Abel to Yzerman
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Digging Gameday
by IwoCPO on 12/03/09 at 11:54 AM ET
Comments (36)
Updated 1208: Kindl’s in and the kid’s playing on the first PP unit with TPH.
So the emperor borrowed some Custance for his morning line. Seen it yet? Tick Tock’s essentially agreeing with all who point to out-year problems for the Hawks. He says the Cap’s gonna be a biotch, but he also points out that Chicago’s a juggernaut this year.
Yep. A talented team. Kenny even called them “awesome.”
But that’s our word, one of them anyway. And he used it wrong. Ready?
“Man, that’s a strong, strong team. Kane and Toews and Keith and Seabrook and Hossa. Tough to beat. Huge offense. Impressive.
Hey. Still got Huet back there?
Yeah?
Awesome.”
I’ll say this again: Chicago’s not winning a Stanley Cup with that goaltending. In fact, they don’t get out of the West.
I plan to address that very issue Monday night with the boys from Hockeenight on their podcast.
Interesting little factoid over at the Production Line today. Our boy Home Keys? Uncle Mike kinda digs him.
Unlike Brad May, Patrick Eaves, Kirk Maltby, and Drew Miller, Gator has played in each of the last 15 games.
Rumor has it Abdelkader wasn’t well liked by his opponents while he was a Spartan. Word on the street is that he was a menace, a shit talker and an agitator. Informal polling of the 19 by interns from Saginaw Valley State shows that every one of you would like to see more of that from him. I’m guessing it’s there already or he wouldn’t be seeing the consistent ice time he’s gotten to this point.
Hey. Probably because you were so enamored with Dick Bernstein, you may have overlooked this ditty in Dani Wakiji’s “Insider” column this morning.
By the numbers
10—Where the Red Wings stand in the Western Conference. They haven’t missed the playoffs since 1990.2—Where the Stanley Cup champion Penguins stand in the Eastern Conference.
1—How many times both Stanley Cup finalists missed the playoffs the next season.
7—Stanley Cup finalists since 1993 who missed the playoffs the next season.
Slow. It. Down. Stop with the research. That’s just insane. Frigging showoff insiders.
And Dana frigging plopped that pile on you like a drive by. Well, Dana? What’s your point? Are you claiming the Wings will miss the playoffs? Hell. I hope not. We’d sure miss all those postseason live blogs of yours.
Chris Hollis has the Lidstrom Manifesto. He’s drilling deep and uncovering a number of reasons #5 looks a little off this season.
...the Nick Lidstrom that this team needs now more than ever is the one who doesn’t try to overcompensate for his teammates mistakes, preferring instead to buy into the system that he preaches to those same teammates on a regular basis. The point here is that Lidstrom has needs to remember that his most powerful voice is his impressively refined all-around game and that no amount of words of over-compensation will ever match the volumes that his play speaks. Leave the motivational speeches and discussions about execution to Mike Babcock.
Interesting points when you talk about speech giving and a veteran team. No thanks to the Diggers, but we’ve heard from other sources that there has been at least one players-only meeting. I’m guessing there have been a few more. If brimstone is used, I’d guess it’s coming from the likes of Draper, Maltby and maybe even Osgood. And I can’t even begin to guess whether Uncle Mike’s chewed ass or just prodded, so to speak.
Hey awesome. Brendan Shanahan’s soul is for sale.
Looks like he’ll be heading off to Toronto to ensure his reputation is dunked in a dirty toilet similar to the one where his new boss’s head was kept by chubby bullies up to the age of 33.
@tsnbobmckenzie
Sources say Shanahan will work in NYC office with Bettman and Daly but will also be involved with Campbell and Hockey Ops in Toronto.
This sickens me on about twenty different levels. If anything, Shanny should be looking at the NHLPA. Working for Gary.ass? You’re going to be a token, Shanny. Nothing more.
Back to the emperor for a second. Just read this over on the main page...
KK is visited by many people associated/affiliated with the NHL. That is why at times I tell KK readers to make a comment, it will be read and maybe acted upon. The movers and shakers within our game read KK on a daily basis.
That’s very true. But I have to wonder if Paul, just from time to time, ever gets concerned that somebody all adult and shit from the NHL, like a GM or something or a executive director of whatever, might just make one wrong click and end up reading…this.
Where’s my prize?
I want the Olson twins papa.
Posted by Osrt on 12/24/08 at 10:52 AM ET
Ahhh. This place is home.
Man, man. Tyler live blogged Game 5 of the ‘02 Finals. If any of the big timers are still reading this after Osrt’s Olson twin comment? You’d better shield your eyes.
