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Jimmy D: “We Suck, And We’re Going To Keep Sucking All Season Long”
by IwoCPO on 10/24/09 at 07:50 AM ET
Comments (83)
Inflammatory stuff right there sister. Inflammatory. Good thing I made it up. OMG you must be breathing a huge sigh of relief right now.
Well, not so fast...because our Senior Executive President For Not Being Able to STFU did say something frighteningly similar.
“I don’t know how I can put it any other way than to be truthful; you can’t lose those types of players and have the record we had a year ago. We are going to have to work very, very hard to be competitive, and to make the playoffs. That’s the truth.”
Icky.
But interesting, and you know it’s gonna be. Sweet baby Jesus never guaranteed us a damn thing. Nobody said that every day we’d be able to look out the window to see puppies bouncing with firetrucks parked lazily along city streets, bright red in the sunshine, glistening while hookers serve us pancakes.
Here’s what we know: there are about 150 points left on the table, 148 actually. We’ve got 8. We need about 85 more. Yes, I’m talking about what it’s going to take this year to make the playoffs. Now hold on. Yes, I’ll shut my whore mouth...but just for a minute. If this was December and the Wings were in the middle of a 6 or 8 game winning streak, would we be discussing how to even get in? Probably not.
But we’re in October and Detroit has won 3 of their first 8 games. Panic beckons. But it wouldn’t be an issue if they’d beaten St. Louis, after having two leads. Or Denver or Phoenix.
Jimmy D, in his barely coherent, babbling way, doesn’t acknowledge the fact that the Wings are actually playing well for a huge portion of every game (except for the Buffalo disaster).
“A little adversity never killed anybody,” he said. “Just suck it up and get going. Bottom line, the games are 60 minutes long, you know that going in. Our last two have been 65 minutes, so play the whole thing. Don’t play 51 minutes or 57 and a half. Play the whole damn thing.”
That’s our Uncle Mike. He’s gonna coach an Olympic team this year, and he’s coached this Wing team to two straight Finals. I kinda trust him.
Tonight is the Denver team that beat us last Saturday. The same team, minus Darcy Tucker...rammed from behind last night, much to the outrage--I’m sure--of the Dive history buffs at the Ass Can. And this team? The Wings dominated them for more than two periods in Detroit last weekend.
Not sure if Jimmy D watched those first two periods, or the Chicago game or the Caps game or much, even, of the Phoenix game. He’s calling it a “transition year” for the Wings. Lots of people are throwing that phrase around. Jimmy D said, in the Lajoie interview that Malik posted, that the Wings will have an “ass ton of cap space next year. We’ll be spending money like a Sailor in Subic.”
Nope. He didn’t say that. He did say there was reason for optimism next season. Awesome.
I’m not into optimism for next year. I’m into cautious realism for this one. The fact is that if the Wings play sixty minutes two out of every three games? This is a non-topic. Even if they start to pick their spots to ease off a little better, this goes away. In fact, a two goal lead in the third period? That’s gonna help a bit too. Cleary, Zetterman, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Leino, Rafalski, Williams....of those players only Leino has more than one goal (2).
You seriously think that kind of scoring drought is going to continue?
The Wings are not going to win the division by twenty. They may not win it at all. But Jimmy D’s indirect suggestion that we, the 19, should lower our expectations?
Nope. I’m not there yet. Uncle Mike told me that adversity is good. I’ve bought into it and I did that a long time ago...this whole trusting the Uncle thing.
I’m all in for Uncle Mike bitches. All. In.
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Comments
Okay, I’ll lower my expectations.
I was expecting to sweep the Flyers in the Finals. Because of Jimmy D, now I’m happy with a 6 game series.
Develleno should know better that to tell the fans of the greatest franchise in sports to lower expectations, damnit.
Posted by Guilherme from Brasil on 10/24/09 at 08:43 AM ET
Nobody said that every day we’d be able to look out the window to see puppies bouncing with firetrucks parked lazily along city streets, bright red in the sunshine, glistening while hookers serve us pancakes.
I believe I am in the wrong place.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 10/24/09 at 09:05 AM ET
Nobody said that every day we’d be able to look out the window to see puppies bouncing with firetrucks parked lazily along city streets, bright red in the sunshine, glistening while hookers serve us pancakes.
I believe I am in the wrong place.
Don’t worry, Mark. Chief may not have, but I’ve said it many times.
Posted by monkey from Jesus and the Dinosaurs on 10/24/09 at 10:18 AM ET
Am I a little worried about 3 blown 3rd period leads? Yes!
