Abel to Yzerman
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History Beckons
by IwoCPO on 06/09/09 at 05:11 AM ET
Comments (123)
There’s a little, itty bitty, tiny, eentsy frigging weentsy box on a shelf in a room way in the bottom basement of NHL league headquarters.
Is that where Gary Bettman’s spine is kept? No. It’s where the dynasties are stored.
That box is open...Abel and Howe and Lindsay are making room. Trottier, Bossy and Smith are bitching because it’s tight in there already. Scotty Bowman’s smiling because he enjoys any player’s discomfort.
And after tonite? If all goes as Providence has decreed, there’s going to be a little welcoming bash in that tiny little box, down in a place Gary Bettman doesn’t like to talk about, in a dark corner where parity doesn’t exist.
Tonite is for Doug Brown. It’s for Darren McCarty and that cherry-busting burst up the ice in Game 4 in ‘97. It’s for Slava Fetisov and Igor and Kozlov and Feds and Vladdie. The men who could go down as not only “the Russian Five”, but integral members of the Wing Dynasty.
Brendan Shanahan brought starvation to this team. While his Captain delivered the intensity, Shanahan hungered for a Cup. And he delivered. Three times. Tonite could be his.
Larry Murphy left the box, took a pass around center ice, then wheezed his way up the wing and beat who? Was it Kolzig Was it even the Final? I don’t remember. We love him now for different reasons. Good ‘ol Murph. After tonite? Charter member of a Dynasty.
He sat for a while in ‘96 and ‘97. He sat a lot. But Scotty had plans and I guess we all knew that. Mike Vernon wasn’t going to ride pine during a Cup run. Not after kicking Patrick Roy’s arrogant ass at center ice at the Joe. It was destiny then, bitches. 12 years later? He could be forever recognized as a member of something very exclusive.
Dominik Hasek has a fly swatter in his hand. He’s chasing puppies with it through a berry patch on a Czech mountainside. He’s wearing bermuda shorts and a female blouse from his personal clothing line. He’s thinking in Latin but humming “Dancing Queen” in Spanish. Helicopters are chasing him and he’s wearing a football cleat on his left foot. He’s absolutely insane. But tonite? He could be part of this. A dynasty could be his.
There are scores of other guys, bit players and superstars. Brett Hull and Bob Rouse. Aaron Ward and Marty LaPointe. Tonite is for them as much as it is for the Zetterbergs, the Datsyuks and the Osgoods.
Tonite could be theirs. If. If. If. If it happens tonite, and I guarantee nothing...but if it does? An undeniable Dynasty.
Today he’s gonna think about that. Steve Yzerman is going to stop what he’s doing and give it just a minute, maybe less. He’s going to take just a minute and remember that hesitation, unsure of whether to break away from his teammates and skate the Cup by himself...and he’ll recall the thunder as he took it to Mr. I. It started with him. If tonite...happens, he’ll be more than a Wing for life, more than a Conn Smythe winner, more than the greatest Captain in sports history. He’ll be the keeper of a Dynasty.
1 to 12. 1 to history. 1 to a place nobody can ever deny this team.
It’s on. Soon.
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Bella, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I hope the Wings give you a wonderful birthday present this evening!
MO, thank you for the Yzerman post. How I would love to see him on the ice one more time....
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/09/09 at 09:33 AM ET
Happy birthday, Bella. A win tonight would be a great birthday present for me as well.
Is that where Gary Bettman’s spine is kept?
Wait, he had a spine in the first place?
Posted by Aphaea from Pennsylvania on 06/09/09 at 09:34 AM ET
Thanks, ladies! Before I unwrapped my husband’s gift this morning, I asked him, “Is it the Stanley Cup?” Not sure if he appreciated that. 
Nine and a half-hours to go and I’m already a mess. In the wonderful words of Jenn: “Ack.”
Posted by Bella on 06/09/09 at 09:35 AM ET
Aphaea, I saw your post after I posted. Didn’t want you to infer that I’m calling you a lady. Unless you are a lady, of course.
And happy birthday to you, too. Tomorrow, right?
Posted by Bella on 06/09/09 at 09:37 AM ET
Happy Birthday Bella!
I got you a little sumthin’, but it’ll have to wait about 12 hours.
Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/09/09 at 09:42 AM ET
Oh, J.o.t.S. - do you take side jobs?
The woman has been hounding me for a simple, workable website for her to hawk her soy candles on (payment via Pay Pal) and, since I suck at the internet, have left her hanging.
There’s no real rush, but if you’re interested email me.
Bravo Whiskey Oscar Lima Foxtrot Echo a t gmail dot com
Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/09/09 at 09:46 AM ET
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see Ozzie stay in Plymouth a long time after his career, possibly carve out a job with the Wings somewhere else, perhaps as a goaltending coach. With his mental toughness and the way he remade his entire game a few years ago, I think he’s well on his way to having the credentials for that part.
Nathan, I was just back in Plymouth visiting family a couple of weeks ago. You’re right, Ozzie has been a tremendous asset to the community. IIRC he told the Plymouth Observer, half-jokingly I’m sure, that after he retires he wants to be the Mayor of Plymouth. I think he should run on a platform of bringing back the chicken races.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 06/09/09 at 09:51 AM ET
Thanks, Bella. You’re right, my birthday is tomorrow. One year closer to 30.
Yes, I am a lady. My mom would contend that I curse and drink too much to be a lady, but that’s never stopped me from enjoying a Captain and coke...or three. 
Posted by Aphaea from Pennsylvania on 06/09/09 at 09:58 AM ET
My mom would contend that I curse and drink too much to be a lady
When she contends that, just have her mosey over here to take a look at some of my comments. She’ll feel much better about you, I’m sure.
Posted by Bella on 06/09/09 at 10:06 AM ET
Seriously, Chief. You know how to write.
Posted by steveyzerman on 06/09/09 at 10:06 AM ET
Thanks, ladies! Before I unwrapped my husband’s gift this morning, I asked him, “Is it the Stanley Cup?” Not sure if he appreciated that.
Oh don’t worry I am sure he appreciated it when you unwrapped his gift. I mean really what guy doesn’t appreciate a good gift unwrapping. Happy Birthday and Lets Go Red Wings.......
Posted by AxeMaster9 on 06/09/09 at 10:07 AM ET
Happy Freaking Birthday Bella. I hope the guys just do it tonite for you as well as the 19, and the entire City of Detroit. Enjoy your day Bella.
As far as the Wings winning on B-days, June 13, 2002.
My nephew turned 21.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 06/09/09 at 10:20 AM ET
@Axe- Hahaha. Touche!
@Kate--Thanks, girl. Hope your mom continues on the mend. But I will not enjoy my birthday unless I see Lidas hoisting that big beautiful silver chalice tonight. LET’S GO RED WINGS!!!!!
Posted by Bella on 06/09/09 at 10:26 AM ET
“You win together today, you walk together forever,” Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “You never forget the guys you’ve won with. And Hossa has an opportunity, if we all play well, to remember this group of guys.”
man I love Babcock, Chief, amazing post as always, I’m so wired I can’t eat. GO WINGS
already pacing near the bar in the Hasek......
Posted by FranzensMouthguard on 06/09/09 at 10:27 AM ET
When she contends that, just have her mosey over here to take a look at some of my comments. She’ll feel much better about you, I’m sure.
Have a good day, 19. Work calls. See you all after the game because I can’t type while laying fetal on the ground. Though I’ll sure as hell try to drink.
Go Wings!
Posted by Aphaea from Pennsylvania on 06/09/09 at 10:29 AM ET
Happy birthday, Bella!
Mine is this month, too. I’d like nothing more than for another Cup victory as an early gift.
Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 06/09/09 at 10:32 AM ET
The plight of the rare-breed Red Wings fan in the office is that anyone who passes by my cube knows I’m a huge Red Wings fan and thereby feels the need to talk to me about the game...as if I’m not thinking about enough already (plus hanging out with you b!tches).
*Sigh*
The old man and I have decided to play a little tennis (weather pending) and take out our nervous energy on each other when we get out of work...could get nasty.
Until then I just keep thinking “Sawchuck to Abel, Sawchuck to Abel”
I hope it’s D-Day in Pittsburgh tonight.
“Be the Storm” is a slogan my sister’s fiancee’ and I have adopted. @#$%-ing do it, Red Wings.
