Abel to Yzerman
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Provincial Digging And, Finally, Signing All Three
by IwoCPO on 11/20/08 at 08:49 AM ET
Comments (66)
Of greatest importance to you? There is a poll at the bottom of this post asking you to vote for tonite’s featured Live Blog artist. Yes, I could have gone with Edmonton rock/folk legends, or even Western Canadien(an) artists...but I’m just too lazy. I think, and I could be wrong, that Sammy Johns--writer and singer of the timeless classic, “Chevy Van"--is from Edmonton, but he’s not in the poll.
Most of our Diggers have apparently made the big trip to Edmonton. I’m assuming MacLeod, thanks to his cheap-ass employer, did not.
We start with the captain, who gave the league’s statistically worst (other than our bitch Turco) starting goalie--33rd in GAA, 37th in save percentage--a chance to tell us just how special Andy Moog was.
With 370 wins, Osgood is two behind Moog, who ranks 13th on the all-time list.
“(Moog) is one of the guys I idolized growing up,” Osgood said. “I learned watching him play.”
Neat. Such a riveting story that Helene St. James hit it just as hard.
“It’s an honor because I grew up watching him play and I remember going to hockey schools that he was at, teaching,” Osgood said. “He was one of the guys I idolized growing up.”
Osgood, in case you didn’t know, idolized Andy Moog growing up.
Some might say the similarities between the two are striking...particularly the talent they’ve surrounded themselves with. Osgood naysayers have been picking fights with the downriver puck bunnies for years, as we all know, based on that fact specifically.
Tonite, after nearly a week off and plenty of practice, Osgood has a chance to re-establish himself as the unquestioned Number 1. And if he doesn’t? He’ll get another chance and another one after that. Me? I would have gone with Conklin one more night and unveiled the new and refreshed Ozzie Saturday in Calgary.
Oh, and after Craig MacTavish said mean things about him to the highly objective Edmonton media the other day, Dustin Penner returned for the BJs, as any of us would.
An exceptional performance from the gentle giant in his 200th NHL game. Responded to his benching with his best game as an Oiler, scoring once and contributing directly to three other goals with his massive presence in front of the net. 3 shots, 3 hits, +2, and a thorn in Pascal Leclaire’s side all night long.
Edmonton was still outshot by 20, 39-19. Columbus doubles you up after a lackluster performance the night before? I’d say that light at the end of the tunnel is still a few rinks away.
The Anti-Digger has a post up at Red Wings Corner about the increase of 5-3’s. Lots of numbers and statistics that made me glaze a bit. But several tidbits worth noting, this one in particular.
The lengths of two-man advantages are part of the problem. In a 7-6 loss to Pittsburgh last week, Johan Franzen preceded Valtteri Filppula to the penalty box by just six seconds. The Red Wings weathered the first 1:13 of the 1:54 of 5-on-3 time with Sidney Crosby—the 2007 Hart Trophy winner—and Evgeni Malkin—a 2008 Hart finalist—firing away. But finally Malkin found the back of the net.
“Five-on-threes are normally like 20 seconds,” said Babcock. “We killed the first 1:13, didn’t we? We were unbelievable. How long are you going to give Crosby and Malkin the chance to fire away?”
Yeah, the Wings are suffering from too many 2-man disadvantages. Got it. But the second point about the amount of time spent killing them is absolutely key. And we all know where it comes from. The Bettman enclave. Wasn’t hockey just better when you knew that the refs would be a little more forgiving when one team is killing a penalty. You know, instead of raising the right hand at the slightest hint of a HOOKING PENALTY. Not anymore, not in LG’s “new NHL.”
And you can’t even blame the refs, necessarily. Back when there was only one he had the outstanding alibi of having “not seen it.” But now with two of those bastards, nothing goes unnoticed. And if they’re doing their job--in a completely wholesome, honest way--they call what they see.