Do I think the wings will have another 50 + win season? No!
However I like to look on the brightside.
I lived thru “darkness with harkness”.
I lived thru “aggressive hockey is back in town”.
I remember the wings never making the playoffs.
We are nowhere near that sort of level!
Remain calm and Ye shall be rewarded.
Posted by Down River Dan on 10/24/09 at 10:25 AM ET
Posted by Evilpens on 10/24/09 at 10:35 AM ET
The Wings are not going to win the division by twenty. They may not win it at all.
What? Things are just crazy. First A-Rod’s clutch in the p[layoffs now this. Wow!
Posted by Lindas1st from New England on 10/24/09 at 10:42 AM ET
Wow!
Posted by Lindas1st from New England on 10/24/09 at 10:42 AM ET
Punctuation says a lot about people Linda.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 10/24/09 at 10:45 AM ET
“A little adversity never killed anybody,” he said. “Just suck it up and get going. Bottom line, the games are 60 minutes long, you know that going in. Our last two have been 65 minutes, so play the whole thing. Don’t play 51 minutes or 57 and a half. Play the whole damn thing.”
There’s that “60 minute” reference again, the one I keep wishing I had a nickel for every time it was mentioned here.
If this keeps up, I’m gonna be able to retire on those nickels by the end of the season, (which better be later than sooner).
Unless, of course, the boys decide to actually consistently put in a “60 minute” effort every game. That means I’ll be trying to collect a paycheck ‘til I’m maybe 65. Which would be fine by me if it means a few more banners in the rafters.
Anyone giving odds on when this “Play the whole damn thing.” is gonna start?
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 10:59 AM ET
I’m already in panic mode, thank you very much.
Too much talent lost, but the team thinks they can coast part of the game and still win; as they have in the past. Somehow they need to develope a different mindset, and while they are at it, maybe they could try to develope an aggressive forecheck.
And no, I don’t realistically expect them to win the Division. At their current pace, and their current level of play, why would anyone think so? They haven’t shown any consistency whatsoever.
If and when they play 60 minutes a night, they could be good, perhaps even very good. But doesn’t that sound familiar?
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 10/24/09 at 11:47 AM ET
Uncle Mike used a bad word. He’s mad when he uses bad words. That’s when he starts beating unkle Bert and calling him other bad words like “bitch,” or “ussy.” I don’t know why Uncle Mike is talking about his cat.
But I love Uncle Mike. He can do the Care Bear Stare.
Posted by Osrt on 10/24/09 at 12:07 PM ET
All playing tonight, best....if you have access....
NJD/PIT
BOS/OTT
DAL/STL
NAS/CHI
DET/COL
EDM/CGY
CBJ/ANA
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 12:12 PM ET
But I love Uncle Mike. He can do the Care Bear Stare.
Posted by Osrt on 10/24/09 at 12:07 PM ET
This? (From Thursday’s game.)
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 12:14 PM ET
All playing tonight, best....if you have access....
NJD/PIT
BOS/OTT
DAL/STL
NAS/CHI
DET/COL
EDM/CGY
CBJ/ANA
2nd of B2B for PIT, STL & COL
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 12:15 PM ET
This? (From Thursday’s game.)
That looks more like his “I haven’t got a clue” gaze.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 12:18 PM ET
Hard to tell in this one. Does he have a “haven’t got a clue” gaze going here too?
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 10/24/09 at 12:29 PM ET
That looks more like his “I haven’t got a clue” gaze.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from whatever happened to Henry Boucha? on 10/24/09 at 12:18 PM ET
I had the same first impression.
Kinda lost, bewildered - dazed & confused - look.
("I wonder where I can get a good D coach to help our PK?")
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 12:31 PM ET
Hard to tell in this one. Does he have a “haven’t got a clue” gaze going here too?
Best guess..."Cheli is going to rip me in the media if I don’t join the party”
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 12:42 PM ET
But Jimmy D’s indirect suggestion that we, the 19, should lower our expectations?
Nope. I’m not there yet. Uncle Mike told me that adversity is good. I’ve bought into it and I did that a long time ago...this whole trusting the Uncle thing.
I’m all in for Uncle Mike bitches. All. In.
Fuchin-A. It’s all or none. I stand with Uncle Mike. No wavering. Period. Speaking of periods, will the bitching ever end, or is everybody going to be on the rag all season long?
