents when acknowledgment is due. Bruce MacLeod says the same thing:
Being at the press conferences every day, I’m surprised at how Sidney Crosby refuses to dish out any praise to opponents.
That’s not just an isolated opinion… the same sentiment is all over the MSM today.
Let’s compare Crosby’s quote:
He made a good play on me, got my stick. But just did a good job of trying to get a stick in the lane. I don’t think he did anything out of the ordinary, besides any other guy would do on a five-on-three.
to Osgood’s comment about Hossa’s goal:
Hossa made a great play. I mean, the guy’s got unbelievable hands and not very many guys can do that move.
See the difference???
Sid the Kid is damn talented, but still indeed a kid. The Chief said it beautifully: there’s a difference between being elite and being the best. Crosby still has to learn that building up his opponents doesn’t make him less of a player. He’ll grow out of this as he becomes a true leader—or he’ll not become one.
Posted by BobTheZee on 06/01/08 at 11:02 PM ET
This is all politics, no matter the most deserving candidate, you can count on CS going to a good ‘ol canadian boy.
Gramps is absolutely correct. I said it before, and say it again, Ozzie’s our Conn Smythe winner. And not to say he doesn’t deserve it, but it won’t be for the right reasons, of which there are many. It’ll be because of all the top contenders, he’s the only Canadian. Much as I’d love to see Zetterberg get it, I think there’s still one in his future. And besides, this’ll at least help the cause for Ozzie getting into the HOF.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from aiming a Maple Leaf cannon at Don Cherry's house on 06/02/08 at 04:38 AM ET
if nationality is part of the CS decision, how did Lidstrom win it?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/02/08 at 07:02 AM ET
I suspect it’s because his skill leve, the kind of player he is, transcends nationality. Kind of “Even though he’s European, he’s still an amazing player.” Imagine the plaudits that would have come over his career if he had been Canadian-- the press would be fawning all over him and he’d easily have a Hart by now.
I suspect most of the PHWA will be hesitant in voting for Zetterberg *because* Lidstrom has already won the Conn Smythe. Ridiculous and xenophobic, yes, but that’s the way the NHL still is-- full of old dinosaurs like Cherry. I think ten years from now, things will be drastically different, but right now there is still a more than vestigial leaning toward Canadians being the only good players in the League.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the European comet making the dinos extinct on 06/02/08 at 07:52 AM ET
Great post Chief. I wish I could be in the Joe to watch the game tonight but I’ll take a bar in BJs territory with my other transplant friend. Go Wings! Mike Babcock should win the Conn Smyth. Make an exception.
Posted by Bryan from Columbus, OH on 06/02/08 at 10:35 AM ET
Another great post in a series of great posts.
My only addition is that “The Kill” is a must-add for the A2Y Glossary.
GO WINGS!!!!!
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/02/08 at 12:31 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Mellow Is The Man Who Hosts About 120 Live Blogs Per Year
“Faux”…Interesting. Do You Use “Faux”?
Detroit Media: Zero Outrage. Fedorov? Plenty
Well Gary? Your League Is A Joke
Gambling In Havana? Hiding In Honduras? Dad? Get Me To A Live Blog…STAT
Dammit…No Turco In Hockeytown Tonite
About Abel to Yzerman
Welcome to Abel to Yzerman, a Red Wing blog since 1977. No other site on the internet has better-researched, fact-laden and better prepared discussions than A2Y. Re-phrase: we do little research, find facts and stats highly overrated and claim little to no preparation. There are 19 readers of A2Y. No more, no less. All of them, except maybe one, are juvenile in nature. Reminding them of that in the comment section will only encourage them to prove that. Your suggestions and critiques are welcome:
A2Y Stuff
-----------------------------
Wanna Feel Smart?
Does confusion make you sad? When you read words like "enigma" and phrases like "Thanks Gary. Ass", do you wonder why mean people speak in languages you don't understand? Fret no longer friend! The A2Y Glossary will bring you great joy and enlightenment.
-----------------------------
How Others View The A2Y 19
"Hell, I guarantee the content co-opters at Abel to Yzerman were about to link this article under the heading “Bitter Blues Fans” again right up until they just read that last half-sentance. Thanks but no thanks, you Kukla hangers-on."
--St. Louis Game Time
"I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics? His posts are fatiguing on an otherwise excellent site."
--A2Y Fan, Eternal_Fields
"I constantly marvel at how Bill (IwoCPO) and his disciples at Abel To Yzerman can be so pompous and full of themselves throughout every regular season, but come playoff time they collapse into wavering puddles of stress and nervousness as they anxiously await the impending and unavoidable collapse of the Red Wings in the post-season."
--Mile High Hockey
"I hate them because they are better than us. Of all the frigging teams…"
--In The Cheap Seats
"It's just a shame that the most classless, uneducated, lowbrow fanbase in the league gets this sweep. Red Wing fans don't deserve their team."
--Thhom
"I really don’t care what fans or bloggers think."
--Drew Sharp
"Why is it you Detroit fans are still so classless when you have such a classy hockey team, with such a professional GM and gentlemen players? I understand that the author of this blog is a manner-less cad, but the rest of you should be better."
--A2Y Fan, Jeff Beaumont
"Have you ever *read* A2Y? Its the most opinionated, juvenile stuff i've read."
--Paul Nicholson
"I actually like the Detroit team and have a sh&% load of respect for them, but their fans are the biggest douches next to Canadians."
--KStewy, PensBlog Commenter
"Just when it looks like we have bottomed out, the 19 hit a new low."
-A2Y legend, Hockeytown Todd
"And for the record, I don't hate the Red Wings, I hate their fans."
--Douche Bag at Puck Daddy who isn't Wyshynski
"You’re nothing but a douchebag ****, c3po. Go f**k yourself, and learn something about hockey in the process. Nothing ruins my day more than seeing your byline on the kk page."
--Hector, A2Y fan, statesman, Pittsburgh Chapter of Jonas Brothers Fan Club President
"I can just imagine the kindergarten teacher’s reaction when the tyke blurts out 'Mommy says Gary Bettman is a f*cking f*ckface! He wants to give ‘Rosby the bad touch.' ”
--Bella, of the 19
"A2Y is what other blog sites aspire to be when they fail to grow up: intelligent immaturity for the juvenile genius set”
--Captain Dennis Polonich, of the 19
Head to Hockeytown
Blogs the Chief Likes
great, great post chief. bringing all my newbie friends to the bar on Monday night to hopefully bathe in the glory of a Cup win. my girlfriend was calling me and telling how unbelievable the kill was (i was busy and away from a TV) and how she’s never seen desperation like she saw in the 3rd.
“it was like everyone was skating on glass. people were falling all over the place. the Red Wings were literally throwing themselves at the Penguins every time they touched the puck.”
wish i could’ve seen it. then again, it was probably because i wasn’t watching that they played so well!
Posted by Alex from San Francisco on 06/01/08 at 10:56 AM ET