Want the 5-3’s to decrease? Bring back the one-ref system. That, my friends, will never happen because it would mean admitting a mistake. And that isn’t, you know, the commissioner’s strong suit...despite the fact that he has plenty, and I mean PLENTY, of opportunity to do so.
Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal has the standard “embarrassment of riches” story this morning, focusing on the brilliance of Datsyuk and Zetterberg. The standard “we got lucky” quote from Holland. The mandatory statement from a teammate (Maltby) that they’re the hardest workers on the team. Humble. Etc.
This line stood out though.
The Red Wings are led by two of the top centres in the world, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.
True, and they will be for years to come. Because--and I guess it’s time to at least broach the subject here since I’m the last blogger on earth who hasn’t yet--we all know Tick Tock’s gonna sign Hank. Done. For more than Lidstrom? I’m thinking no.
But that’s not the worry point and we all know it. You know what kind of spot we’re in? Let me tell you. We’re all digging Hossa. He’s an amazing player. But you’re holding back. You’re not allowing yourself to get too attached because he’s either going to (a) leave or (2) be the guy who stays when Franzen leaves.
At least that’s the conventional thinking. That’s what the number guys tell us. It’s what Tick Tock’s hinted at several times. The budget just won’t allow us to keep all three.
Really? I’m not going to get into the guts of the roster and the salaries involved. But here’s the thing we’re all pinning our hopes on. Somebody’s gonna have to take a cut. And not just one. Zetterberg’s gonna have to do it, so that Hossa sees a fellow superstar making the sacrifice for the good of team. Franzen’s going to have to look at those two and see that winning and making 5 mil is more fun than getting your ass kicked in St. Louis making 7.5.
And the Captain? Well, he may just have to submit to a little re-structuring from 7.6 to 6.5.
If this is gonna work, the big four have all got to conspire in the interests of success. It can’t be just one guy sucking it up. It has to be all four.
I’ll tell you this, if Tick Tock can get this done...4 superstars all taking a cut to stay with a team they love to play for? It could change the league. Everyone talks about the rest of the teams following in the footsteps of the previous year’s Cup winner? Well, this would be something. It’s not a management technique, it would be a characteristic of an NHL player. It would be a testament to the Cup itself.
Everyone talks about winning the Cup and the dreams they had growing up. The greatest accomplishment in team sports. The “toughest trophy to win.” Ok. Well. Prove it. Prove its value and sacrifice that extra million. Then convince your pals to do the same.
No chance it could happen in other sports. None. Is CC Sabathia going to take a cut to fit into the Milwaukee budget and keep a good young team together? Ummm. No. Is Lebron James going to stay in Cleveland? Hell, is Terrell Pryor going to stay at Ohio State after two years? Zero chance of that happening. They’re going for the cash. Every one of them. Championships in other sports are fringe benefits. In hockey? It’s supposed to be the ultimate. At least that’s what Gary’s marketing people would tell us if they had a brain cell among them.
We’ll see. It’s the only way this can work. If the Cup means a bit more, about a million more per guy, than the cash? The Big 4 will all be back next year.
If not? The charade is not too different than the one played out in every other sport.
Edit: MC Keeper asks a good question below. I’m not sure, obviously, if the CBA allows for “restructuring”. If it doesn’t my theory is blown. Dammit. Or at least part of it is.
So there. I’ve weighed in.
On to the poll. It’s our first Provincial Live Blog following my decree that all road games will feature a band/artist from that town. I’ve decided that we’re going to open it up to a number of Canadian(en) rockers because if Canada was a US state like it should be, that’s how we’d roll.
Vote early. Vote often.
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hey, guys, this thread has had way too much accurate analysis and thoughtful insight. that’s not what we’re about here.
Hmm… okay gimme a shot.
Okay guys here’s how we keep our entire current roster for next season.
