Abel to Yzerman
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GDT - Game #67: Red Wings host Wild (7:30)
by Jeff OKWingnut on 03/11/10 at 09:03 AM ET
Comments (66)
There is Panic in Detroit. The Red Wings are in ninth spot with 16 regular-season games remaining. Detroit hasn’t missed the post-season since 1989-90. Uncle Mike is the lead story at CBC.ca sports. Something is amiss, the “19” DET fans have known for quite sometime, now everyone is catching on; especially after the CGY meltdown.
DET were in position to win their third straight Tuesday, but wasted a one-goal lead in an absolutely horrific third period and lost 4-2 at home to CGY. The Wings have not won three in a row since a season-high four-game run from Dec. 11-17. Part of DET’s problem is their play at the JLA, where they are 3-3-3 in their last nine and 17-10-5 (good for only 17th in the league) there on the season. With two implosions at the JLA in less than a week, DET appear in trouble.
Coach Babcock summed up the issue directly: “We play one, then not the next one,” “We need to put a string together. We got outshot 15-4 at home in the third period (against the Flames) in a game that desperation on both sides should show. We were playing against a team that wants to get in the playoffs. We need to show that we want to be in, as well.”
MIN in town tonight, and they are inept on the road, 10-19-3 (28). DET have an opportunity to improve their record at the Joe, and more importantly to keep pace with the Flame; hopefully they won’t squander it, again.
Standings:
G/P, W L OTL PTS Last 10 Streak
7 NSH 66 36 25 5 77 5-4-1 Won 1
8 CGY 66 33 24 9 75 6-3-1 Won 3
9 DET 66 31 23 12 74 4-4-2 Lost 1
10 DAL 66 29 25 12 70 4-5-1 Lost 1
11 STL 65 30 26 9 69 6-4-0 Lost 1
DET: 66 GP, 31-23-12, 74 pts (9 in Conf, 3 in Central), 175 GF, 178 GA, Last 10 4-4-2, Streak Lost 1
MIN: 65 GP, 31-28-6, 68 pts (12 in Conf, 4 in Northwest), 180 GF, 188 GA, Last 10 4-4-2, Streak OTL
DET at home: 17-10-5 (17)
MIN on road: 10-19-3 (28)
Stats (rank):
DET: .561 point% (15), 2.62 g/g (19), 2.64 ga/g (10), 0.86 5-5 f/a (27), 19.4 pp (9), 82.4 pk (13), 33.0 s/g (3), 30.2 sa/g (15), 51.4 fo% (6).
MIN: .523 point% (20), 2.71 g/g (14), 2.80 ga/g (19), 0.96 5-5 f/a (18), 19.0 pp (13), 82.1 pk (15), 28.7 s/g (26), 28.4 sa/g (5), 53.6 fo% (2).
Goal Differential/Game:
DET = -0.02
MIN = -0.09
Player Stats:
DET Skaters:
POS Player GP G A PTS +/- ATOI
C Pavel Datsyuk 64 20 36 56 11 20:24
L Henrik Zetterberg 58 18 35 53 5 19:58
D Nicklas Lidstrom 66 8 33 41 19 25:35
R Todd Bertuzzi 66 15 22 37 -8 16:51
D Brian Rafalski 62 5 29 34 16 3 24:22
L Tomas Holmstrom 52 18 12 30 5 15:25
R Dan Cleary 54 13 16 29 -6 17:43
C Valtteri Filppula 39 7 18 25 -6 17:32
C Darren Helm 59 10 9 19 -4 14:50
C Kris Draper 65 7 11 18 -1 12:12
R Patrick Eaves 52 9 8 17 -4 13:56
L Drew Miller 64 7 9 16 1 12:53
D Niklas Kronwall 32 5 9 14 -2 21:26
D Brad Stuart 66 2 11 13 -16 23:38
C Jason Williams 28 6 5 11 -9 14:16
D Jonathan Ericsson 49 3 8 11 -17 17:21
D Brett Lebda 59 1 6 7 -3 15:06