This place is beginning to look like a Tampax Forum. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 10/24/09 at 12:54 PM ET
This place is beginning to look like a Tampax Forum. Bitches. Posted by Kate from Pa.
Sidebar...???
Best observation this week.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 01:00 PM ET
Av’s are going out of their way to make Jimmy Howard look good, playing Anderson 2 nights in a row.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 01:15 PM ET
Speaking of periods, will the bitching ever end, or is everybody going to be on the rag all season long?
This place is beginning to look like a Tampax Forum. Bitches.
Pass the midol, please. I haven’t been feeling all that fresh lately either.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 10/24/09 at 01:20 PM ET
Sidebar...???
Sidebar fetish Gramps?
A full effort, solid PK, solid goaltending and a 3rd D pair that knows how to wipe its own poop; that’s all I want in this game.
Posted by Osrt on 10/24/09 at 01:55 PM ET
A full effort, solid PK, solid goaltending and a 3rd D pair that knows how to wipe its own poop - AND a win; that’s all I want in this game.
Posted by Osrt on 10/24/09 at 01:55 PM ET
- fixed -
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 02:32 PM ET
Jeebus ...... Tampax has a forum? I was not aware of that.
That’s our Uncle Mike. He’s gonna coach an Olympic team this year, and he’s coached this Wing team to two straight Finals. I kinda trust him.
Being first at anything other than lifting the Cup simply does not seem to matter anymore. Make the playoffs, bust a few moves and watch what happens. The run up to playoffs allows the fluffers like Sid to market Gary’s league and say look at me, while dusting the snow off their knees. Uncle Mike knows it. In him I trust.
Of course, we still have this whole JIMMAH! thing to cope with. I bought stock in Captain Morgan. I get the feeling rum will be flowing freely this year. Profiting from alcohol abuse. Is this a great country or what??
As an aside....where’s the Jacketorium gone too?
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 10/24/09 at 03:18 PM ET
.where’s the Jacketorium gone too?
Good question Rummy. I was thinking John Buccigross may be the Jack’s official correspondent.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 10/24/09 at 03:20 PM ET
Chief, I gotta be honest. This whole “realisitc expectations” thing doesn’t wear well on you. What happened to the bravado, the swagger, the well deserved sense of entitlement. We’re all about the Hasek and loosing our minds here, slamming on the panic button like a bunch of crackheads. But we need our leader to step up and tell us that everything is going to be alright. No. Not just alright. Everything is going to be scrum-didily-*#$%@&-umptious. I like being the “typical arrogant Red Wings fan” but I take my marching orders from the top. Just tell me that we’re guaranteed the Division, and nothing - not even losing out until mid-January - will stop us from taking back what is rightfully ours. Deep down I’ll still be slamming that panic button, but piss-warm PBR tastes so much better with a bit of swagger.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 10/24/09 at 03:28 PM ET
Just tell me that we’re guaranteed the Division, and nothing - not even losing out until mid-January - will stop us from taking back what is rightfully ours. Deep down I’ll still be slamming that panic button, but piss-warm PBR tastes so much better with a bit of swagger.
Norris, we’re not guaranteed the division. I think it’s going to take a few months to get this thing straightened out.
But, honestly, I don’t give a flying foxtrot about the Central. I’m with Uncle Mike. This is adversity in October and it’s going to suit us well in May.
June’s gonna be a happy month, but we’re gonna have to pay for it up front. Know what I mean?
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 10/24/09 at 03:32 PM ET
Four consecutive 50+ win seasons.
Eight consecutive Central Divison titles.
Nine consecutive 100+ point seasons.
I think it would be a shame if any of those three had to be laid to rest. But i’ll take it, as long as it means #12 is ours in June. In Uncle Mike I trust.
And also, it’d be nice to come home from a stress-inducing day’s work, and be able to watch this team win a game. I’m getting tired of paying $25 a month to Gary for his Gamecenter Live on nhl.com, only to have to constantly watch the Wings lose. Coincidence? I’m no pharmacist, buty it sure smells iffy.
Thanks Gary. Ass.
Posted by Alzy from Innisfail, Alberta, Canada on 10/24/09 at 03:41 PM ET
Way off topic, but on the lighter side:
An old high school team mate posted this curiuos news on his personal blog site yesterday.
I guess it takes all kinds. 
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 04:08 PM ET
Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom
Leino-Filppula-Williams
Cleary-Draper-Bertuzzi
Eaves-Helm (May or Maltby)
Abdelkader scratchedLidstrom-Kronwall
Stuart-Rafalski
Ericsson-Lebda
Meech scrathedHoward (starting)
Osgood
Tippet/Babcock re-match....