First we get a bunch of hot Swedish women to fly out to the burbs. Then they will seduce Z’s and Franzen’s better halfs to have a massive Swedish girl love fest, sponsored by Little Caesar’s, Kenny Holland, and Uncle Mike. Z and Franzen will be so indebted to the oar-gaan-eye-zay-shun that they will each stay with the team for $3 and $2 million per year, respectively, on the condition that Mike Ilitch lets the Swedish ladies of the night work as puck bunnies at the Joe and lets Z and Franzen walk around in Hugh Hefner robes smoking corn cob pipes during pregame.
Then Marian Ilitch will go make a Stanley Cup-ful of tripe soup for Marian Hossa, and they will spend an entire afternoon eating tripe soup, watching Oprah, discussing how they have the same girly name, and Hossa will turn gay and become Marian Ilitch’s new gal-pal. With these developments, he’ll decide to stay here for only $3 million per year so he can be with his best friend and shop at Somerset on off days. To skirt the rules, Marian Ilitch will “pay” Marian Hossa $5 million per year to braid her hair three times per week and watch scary movies and eat popcorn together.
Jiri Hudler will be convinced to stay with the team for the league minimum and ignore all offer sheets because Kenny will give him access to a wireless mic that will tap into the PA system, instantly overriding Bud Lynch’s mic, allowing Jiri to chant, “Lesssss goh Rrred Vings!” and “Hock-eh-town ci-tay U.S.A. bay-bee!” whenever the desire strikes his fancy.
That should start the Scrantonicity… errr… juvenilicity… back up.
Posted by Nathan on 11/20/08 at 04:40 PM ET
It is standard bureaucratic policy to magnify a problem before presenting a solution.
I would not be surprised if Kenny already has a plan up his sleeve.
We haven’t reached the 1/4 mark yet, nor even secured a spot in the playoffs.
If the Wings do not win #12, you can bet there will be a few (and new) scapegoats.
Hockeyfans are a pretty fickle bunch, and I would not be surprised to see even the
A2Y19 turn on Hossa at some point this season or in the playoffs.
July 1st would be a good time to re-visit this conversation.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs dont live up to my expectations on 11/20/08 at 04:43 PM ET
July 1st would be a good time to re-visit this conversation.
An excellent suggestion Gramps.
Instead, I plan on bringing it up at least once a week.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/20/08 at 04:51 PM ET
i can’t vote on the song pick… you know me, I’m afraid it would jinx it. I can’t help it. My superstitions when it comes to the Wings get the best of me sometimes.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 11/20/08 at 04:54 PM ET
could you live on a 20% pay cut?
Yes, even the common man can. I’m sort of living proof. I got tired of the humidity in the southeast and New York and Boston were not the places for me, despite the fact that I could have gotten 20% more than I was making in the south. So I took a 15% pay cut to get a job for a small hedge fund in Denver. Although my paycheck is not as large as it could be, I’m still living comfortable and my quality of life is so much better. And, as it happens, it was probably a smart thing to do as I still have a job. Its all about the individual.
I’ll tell you this though. The one major difference between me and a hockey player or any sports figure is time. I’ll be working in my field until I’m 60 something, while a hockey player usually retires in his mid to late 30’s. If you think about it, leaving a million or a half a million per year on the table of a 6-8 year deal is a really big thing to do.
Posted by UMFan from Colorado on 11/20/08 at 04:56 PM ET
while a hockey player usually retires in his mid to late 30’s
This has come up before, so let me ask those of you who might follow such things: what do most hockey players do after retiring? I mean, even if I had enough money to live on for the rest of my life, I can’t imagine not having a job for that long.
I’ll also bring up the point I made before when this came up, which is that these players are making this type of money *at a young age*. I can’t remember the math, but it doesn’t take very long for someone making millions in his 20s to be set for life.
Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 11/20/08 at 05:04 PM ET
I’m with Nathan. He had me at…
First we get a bunch of hot Swedish women .......
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 11/20/08 at 05:11 PM ET
Hockeyfans are a pretty fickle bunch
No we’re not.