C Johan Franzen 11 5 2 7 -3 18:26
L Kirk Maltby 52 4 2 6 1 10:06
D Derek Meech 42 2 4 6 -11 12:51
L Justin Abdelkader 50 3 3 6 -11 10:35
D Doug Janik 13 0 2 2 -3 13:28
D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen 18 0 2 2 1 9:51
L Brad May 40 0 1 1 -5 6:58
D Andreas Lilja 5 0 1 1 -1 13:52
C Mattias Ritola 5 0 0 0 0 11:41
D Jakub Kindl 3 0 0 0 -2 10:49
DET Goalies:
Player GPI W L OT GAA PCT
Jimmy Howard 47, 24-15-8, 2.38, 0.923
Chris Osgood 22, 7-8-4, 2.97, 0.890
MIN Skaters:
POS Player GP G A PTS +/- ATOI
C Mikko Koivu 65 18 41 59 -2 20:40
L Andrew Brunette 65 18 31 49 -3 17:00
R Martin Havlat 59 15 29 44 -7 18:06
D Marek Zidlicky 64 5 32 37 -4 23:50
L Guillaume Latendresse 63 23 10 33 0 14:48
R Antti Miettinen 62 16 16 32 -3 17:55
R Owen Nolan 60 14 15 29 1 16:37
C Kyle Brodziak 65 8 20 28 0 15:26
R Cal Clutterbuck 57 12 6 18 -2 14:16
D Cam Barker 56 5 12 17 11 4 13:47
D Nick Schultz 65 1 14 15 -8 21:03
D Shane Hnidy 64 2 12 14 -3 13:31
D Brent Burns 36 2 12 14 -6 21:41
D Greg Zanon 65 2 9 11 -8 22:15
R Chuck Kobasew 38 4 6 10 -9 14:13
C Andrew Ebbett 50 6 2 8 -2 11:39
L Robbie Earl 24 6 0 6 4 8:20
C James Sheppard 48 2 3 5 -8 12:01
L Derek Boogaard 46 0 4 4 -9 6:19
R Petr Sykora 14 2 1 3 -7 11:59
D Clayton Stoner 8 0 2 2 1 13:18
D John Scott 35 1 0 1 -2 7:59
C Nathan Smith 9 0 0 0 -4 7:50
C Andy Hilbert 4 0 0 0 -2 9:43
C Pierre-Marc Bouchard 1 0 0 0 0 10:44
C Danny Irmen 2 0 0 0 -1 4:38
R Petr Kalus 1 0 0 0 0 6:41
D Jaime Sifers 8 0 0 0 1 11:51
C Cody Almond 1 0 0 0 0 2:59
MIN Goalies:
Player GPI W L OT GAA PCT
Anton Khudobin 2, 2-0-0, 0.87, 0.979
Josh Harding 17, 5-8-0, 2.79, 0.905
Niklas Backstrom 50, 24-19-6, 2.65, 0.904
Wade Dubielewicz 1, 0-1-0, 4.14, 0.778
Injury Report:
DET:
Kirk Maltby (RW/LW) Shoulder surgery (Early April)
MIN:
Shane Hnidy (D) Leg injury (Day to day)
Pierre-Marc Bouchard (W/C) Concussion (Sidelined indefinitely)
Clayton Stoner (D) Groin (Sidelined indefinitely)
Cal Clutterbuck (RW/LW) Leg injury (Day to day)
HOT and NOT:
DET: Hot:
Brian Rafalski (D) 4 pts in last 2 GP
Nicklas Lidstrom (D) 3 pts in last 2 GP
Pavel Datsyuk (C/LW) 9 pts in last 6 GP
Henrik Zetterberg (C/LW) 5 pts in last 4 GP
Tomas Holmstrom (LW/RW) 6 pts in last 5 GP
Todd Bertuzzi (LW/RW) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Valtteri Filppula (C/LW) 3 pts in last 3 GP
DET: Not Hot:
Brad Stuart (D) 0 pts in last 4 GP
Johan Franzen (LW/RW) 0 pts in last 3 GP
Chris Osgood (G) 0-1-0, 4.75, .811 in last 2 GPI
Jimmy Howard (G) 2-2-0, 3.71, .877 in last 4 GPI
MIN: Hot:
Brent Burns (D) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Guillaume Latendresse (LW) 5 pts in last 5 GP
MIN: Not Hot:
Chuck Kobasew (RW/LW) 0 pts in last 4 GP
Andrew Brunette (LW/RW) 0 pts in last 3 GP
Owen Nolan (RW/LW) 0 pts in last 3 GP
Antti Miettinen (RW/LW) 0 pts in last 3 GP
Kyle Brodziak (C) 0 pts in last 3 GP
Niklas Backstrom (G) 0-1-1, 2.91, .889 in last 2 GPI
———————————————————————————————————————————
Khan(!) notes that Uncle Mike is shaking up his lines, Lebda is in, E-52 is sitting, and Jimmah is going to start.
