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Bucci? We’re Not Done With You Just Yet

The last time I saw John Buccigross on television I think he had a perm.  That, in itself, is pathetic.  Men don’t get perms and they don’t use exclamation points.  In his defense, I don’t believe John Buccigross uses exclamation points in his columns for ESPN. 

But there are other issues.  One big one that I’m not ready to let go of. Not yet, mainly because this Buccigross thing? It’s the MSM’s view of Detroit in a nutshell so far this year.

We’ve focused on the “past their prime” thing.  We’re on it and we’ll be on it all year.  It will continue to be a rallying cry whenever Zetterberg puts up five points or Datsyuk makes a game his own, and especially when Zetterberg leads his team to another gold medal in Don Cherry’s backyard this February. Yeah. I went there.

But there are other elements to Buccigross’ idiocy.  Other aspects of his response on 22 October that deserve your scorn.

image

After 18 games, the Wings sit 4th in goals scored.  Ok. For now.  Bucci?

The Red Wings will struggle to score goals and that is a problem because they are not constructed to prevent them.

19, a nice round number, goals their last three games.  Averaging 4 goals per game their last 9 games. 

They continue to live off their power players and struggle with their penalty killing and goaltending.

Over those last nine games? 27 even strength goals.  And over those nine games? 7 wins and five games with 1 goal or less allowed.

This is my favorite, because John Buccigross is so qualified to make this claim.

Younger players are more energetic, more durable, heal quicker and, most important, have heightened mental clarity because younger people think only of the present, which is the key to creativity and productivity.

Pavel Datsyuk and Hank Zetterberg, according to John Buccigross, don’t have the “mental clarity” of their younger peers.  Got it. So when some of the younger stars of the league are losing their minds, crying over officiating, punching people in the nuts, instigating in Stanley Cup Finals games, slew footing, refusing to back check, refusing to leave the ice during a power play and allowing 9 goals against even when you’re the brightest goaltending star to hit the NHL in decades?  I guess when that’s all going on their mental acumen is sharp, sharp, sharp. 

And that’s the key to “creativity and productivity”.  Two attributes that just don’t go hand in hand with Datsyuk (the most creative player in hockey) or Zetterberg (on pace for an even 100 points).

I don’t like to belabor things here.  That’s not how we roll.  We simply don’t like to ping on one thing over and over and over again until it becomes so redundant that you want to close your eyes and swallow something poisonous.  But this is the exception.  Buccigross, perm and all, gave us something that just keeps revealing new tidbits of glory. 

And you can thank Kate.  It was her comment in this post that got me going today.  Blame her, not me. 

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Comments

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VooX's avatar

F them all, Chief.  Most hockey analysts are in bed by the time the Bestern Conference games air.  The Leastern gets all the attention, but who cares?

I don’t give a shit about what any MSM have to say about the Wings, as none of them really understand the team.  You actually have to watch multiple games to do that, and none of them want to do the required research.

Let the Douche Canoe spout off.  Let Bucci put his fat foot in his mouth repeatedly.  I stopped caring a while ago.  In fact, this negative PR is what other coaches might buy into. 

Because you know it would be much better to put your shutdown line out against the youngster Helm than Datsyuk or Zetterberg.  Trust me, no need to worry about Z or Dats… until they leave you crying to your mommy or the refs.  Ask Rosby.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 10:53 AM ET

IwoCPO's avatar

Concur on all Voox.  And your comment here: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tc/comments/mario_lemieux_shows_off_buck_handling/ is one of the best things I’ve read in a long time.  You did the 19 proud.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/16/09 at 11:06 AM ET

Avatar

Not sure if you saw, but Bucci had another mailbag on 11/11: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/notebook?page=buccigross/091111mailbag

It’s about halfway down the page:

Bucci,
Greetings from onboard the USS McFaul (DDG-74). First off, I absolutely love your column and read it religiously. As a lifelong Red Wings fan growing up in the fabulous Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I was taken aback at your comments about [Pavel] Datsyuk and [Henrik] Zetterberg. I believe they both have about three to four years left at their peak. My reasoning behind this is because they grew up playing in a European system. Heck, the most games Datsyuk played before coming over was 42. Secondly, both Datsyuk and Zetterberg are great playmakers. When you can pass and think your way around the ice, you can adapt to make up for the loss in explosiveness. Also, [Nicklas] Lidstrom’s cap number won’t be around much longer. That will free up $7 million to go out and get another sniper to play the wing. Same with Drapes [Kris Draper] and [Kirk] Maltby.

