Abel to Yzerman
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Van Hagar, Hossa and Hockeytown
by IwoCPO on 07/04/08 at 05:03 AM ET
Comments (39)
Ssssshhhhh. It’s ok. I’ll explain. And don’t get all flustered and start rolling your eyes. When you enlisted into the A2Y19, you did so under the agreement that part of that deal meant putting up with my references to things other than Wing hockey.
And I’m telling you, this one’s relevant. The coincidence is…stunning.
It all comes down to the kooky things that can happen while you pump a little gas. Me? My life changed at a gas station in Missoula, Montana about ten years ago. It was then that I realized the sound the pump makes when giving you the sign it’s ok to fill up? The three little beeps? You know the beeps. Stay with me. Those beeps sound exactly like the first three chords to AC/DC’s family classic, “Highway to Hell”. Dude. I’m not kidding. Try it out. Your world will be different.
Eddie Van Halen was filling up at a gas station outside LA in 1985, and he was probably wasted. I don’t know if he was humming H2H because of the beeps, but I do know that before he got back on the road and started pounding beers again, Sammy Hagar pulled up. Their conversation was short, probably because Eddie couldn’t complete a sober sentence. Roth had left. Hagar was bored. Eddie needed a lead singer. The deal was brokered, right there at the pump. 19 hours later they were rocking out.
With their Conks out? I doubt it. But rocking out.
Then, day before yesterday? More fun at the pumps. Kenny Holland gets a call from Hossa’s agent. The fella wants a Cup. Kenny wants another. Hossa doesn’t care about the cash. Well, not much anyway. 7.4. Nicky’s happy. Kenny’s happy. Hossa’s happy. We’re all happy. Before Tick Tock can finish dropping half Hossa’s salary on gas, a dozen’s in the bag.
And the reaction has been all over the charts. You’ve read the MSM. Now we turn to the bloggers.
We start with Puck Daddy, a gold mine. You’re just silly if you haven’t been there by now and I’m assuming most have. Sean Leahy found a collection of less than happy Pens blogs and message board whiners. Leahy begins with a nifty prediction: “Add Hossa to a lineup with Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom among others, and well, you’ve got your 2009 Stanley Cup champions.” I know.
Then, on to Pittsburgh.
Let’s Go Penguins.com message boards:
“AlexPKeaton: I have no respect for Ho$$a at all.”BigK at Penguins That Fly:
“Hope he fails horribly, maybe suffers a career ending injury there.”ThePensBlog:
“It’s almost as if we should retire that x=Stunned equation. It doesn’t do this situation justice.”
A few hours prior on Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski had made mention of the reaction in Pittsburgh and elsewhere.
All of these emotions are completely understandable because Hossa said this: “I want to have a best chance to win the Stanley Cup. I feel like Detroit is the team.”
Ouch. Just ouch. Hossa is so certain about the Red Wings giving him a better shot to win than the Penguins that he’s willing to risk tens of millions on a one-year contract and the chance an injury could derail his financial future. An agent told Rob Rossi of Chipped Ice that the one-year deal in Detroit is “a huge slap to the face of Pittsburgh and Sid (Crosby).” The fans felt the impact, too.
Let’s be clear on a few things. If you’re a fan who hated Detroit prior to July 2nd? You really hate us now. There is no doubt about that. There are certain blogs out there we’ll mention in a bit that have been absolutely silent since The Signing and that can only be attributed to the rage they can’t quite come to grips with yet. And there is no doubt that they hate them some Hossa in Pittsburgh.
But when you get right down to it, and here’s where Alex P. Keaton’s comment from above is so frigging stupid, the guy turned down huge, obscene cash and lots of term for the best chance to win a Cup. All the crap being hurled at him now means nothing when you keep that in perspective. He wants to win a Cup and he went to the team that best offered him the chance to do so. Plus? Yeah, plus. He probably doesn’t like Therrien. Hell, maybe he doesn’t like Gary’s Baby Boy. Who knows. All we know for sure is that when it came down to it he told his boy Rich Winter to call Holland at the pump. And he told him to respect the Lidstrom equation, accept the deal and roll the dice.
