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Brrrrrrrrring Me Another
by IwoCPO on 07/16/08 at 11:11 AM ET
Comments (63)
Yep. New Year’s Day. Chicago. Wings/Hawks. Outside. Confirmed.
Jan. 1, 2009 figures to be another historic day for the venerable old ballpark when it opens its doors to the National Hockey League for NHL Winter Classic 2009, which this time features an Original Six matchup.
The host Chicago Blackhawks will square off against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings, in a 1 p.m. ET game.
Hey. How’s Little Gary feel about this opportunity to bend the Wings over yet again?
“The NHL is delighted to bring its most historic rivalry to one of the most historic venues in sports,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
Only little men like Little Gary use “delighted” in a sentence, unless they’re from Denver.
Speaking of schedules, as soon as LG decides it’s ok for us to see where and when the Wings play next season? We’re going to break it down into events that deserve our attention. Rumor has it that in the process we’ll go ahead and throw a few jabs at people who deserve it.
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Comments
its most historic rivalry
Hmmm, guess he’s never heard of Montreal-Toronto, Montreal-Boston, Detroit-Toronto, Boston-New York, even Calgary-Edmonton…some fans might disagree.
Of course, if this was Tampa Bay-Florida, he would probably have used the same line. Gary. Ass.
Posted by Paul A from Ypsilanti, MI on 07/16/08 at 11:27 AM ET
What are the chances of us getting tickets to the Wrigley Field game?
Posted by w2j2 on 07/16/08 at 11:30 AM ET
hmm…
(i don’t really have anything else to say)
chicago in winter…that’ll be fun
Posted by Pharazon from England on 07/16/08 at 11:39 AM ET
Hmmm, guess he’s never heard of Montreal-Toronto,
Not that I -want- to defend Gary (ass) but the article notes no other teams have played each other more in the regular season than the Wings/Hawks. So he may just be going by raw numbers.
Excuse me, I feel dirty now and must go shower.
Posted by Steve J from Columbia, MO on 07/16/08 at 11:40 AM ET
What are the chances of us getting tickets to the Wrigley Field game?
I’ve been wondering the same thing. I’ve got a buddy who is a season ticket holder for the Pens, and the was the only way he was able to score tickets to the Pens-Sabres game. Is there anyone in Chicago that can shed more light on this?
I think it’d be a great gesture for Chief to sell his new boat and get us all tickets to the game.
Here’s to hoping Patrick Kane’s sisters are there, with their nipples proudly poking through their shirts.
Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 07/16/08 at 11:51 AM ET
@Steve J
Sorry, I didn’t read the actual article, but obviously “most meetings” doesn’t necessarily equal “most historic.” Maybe I’m just being grammatically anal-retentive. And I suppose you could give Gary (ass) the benefit of the doubt, but honestly, why??
Posted by Paul A on 07/16/08 at 11:57 AM ET
I’m thinking the Blackhawks season ticket base isn’t all that huge. They’re starting to make a small comeback in popularity since Dollar Bill Wirtz kicked it, but there’s still a ways to go before they reach the level of the Bulls. Plus, with roughly 40,000 seats to fill (almost twice the capacity of the rarely-sold-out United Center), tickets might not be that hard to come by. Still, I’m pouncing as soon as they go on sale.
Noon on New Years Day…that might be a little rough.
Posted by cephalopod from Chicago...nope, still not over it. on 07/16/08 at 11:58 AM ET
Wrigley Field in January.
Cold and windy will be the forecast, probably with the words and numbers on the weather maps in that little squiggly blue font. How often is a puck affected by wind? 
I just hope the surface and conditions are good enough to actually let the skilled players on both teams play hockey instead of it being an entertaining but poorly-played exhibition.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/16/08 at 12:02 PM ET
I’m missing the part where he bends the wings over. I’m excited by this news, even though the threat of injury looms higher, and we don’t get our NYE game (which has happened a few times) ... But i’ll trade that for the winter classic every year.
Posted by ColdWar on 07/16/08 at 12:21 PM ET
I just hope the surface and conditions are good enough to actually let the skilled players on both teams play hockey instead of it being an entertaining but poorly-played exhibition.
I would rather watch 1st graders playing broom hockey than anything the other Prof. sports have to offer.
I was not excited about the Buffalo game, but, sure I watched it. In spite of the networks treating it as if it was a Neil Diamond concert, I saw much evidence of compromise and just a bit of hysteria.
I just kept wondering how equipped they were to handle a Jiri Fischer incident or a random skate to the throat.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 07/16/08 at 12:49 PM ET
Here’s to hoping Patrick Kane’s sisters are there, with their nipples proudly poking through their shirts.