Oh and happy b-day, Bella.
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 06/09/09 at 10:37 AM ET
Well, this is the month I was conceived. That’s kind of close.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 06/09/09 at 10:40 AM ET
Paul has a good article on NHL.com, linked on the Empire Main page. Reflects how we all feel.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 06/09/09 at 10:42 AM ET
Catching up after a few days of wandering in the woods. Listened to the last game on XM radio while hunkered down on a mountain at 4300 feet.
Stayed out of that love fest here yesterday.
Great post Chief. You have always had the CMOI pegged.
TDub, crazy video....
When did spazzing out qualify as dance. Kneeling like I want to throw up.
Gotta feelin I will be there later.
Bella, Happy Birthday!
1 to 12
Like the lady said....
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 06/09/09 at 10:42 AM ET
Thanks Bella. My mom is doing fine but she is getting up there in age so I know what to expect from here on in. Somethings you cannot change no matter how hard you try, but that’s life. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 06/09/09 at 10:43 AM ET
Anyone else feel like this series is long voer due for an OT?
Posted by pgoody from Findlay, OH on 06/09/09 at 10:45 AM ET
Once upon a time, I bought a hat made in Australia that was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
I lost the hat Saturday....
This could be my last day....
As long as I can hang on by my fingernails until Lids hands the cup to Hossa.....it’s OK
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs dont live up to my expectations on 06/09/09 at 10:45 AM ET
Anyone else feel like this series is long voer due for an OT?
Posted by pgoody from Findlay, OH on 06/09/09 at 11:45 AM ET
I hate you.
Posted by mrfluffy from Cincy on 06/09/09 at 10:48 AM ET
Anyone else feel like this series is long voer due for an OT?
Posted by pgoody from Findlay, OH on 06/09/09 at 11:45 AM ET
Bite your tongue.
Once upon a time, I bought a hat made in Australia that was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
I lost the hat Saturday....
This could be my last day....
Or someone else’s - it was “a” lifetime, not neccessarily “your” lifetime. Loopholes!
And my reason and calmness is nothign but a facade. Inside I’m as much of an Ack-fest as Jen.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/09/09 at 10:50 AM ET
Anyone else feel like this series is long voer due for an OT?
Posted by pgoody from Findlay, OH on 06/09/09 at 11:45 AM ET
Just your suggestion made me pucker-up!
MY HEART WON"T TAKE IT!!!
60 minutes, boys.
ALL 60.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 06/09/09 at 10:51 AM ET
Or someone else’s - it was “a” lifetime, not neccessarily “your” lifetime. Loopholes!
Alright B......channeling your inner attorney!
Whatever I hoped to accomplish today has gone by the wayside ....now I’m watching Literal Video Versions of music on YouTube....Thanks Dub.
Check out the Penny Lane version.
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 06/09/09 at 10:54 AM ET
Work calls. See you all after the game because I can’t type while laying fetal on the ground. Though I’ll sure as hell try to drink.
Two words Aphaea, sippy cup . There’s no shame in it.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/09/09 at 11:01 AM ET
Sippy Cup?
That’s from Bye Bye Boobies a Charlie Waffles classic....
“I drink from a sippy cup, sippy cup, sippy cup / I drink from a sippy cup/ ‘Cause I’m a big kid now”
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 06/09/09 at 11:07 AM ET
I had no idea Ozzie lived in Plymouth. I was raised in the Plymouth-Canton area before moving here to Dallas, and everytime I go back I’m shocked to see how different it is. I may have to rock my Plymouth-Canton Flyers jacket from when I played mites in support of Ozzie tonite.
Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/09/09 at 11:09 AM ET
I just called work and told them I wouldn’t be in the rest of the week. Yeah. That’s how bad it is. I shouldn’t have gone out last night and drank so much beer with hot wings. My stomach is turning and I can’t stay off the Crosby today. I’m sweating chicken grease and my ulcer just ate a black hole.
I need this win.
My body is about to give out.
Posted by Dennis Dubay on 06/09/09 at 11:10 AM ET
Dominik Hasek has a fly swatter in his hand. He’s chasing puppies with it through a berry patch on a Czech mountainside.