And here’s the thing: he’ll re-sign next year too. Why? Because Tick Tock’s a genius. And because the good players don’t leave Detroit until everyone’s ready for them to do so. And at 29? We won’t be ready for him to leave just yet.
Now. Before the world changed, rumors of Hossa’s destination were all over the map, literally. Edmonton fans were pumped because plenty of smart people were pointing to the province as the place of choice. Didn’t happen. But, unlike a few hundred thousand in Pittsburgh, Black Dog rolled with it.
So I guess Detroit saw Hossa good, huh?
Actually the crux of this deal is that Hossa saw the Wings good.
And we may do this all again next summer.
Considering how often athletes say they want to win but then take the money and run I admire Hossa for this move. He wants to win and he signed with the team that has the best chance to do so. As for all of the whining that has already started about UFAs not coming to Edmonton, just please stop once and for all. This is about one thing only. Hossa wants to get his name on the Stanley Cup. He will get his big payout next summer. It may be with the Oilers.
Maybe not.
Guy wants to win and he has all the money he will ever need already. Good for him.
And good for us. Wing bloggers…react.
I hope every Wings fan just takes a deep breath and treasures this day. Yes, we’ve had our ups and downs and for those of us living in Michigan, the Wings may be the only good thing going for us. BUT, this signing is amaaazing. It’s been over 10 hours since I heard about the signing and I’m still giddy about it. I mean, look at what this improvement can do for our team.
Most common mental pastime of the A2Y19 the last two days? Line combinations. Unbelievable, wacky stuff. Do you play Hossa with Zetterberg and Datsyuk? Second line his ass with Franzen and Fil? You could literally place them on three separate lines. There is enough talent among the Wings forwards to do that. Uncle Mike’s got his crayons and flip charts out, you better believe it.
So does Dave at Gorilla Crouch.
There’s a good shot Hossa could replace Tomas Holmstrom on the top line at even strength. Homer’s goals per 60 minutes at even strength really dropped off this past season. With Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Hossa each player’s goals per 60 minutes should be well north of 1.20. That would potentially make the best line in the NHL even better. Homer’s net-front presence is much more valuable on the power play but you can see where last year Johan Franzen had much better production with the man advantage. So with that being said, here is how I think the lineup works for next season on each of the scoring lines.
Even-strength
Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Hossa
Franzen-Filppula-HolmstromPower Play
Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Franzen
Hossa-Hudler-Holmstrom
There’s too much of it. Too much talent. Not enough spots. It’s almost unbelievable to consider the dilemma facing Uncle Mike and Tick Tock. Who the hell stays and who goes to GR or else where? Helm, Abadabbadoobiekidoo, McCarty, Downey, Ville Leino, Kopecky. That’s six guys who would make any other roster without a second thought. And they’re all fighting, essentially, for the 12th forward spot in Detroit.
September in TC is going to be a dog fight. A war. First things first though. Let’s get Filppula back in the fold Kenny.
If anyone offers him $3+ million and he takes the offer, the Wings’ can’t stop him leaving. However, I like to think Fil would relish the thought of playing for the Cup again, particularly with a winger like Hossa. Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t see a problem there as long as he’s willing to accept $2.5 million or less from Detroit.
Agreed and here’s why. Holland is too smart. He thinks three, four moves ahead. Signing Hossa didn’t mean the Wings are forsaking Filppula. He’s already considered it and they’re simply working on final numbers. Within three days he’ll be back in the fold and Kenny can rest.
Pete, my long, lost twin brother at Yzerman is God, hits the deal from all angles. Most importantly for us, he’s considering the various nicknames and glossary entries we’ll have to consider as a result of The Signing. Baroque, because she’s so smart especially compared to the rest of us, started something with this whole name thing. It’s…catching on.