Al Michaels looks like he’d rather be watching his wife having sex with a thoroughbred race horse than be at this game.
We are a bad, pathetic lot. Every one of us. And don’t think you’re better than the rest of us Baroque. You’re still reading. And you knew what was coming.
See you tonite Bitches.
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Comments
Where’s my prize?
I want the Olson twins papa.
Posted by Osrt on 12/24/08 at 10:52 AM ET
So did you remember this from almost a year ago, or was it reposted recently? This made me seriously laugh. (I typed “aLol” initially but felt like a tool using my own joke.)
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 12/03/09 at 12:11 PM ET
So did you remember this from almost a year ago, or was it reposted recently?
Sometimes, when I feel a burst of initiative, I get an idea to look back exactly one year and think maybe I’ll do something like a “here’s what we were talking about then” kind of thing. That fades really fast, the initiative, though. Today I looked back at last December and there it was.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 12/03/09 at 12:15 PM ET
Interesting, Chief, that you mention Osgood as a fire-and-brimstone locker room guy along with Maltby and Draper if need be. It has occurred to me in the past that as easy-going as he is on and off the ice, he may very well be a “pick his moments” locker room guy. I think he’s actually very, very, VERY competitive when it comes down to it, we just don’t get to see it…
Lidstrom has played much, much better as of late compared to the start of the season. He was genuinely terrible at times in the first few games. He looks much more like therLidstrom we know lately though.
Posted by Primis on 12/03/09 at 12:24 PM ET
Shanny is going to infiltrate the Bettman circus and bring it down from the inside. So simple it’s brilliant…
Posted by Hap from Grand Rapids, MI on 12/03/09 at 12:34 PM ET
And now for something completely different, but fun. I stumbled on the 10 worst teams (ever) list at Foxsports, making the grade:
The 2003 Tigers: the team needed to win five of its final six games to avoid matching the ‘62 Mets’ record for ineptitude.
The 1974-75 Caps: The expansion Caps had almost as many coaches that first season (three) as they did wins (eight). Those eight wins are the fewest in NHL history for a team playing at least 70 games and the .131 winning percentage is still the worst ever. There were other marks for ineptitude: most road losses (39), consecutive road losses (37) and consecutive losses (17).
And of course the 2008 Lions: The Lions were 27th in the league in points scored and 30th in yards per game ... and their offense was light years better than their D. Detroit gave up 517 points in 2008—52 more than the next-worst team and more than all but one other team in NFL history.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 12/03/09 at 12:44 PM ET
I think Shanny’s got the cojones to help the NHL from the inside. I’d still rather see him with the NHLPA though.
If any NHL execs are reading this, I’d like to take this opportunity to say that Chris Pronger is a f*ckbag.
Abby the pest, huh? I like it. He’s been good on the fourth line for a while now, he’s actually making space for himself behind the net.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 12/03/09 at 12:46 PM ET
Shanny is going to infiltrate the Bettman circus and bring it down from the inside. So simple it’s brilliant…
Posted by Hap from Grand Rapids, MI on 12/03/09 at 12:34 PM ET
I have to jump on this bandwagon ass well. I have always liked Shanny. 2nd favorite Red Wing of all time. I simply cannot buy into the fact that he would just become a pawn to the “thanks gary…” ASS master. This cannot be.
Posted by ITDeuce from The Land of Ice and Snow on 12/03/09 at 12:56 PM ET
I’m laughing like a little girl (she’s 18) by the coffee shop window while this lab in an old F-150 is staring at me. Seriously. And I’m not even high yet.
Hey. Still got Huet back there?
Yeah?
Awesome.”
Once a Wing bitch…..isht stretches and no workout on one of those weird inner thigh machines all the women use will make it tight again. Hell you might need a Forklift just to keep it from sagging to the ground.
Posted by Osrt on 12/03/09 at 01:00 PM ET
Hey Tyler, just read your blog of that 2002 Cup clincher game. Great stuff.
Ahhh, Circuit City. “We’re With You”, their slogan says. No, you’re really not, guys. You are like the opposite of that.
Gotta’ love it.
Posted by Primis on 12/03/09 at 01:06 PM ET
There are just some guys that I can never see hoisting the Stanley Cup as a starting goalie and one of them is Christobal Huet…....French Toast is another one, and so is Jonas Hiller…...Though when i do picture people lifting the cup, in between shots of Yzerman, Gretzky, Lemieux; i see Joe Elliott placing the cup upside down. Dick
what has seven arms and sucks…Def Leppard. oldie but a goodie.