ET2 (SW) Ryan Anderson
USS McFaul (DDG 74)

---

Happy and safe Veterans Day, Ryan. Thanks for bobbing and reading. All fair points, and for your sake, I hope you are right. I just don’t think their next four years will equal their previous four years. And as players age in today’s fast game, you need big-time young players to do some of the heavy lifting, as Lidstrom had with Zetterberg and Datsyuk. You are right: Lidstrom’s $7.4 million will come off the books after this season, and if he retires, that’ll be a nice chunk of change. Although if things continue, the Wings may finally have to pay for a goaltender.

I used to like Bucci, but then I realized he never admits when he’s wrong.  It’s extremely annoying.  He’s clearly backpedaling here, but he still doesn’t have it right and won’t admit anything wrong.  It’s like listening to a damn politician.

Posted by BuzzFledderjohn on 11/16/09 at 11:12 AM ET

Guilherme's avatar

Last week some infuriated Wings fan complained to Buccigross about the “past their primes” comment, and the Perm-man stood by what he said. Let’s wait and see this week.

P.S. 1: I didn’t know exclamation poits were signs of wussiness. I’ll stop it (unless Helm scores a goal).

P.S. 2: Curse babcock all you want, at least he doesn’t pull the goalie when we have the lead. WTF, Bellichick?

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/16/09 at 11:17 AM ET

VooX's avatar

You did the 19 proud.

Thanks, Chief.  Although it is not my motivation, praise from one’s peers does feel good.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 11:36 AM ET

IwoCPO's avatar

Interesting Herm.  Of the 7 scored against the Poultry on Saturday, it was Helm’s that made me yelp like a stabbed animal.  I don’t know why, but something about a Helmer goal makes an exclamation point ok.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/16/09 at 11:39 AM ET

J.J. from Kansas's avatar

It’s rare you’ll ever find a sports personality who admits they were wrong; it’s bad for his image.  Bucci will never eat crow on this one.  No matter how well Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Lidstrom perform over the next season(s), he’ll just be able to fall back on the whole “exceeding expecations” talk.  Of course, those were his own flawed expecations to begin with, but that’s as close to an apology as you’ll get from a guy in his field.

As for exclamation points, I have used and will continue to use them.  It’s not a point of contention here.  I make sure to use them only one at a time and in proper situations.  Chief says “tonite”, I say “tonight”, chief says no exclamation points, I use them anyway.  No non-pharmacist gets to tell me what to do.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/16/09 at 11:42 AM ET

Avatar

Hey Chief,

I hear you about Bucci, but at least he promotes hockey on a network that sucks at doing so.  Hockey is his favorite sport.  He cannot help it if he is biased towards Gary’s baby boy-Rosby.  He is from the Pittsburgh area (Bucci).  But that does not mean we cannot call him out.  He has put a couple of my letters in his mailbag.  Send him something fair, and he will probably give you/us a fair shake.
He say’s he loves all 30 teams equally, but I don’t believe it.  I think he is sick of the Red Wings Dynasty.

Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 11/16/09 at 11:48 AM ET

Triple Deke Tyler's avatar

He say’s he loves all 30 teams equally

Just like Jesus!

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/16/09 at 11:58 AM ET

J.J. from Kansas's avatar

He say’s he loves all 30 teams equally

Just like Jesus!