Moving on to onomastics - the study of names and nomenclature. God, the Wings blogotron is dorky and I love that. BehindTheName is a great resource and I’m astounded to find others enjoy it as much as me. Baroque’s onomastic etymological research must be credited with two fantastic nicknames for Hossa: Mars, and God of War. “Mars Hossa” just rolls of the tongue. I love it as much as Wally (which is catching on, as Baroque notes! Strong work, YIG commenters!) Certainly better than Fiesta Redwingcana, which is a mouthful and also stolen (or shall we say, adapted).
You can call him Sarah for all I care, as long as he puts up 80 points and hoists that bad boy next June.
So, I’m curious what some of our friends are saying, how they’re handling The Signing in St. Louis, or Denver. I’m sure the Bitter Bitch Blues fans at Game Time must be puppy-like in their mirth. Right?
# Poor College Student Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:37 amFu** Detroit
Hossa to the Wings
1 year 7.4 mil# Brad Lee Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:45 amf
u
c
kA one year deal? Really?
# Pagan Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:51 amHossa to the Wings
1 year 7.4 milTHIS is exactly why I hate Detroit. The rich keep getting richer. They’re the NY Yankees of hockey. I have no respect for a team that goes out and buys talent on this scale every year. I know they also draft well and do a good job developing talent, but them throwing money around like this just pisses me off.
Here’s to hoping the Wings spontaneously combust.
NY Yankees of hockey. Told ya. Poor BBB fans.
Disappointment. Nothing on the Dive blogs. No mention whatsoever that I can find. Dammit. Now that hurts.
But speaking of the Dive, it brings up the memory of Darcy Tucker. How crazy is it that we were even discussing the merit of bringing him aboard. Now, don’t get me wrong. I still feel that had Tick Tock followed the script of simply adding one more forward for a few mil, a 20 goal guy maybe, then Tucker would have been my choice.
Nothing more than an afterthought now though, eh? What an unbelievable week.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
On the subject of names, can we go ahead and give the combination of Dats,Z,Mars a line name for when they may all be out there together?
I nominate HOLY MOTHERF***ING SH*T!!!
Security word…24without…
Posted by drgdado from A2 on 07/04/08 at 07:39 AM ET
The NYY of hockey? Really?
Detroit buys talent?
Those fans aren’t bitter. They’re downright stupid.
Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 07/04/08 at 07:56 AM ET
My vote goes to The “Just Give Us the Goal And Nobody Gets Hurt” Line.
And boy, some of these fans must know The Hockey Gods and Lady Karma personally, the way they’re muttering in Santeria-like tones that something baaaaaaad will happen to Hossa and/or the Wings for his daring to chase the dream rather than money, and to the Wings for gladly giving him that opportunity. But, if I know The Hockey Gods and Karma (which I’m not sure I do, though I think I saw Jesus in my toast this morning), they won’t appreciate having their names taken in vain.
Agreed and here’s why. Holland is too smart. He thinks three, four moves ahead.
Doubly agreed. The gambit probably isn’t that complicated, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find out Fil’s already been sent offer sheets that he’s turned down so that he can get it done with us. First of all, he’s a real mature and cool-headed guy (the last part runs in the nationality). The second: can you imagine how that conversation went?
Fil: “So what can you offer me?”
Kenny: “The Mule on one of your wings, and Hossa on the other.”
Fil: “Sold American!”
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the dancefloor, still doing the Happy Hossa Jig on 07/04/08 at 07:59 AM ET
yay! Chief’s back!
You’re a genius for remembering January, and watching those highlights were an astounding reminder of who just got here.
I really can’t believe how much Hossa is being vilified for taking a huge risk for the Cup. You know what I want right now? Don Cherry to come on and say what a great move this was and how Hossa––a notorious Euro––*really* wants to win the Cup.
yea…i know…
Posted by Osrt on 07/04/08 at 08:24 AM ET
Another Genius post and follow ups by The 19.