Practice lines from yesterday
Franzen-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Filppula-Zetterberg-Cleary
Bertuzzi-Miller-Williams
Draper-Helm-Eaves
“There’s been a number of things, injuries and all those things, but I can’t deal with that now,” Babcock said. “All I can deal with is what we got right here in front of us, and we need (Zetterberg) to be better.
“In saying all that, that doesn’t mean carry the weight of the world around on your back. It just means dig in and find a way to do better and compete harder. And hopefully as a coach I’m giving him the players he needs to help him out.”
Here is Miller - on moving to 3 line center:
“I might not be the best faceoff guy (12-of-33, 36.4 percent), but I’ll get in there and work hard. And wherever you want to put me, I’ll put forth my best effort and try to help the team any way possible,” Miller said.
“Bert’s got the size and Willy’s got a great shot. I have to get in there and work the corners and get them the puck.”
———————————————————————————————————————————
Tim Wharsnby, CBC.ca Sports, penned a good story about Uncle Mike’s path to the Red Wings. Be sure to catch the blue side-bar story too.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
It seems that DET are not the Lone Ranger, in trying to figure out their lackluster play, Michael Russo, Star Tribune:
After Wednesday’s extremely optional practice in Mendota Heights that included seven skaters, two goalies and no head coach, Niklas Backstrom and Andrew Brunette chatted at center ice for five minutes.
It was the look of two very frustrated veterans, especially after a shootout loss the night before in which the Wild somehow was able to muster a paltry 11 shots on goal against a Florida team that leads the league in shots allowed.
“Very disappointing. One of the most disappointing,” Backstrom said Wednesday. “It was a game we must have. We’re fighting for our lives, and that’s how we play.
Boxscore from that game:
SHOTS 1 2 3 OT T
Florida 12 9 10 0 31
Minnesota 4 3 2 2 11
WOW - - that is, dare I say it, worse than the DET implosion. UGLY
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
Great work as always, Okie. Dare I say it…another must-win?
And here’s something to mull on: many of us seem to be in consensus that the players are tuning out Uncle Mike. Whether or not he’s doing well, if they’re doing that it’s probably time for a coaching change (after the obligatory ‘standing behind the coach’ statement from the owner, a la Cap’n Dennis, and the litmus test of whether he’s being tuned out or not). But replacement coaches would almost likely be worse—for every Dan Bylsma there are ten Joel Quennevilles. Though any new coach would be listened to at first at least, and they may have that on Babcock. However, we may all be overlooking promoting from within. We all agree that some new blood may be needed, and fire is definitely needed, a speaker like Yzerman in the locker room…I think you know where I’m going with this.
We all just assume he’s headed for a management position, as a GM. We couldn’t bear to see him at any other organization. He has the ear of everyone, from the Griffs call-ups to Mr. I himself. And what he doesn’t know about hockey and about putting all you’ve got out there you could write on a grain of rice and still have space for Crime & Punishment.
Isn’t he worth a shot? Discuss.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 03/11/10 at 09:24 AM ET
From the last thread:
Wings actually need some decent canadian players who are born and bred for the stanley cup, europeans arent programmed for the cup,we have other goals in whichever country we come from,but canadians live for the cup,and this lacks…Cleary cant cut it I am affraid,Stuart I just dont like…
Posted by edillac on 03/11/10 at 05:45 AM ET
Damn straight. We need more Canadians. Let’s start by getting rid of two of them.