Posted by Itrusteddrrahmani from Nyc by way of A2 on 12/03/09 at 01:08 PM ET
Shanny is going to infiltrate the Bettman circus and bring it down from the inside. So simple it’s brilliant…
This is an interesting thought. If Shanny went to the NHLPA, he would just end up being the general of the players’ army come CBA time, and most of his wisdom would fall on the deaf ears of those who actually control how the game is conducted. Perhaps with a sane, eloquent individual like Mr. Shanahan at ground zero of where the real action is, he can affect some meaningful change in this den of inequity that is the current NHL administration.
My fingers are crossed.
Posted by Hippy Dave from Portland by way of Detroit on 12/03/09 at 01:10 PM ET
Where’s my prize?
I want the Olson twins papa.
Posted by Osrt on 12/24/08
Osrt, you wanted this guy as your prize? Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 12/03/09 at 01:28 PM ET
i too shared the confidence that Chicago could never win with the goaltending they have…
but, last i looked they were leading the entire league in goals against AND penalty kill. fluke? maybe…
but, it usually takes more than good team defense to lead the league in those things. if that continues, it’ll be hard for me to be as confident as some of you that goaltending is such an achilles heel it will keep them from winning the cup… especially with the fire power they have on offense.
believe me, i live in Chicago and do NOT want to deal with the backlash of them winning, especially if they beat the Wings to do it. It will be a miserable year if that happens.
Posted by perfection from LaLaLand on 12/03/09 at 01:30 PM ET
There’s so much of the 19 here I don’t know where to begin ...
/FMAOL/
... I’m so confused.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 12/03/09 at 01:49 PM ET
We’ll find out if any GMs are reading us and paying attention the day that Brett Lebda gets shipped to Siberia in exchange for a used puck and losing lottery ticket from 2006.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 12/03/09 at 02:08 PM ET
Thanks, Primis.
/FMAOL/
Now that sounds like fun. Not only do the “F” but to make the “A” come “O”, and do it “L”-ly no less. I’m not gay (yet) but I’d still pay to see that.
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 12/03/09 at 02:13 PM ET
We’ll find out if any GMs are reading us and paying attention the day that Brett Lebda gets shipped to Siberia in exchange for a used puck and losing lottery ticket from 2006
And the day that McCrimmon gets fired.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 12/03/09 at 03:30 PM ET
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich
He’s no Fil but….
My hope for Shanny is that he either 1) helps make changes from the inside or 2) figures out how to kill the giant lizards that run the NHL and brings it back to the PA.
Posted by Osrt on 12/03/09 at 03:39 PM ET
And the day that McCrimmon gets fired.
I hope he gets fired, and lebda gets traded on the same day: December 25…it’d be the best Christmas gift ever.
Posted by Itrusteddrrahmani from Nyc by way of A2 on 12/03/09 at 03:41 PM ET
Chicago’s not winning a Stanley Cup with that goaltending.
Exactly what everyone in my house has said.
Hey awesome. Brendan Shanahan’s soul is for sale.
The man who would be Captain. It was sold the day he left the Wings.Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 12/03/09 at 04:33 PM ET
I hope he gets fired, and lebda gets traded on the same day: December 25…it’d be the best Christmas gift ever.
Unfortunately, I belive there is a trade moratorium for a few days around Christmas.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 12/03/09 at 04:47 PM ET
So glad I found the 18 other people that are this nuts about the Wings. Someone remember to thank the Faux Blogger for pointing it out.
Posted by gowings019 on 12/03/09 at 04:50 PM ET
Chicago’s not winning a Stanley Cup with that goaltending.
Not to be devil’s advocate here, but wasn’t that said about Ozzie maybe once or twice? Geeze, that non-elite goaltending and all. 
I will agree with you that I don’t think Huet has the stuff either… hopefully we’re right.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/03/09 at 04:56 PM ET
Chicago’s not winning a Stanley Cup with that goaltending.
Maybe - maybe not; but CHI are doing a good job of scaring the hell out of me at the moment.
CHI 26 g/p, 17-6-3, 37 pts, 82 GF, 59 GA = +23 goal differential
(and they are 8-1-1 in last 10 g/p)
DET 26 g/p, 13-9-4, 30 pts, 76 GF, 73 GA = +3 goal differential
CHI have allowed 14 fewer goals against than DET, over .50 fewer goal/game.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 12/03/09 at 05:09 PM ET
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 12/03/09 at 05:09 PM ET
Yeah but the playoffs are a completely different story. A team has to have clutch goaltending to win the cup. We have proven playoff goaltending, they have Frenchie. their goals for is going to come down to earth in the playoffs and they’re going to have to rely on their D and Huet, not something i’d feel very comfortable with if i was a Hawks fan, regardless of the reg. season success (see: San Jose Sharks)
Posted by Itrusteddrrahmani from Nyc by way of A2 on 12/03/09 at 05:22 PM ET
2) figures out how to kill the giant lizards that run the NHL and brings it back to the PA.