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/16/09 at 10:58 AM ET

Jesus hates the Ducks.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/16/09 at 12:01 PM ET

Avatar

Bucci on ESPN is better than nobody at ESPN.

Also, he’s on ESPN....kinda needs his hair done up. Just saying.

Posted by SLIM on 11/16/09 at 12:02 PM ET

IwoCPO's avatar

He say’s he loves all 30 teams equally

Just like Jesus!

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/16/09 at 10:58 AM ET

Hell’s gonna be a fun place with all of us in it.  I laughed obscenely hard at that.

Also, he’s on ESPN....kinda needs his hair done up. Just saying.

Posted by SLIM on 11/16/09 at 11:02 AM ET

He probably needs to dress nice too. Think he wears a skirt?  I seriously doubt ESPN suggested a perm.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/16/09 at 12:05 PM ET

Avatar

Think he wears a skirt?

Yes, yes I think he wears a skirt.

Typing that line seriously reminded me of Lisa Simpson saying, “Yes, I’m gonna marry a carrot.”

That’s what your question reminded me of.

Posted by SLIM on 11/16/09 at 12:11 PM ET

Triple Deke Tyler's avatar

Bucci on ESPN is better than nobody at ESPN.

You see, even when I shat on his column, I had to hedge it with that sentiment too.  I want to like the guy.  I am programmed to like him no matter what he says, because I know he’s not going to insult me on Sportscenter by not giving a *#$%@& about mispronouncing names, like most of their anchors do. 

But I just can’t get over this sentence:

Younger players are more energetic, more durable, heal quicker and, most important, have heightened mental clarity because younger people think only of the present, which is the key to creativity and productivity.

It is without question one of the dumbest things I have ever read, and that’s including the 8 seconds of my life after I accidentally clicked on STL Game Time.  He was high when he wrote it.

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/16/09 at 12:13 PM ET

IwoCPO's avatar

Important question. Are you saying this is dumber than Game Time, or not quite so dumb?

that’s including the 8 seconds of my life after I accidentally clicked on STL Game Time.

Because nothing is dumber than the bitter bitches at Game Time.  Nothing.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/16/09 at 12:16 PM ET

Primis's avatar

Meh.

Buccigross didn’t say anythig gothers weren’t before the seaosn, or haven’t been saying for years.  So easy to forget that quite literally the downfall of the Wings has been being predicted since after that first Cpu in 1997.

Of course everyone not a Wings fan is sick of Detroit’s dominance, so we should expect nothing less than a “Anyone but Detroit” mentality.

I really don’t know why everyone gets in such a lather over Buccigross though.  As has been stated, he’s very much a Pens homer, and moreso he’s biased in favor of the east coast.

Posted by Primis on 11/16/09 at 12:20 PM ET

IwoCPO's avatar

I really don’t know why everyone gets in such a lather over Buccigross though.  As has been stated, he’s very much a Pens homer, and moreso he’s biased in favor of the east coast.

Posted by Primis on 11/16/09 at 11:20 AM ET

Getting in a lather over things like this is pretty much the reason A2Y exists.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/16/09 at 12:23 PM ET

Mandingo's avatar

Buccigross is probably in my Top 5 worst hated sports pundits in North America. I’m glad to see the 19 finally recognizing his astounding douchetasticity. I find his obssession with wimp-rock song lyrics and pictures of babies wearing hockey jerseys disturbing and unnecessary.

And remember, this is a guy who picked the Montreal Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup last year. The Montreal Canadiens. But that’s not the best part: He picked them to win because, and I quote, “they are balanced, well-managed and have a positive energy.”

(Note: He actually quotes lyrics from Steve Winwood’s “Back in the High Life Again” in this article, which I would argue is even worse than a perm in terms of pure Yambag Quotient.)

Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 11/16/09 at 12:28 PM ET

Guilherme's avatar

You really think ESPN cares about how they look? Hey, look at Melrose with the mullet and the goatee. Or Chris Berman.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/16/09 at 12:30 PM ET

Triple Deke Tyler's avatar

Because nothing is dumber than the bitter bitches at Game Time.  Nothing.