And Edillac, did I mention how much you make me laugh? A ‘soft Euro’ who hates ‘soft Euros’ and loves ‘good ol’ Canadian boys.’ You’d make Don Cherry have an aneurysm from not knowing whether to love or hate you.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 03/11/10 at 09:31 AM ET
Isn’t he worth a shot? Discuss.
He’s said himself he’s more interested in management at this point in his career. Say a stint at coaching doesn’t go well, that would basically eliminate interest in him as a GM down the line.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 03/11/10 at 09:32 AM ET
Damn you and your ‘reality,’ MO.
Now if you’ll excuse me, the Magic Hippo has promised to show me Gumdrop Land where I can dance with the Nougat Gnome. Pacifier, anyone?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 03/11/10 at 09:36 AM ET
Hey, look how coaching treated Gretzky. Does anyone respect him anymore?
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 03/11/10 at 09:56 AM ET
Hey now Nate, I don’t respect Gretzky because of his gambling habit, his association with Rick Tocchet, his ditzy wife, and his massive plastic surgery habit. The lousy record with the Yotes is just an incidental.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 03/11/10 at 10:05 AM ET
I’m not too worried about tonight, at least less worried than with Saturday’s game.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 03/11/10 at 10:18 AM ET
Hey now Nate, I don’t respect Gretzky because of his gambling habit, his association with Rick Tocchet, his ditzy wife, and his massive plastic surgery habit. The lousy record with the Yotes is just an incidental.
You left out the part about being an overrated pud.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 03/11/10 at 10:19 AM ET
Damn you and your ‘reality,’ MO.
Don’t let a little logic cloud a good arguement starter.
It’s an interesting quandry really. Where Stevie is at right now he could easily step behind a bench or move into the GM desk. If he goes the GM route, it’s not “normal” to move into coaching after being a GM, but after coaching the door could possibly be wide open for GM’ing (depending on success).
Stevie’s contract ends at the end of this season or next? Kenny’s contract ends this year? Something like that.
Anyway, the task at hand is much more important. The game tonight.
We’ve got the offseason to kick this other stuff around.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 03/11/10 at 10:23 AM ET
A+, Okie. Thanks.
(Good article on Uncle Mike, too; thanks for the pointer.)
I’m cautiously optimistic about tonight.
If the desire to play ‘til June is there, we’ll see it for 60 min.s by the entire organ-I-zation.
Regardless,
never
never
never
give
up
L.G.R.W.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 03/11/10 at 10:24 AM ET
I’ve been dreading the game day threads lately. Because it means there’s a game today.
Even so, good job once again Jeff.
Just win.
Posted by WingsFanInBeanLand from Lidstrom's head telling him 1 more year on 03/11/10 at 10:36 AM ET
Wait a minute, if Zetterman is in the “hot” category…why are switching his line around to try and get him scoring?
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 03/11/10 at 10:43 AM ET
The Red Wings are in ninth spot with 16 regular-season games remaining.
Truth is stranger than fiction. I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around this.
Posted by dougie on 03/11/10 at 10:50 AM ET
I’ve been dreading the game day threads lately. Because it means there’s a game today.
Nothing else sums up my feelings better than this WFIBL quote.
Posted by Primis on 03/11/10 at 11:05 AM ET
Wait a minute, if Zetterman is in the “hot” category…why are switching his line around to try and get him scoring?
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 03/11/10 at 10:43 AM ET
It’s Cleary sickness. Filpulla and Zetterman are both suffering. It’s an acute disease by which, no matter how many points you’re producing, people look at you and wonder when you’re going to start producing points.
Sadly, it appears as though kool-aid does not particularly help fans see through it. (seriously, while I may have defended Flip yesterday, I’m as guilty as anybody of constantly overlooking the good offensive production Zetterberg’s been bringing lately or Cleary has brought since he came to Detroit)
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 03/11/10 at 11:16 AM ET
Truth is stranger than fiction. I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around this.
