Abel to Yzerman
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I’m Placing The Stairway To Suck Off Limits
by IwoCPO on 11/24/09 at 03:42 PM ET
Comments (118)
No more Zeppelin. It’s simply not working and, honestly, it may be an idea that has doomed the first two months of the season. I’m man enough to admit that I may have contributed to the bad things that have happened. That, et al, is no act. I’m fauxing serious.
Until further notice, I’m going back to an old standard. A Michigan man.
This post is not going to be filled with happiness. I’m just warning you. I’m feeling depressed. How depressed? Well, here’s the cereal I ate this morning.
I called Adrian Dater a biotch on Twitter this morning. Not sure what his recourse could be. Will need to consult with the A2Y Squad of Attorneys and see if I’m in danger of litigation. I can’t afford much more than a six pack of PBR if he elects to sue.
But, hell, first Oprah announces that her shove it all in, lose it, eat some more, lose that shit too, then screw it I’m fat and I dig it farewell tour has begun. And we were sad. Then her sister @adater calls it quits too? How much am I expected to take in a span of a week? Huh?
So I won’t be sticking up for the Unibomber anymore. While we’re on the subject of talk show divas and candy-ass Denver “journalists”, Todd Bertuzzi looked like a hostess on The View last night. He avoids contact at all costs. He doesn’t “engage.” Drew Miller went to the net and the very sight of it made Bertuzzi queezy. I said last night that he was playing like J. Edgar Hoover. Not because he has an astute crime-fighting mind. But because there’s a good chance he may have been wearing a broach and maybe even fishnet socks.
My comparison was idiotic and insulting. I apologize to the Hoover family. But know this: Todd Bertuzzi looked like absolute, taffy-stuffed garbage last night. I’ve been saying it since 2007. The only way this works is if he regains some of the hatred, or at the very least some passion for the game. The only time I saw a spark of energy out of him was when he was lamely arguing an offensive zone hooking call in the third fauxing period.
Uncle Mike can say all he wants about his backchecking and whatever else he’s complimented J. Edgar on but I’m starting to think the whole Bertuzzi experiment is coming to an ugly end.
Speaking of ugly...dammit, I can’t remember who said it last night but it was so very awesome. If you hate Bertuzzi you can blame the Oompa Loompa. Yep. If Happy Hudler hadn’t taken off for Russia and the land of happy spankers and pliable hookers? We wouldn’t even be talking about this. WTF Happy? W. T. F.
We’re decimated and it’s time we came to realize just how bad this is. The defection of Hossa, Happy Hooker and William Tell left us little room and we all knew it. Now the absence of Franzen, Wally and Willie has crippled the offense. Add in Kronwall, who was looking better and better...and you just feel like tasting gun oil. But hey, you shouldn’t fret. We’re not even in the top five of teams affected most by Sweet Baby Jesus and his sick obscenity of an injury joke. Ready? I knew you were.
This year there has been lots of injuries just like seasons of past, but every year a different team is affected. Below are the top five teams that have been largely affected by key injuries for this season:
#5: New York Islanders:
The Islanders are yet again at the bottom of the table amongst management and stadium problems. Will the Islanders move, it really doesn’t matter at this point because they are in last place in the Atlantic Division and not because of their talent. The Islanders have six players out with injuries, most notably their big money goaltender Rick DiPietro. That 15 year contract is looking more like a problem since DiPietro has yet to have an injury free season since signing. So, what’s more important having a healthy expensive goalie or keeping the Islanders in Long Island?
#4 Edmonton Oilers:
There isn’t much to say for the Oilers, except that they have a league high eight players injured. All are key players and all are costing the team key wins. Granted, the Oilers weren’t expected to have great season but they do look very disappointing thus far.
#3: Vancouver Canucks:
Canucks need not to worry, that broken foot of Daniel Sedin seemed to be healed. Three days ago, he seemed to be out four to six weeks but the announcement was made yesterday that he would most likely play today at Chicago. So, either the foot wasn’t that bad or Sedin is one tough twin who wants to be out there with his brother. The other key loss has to be the often injured Pavol Demitra. If he could only stay healthy he could be huge for any team.
#2 Washington Capitals / Pittsburg Penguins:
Both teams are in first place in their divisions and both are the top two in the East. However, both seem to be stacking up injuries. Washington has seven players out and Pittsburg has five and both seemed to still be playing well, but for how long? The Penguins will most likely continue to play well, despite losing Chris Kuntiz. However, Washington has looked a little sluggish without rookie Quintin Laing, Alexander Semin, and Mike Knuble.
#1 Carolina Hurricanes
If there is any team that is having a disappointing season due to injuries it’s the ‘Canes. Not only are team leaders Cam Ward and Eric Staal still out with injuries from last season but they have yet to find answers or replacements for them. They have looked dismal this year and I wouldn’t look twice if I see Toronto pass them in bottom cellar.