Well, okay, yes, we are. But not always.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 11/20/08 at 05:14 PM ET
Gabe, I got a Board meeting tonite.....text me some scores when ya can!
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 11/20/08 at 05:15 PM ET
I do believe that the Oilers’ deejay plays “The Hundredth Meridian” on occasion...Great Hip song.
Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 11/20/08 at 05:23 PM ET
I’m with Nathan
gross
Hahahaha
Posted by Nathan on 11/20/08 at 06:23 PM ET
I do believe that the Oilers’ deejay plays “The Hundredth Meridian” on occasion...Great Hip song.
Finally SOMEONE on my side of the lyrical things ‘round here.
Hell Ive seen a live band in the stands in Phoenix strike up Hip during intermission..... in 2000 maybe.. but still. Phoenix of all non Canadian embracing localities.
I mean, even if I had enough money to live on for the rest of my life, I can’t imagine not having a job for that long.
Dude, no problem for me! I plan on retiring by 45 or maybe 50 at the latest. My wife thinks I am nuts, but that’s her problem if ya ask. My woodworking craft would keep me more than occupied for an eternity.....
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 11/20/08 at 07:33 PM ET
If we jettison the dead wood (sorry malts, william tell, lilja, mccarty, drapes, et al.), bring up the GR boys (ericsson, leino, helm, et al.), and get a Cup-lovin’ discount, we can keep the three. Nostalgia be damned. Clean house to keep the three.
Posted by Seaner from NorCal on 11/22/08 at 04:29 AM ET
Good god here we go again.
I’m a numbers guy when I feel like it, and I’ve got me some numbers.
There are several players who will be up for free agency at the end of the season, not just the Big Three. But, we need to whittle it down so I’ll make some outlandish assumptions.
Chelios stays at the same salary. Downey and D-Mac also, stay, both on the two-way deal, same salary. Leino re-signs for approximately the same amount, Conklin says goodbye and we bring up little Jimmy. There are a few more minor-league types I’m ignoring. All of this, financially, is a wash.
The players under discussion at this point are Hossa, Z, Mule, Happy, Sammy, Kopecky, and Lilja (not a FA, but his involvement will be explained shortly).
Happy is having “a break out year”. Kopecky is not yet injured. Lilja is still under contract, and Sammy keeps hanging around. The other three must be re-signed at all costs.
The combined salary of these seven is just about $15mil. Hossa and Z alone could get more so things are already not looking good.
Trade Lilja for a draft pick. They should have already done this; I personally feel they missed a great window early in the season. Lilja’s roster spot can be taken by Jonathon Ericcson, who makes $900,000.
Sammy will have to go as well, lost in the currents of the free agent cesspool. He can/will* be replaced by Abbacadabra, Leno, or Helm. For the sake of this discussion we will consider the cap hit for this spot to be $900,000.
Happy and Kopecky. These two confuse me. I don’t know how much they’re worth, how to assess them, whether I care, etc. Best case scenario, financially, their roster spots will cost the Wings a minimum of $1.5 million.
After all that, we have 11.7 large to take care of Hossa, Mule, and Zetterberg, only slightly more then the three of them are making right now. Assume I can’t add, the numbers are wrong, the tooth fairy brings home a cap increase, etc, and let’s call that $12 million.
Now, Franzen could sign with the Wings for $4 million. Seems a tad low, but not unreasonably so. That leaves eight for Z and Hossa. Either one is worth more, but could Kenny convince the two to split it over one year? If we sign Zetterberg to a long term deal at $7mil a year, could Hossa take the plunge again and sign another one-year contract for a paltry $1mil?
For all three to stay, at least one of them is going to have to accept a very discounted pay rate.
Posted by monkey from Waiting for the lambs to stop screaming on 11/22/08 at 11:09 AM ET
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hey, guys, this thread has had way too much accurate analysis and thoughtful insight. that’s not what we’re about here.
Posted by laerm from rochester, ny on 11/20/08 at 04:05 PM ET