Posted by dougie on 03/11/10 at 10:50 AM ET
Here is some more truth, stranger than fiction:
DET: 2.62 g/g (19), 2.64 ga/g (10)
MIN: 2.71 g/g (14), 2.80 ga/g (19)
MIN score more goals than DET - DET “D” is better than MIN.
Who would have ever thought that, really?
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 03/11/10 at 11:23 AM ET
Franzen-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Filppula-Zetterberg-Cleary
Bertuzzi-Miller-Williams
Draper-Helm-Eaves
That’s pretty scary, because yesterday when you were all talking about Filppula I wondered to myself why he doesn’t get bumped to second line winger to try and spark some offense between him and Z.
Bertuzzi-Miller-Williams scares the *#$%@& out of me though.
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 03/11/10 at 11:28 AM ET
We’re all Ottawa Senators fans now.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 03/11/10 at 11:33 AM ET
Panic in Detroit
Fire in the disco! Fire in the… Taco Bell!
Posted by Incognetis from Delaware... Hi... I'm in... Delaware on 03/11/10 at 11:44 AM ET
Bertuzzi-Miller-Williams scares the *#$%@& out of me though.
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 03/11/10 at 11:28 AM ET
Babbles says he’ll rotate Wally, Dangles, and Zetterman in at center of this line to get them more playing time…works for me.
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 03/11/10 at 11:44 AM ET
I’ve been dreading the game day threads lately. Because it means there’s a game today.
Even so, good job once again Jeff.
Just win.
Posted by WingsFanInBeanLand
+19
Wait a minute, if Zetterman is in the “hot” category…why are switching his line around to try and get him scoring?
Posted by Animal Drew
Coaching 101 according to Uncle Mike. Win or lose, shuffle the lines for the next game. It makes it look like the coach is actually doing something.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 11:45 AM ET
We’re all Ottawa Senators fans now.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 03/11/10 at 11:33 AM ET
“Of what speakest thou?”
I have an assumption of what you mean, but I’d like to clarify…
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 03/11/10 at 11:46 AM ET
Coaching 101 according to Uncle Mike. Win or lose, shuffle the lines for the next game. It makes it look like the coach is actually doing something.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 11:45 AM ET
Ouch. Fitting you changed back to your Manny Legace avatar. I remember way back when I was a newbie and you said something like that, I mistook you for a troll…whoops.
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 03/11/10 at 11:47 AM ET
From the CBC article:
Franzen said, “He’s all business. He doesn’t take a day off and he doesn’t expect us to either.”
There was a twinkle in his eye as he described outings with his family around Vancouver on off days. He recalled a trip to Granville Island, dinner in Yaletown and a walk through the jam-packed crowds at Robson Square downtown, as well as attending the women’s hockey final and the men’s curling final.
Babcock, who, next week, will give speeches both at U of L and Red Deer College during a Red Wings trip out West. “I can’t think of a better way to show my pride than to coach Canada [to gold] at the Olympics.”
You think he’ll be talking about line combos for the Wings next week? Doubt it. Babs, clearly wants to cash in on the gold and enjoy his olympic experience now, rather than later. Mr. I should oblige him.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 12:07 PM ET
Ouch. Fitting you changed back to your Manny Legace avatar. I remember way back when I was a newbie and you said something like that, I mistook you for a troll…whoops.
Posted by Animal Drew
All I want is a three game winning streak and I’ll snap out of it, I promise.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 12:10 PM ET
All I want is a three game winning streak and I’ll snap out of it, I promise.
You’re a patient SOB Cap’n D.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 03/11/10 at 12:13 PM ET
You’re a patient SOB Cap’n D.
Posted by MOWingsfan19
What else can you do? To paraphrase Thomas Paine, These are the times that try men’s souls. The band-wagon soldier and the fair-weather patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their Red Wings.
L.G.R.W.!!!
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 12:18 PM ET
Too bad Barry Smith’s team finished first in the KHL because the KHL season ended March 8th.