Let me throw this out there - We’ve forgotten the already-optimistic mood we were in at The Signing minus 24 Hours! We just resigned Brad Stuart and locked up the following top 4 Dmen for 2 years:
Dick Lindstrom (6 Norris) - Rafalski (career year); Kronner - Stuart (The Orion Line “they hunt people” - Uncle Mike)
Orion, a constellation often referred to as The Hunter, is a prominent constellation, one of the largest and perhaps the best-known and most conspicuous in the sky. The constellation is extremely rich in bright stars.
Man we were solid at S minus 24, and in the world of SC favorites were already a group of 1. So now at S + 46H I’m still giddy. The line combinations and highlights-to-be are staggering and highly anticipated.
The Wings return the #1 Defense, fewest goals allowed, Jennings Trophy winner Osgood, and then ADD MARS HOSSA to the #3 Offense! The head still spins.
The Summer of Stanley just keeps getting better!
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/04/08 at 09:31 AM ET
Just a little dose of reality for my friends, to go along with your Bloody Marys:
For the first 82 games of the 2008-9 season, and then even more in April to June, every opponent is going to say:
“We may not match the Wing’s speed and skill, so we are going to go out there and BEAT THE SH*T OUT OF THEM!”
Kenny needs to sign Downy and McCarty…..
Posted by w2j2 on 07/04/08 at 10:07 AM ET
we are going to go out there and BEAT THE SH*T OUT OF THEM!”
Posted by w2j2 on 07/04 at 11:07 AM
That is exactly what I was thinking while reading some other articles. The NHL was not all that thrilled with Detroit winning it all, and the NHL is certainly not going to go out of its way to protect Detroit players (see no disciplinary action on Roberts for the blatant blind side sucker punch on Franzen, who just returned from concussion symptoms). That will be up to the Wings.
I was going to post the same concern, and you can already see Western teams loading up on edgy players in San Jose, Columbus and Dallas as the tactic to derail the Red Wings.
Teams will take pot shots at Wings players with absolutely no fear of consequences from the NHL. This is the most serious obstacle to the Wings, assuming they generate the desire to win another cup.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/04/08 at 10:20 AM ET
Chief, did you have to compare a brilliant signing with perhaps the worst thing to ever happen to music?
Roth lives.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 07/04/08 at 10:22 AM ET
As a side note, my best gas station moments come as I’m gassing up my car and some guy one or two pumps away tops off his tank by quickly squeezing the handle 3 or 4 times, causing the nearby hoses to jump around a bit.
There’s nothing like having my hand wrapped around a stiff, thick black hose and feel it spring to life and contract 3 or 4 times quickly.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/04/08 at 10:28 AM ET
Have you listened to Uncle Mike yet? You were right about the audition date, too…
Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 07/04 at 08:27 AM
http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/07/babcock_talks_to_albom_about_h.html
This is great if you haven’t heard it. My God the interweb is amazing. I live in Virginia and can still listen to this hometown stuff on demand. Thanks George Malik for the link.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/04/08 at 10:52 AM ET
“I have no respect for a team that goes out and buys talent on this scale every year. I know they also draft well and do a good job developing talent, but them throwing money around like this just pisses me off.”
We buy talent like Hossa every year? I had no idea Dallas Drake was that highly regarded around the league.
And since when can anybody in the new cap era be accused of just throwing money around anymore than anybody else? Is he pissed at Chicago? Or does his hatred only apply to teams who spend their money wisely?
Posted by DetCapC19 from Vancouver, BC on 07/04/08 at 10:57 AM ET
“We may not match the Wing’s speed and skill, so we are going to go out there and BEAT THE SH*T OUT OF THEM!”
That’s why Dallas wanted Sean Avery - basically because he is another irritating cockroach to add to their flock.
I’m wondering if Brenden Morrow will get annoyed enough to step on him, though. Somehow I think their captain won’t hesitate to yank the choke-chain hard if it looks like his antics are going to hurt the team.