True, but I don’t have any expectations of them.  Bucci is a legitimately likable dude, and then he *#$%@& it up by going down into Scott Niedermayer’s hemp-carpeted den, getting baked, throwing on some Pink Floyd and bugging out while hot wax gets poured down his back and Scott recites haiku. Under no other circumstances could he have come up with “heightened mental clarity” and thought it was a good idea to publish.

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/16/09 at 12:32 PM ET

Guilherme's avatar

And continuing the “ugly people” topic (?), the best hockey analist is ESPN was Linda Cohn. Is she alive?

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/16/09 at 12:32 PM ET

Triple Deke Tyler's avatar

The Mothership has landed.  Via Twitter ...

@MattBarnaby36: ok time to go shopping!! need clothes bad

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/16/09 at 12:34 PM ET

42jeff's avatar

Yet again I get in trouble at work for reading A2Y.  Not for the actual reading of it, but my spurts of laughter have finally got my boss questioning just what it is I do here in the mornings.

Posted by 42jeff from Minot, North Dakota on 11/16/09 at 12:40 PM ET

mrfluffy's avatar

I used to like Bucci, but then I realized he never admits when he’s wrong.  It’s extremely annoying.  He’s clearly backpedaling here, but he still doesn’t have it right and won’t admit anything wrong.  It’s like listening to a damn politician.

Posted by BuzzFledderjohn on 11/16/09 at 10:12 AM ET

Or like a 22 year old “captain” of a NHL team 10 years from relocation?

Posted by mrfluffy from Cincy on 11/16/09 at 12:40 PM ET

Mandingo's avatar

I really don’t know why everyone gets in such a lather over Buccigross though.

Posted by Primis on 11/16/09 at 11:20 AM ET

For me, it’s not because of any perceived homerism for one team or another, or anything particularly bad he’s said about the Wings (notwithstanding his Zetterberg/Datsyuk idiocy), it’s just the guy’s overall writing style and incessant use of wink-wink-nudge-nudge pop culture references to get his point across. It’s the same reason I hate Bill Simmons.

Incorporating pop culture stuff in your writing can be awesome when done right (see Deadspin...or A2Y or Triple Deke, for that matter), but most major sportwriters are just too square to pull it off effectively.

Bucci owns a couple of f*cking Coldpay records and because of that thinks he has his finger on the pulsebeat of his readership. I find that embarrassingly presumptious. He’s the kind of guy you do everything in your power to get away from at a party, lest he start talking your ear off about how awesome and interesting his taste in music/movies is.

Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 11/16/09 at 12:44 PM ET

Kate from Pa.'s avatar

Blame her, not me. 

I do like being a shit starter, but for as long as I can remember Bucci has been a douchhi. Bitches.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/16/09 at 12:45 PM ET

jennyquarx's avatar

douchetasticity

Thanks.  That’s officially the word of the day.

Posted by jennyquarx on 11/16/09 at 12:47 PM ET

J.J. from Kansas's avatar

Oh, well if lots of people say stupid shit about the Wings, then I guess that gives Buccigross a pass, considering he works for the nation’s largest and most influential sports network.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/16/09 at 12:52 PM ET

Kate from Pa.'s avatar

Pavel Datsyuk and Hank Zetterberg, according to John Buccigross, don’t have the “mental clarity” of their younger peers. 

Can anyone here honestly say that you have ever, in your natural life, seen a player like Pavel Datsyuk?

Even now, after all his time in the league, still has and invents moves that no player can beat. Mental clairty my a$$. Bitches.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/16/09 at 12:56 PM ET

VooX's avatar

Bucci owns a couple of f*cking Coldpay records and because of that thinks he has his finger on the pulsebeat of his readership. I find that embarrassingly presumptious. He’s the kind of guy you do everything in your power to get away from at a party, lest he start talking your ear off about how awesome and interesting his taste in music/movies is.