Sorry, I’ll knock it off about Babs for a while. I’m sure it gets old.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 12:24 PM ET
That’s pretty scary, because yesterday when you were all talking about Filppula I wondered to myself why he doesn’t get bumped to second line winger to try and spark some offense between him and Z.
Bertuzzi-Miller-Williams scares the *#$%@& out of me though.
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 03/11/10 at 11:28 AM ET
If your powers of foresight are this strong, can you start thinking of consistent wins for the Wings please?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 03/11/10 at 12:26 PM ET
I have an assumption of what you mean, but I’d like to clarify…
Correct me if I’m wrong, because I haven’t checked the schedule since early morn, but I believe the Sens play the Flames tonight. If so, we need to be cheering for the Sens.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 03/11/10 at 12:33 PM ET
Tonight’s schedule with teams to root for in bold:
Florida @ Colorado
Nashville @ San Jose
Ottawa @ Calgary
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 12:38 PM ET
About fauxing time…
From today’s Detroit News:
“And I’m not just talking about playing better for a period or for a few minutes. I’m talking for 60 minutes. We need to put a run together. Are we capable? Yes. But the intensity level and how hard we play has to pick up.”
Babcock held a team meeting with the players Wednesday to emphasize that point. Nick Lidstrom and the associate captains have also held meetings with the team.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 01:07 PM ET
About fauxing time…
They say the first step in solving a problem is first recognizing that the problem exists.
The games will tell if the players have it in them to resolve the problem.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 03/11/10 at 01:10 PM ET
^^ “Eventually you can’t just meet about it,” Babcock said. “You’ve got to do something about it.” ^^
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 03/11/10 at 01:11 PM ET
They say the first step in solving a problem is first recognizing that the problem exists.
I don’t want to be in too big a hurry, but since that problem was first recognized in Oct./Nov., I’m all for moving on to step 2 ASAFP.
Posted by dougie on 03/11/10 at 01:20 PM ET
Fun with numbers, from CBC.ca:
The Wild dropped a 3-2 shootout decision to the Panthers on Tuesday and have now lost three straight games overall. That said, Minnesota has taken at least one point from four of its last five contests (2-1-2 record).
Detroit lost, 4-2, to the Flames on Tuesday—its sixth loss in the last nine home games overall (3-3-3 record). The Wings are 17-10-5 (.609) at Joe Louis Arena this season—their worst home record since going 20-12-9 (.598) at “The Joe” in 1996-97.
Pavel Datsyuk lit the lamp vs. the Flames on Tuesday and is now riding a season-high 6-game point streak overall (4g, 5a during streak). The goal was Datsyuk’s 20th of the season—his sixth straight campaign with 20+ goals.
Detroit has scored at least one power-play goal in 10 consecutive home games. The Wings’ home power-play percentage of 34.2 (13-for-38) since January 1 is best in hockey.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 03/11/10 at 01:26 PM ET
“Eventually you can’t just meet about it,” Babcock said. “You’ve got to do something about it.”
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 03/11/10 at 01:11 PM
But this is the first anyone’s heard about them even having special team meetings. I’m sure Babs makes it clear he wants a 60 minute effort before every game, but they needed to call these special team meetings on Monday 3/1 before the Dive game. If not then, than certainly after the collapse against the Cannucks.
I admit, I’m a little biased against Babs as a coach (I’ve never liked Keenan types, even with their short-term sucesses), but I think Babs was not so subtly blaming the players with that meeting remark.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 01:28 PM ET
I seem to remember hearing about 2 player only meetings this year, granted they accomplished exactly nothing.
Babs calling out the players could be parlayed into him starting to cover his ass if the inconsistency, mediocre effort and suckitude sends up home in April.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 03/11/10 at 01:39 PM ET
Thanks for the posting those pics Stonehands…admirable work, considering your allegiances. ha, i hope you’re not touched by the curse as well.
in other news, the Caps have a chance to clinch a playoff spot tonight…. :/ reminds me of how things used to be around here, making the playoffs in early march
Posted by Itrusteddrrahmani from Nyc by way of A2 on 03/11/10 at 01:40 PM ET
I seem to remember hearing about 2 player only meetings this year, granted they accomplished exactly nothing.