Giddy-up!
Posted by Olongapo Joe on 07/16/08 at 01:05 PM ET
Honestly, I am excited about this game. I am not one who minds breaking traditions, so long as they are replaced with something better. The Winter Classic is cool…sure its not the best hockey (freezing one’s ass off doesn’t contribute to hustle)...but the U of M / MSU game they played at Spartan Stadium a few years back was really something awesome. I suspect the Penguins/Sabres game sucked because it was the Penguins and the Sabres.
I am looking forward to driving the Chicago, scalping some tickets, and freezing my ass off with the Wings.
Posted by John from Pittsburgh, PA (Wings fan for life!) on 07/16/08 at 01:37 PM ET
Via Khan:
The NHL has not yet released ticket information for the Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Blackhawks, but Wings general manager Ken Holland said he has put in a request for an unspecified number of tickets to be available for Detroit fans.
“Before we signed off on the game we wanted to make sure we’d have some tickets available,’’ Holland said. “We’ve been assured (Red Wings fans) will have access to buy some tickets. We’ve given the league a fairly substantial number (ticket request).’‘
There will be no traditional New Year’s Eve game next season, but the Wings will host Chicago on Dec. 30.
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 07/16/08 at 02:42 PM ET
being a STH for the Pens didn’t help in getting tickets to the Winter Classic. I was lucky enough to grab 6 via ticketwhore before they sold out in like 5 minutes….A lot of the seats were already gone to BUF Sabres and BUF Bills STH…so I’m sure the CHI Cubs STH will get some part of the action before the ‘general public’ gets theirs. Plus, I’m not sure of the seating capacity…but, it’s probably going to be less than Ralph Wilson Stadium, making it even harder to get a ducket.
Good Luck to yinz scoring a ticket or two!!!!...If you get a chance to go, it’s an event you’ll never forget!
Posted by Dr. Turk on 07/16/08 at 02:44 PM ET
I’m missing the part where he bends the wings over. I’m excited by this news, even though the threat of injury looms higher, and we don’t get our NYE game (which has happened a few times) ... But i’ll trade that for the winter classic every year.
I second that. I guess I just don’t understand the perception that we’ve somehow been screwed. At least we don’t have to start our season in Prague, like New York and Tampa Bay.
Last year’s outdoor game was one of the highest rated of the season. This is good for hockey. I’m glad to see the Wings represented and I’ll be there laughing at all of the bitter ‘Hawks fans and their “DEEEETROIT SUCKS!” nonsense.
Posted by Mike from Chicago on 07/16/08 at 03:26 PM ET
I guess I just don’t understand the perception that we’ve somehow been screwed.
Probably because there is no telling how long it will be before Detroit gets to host an outdoor game. It could be a while because there is always some hot new team on the rise, or it will be “you guys played in one recently, let someoen else have a chance,” or something else.
Maybe even mostly reflex.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/16/08 at 04:09 PM ET
Here’s to hoping Patrick Kane’s sisters are there, with their nipples proudly poking through their shirts.
Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 07/16 at 12:51 PM
Whew! A couple of threads back I thought I had become the most degenerate among The 19 by posting covert photos of an unsuspecting dance instructor’s cleavage. I salute you, sir!
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/16/08 at 10:44 PM ET
I thought I had become the most degenerate among The 19 by posting covert photos of an unsuspecting dance instructor’s cleavage.
Also because of sh1t like this.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/16/08 at 10:47 PM ET
She’s sitting on the boat above.
Man, the power play will be absolutely MAGICAL this year.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from home, rubbing my enchanted lamp on 07/17/08 at 01:36 PM ET
Man, the power play will be absolutely MAGICAL this year.
I don’t get it…
Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 07/17/08 at 01:46 PM ET
Yes, we will CLEAVE through opposition teams despite the AGE of our veteran captain.
I feel sad now…
Posted by Osrt on 07/17/08 at 03:25 PM ET
I really hate Dwayne’s site ,but the The Dallas Drake Celebration Video with him and his Family is cool. Dallas and His family are as good as they come. I know them from the local hockey association.
check out the video on Dwayne site.(e4)
Posted by Bhernard Bhudzhev from HockeyTown North Traverse City MI on 07/17/08 at 04:23 PM ET
CALLING CHIEF AND ALL YOU BITCHES IN THE MID ATLANTIC:
IT IS SO ON, BITCHES! IT IS PUT UP OR SHUT UP TIME, BITCHES!