That, along with Tdub’s “Mullet with headlights”, made me forget ever so briefly that tonight is a Game 6.
Happy birthday Bella. Today is mama cephalopod’s birthday too. That’s some good mojo, I can feel it.
I will now resume gnawing at my left arm.
Posted by cephalopod from Chicago, on the poop deck, not over it yet on 06/09/09 at 11:12 AM ET
My goodness chief, that’s on a par with “we will fight them on the beaches”.
This is great stuff, history, and the 19 are so enthused, well, we can’t wait.
Glorious writing, Bob Cole or others in their heydays. Or just Detroiters using their love for the game they are getting to watch.
Thanks.
Posted by bobbo from Romeo, Michigan on 06/09/09 at 11:18 AM ET
Waiting......
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs dont live up to my expectations on 06/09/09 at 11:25 AM ET
And happy birthday, Bella!
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/09/09 at 11:29 AM ET
Happy Birthday Bella!
Game 1 was on my birthday and that worked out pretty nicely. I am hoping that this bodes well.
Posted by jennyquarx on 06/09/09 at 11:54 AM ET
Oh man…
This video is not available in your country due to copyright restrictions.
Well, it’s the thought that counts, right Gramps?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 06/09/09 at 11:56 AM ET
And Happy Birthday Bella!
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 06/09/09 at 11:57 AM ET
i’m a pens fan. great post. 100% percent true. may the best team win. pens 4-3 ot sid 1g 2a
Posted by ragzzz on 06/09/09 at 12:06 PM ET
i’m a pens fan. great post. 100% percent true. may the best team win. pens 4-3 ot sid 1g 2a
you must work for the department of redundancy department.
Posted by A II R from Los Angeles on 06/09/09 at 12:17 PM ET
i’m a pens fan. great post. 100% percent true. may the best team win. pens 4-3 ot sid 1g 2a
you must work for the department of redundancy department.
Posted by A II R from Los Angeles on 06/09/09 at 01:17 PM ET
You can say that again.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 06/09/09 at 12:24 PM ET
Anyone else feel like this series is long voer due for an OT?
Oh for FUCH sakes!!! (yes, exclamation marks)
I was just becoming calm, relatively speaking.
Fuch it, I’m starting to drink.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 06/09/09 at 12:30 PM ET
Anyone else feel like this series is long voer due for an OT?
If you weren’t a Red Wings fan I’d tell you to shut your whore mouth and go back to whore island. So feel lucky!
What’s the rule on hard liquor before 1 pm?
Posted by Dennis Dubay on 06/09/09 at 12:34 PM ET
Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Instead of cake, I’d like spit-roasted external genitalia-lacking flightless bird. It should be marinaded with Gary’s tears and garnished with a wilted flower. Yum.
JFC, could this day be going any slower?
Posted by Bella on 06/09/09 at 12:34 PM ET
“Pittsburgh Penguins fans to hold downtown rally”
Where I come from, those are called wakes.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 06/09/09 at 12:35 PM ET
What’s the rule on hard liquor before 1 pm?
Sharing.....that’s the rule. Otherwise pour away!
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 06/09/09 at 12:36 PM ET
Sharing.....that’s the rule. Otherwise pour away!
Sweet. Come on over gang! Time to pass out by five to wake up just in time to see the winning goal!
Posted by Dennis Dubay on 06/09/09 at 12:37 PM ET
Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Bel-la. Happy Birthday to you.
Does this mean I owe somebody royalties money now?
To the 19
Band of Bitches
1 to 12
LET’S GO RED WINGS!
Posted by calquake on 06/09/09 at 12:44 PM ET
So, who isn’t getting anything done today? (Raises hand)
I couldn’t afford to do “nothing” today, so I decided to have a “strategic planning” day. That’s where I close the door to my office, and tell everyone not to bother me unless it’s really important. Every 30 minutes or so, I emerge, act really preoccupied,and go ask someone a really serious question pertaining to work.
Then I go back in my office and hit the refresh button on this blog.
Posted by dougie on 06/09/09 at 12:53 PM ET
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Happy Birthday Bella!
Yes, ma’am Friday is not an option. I think I the loss of the rest of my mind would be complete if that happens.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/09/09 at 09:29 AM ET