Same here. I did some very brief searching to find evidence, but came up with nothing. I think it was back in December or so, when injuries were at their worst.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 03/11/10 at 02:09 PM ET
I seem to remember hearing about 2 player only meetings this year, granted they accomplished exactly nothing.
Same here. I did some very brief searching to find evidence, but came up with nothing. I think it was back in December or so, when injuries were at their worst.
Posted by Nate A
I stand corrected.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 02:11 PM ET
but I think Babs was not so subtly blaming the players with that meeting remark.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 01:28 PM ET
Work ethic is, I think, the basis of his personal/professional philosophy. From the Wharnsby article:
“Everything I believe in comes from this philosophy,” Babcock said. “I want to be successful. I always say to the guys. ‘I want us to work hard and be able to be proud of that work ethic.’ But if you ask for that, you better practice it.”
I have read numerous accounts/interviews where Babcock preaches work-ethic. And it really makes sense in a salary-cap league. If most every team roster has a similar talent laden roster - - then there is only so much match-up/schemes to employ. To win, you must be determined to win the puck battles, go to the “dirty areas” - - ie work harder than the other squad.
And as long as Uncle Mike is doing his part - - which I assume is true, then I have no problem for him calling out his troops. If you watched that 3rd against CGY, you might be inclined to do so as well.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 03/11/10 at 02:25 PM ET
never
never
never
give
upL.G.R.W.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 03/11/10 at 10:24 AM ET
I started the day with a migraine. I’m finally able to see again. I see two points tonight. I will stick to my guns and go with what I believe. I believe The Wings make the playoffs.
I believe it’s because we will work our a$$es off, but I don’t care if we back in or, have to rely on a mathematical miracle. We’re there. And once we’re there anything can happen. Thanks OKie. Superb as usual.
I am a Wingaholic. Believe. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 03/11/10 at 02:41 PM ET
Thanks for the posting those pics Stonehands…admirable work, considering your allegiances. ha, i hope you’re not touched by the curse as well.
Posted by Itrusteddrrahmani from Ann Arbor on 03/11/10 at 01:40 PM ET
You’re welcome, itdr.
But note - I hope to never post anything thus related ever again. 
Now,
L.G.R.W.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 03/11/10 at 02:45 PM ET
L.G.R.W.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 03/11/10 at 02:45 PM ET
Best logo ever.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 03/11/10 at 03:08 PM ET
Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 03/11/10 at 02:09 PM ET
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 03/11/10 at 02:11 PM ET
It was Drapes in December.
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/a2y/comments/blast_away_drapes/
Draper, who finished the scoring with an empty-netter Sunday, got fed up with his and his teammates’ uninspired play.
“It just seemed like a lot of the same things were being said and nothing was being done,” Draper said. “I just got in there and had a little bit of a snap and just kept on going. I was embarrassed with the way I had played and I look at myself as one of the leaders on our team, work-ethic wise and emotional-wise and I didn’t think anything was there.
Not sure how well it worked then, but could it work now?
Posted by mrfluffy from Long Beach on 03/11/10 at 03:22 PM ET
Great job Okie. Good article on Babs.
I’ve been dreading the game day threads lately. Because it means there’s a game today.
There a lot of wisdom in them words.
Gotta root for the Senators tonight. Great team… Canadian I think, some guy named Alfredsensonjenson…..
Wings….Just win baby. Just win.
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 03/11/10 at 03:27 PM ET
Gotta root for the Senators tonight. Great team… Canadian I think, some guy named Alfredsensonjenson…..
Wings….Just win baby. Just win.
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 03/11/10 at 03:27 PM ET
Put the blinders on guys ‘n’ girls. What really controls making the playoffs is our team. We don’t compete, we don’t win the game at hand (nevermind 4 of every 5 over 16 games).
“Help” from another team losing is worthless if we don’t help our own cause.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 03/11/10 at 03:36 PM ET
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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: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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Keep up the good work Okie….
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 03/11/10 at 09:21 AM ET