Everything Bucci is all Yellow.  Just like Golden Showers.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 01:04 PM ET

Kate from Pa.'s avatar

Because nothing is dumber than the bitter bitches at Game Time.  Nothing.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/16/09 at 11:16 AM ET

My favorite thing about Game Time is how often Fuch Detroit is used. I get a kick out of going over there just to read the numerous times it’s said during a game. No commenting. Just to laugh.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/16/09 at 01:05 PM ET

Nate A's avatar

Maybe there should be a takeaway event in the next all star game. Give Pavel the puck and see how long it takes each player to get it away from him. It would be like a hockey bull riding event which of course would fit perfectly on the Network that Gary Built.

Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 11/16/09 at 01:06 PM ET

Jeff  OKWingnut's avatar

This is my favorite, because John Buccigross is so qualified to make this claim.

Younger players are more energetic, more durable, heal quicker and, most important, have heightened mental clarity because younger people think only of the present, which is the key to creativity and productivity

What a douche-nozzler.  That has to be the most inane hockey comment, ever.

As I posted in the previous thread, according to Bob Duff, a hockey writer with sense; Guess which current player has the highest hockey sense ("heightened mental clarity") - - TPH. 

If Zatta and Pavel are past their prime, what does that make TPH?  Idoitic.  Idoitic and worthless commentary. 

Rure Yambag Quotient

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 11/16/09 at 01:10 PM ET

PaulinMiamiBeach's avatar

Give Pavel the puck and see how long it takes each player to get it away from him.

you’d have to tie Pavel’s right hand to his left leg to make it fair.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 11/16/09 at 01:12 PM ET

VooX's avatar

Can anyone here honestly say that you have ever, in your natural life, seen a player like Pavel Datsyuk?

Even now, after all his time in the league, still has and invents moves that no player can beat. Mental clairty my a$$. Bitches.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

When considering who my favourite Wing was post-Yzerman, I had a bit of a dilemma.  Lidstrom is TPH and whose back we ride on for all those post-season successes.  Without Lidas I would be fetal.

However watching Datsyuk work over the years has left me awestruck and speechless (and to render me speechless is impossible, ask JJ).  I cannot recall the number of times I have sprung out of my seat because of some ridiculous trick Pavel just played on a goalie or defender.  And watching the Eurotwins work together requires a single sock to contain the mess (the Chief and anyone else who has slept on a rack knows what I’m talking about).

That is why I love Pasha to bits, he is my favourite Wings.  Unassuming on and off the ice, Pavel’s oddly shaped cranium barely can contain his scary brainpower (Kasparov II).  Three coders at EA Sports have committed suicide trying to translate Dangle-Dangle to code for the NHL series of games.

We have been so fortunate the past twenty years as Red Wings fans.  Between Scotty’s Puck Possession system, to the Russian Five, to Yzerman, to Lidstrom, and most recently the emergence of our late round draft picks Datsyuk and Zetterman as ELITE players and leaders, makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside.  Everyone should be jealous of us.  We are the Band of Bitches.

Besides, Top Gear has just started their new season, and the new episode just landed onto my harddrive.  Nothing can break my buzz this morning, not Bucci, not the Douche Canoe, not Dater… nothing and nobody.

I am the Stig.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 01:15 PM ET

Guilherme's avatar

It’s the same reason I hate Bill Simmons

I hate Bucci’s pop references, but dig Sports Guy’s. Maybe it’s because Bucci is at the NHL main page at ESPN, so maybe he should get right to the point. Simmons sells himself as a “regular guy”, so I’m cool with his ramblings.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/16/09 at 01:17 PM ET

Triple Deke Tyler's avatar

I hate Bucci’s pop references, but dig Sports Guy’s. Maybe it’s because Bucci is at the NHL main page at ESPN, so maybe he should get right to the point. Simmons sells himself as a “regular guy”, so I’m cool with his ramblings

I’m probably the only person who likes his columns more for what he knows (he really knows his shit about basketball) as opposed to the pop culture stuff.  I don’t even know what he’s referring to half the time because I’m a dude and I never watched “The O.C.”