SATURDAY JAN 31 NOON:30 ! FIRST TIME IN DC IN 3 YEARS! (THANKS GARY.ASS)
Tickets not on sale yet but that’s no excuse. I expect this site to be the focal point for Hot January East Coast Red Wings action. Get tickets early and sell half of them on ebay to rich UM and MSU Alumni working in overpaid DC PACs who won’t think of getting their tickets ahead of time. This is the opportunity for a mid-Atlantic A2Y Get-Together of Epic Proportions. If you live east of the Mississippi I expect you to be there. There’s nothing like the nation’s Capital on a mid-winter weekend - no leaves on the trees, no sun in the sky, and no Fuc8ing tourists on the Mall! Out-Fuching Standing! And it will be dark or snowing by 3:00 when the game is over. Then dismiss and regroup at the Capital’s best known Red Wing Gathering Hole: Bugsy’s in Olde Towne Alexandria for Pizza and Beer, or crash Chief’s hockeychic wife’s home, or go cruising the Potomac on the Chief’s brand new “Douche Canoe” in the dead of winter. Awesome!
Plan now, jump on ticketmaster as soon as tickets go on sale.
DID I MENTION IT WAS PUT UP OR SHUT UP TIME, BITCHES?
Bugsy’s: A hole in the wall for Northern Virginia’s home to Red Wings fans.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bugsys-pizza-restaurant-and-sports-bar-alexandria
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/17/08 at 06:00 PM ET
From Geroge:
http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/07/games_of_note_from_a_team_that.html
The Wings have a remarkable 16 sets of back-to-back games—that’s 32 games, or 39% of the schedule, played at a frenetic pace
I’m taking bets on a Hossa injury…pick a day, any day, and we’re FU#$#%#
Posted by Osrt on 07/17/08 at 08:08 PM ET
The Wings have a remarkable 16 sets of back-to-back games—that’s 32 games, or 39% of the schedule, played at a frenetic pace
Awful. Just f*(king awful. 39% of the Wings’ schedule.
I really think the excessive number of pre-season games should just be reduced to 4-6 games MAX.
Thanks, Gary.Ass.
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 07/18/08 at 12:50 AM ET
I hope Babcock simply gives his starters one or the other of those b2b days off. Let the rookies play.
Maybe they do not win the President’s Trophy, but they will be relatively healthy for the playoffs.
Posted by w2j2 on 07/18/08 at 08:16 AM ET
That’s at least 16 games where Chelios will be cranky because he isn’t playing.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/18/08 at 11:33 AM ET
more crap Gary.ass. Last season Nashville had a very large number of home games which were the visitors second of back to back games, part of gary.ass goal of propping up the Nashville franchise.
I would like to see an analysis of other teams’ back to back games. It seems to me that 40 pct as part of back to back is high.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/18/08 at 01:42 PM ET
“This is the opportunity for a mid-Atlantic A2Y Get-Together of Epic Proportions.”
Hey RWBill, might I suggest an “11 Cups” license plate vehicle parade to the venue? You have the Va. plate, and I have the N.C. version. If there were enough of us, we could hang out the windows and behave like Detroit fans are expected to behave in these parts (badly). Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Any interest in pursuing a group ticket purchase for the 19?
They’re playing the CandyCanes in Raleigh 3rd game of the season (first time in 3 years), so I’m pretty stoked. Red Wings 7 minutes from work!! You coming down for that one?
Posted by dougie on 07/18/08 at 06:11 PM ET
Has anyone checked out Christy’s latest post at BTJ?
http://www.behindthejersey.com/2008/07/18/kneed-4-relief-a-fundraising-campaign/
She needs some help and we should all chip in. I made a small donation, cause I’m a broke a$$ student, but I’m going to check back with her periodically.
All 19 of us should be able to do something.
Posted by Osrt on 07/19/08 at 04:09 AM ET
You coming down for that one?
Posted by dougie on 07/18 at 07:11 PM
I did see that on the schedule and started considering it. But it’s a Monday night game. Will take about 3+ hours to get home. I think after the Stanley Cup Game 3 I got back around 5 a.m. from Raleigh. Of course, that one went til after 1 a.m. and 3 OTs!
I’ll keep thinking about it, would probably have to take Monday PM off work, which would be a real shame!
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/19/08 at 09:33 AM ET
PecaFan at Hfboards did a great analysis of the entire schedule broken down by team.
He has broken down the schedule by kilometers—Canadian miles 
—travelled including change from last year. Back to back games, 3 games in 4 days, and longest road/home stands.
Detroit ends up in the middle of the pack for most categories, so we really shouldn’t bitch that much. When you look at how much travelling we’ve done in past seasons, this year (and last) are a nice balance.