In the words of Keanu Reeves…WHOA. A David Icke reference. Jesus Osrt, you’re rapidly making me think I might cross the pond in more ways than one for you. Although at this point, you’d still have to bring along Mary-Kate and Ashley-Olson and at least have their stash of disco biscuits to have a surefire thing on your hands. Right now, at least.
If Shanny proves to be incorruptible or at least reasonably resistant, I’ll be all for retiring #14. If not, well…He’s done so many other things right-on that maybe that can be overlooked.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 12/03/09 at 05:23 PM ET
Some numbers, and other stuff on tonight’s tilt at JLA:
The Oilers have just four wins in their last 18 games and will be looking to snap their current three-game losing streak.
Henrik Zetterberg has recorded at least one point in all but two of his last 11 home games, tallying eight goals and seven assists in that span.
Edmonton is an NHL-worst 2-10-2 when allowing its opponents to score first this season. The Red Wings are 6-2-2 when scoring first this season.
EDM Scoring DET
78 Total Goals 73
86 Opp. Goals 71
735 Shots On Goal 896
883 Opp. Shots On Goal 715
21.4% Power Play % 21.3%
77.1% Penalty Kill % 76.7%
Interesting, the numbers from CBC show DET with 73 GF and 71 GA, but the numbers from my previous comment, from NHL.com show 76 GF, and 73 GA = puzzling.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 12/03/09 at 05:23 PM ET
Whats the musical choice for the LB tonight Chief? Sticking with the bow hunting Motorcity Madman?
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/03/09 at 05:24 PM ET
their goals for is going to come down to earth in the playoffs
If you look more closely, or go visit Dr. Rahmani, you will note that CHI goal differential is actually due to exceptional D.
DET GF CHI
76 - 82
DET GA CHI
73 - 59
CHI GA/G = 2.15, #1 in the league
DET GA/G = 2.73 (12)
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 12/03/09 at 05:28 PM ET
From the Chicago games I’ve watched this year, their exceptional D is led in large part by their outstanding offensive pressure and forechecking. We’ll see how well they can adjust back to pre-lockout hockey once the playoffs start.
Either way, *#$%@& the Blackhawks. The Wings are still going to be the team nobody wants to face in the West.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 12/03/09 at 05:36 PM ET
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 12/03/09 at 05:28 PM ET
I’m aware of this, i’ve watched them play many times this year and i think they look great defensively. The most telling stat of their great defense is the league leading 24.1 Sa/g (we’re 4th at 27.5). I just think the playoffs are going to be different and they’re going to struggle under the weight of their own expectations (and the subsequent choking of Christobal Huet, i believe he’s 0/3 in playoff series).
Posted by Itrusteddrrahmani from Nyc by way of A2 on 12/03/09 at 05:39 PM ET
The Wings are still going to be the team nobody wants to face in the West.
I’ve always hated the that sport’s platitude when the talking heads on ESPN, CBC etc. blurt it out.
You think a ninth place team and it’s fans feel that way? Hell no. They would love the opportunity to play the-team-nobody-wants-to-face. Call that team what it is, a long shot or a dark horse.
I’m not picking on you JJ, it’s just that platitude has always been like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. That and “very unique.” Hearing V.U. makes me want to hit someone.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 12/03/09 at 05:47 PM ET
I’ve always hated the that sport’s platitude when the talking heads on ESPN, CBC etc. blurt it out.
Should read:
I’ve always hated that platitude when the talking heads on ESPN, CBC etc. blurt it out.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 12/03/09 at 05:49 PM ET
I’m not picking on you JJ, it’s just that platitude has always been like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. That and “very unique.” Hearing V.U. makes me want to hit someone.
Hey, it’s not the first time I’ve been called out for making a very general statement. No hard feelings.
Maybe I’ll amend that to say what I really meant: The Wings are the most dangerous team in the West, regardless of what some talking-head shitstain on television says about our competition.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 12/03/09 at 05:53 PM ET
We are a bad, pathetic lot. Every one of us. And don’t think you’re better than the rest of us Baroque. You’re still reading. And you knew what was coming.
You’re such a f***ing bastard.
But you already knew that, I’m sure.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 12/03/09 at 06:41 PM ET
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Bah, Lidstrom always starts slow offensively. Yes, he is starting slower this season than in a long freakin’ time. Maybe ever. I am not into “research.” But note that his defense has been much better than it was through the first 20 games last season, where he was adjusting to the new equipment and new visor.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 12/03/09 at 12:08 PM ET