The long term injury of Franzen outweighs every one of them, in my opinion. But...WTF do I know? I only watch the Wings. I’m not a pharmacist. My blog’s “just an act” and I don’t know how to use “et al” in a sentence.
Thankfully, and as a result of last night’s suck fest, Uncle Mike has a plan. I’d like to show it to you.
“...we’ll almost have an eight-man block with six players,’’ Babcock said. “It’s way too complicated to explain, but it’ll be simple.’’
Interns from Grand Valley State said Ansar allegedly nodded his head like he understood a fauxing word of that. Then he explained it this way.
The top two pairs will remain the same (Nicklas Lidstrom-Jonathan Ericsson, Brian Rafalski-Brad Stuart). They’ll play against the opponent’s top two lines. Then he’ll pair one of those players with Brett Lebda and another with Derek Meech to use against the third and fourth lines. And he’ll rotate.
Somebody somewhere said something silly about Chris Osgood. It’s in the live blog and you can look it up if you want. Chris Osgood was far from the problem last night. Far. From. The. Problem bitches. He played awesome. Goaltending is not our issue. Goaltending is not going to make or break this season.
Goaltending is not why we’re fighting for a playoff spot and it’s not why the only team beneath us in the Central is the Bitter Bitch Brittle BlowmeGameTime Blues. Injuries are. And as long as the Wings keep it close until the studs come back, all will be well for all the same reasons we’ve discussed....adversity, experience, blah, blah, blah.
Unless, of course, more injuries are coming down the pike and who the hell are we to say they’re not?
Then we’re boned again and again, like a Dive fan.
Ugliness awaits. More of it. I sense it and so do you. We’ve reached a stage where we don’t even look forward to the games anymore. But it will pass.
Having said that? J. Edgar’s got to go. I’m sick of his pansy ass. Another astute comment from last night? Bertuzzi ruined two careers when he went Bundy on Moore. He’s a shell and a fraud when you compare him to what he used to be. I’m tired of defending him. Floating, avoiding, escaping, giving pucks away like candy at Christmas, letting little itty bitty hockey players push him around when he should striking fear in their rooster hearts.
Time to move on big guy. Your nuts are somewhere else, and they’ve been there for half a decade.
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Comments
When you pour milk on them, Kellogg’s Emos go “Snap, Crackle, Life is pain”.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/24/09 at 04:53 PM ET
I agree Chief. Watching Bert last night was agonizing. He seemed to be just floating around like a figure skater. I kept waiting for him to do a smackdown on someone. But he seems to avoid contact.
Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 11/24/09 at 04:55 PM ET
The hits keep coming ...
and we just keep taking it.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/24/09 at 04:56 PM ET
Damn Chief, you are right...I’ve also been on Bert’s side all year. I’ve also had enough.
F’cking do something or let someone else play.
Posted by moore00 from the Ohio State University on 11/24/09 at 04:59 PM ET
Ok, joking aside. I’m not worried about the defensive corps. They’re not the problem. We have an offense that treats the side boards like there’s a jackatoreum glory hold cut into them and Karen Newman’s on the other side trying to get that leaf blower started backwards. Even Drew Miller, the guy who actually put his damn shoulder down and went to the net missed a huge glaring opportunity to skate to the middle of the ice and put a challenging shot on Pekka Rinne that made me scream like Brad Watson and Dennis LaRue were reffing a playoff game in my nightmares.
I know a lot of is is opposing teams forcing us to the outside, but we need to be looking for the the first opportunity to either skate or pass into the middle, not just for the easiest avenue for a pass. If you screw up, you skate hard to get back and steal if from them to start all over again.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/24/09 at 04:59 PM ET
Maybe we can trade Tuzzi for Sammy and things can be like they were again. At least then our injuries would be self inflicted.
Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 11/24/09 at 05:00 PM ET
Until further notice, I’m going back to an old standard. A Michigan man.
The only way to go Chief.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/24/09 at 05:09 PM ET
Epic post Chief.
Bertuzzi lost my support last night too. And I’m sad to say that. I was really happy to see his defensive commitment but he really is zapping Dats’ energy and needs to be demoted.
But prepare for it to continue. Babbles envisions Tuzzi as a year long project and will give him every opportunity to fail, just like Sammy and Lang.
We will all be a few years older, balder, hoarser (et al) from yelling at Tuzzi this year. Is it too much to hope that hey may provide a clutch goal here and there like Sammy and Lang did?
Posted by Osrt on 11/24/09 at 05:12 PM ET
it’s fair to say that last night was bertuzzi’s worst game by far this season.
i have been defending him as well, and admittedly, it’s getting harder and harder. but, as someone pointed out, the only reason he’s playing top line minutes is because we are missing an entire scoring line.
i was extremely surprised to read that bertuzzi is second on our team in shots after zetterberg. i don’t remember him shooting ever. that’s strange.
Posted by perfection on 11/24/09 at 05:15 PM ET
i was extremely surprised to read that bertuzzi is second on our team in shots after zetterberg. i don’t remember him shooting ever. that’s strange.