And don’t forget, they have the great Fabian Brunnstrom on their team now. (Remember how when Hull was asked how solid the kid was defensively, he responded “that’s the job of the goalies and defensemen, not the forwards?”)
Some of the problem will be alleviated if the power play can click at an 80% rate, which would be very nice, however unlikely. 
(security word…81become)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/04/08 at 11:08 AM ET
He’s big. He’s strong. He’s low-maintenance. He’s the perfect Red Wings player.
How happy did Babs sound in that Albom interview? He not only got the scorer he wanted, he got yet another “character” guy. And now he gets to spend the rest of the summer playing with his “crayons and flip charts” figuring out how many different variations of the top six forwards he can throw at people.
One interesting note that I heard first in the Ken Holland interview yesterday was the bit about the Wings’ commitment to keep St. Nick as the team’s highest player. That tells you right there what the cap on Hank’s next contract will be ($7.45M per).
However he does it, I firmly believe that Ken The Master will find a way to keep Hossa after this season. In Ken we trust!
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 07/04/08 at 11:09 AM ET
I dare anyone to sign Flip to an offer sheet of 3+ million. As much as I like him, I think Kenny would GLADLY walk with a first and third round pick, especially considering they’ll probably come from a crummy team meaning they will be good picks.
And I don’t think any team wants to be the team that gave Detroit a high first round pick. That GM would never hear the end of it, even if it worked out okay.
So Flip isn’t leaving, IMO.
Posted by Nathan on 07/04/08 at 11:12 AM ET
The Orion Line- I like that. Or just refer to the two of them as “Orion”.
What about Blades of Chaos? I still think it sounds like a second nickname for the Meatball rather than the possible Mule-Wally-Mars line.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 07/04/08 at 11:23 AM ET
Remember how when Hull was asked how solid the kid was defensively, he responded “that’s the job of the goalies and defensemen, not the forwards?”
Yes- from Khan(!):
Told Brunnstrom likes to back-check and play defense, Hull said, “I wouldn’t know. I never looked at that. ... That’s what you have defense and goalies for.”
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 07/04/08 at 11:35 AM ET
And I don’t think any team wants to be the team that gave Detroit a high first round pick. That GM would never hear the end of it, even if it worked out okay.
Kevin Lowe would do it, and he’ll never hear the end of it regardless, so what’s the difference?
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 07/04/08 at 11:36 AM ET
I still can’t believe this signing.
As for the comment that the Wings are buying the Stanley Cup yet again? Blatantly, obviously, unabashedly D-U-M-B. It’s a cap world now; blame it on Gary.Ass.
We still have cap space.
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 07/04/08 at 11:48 AM ET
Blame it on the other GM’s and owners. It’s not like the way the Wings do business is a secret. Still, the best any other team can do is a pale imitation.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 07/04/08 at 12:17 PM ET
We are going to be treated to some beautiful hockey next season.
I thought the Wings were “Monet” on ice in 2007-2008, so I am really looking forward to their artistry in 2008-2009.
“The greatest show on earth”, indeed!
Posted by w2j2 on 07/04/08 at 01:21 PM ET
It’s not like the way the Wings do business is a secret.
Yeah, I’m kind of astounded there. It’s not like it’s any kind of voodoo—make savvy signings, don’t overpay for players, and don’t throw money around, and then you won’t have to buy out contracts, and you’ll have cap space to do something like add Hossa to an already dominant team. Not magic, just good common sense…which is all too uncommon these days.
That tells you right there what the cap on Hank’s next contract will be ($7.45M per).
In keeping with the Eurotwins thing, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hank’s new contract to be at $6.7 million per—not a penny more or less. No rivalry created with his great linemate Pav, and they can continue getting along as two of the best-paid and most skilled forwards in the League.