I wouldn’t bet against.....’outcoached again’
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 04:21 PM ET
Good question Rummy. I was thinking John Buccigross may be the Jack’s official correspondent.
Hockey is a young man’s game.
Posted by monkey from Jesus and the Dinosaurs on 10/24/09 at 04:32 PM ET
Tippet/Babcock re-match....
Uh-um, nevermind...that was last game.
Today is Saturday..........right?
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 06:10 PM ET
Tippet/Babcock re-match....
Uh-um, nevermind...that was last game.
Today is Saturday..........right?
What is today? October?
Posted by monkey from Jesus and the Dinosaurs on 10/24/09 at 06:18 PM ET
Today is Saturday..........right?
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from whatever happened to Henry Boucha? on 10/24/09 at 06:10 PM ET
Right.
(Amazing how the frustration-of-losing-when-the-history-talent-experience-skill-and-purpose-are-present-but-there-doesn’t-seem-to-be-a-60-minute-effort-game-after-game can fog the memory, huh?)
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 06:20 PM ET
The Wolverines are getting their asses kicked. Every single player on Penn State is an absolute beast. These guys are huge. The Wolverines look like stick people in comparison.Go Blue! Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 10/24/09 at 06:24 PM ET
HNIC pre game is on the NHL Network. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 10/24/09 at 06:30 PM ET
(Amazing how the frustration-of-losing-when-the-history-talent-experience-skill-and-purpose-are-present-but-there-doesn’t-seem-to-be-a-60-minute-effort-game-after-game can fog the memory, huh?)
That....+.....waiting for 15 @#$%*games all played at the same time has me feeling like I am stuck in a bad movie (Groundhog Day, just came to mind).
Always look for the Sunny Side of Life
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from the "NOT QUITE DEAD PIRATE" on 10/24/09 at 06:32 PM ET
The Sunny Side of Life:
OR,
deja vue all over again:
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 06:50 PM ET
Why do they keep playing this Denard Robinson guy? Every time I check on him he’s thrown another interception, fumbled the ball away again, become the first player ever to score for the other team…
Posted by monkey from Jesus and the Dinosaurs on 10/24/09 at 06:50 PM ET
Wait- he went 0-2 with an interception and a lost fumble. Now I understand why they put him in. Comic relief.
Posted by monkey from Jesus and the Dinosaurs on 10/24/09 at 06:53 PM ET
The defense pairing of Brett Lebda and Jonathan Ericsson were on the ice for all three goals against Phoenix, and they are a minus-8 combined on the year, but Babcock hasn’t lost faith in them.
“I wouldn’t give them any fault (for the Phoenix game),” he said. “I have no problem whatsoever with that group. If those goals went in against Nick (Lidstrom), do we evaluate him?”
Sometimes Uncle Mike just doesn’t make any damn sense. Lidstrom and Rafalski are a combined +5.
Let’s revisit: “The defense pairing of Brett Lebda and Jonathan Ericsson were on the ice for all three goals against Phoenix, and they are a minus-8 combined on the year.” What’s not to love about these guys? Clearly they aren’t getting enough minutes.
Posted by monkey from Jesus and the Dinosaurs on 10/24/09 at 07:00 PM ET
That....+.....waiting for 15 @#$%*games all played at the same time has me feeling like I am stuck in a bad movie (Groundhog Day, just came to mind).
Groundhog Day is most certainly an awesome movie.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 10/24/09 at 07:04 PM ET
Monkey, I’m going to keep asking this question until someone gives me a reasonable answer. Why does Uncle Mike see fit to switch up the first two defensive pairings but not the third? It makes no sense.
Posted by calquake on 10/24/09 at 07:07 PM ET
Groundhog Day is most certainly an awesome movie.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 10/24/09 at 07:04 PM ET
Concur.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 07:07 PM ET
Groundhog Day is most certainly an awesome movie.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 10/24/09 at 07:04 PM ET
Concur.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 07:08 PM ET
Groundhog Day is most certainly an awesome movie.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 10/24/09 at 07:04 PM ET
Concur.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 07:08 PM ET
Groundhog Day is most certainly an awesome movie.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 10/24/09 at 07:04 PM ET
Concur.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 07:08 PM ET
Groundhog Day is most certainly an awesome movie.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 10/24/09 at 07:04 PM ET
Concur.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 10/24/09 at 07:08 PM ET
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