Posted by VooX on 07/19/08 at 11:31 AM ET
Thanks VooX. That’s incredible information. Odd that out of the same Division, Columbus will lead the lead in back to backs with 20 while Nashville only has 13. Colorado only 8 back to backs.
Also noteworthy Colorado on the low end of the stick (shaft?) for back to back and 3in4s, way, way below what most teams are inflicted with on both counts. Colorado should pick up 6 or 8 points due to scheduling alone.
Wings in middle/top half of back to backs, top 1/3 in 3in4s.
The increase in travel is not as bad as I thought it would be, from 1.75 to 1.94 million kms.
2007 playoffs the Wings traveled through 27 time zones in 3 rounds, like going around the world, way more than any other team, while of course no Eastern Conf team traveled out of their own time zone until the Finals. That will continue to wear down whatever Western Conf team makes it through to the Finals but doesn’t seem to have hurt the success the Western Conf has had in the Finals.
Detroit was much luckier with playoff travel this year, no west coast trips.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/19/08 at 02:29 PM ET
Has anyone checked out Christy’s latest post at BTJ?
Yep, noticed that too and made a donation.
I’ve been reading about what she’s been going through for quite awhile now…she’s too young and seems to be too nice a girl to not help out. Personally I think it would be awesome for the Wings blogging community and readers to really come through for her.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 07/19/08 at 05:18 PM ET
I saw that too. Chipped in my bucks to help.
My sister had to have knee surgery a few years ago - it’s only a matter of time before the other one needs work, too. She figures she’ll be okay as long as it doesn’t blow before she finishes her PhD and gets a job with some benefits.
I can’t even imagine having nine surgeries.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/19/08 at 09:06 PM ET
I can’t even imagine having nine surgeries.
Before 21 too. That’s ridiculous.
Strong woman…therfore scary and threatening. F#$k donating, let’s get her locked up before this “women persevering” thing gets out of hand. Knowing women, it’s probably contagious and spreads through idle chatter about the domestic sphere. 
Posted by Osrt on 07/19/08 at 11:08 PM ET
Strong woman…therfore scary and threatening.
Scary? Haven’t you seen her picture? She looks every bit as non-threatening as I do.
Then again, the vorpal bunny looked pretty harmless, too - and look at the bones! 
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/20/08 at 11:06 AM ET
B, you’ve just given me a new nickname for all Females and the insanity they represent.
From: http://www.vorpalbunny.com/personal/vbfaq.html
Q4 [WHAT DO I DO IF SOMEONE ASKS ME, “WHAT’S A VORPAL BUNNY?”]
Tell them that “Vorpal Bunny is a mysterious and powerful galactic force. Simply talking about what a Vorpal Bunny is will instantly cause planets and galaxies to explode.”
If they keep bugging you, tell them about the fan club, and how they can join. If they won’t leave you alone, hit them a couple times. If they’re bigger than you, remember their names and faces, find out where they live, and then think really nast thoughts about them. You can also stick your tongue out at them. I encourage people to sacrifice themselves in my name. I’ll think kindly of you, that’s the kind of guy I am.
now we know where Chief is posting
Posted by Osrt on 07/20/08 at 12:10 PM ET
It’s not a powerful galactic force - it’s the little white rabbit that guarded the cave in the Monty Python movie with the Holy Grail!
Cute and innocent and harmless looking - but anyone who got too close had the bunny at his throat.
(In RPGs the word “vorpal” is often used to describe a weapon that will behead an opponent.)
(And RPG isn’t rocket propelled grenade, before anyone asks. It’s shorthand for role playing game.)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/20/08 at 12:30 PM ET
So RPGs become vorpal RPGs in RPGs…
Main Entry: vorpal
Part of Speech: adj
Definition: deadly
Etymology: created by Lewis Carroll to describe a sword
Posted by BobTheZee on 07/20/08 at 12:39 PM ET
It’s shorthand for role playing game.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/20 at 01:30 PM
Baroque, I didn’t know you were into that. You become even more intriguing.
< imagination goes off the charts >
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/20/08 at 02:33 PM ET
Scary? Haven’t you seen her picture? She looks every bit as non-threatening as I do.
And that, gentlemen, is how they lure you in. I’m sure to other spiders the female Black Widow is freakin adorable.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 07/20/08 at 02:40 PM ET
“I ain’t sayin she’ a GoldDigger,
but she ain’t playin’ with no Baroque, Baroque”
Thanks to Kanye West.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/20/08 at 02:40 PM ET
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My honeymoon is scheduled for the week of October 27 in Montreal. I’m pulling for Wings at Habs that week. My fiancee, I’m sure, is dying to catch a Wings game at some point during our honeymoon.
Posted by TDeters on 07/16/08 at 11:24 AM ET