One thing that’s been mentioned about the Hossa signing that I really like the sound of is that it gives us some leverage with re-signing the Mule. I think Zetterberg will be fairly easy to re-sign if his comments to the press and his attitude on and off the ice are any indication, but I’m not so sure about Franzen. Although he may be lured to re-sign by the chance to keep playing with a team that has Pavs, Hank, & Nick on it, if there is any problem in re-signing him, we can always go to Hossa, who seems only too happy to be on our team and would love to stay if we can give him an extension at the right pay. Of course, all that’s assuming that he develops into the power forward he became at the end of last season and in the playoffs, and continues to play like that. If not, we’ve still got an killer defensive center who will be a bit more affordable than a power forward.
In the words of Ulysses Everett McGill’s (hey…) children in O Brother, Where Art Thou? “We’re bonafide. We got prospects.”
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the horizon, gazing toward a bright future on 07/04/08 at 01:39 PM ET
And I don’t think any team wants to be the team that gave Detroit a high first round pick. That GM would never hear the end of it, even if it worked out okay.
Please Tampa, Please Tampa… I want me some Tavares.
As for Holmstrom, he was absolutely terrible from the start of February (just before the Wings losing streak, but around the time they started playing like they wanted a losing streak) until the end of the regular season. Up until that point, his goals/game was up significantly from the previous year (0.476 and 0.390), and his even strength goals/game was down only slightly (0.214 and 0.221). He might be losing his touch, but give it a month or so next season to be sure.
A Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Hossa line probably won’t even happen for an entire game, but it’ll be good for a few laughs, or when down by 1 with 2 minutes left. And Hossa probably being on the second PP unit means Kronwall has to learn how to shoot, and Samuelsson has to learn how to decide to shoot. Otherwise that’s a lot of wasted talent.
Posted by Ryan from Toronto on 07/04/08 at 01:42 PM ET
Wasn’t it about March or so when Holmstrom got the sports hernia? He was really banged up for most of the year, especially later on. It has to hurt to take a cortisone shot in the groin.
Check out the KK main page - we may have a Wally situation with the Canucks.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/04/08 at 01:48 PM ET
I clicked on that Sean Leahy link you provided. There’s a lot of angst on display there by Penguins fans, including invocations of karma and, like the classy one you posted, wishes for a career ending injury to befall the traitorous Hossa (who, let’s face it, wasn’t in Pittsburgh long enough to unpack his suitcase). I finally had enough when I got to a post crowing about the potent line combinations the Penguins would boast were they to lure the suddenly-loved-again-shadow-of-his-former-self Jagr back to Pittsburgh, line combinations that would include “...Gonchar, Jagr..”.
You can’t help but walk away with the impression that the typical Penguins fan is either an underaged drinker who discovered hockey last spring or the kind of guy who falls in love with a hooker. Pittsburgh is demonstrating the kind of bush-league comprehension of the-way-things-work I’d expect from the Jethros and Jethrines in Carolina, or Nashville, or Atlanta, but not from a place that’s had an NHL franchise for 40 years. It certainly becomes more apparent why they had the loading vans warming up a few years ago. They could have moved to Mexico City and had a more erudite fan base.
Posted by BobS. on 07/04/08 at 01:49 PM ET
You can’t help but walk away with the impression that the typical Penguins fan is either an underaged drinker who discovered hockey last spring or the kind of guy who falls in love with a hooker. They could have moved to Mexico City and had a more erudite fan base.
Wow- an impressive torching. My hat is off to you, sir.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 07/04/08 at 02:34 PM ET
Chief, could you look into fixing the code for the Stress Train Movie trailer? There’s no closing /a tag so the bluejaytech link bleeds down into the text areas below.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 07/04/08 at 02:59 PM ET
from the Jethros and Jethrines in Carolina, or Nashville, or Atlanta
Hey, slow down there, Spunky. I’ll have you know there are plenty of educated hockey fans here. We all moved here from Michigan! 