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/16/09 at 01:21 PM ET

rock & rye's avatar

There’s two things I learned from Dennis Miller:

1) You can kill vampires with a super soaker filled with holy water

2) Broadcasters and pop culture references don’t mix.

Posted by rock & rye from Cartersville, Ga on 11/16/09 at 01:24 PM ET

Guilherme's avatar

Tyler, don’t be so sure, I really like Simmons’s take on sports. If you don’t watch The OC, I don’t even know what it is (or Entourage, and never seen Singles).

The man knows a lot of basketball, a lot of football, some good amout of baseball, and I reallly bought his reason to ditch the Bruins. He’s a good writer (his Vegas adventures gets me in trouble at work) and a awesome sports-writer, even if non-conventional.

His pop references only add to the columns.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/16/09 at 01:27 PM ET

Jeff  OKWingnut's avatar

Top Gear has just started their new season, and the new episode just landed onto my harddrive.  Nothing can break my buzz this morning, not Bucci, not the Douche Canoe, not Dater… nothing and nobody.

I am the Stig.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 12:15 PM ET

Some say - -

Me included, that Top Gear may be the best non-sports show on T.V.  Hells Bells, my wife even thinks it is friggin hilarious - - and ohh those cars - - heaven.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 11/16/09 at 01:28 PM ET

Guilherme's avatar

Oh, and Simmons’s column on the life and death of his labrador (the Dooze) is way better than Marley and Me.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/16/09 at 01:29 PM ET

VooX's avatar

His pop references only add to the columns.

Posted by Guilherme from Brasil on 11/16/09 at 12:27 PM ET

As you are from the country that gave the world the Brazilian Wax, with it’s oh-so-sexy landing strip, I will excuse you from criticism over what you feel to be a meaningful contribution to popular culture.  This time.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 01:30 PM ET

Kate from Pa.'s avatar

I’m biased, I am gigantic homer but it all begins with the Ilitches. As I see it, the thing that separates the entire Detroit Red Wing Org-an-i-zation from the rest of the league is, within the other 31 clubs, deep down, there is no deep down.Bitches.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/16/09 at 01:32 PM ET

VooX's avatar

Some say - -

Me included, that Top Gear may be the best non-sports show on T.V.  Hells Bells, my wife even thinks it is friggin hilarious - - and ohh those cars - - heaven.

I love the show so damned much, I have every episode on hard drive, and watch it religiously. 

I have gotten countless girlfriends to watch Top Gear with me, and much like your wife they loved it so much they’d ask if a new episode is out yet.

That being said, they don’t appreciate me yelling “POWWERRRR!!!” while having sex.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 01:34 PM ET

VooX's avatar

I’m biased, I am gigantic homer but it all begins with the Ilitches.

This may come from left-field, but I am CONVINCED that Marian Ilitch is the main architect behind the Ilitch’s sporting successes.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 01:36 PM ET

Jeff  OKWingnut's avatar

From Chris McCosky, The Detroit News:

The Wings special teams have been especially good during this run of six wins in seven games. The penalty-kill unit has allowed four goals in the last 23 chances. The power-play unit, after a 1-for-18 drought, has cashed in on six of the last 12.

... Zetterberg’s hat trick Saturday was the fourth of his career. He has 11 points in his last six games.

What?  P/K improving?  The endi is nigh - 4 GA on 23 = 82.7%.  DET currently have a 75.4% PK, good for 27th.  I guess when you are that far down, there is only one way to go, right?

Hank - clearly past his prime.  As Paul noted on the Main page, 1st Star of the Week.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 11/16/09 at 01:36 PM ET

Kate from Pa.'s avatar

31=29. I’m not perfect. Yet.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/16/09 at 01:39 PM ET

Guilherme's avatar

VooX at 12:30

Sorry, I didn’t get it.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/16/09 at 01:41 PM ET

Kate from Pa.'s avatar

This may come from left-field, but I am CONVINCED that Marian Ilitch is the main architect behind the Ilitch’s sporting successes.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 12:36 PM ET

You may be right. Mr.I loves his Tigers and, women are naturally drawn to hockey players.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/16/09 at 01:42 PM ET

VooX's avatar

VooX at 12:30

Sorry, I didn’t get it.

Posted by Guilherme from Brasil on 11/16/09 at 12:41 PM ET

Sorry, Guilherme, allow me to clarify.  Despite your thinking that Simmons’ pop-culture references are cool and done well, most of the 19 probably don’t.  Personally, I think you are dead wrong.

But rather than criticize you and mock you, I’ll give you a pass this time as your country has given the world so much with the invention of the Brazilian Bikini Wax.  That gives you pop-culture credibility on a national level.

women are naturally drawn to hockey players.

Don’t forget that Pierre “Big Bodies and Small Scooters” McGuire has a creepy fixation on hockey players and long sticks.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/16/09 at 02:05 PM ET

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About Abel to Yzerman

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:

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A2Y Stuff

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Wanna Feel Smart?

Does confusion make you sad? When you read words like "enigma" and phrases like "Thanks Gary. Ass", do you wonder why mean people speak in languages you don't understand? Fret no longer friend! The A2Y Glossary will bring you great joy and enlightenment.

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How Others View The A2Y 19

"Like them or hate them, it's not a good idea to start a battle with "the 19" and the Chief. 'Nuff said."
--Astute reader at Dater's All Things Avs

"Hell, I guarantee the content co-opters at Abel to Yzerman were about to link this article under the heading “Bitter Blues Fans” again right up until they just read that last half-sentance. Thanks but no thanks, you Kukla hangers-on."
--St. Louis Game Time

"I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics? His posts are fatiguing on an otherwise excellent site."
--A2Y Fan, Eternal_Fields

"I constantly marvel at how Bill (IwoCPO) and his disciples at Abel To Yzerman can be so pompous and full of themselves throughout every regular season, but come playoff time they collapse into wavering puddles of stress and nervousness as they anxiously await the impending and unavoidable collapse of the Red Wings in the post-season."
--Mile High Hockey

"I hate them because they are better than us. Of all the frigging teams…"
--In The Cheap Seats

"It's just a shame that the most classless, uneducated, lowbrow fanbase in the league gets this sweep. Red Wing fans don't deserve their team."
--Thhom

"I really don’t care what fans or bloggers think."
--Drew Sharp

"Why is it you Detroit fans are still so classless when you have such a classy hockey team, with such a professional GM and gentlemen players? I understand that the author of this blog is a manner-less cad, but the rest of you should be better."
--A2Y Fan, Jeff Beaumont

"Have you ever *read* A2Y? Its the most opinionated, juvenile stuff i've read."
--Paul Nicholson

"I actually like the Detroit team and have a sh&% load of respect for them, but their fans are the biggest douches next to Canadians."
--KStewy, PensBlog Commenter

"Just when it looks like we have bottomed out, the 19 hit a new low."
-A2Y legend, Hockeytown Todd

"And for the record, I don't hate the Red Wings, I hate their fans."
--Douche Bag at Puck Daddy who isn't Wyshynski

"You’re nothing but a douchebag ****, c3po. Go f**k yourself, and learn something about hockey in the process. Nothing ruins my day more than seeing your byline on the kk page."
--Hector, A2Y fan, statesman, Pittsburgh Chapter of Jonas Brothers Fan Club President

"I can just imagine the kindergarten teacher’s reaction when the tyke blurts out 'Mommy says Gary Bettman is a f*cking f*ckface! He wants to give ‘Rosby the bad touch.' ”
--Bella, of the 19

"A2Y is what other blog sites aspire to be when they fail to grow up: intelligent immaturity for the juvenile genius set”
--Captain Dennis Polonich, of the 19

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