Posted by Margot from Atlanta on 07/04/08 at 03:19 PM ET
Since it’s got an official name and everything now
How good are the Wings now? Scary good.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 07/04/08 at 04:52 PM ET
There’s nothing like having my hand wrapped around a stiff, thick black hose and feel it spring to life and contract 3 or 4 times quickly.
Awesome.
And Ryan is right, let’s wait and see what Homer does next season before we worry he’s on a decline. He played most of the season last year with nagging injuries, even if “small” ones. He isn’t notorious for injury problems, so let’s find out if he’s really breaking down, or just had a rough season and will bounce right back.
I would expect his numbers to go down simply because his playing time probably will with Hossa on the team. But I think his game will be as good as ever.
Posted by Nathan on 07/04/08 at 04:55 PM ET
Posted by Nate A from metro Detroit on 07/04 at 05:52 PM
That is incredible Nate. Herrrrre’s Hosssssaaaa.
let’s wait and see what Homer does next season before we worry he’s on a decline. Posted by Nathan on 07/04 at 05:55 PM
I agree Nathan (Am I correct that you 2 are NOT the same person? (If so that would be the lamest “double screen name” attempt ever.)
Homer was hurt and LET’S NOT FORGET THE TWO GOALS HE WAS SCREWED OUT OF BY VERY PUZZLING OFFICIATING, just because Homer was “near” the crease. Had those two goals gone down as they should have I don’t think we’d even be questioning his contributions. The guy still has great value up in there.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/04/08 at 06:11 PM ET
Why is Ken Holland pumping his own gas ? He should have a chauffeur, who would handle the mundane duties such as gas pumping. I think this would be a great job for Matt Millen.
Posted by mc keeper from The Home Of Lord Stan on 07/04/08 at 07:33 PM ET
Correct RWBill, we are different people.
Posted by Nathan on 07/04/08 at 11:30 PM ET
We buy talent? How is $7.4 over, um, 1 year as opposed to $70-$80 million over 8 or 9 years (or whatever Pittsburgh and anyone else was offering) buying talent? Or how about $750,000 for Conklin so he can compete with our farm league goalie for the backup spot? Yep. We buy talent, okie dokie.
At first I was skeptical about Hossa. It felt like a rent-a-player. Then I started reading all the stuff about the other offers he was getting. So, OK. This guy is sort of how I described Abbaddabbadoo after that first game he played - for free. Sitting in the locker room, drool running down his chin, drawing a winged wheel on his forehead with a permanent marker. He wants in. He’s willing to pay the price of admission. Good to go.
But I started calling him Hosser on a message board I frequent, where I was sparring with a Pen’s fan during the SCF. I’ll keep calling him Hosser, but with an affectionate aftertaste. Hell, it even has something to do with hockey.
Every time I see mention of a possible Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Hossa line, I keep thinking - aside from a bazillion goal season - I remember ZDH from somewhere. Googling “ZDH” didn’t bring up anything I remember remembering, but it did bring up this from the Urban Dictionary: Zombie Death Horde.
Just wondering, could we consider referring to Michel Therrien as the Uwe Boll of coaching? I think that has a nice ring to it.
Posted by jrl123 on 07/05/08 at 04:28 AM ET
the Wings have the same cap everyone else has. they don’t throw any more money around than anyone else can. what people need to realize is that their hate is actually rooted in how EFFECTIVELY the Wings spend their money. and how they are the greatest team in hockey so players will take less to play there. that’s what they really hate.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 07/05/08 at 11:45 AM ET
...I remember ZDH from somewhere.
It may have been Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Hull when Lewis put them together but I know that’s not right. I think Datsyuk’s original linemates were Hull and Devereaux.
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 07/05/08 at 01:58 PM ET
Psst! You guys, Homer’s got an “H” too.
I’m not familiar with Zombie Death Horde, but anything with Zombies can’t be all bad.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 07/05/08 at 02:03 PM ET
Hull’s line was “Two Kids and a Goat” and I think it was Boyd and Pav.
Posted by Wings-Fan_In-KC on 07/14/08 at 09:34 AM ET
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