In Bertuzzi’s (small) defense, that play where he comes from behind the net and tries to jam in in down low which I’ve seen him try about half a dozen times is actually a pretty good idea. It hasn’t worked yet, but there have been times where the puck was laying there afterwards just asking to be potted by a guy coming in late who never arrived.
Still, that doesn’t excuse all the loafing and contact avoiding I’ve seen him do over the past few games.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/24/09 at 05:22 PM ET
He’s just going through the motions and collecting over a milllion $ for doing nothing.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/24/09 at 05:25 PM ET
Maybe he just needs a hug.
Posted by Cal on 11/24/09 at 04:33 PM ET
Perhaps Baroque can get us a python?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/24/09 at 05:36 PM ET
sounds like we have a new glossary entry - J. Edgar Tuzzi
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 11/24/09 at 05:39 PM ET
Uncle Mike: “It’s way too complicated to explain, but it’ll be simple.’’
Ok sure, wait… what???
Oh and I’m going back to calling Bert “Usedtobebruisy”.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 11/24/09 at 05:53 PM ET
Maybe he was just tired out from drowning all those puppies the night before…
Posted by Hippy Dave from San Francisco by way of Detroit on 11/24/09 at 05:54 PM ET
J.J. - i like that play too.
he also changes it up and does the one where he starts to coast around the net, slams on the breaks and instantly puts it back in front of the net on the side he came from. that’s a great move too. i’ve seen him make that move two or three times as well (a perfect one last night) and he always fakes the other team out of their skates… he just fakes homer out of his too and no one’s ever there to slam it home.
Posted by perfection on 11/24/09 at 05:54 PM ET
OK I’ll be that jackass:
Told you so on Bertuzzi, and told you so on Miller.
There, I feel better. Marginally.
Also yes, thank god, no more Zepplin.
Posted by Primis on 11/24/09 at 06:02 PM ET
Goaltending is not why we’re fighting for a playoff spot and it’s not why the only team beneath us in the Central is the Bitter Bitch Brittle BlowmeGameTime Blues. Injuries are.
Agreed.
But, it is fuching McCrimmon and our absolutely inept PK that is also killing us. Granted that part of that is due to injury, and who the Staff can put on the ice for PK. But for FUCHS sake, the Wings have more than enough talent - - the PK should be way better than Twenty fuching Seventh.
Earlier Capt D and I (well he did the heavy lifting) had this exchange:
OK, I’m just pissed. That fuching PK is absolutely inept. Fuching McCrimmon should have damn toothpicks holding his eyelids open from watching fuching tape about how the PK should work.
I really don’t understand why the Wings cannot improve to an average kill.
DET are at 75.7% (26th).....MTL are at 80.4% (15).....The top five teams are right at 85%Going into tonight, Wings had 75 shorthanded situations.
Killing 75% of those means they have given up about 19 goals on the PK
Killing 80% they would have given up 15 goals.
Killing 85% they would have given up only 11 goals.JFC. Fix this FUCHED up disaster. Posted by Jeff OKWingnut
Jeff, at the quarter pole, that is the post of the season.
The four goal difference between 75% and 80% is the difference between playing musical chairs for the 7th-8th playoff spots and being safely in the playoffs in 4th or 5th.
10/22/09 2-3OT loss to PHX. PHX’s 1st goal was PP.
10/29/09 5-6SO loss to EDM. EDM scored 2 PP goals.
11/18/09 1-3 loss to DAL. 2 of 3 DAL goals were PP.
11/22/09 1-3 loss to NAS. 2 of 3 DAL goals were PP.Two of those four losses would have been wins with an average (16th ranked) PK. If our PK was as good as it was before McCrimmon, there are four more wins.
Currently:..........26 points, 10th place.
Ave. PK..............30 points, 4th place (ahead of CAL by 1pt).
Elite PK.............34 points, 4th place (ahead of Cal by 5pts; trailing SJ by 2 for league lead).Those numbers are without doing the math to take away points from the hypothetically losing teams.
Every skate, every practice they need to spend over 50% of the time working on the PK. And they need to fire McCrimmon and replace him with an assistant that knows how to run a PK.
They’re calling up the kids from GR, why not call up the GR Asst. Coach Jim Paek; he coached the Black Aces during the 2008 cup run. Ted Nolan needs a job; I seemed to recall his Buffalo teams were disciplined. I’m not a hockey insider. I don’t know who is available and how good they are. But one thing I am absolutely certain off: There are better coaches available than McCrimmon.
There is no salary cap on coaches. Mr. Ilitch, it is time to step up and replace McCrimmon.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 11/24/09 at 12:28 PM ET
There is no salary cap on coaches. Mr. Ilitch, it is time to step up and replace McCrimmon.
AbsoFUCHINGlutely.
Oh - - and Bert is flipping useless too - - fire his ass as well.
Gawd I’m friggin exasperated.
We may not be able to do jack fuching shit about the injuries - - but fix the fuching, mutherfuching excuse for an piece of flaming shit PK. *#$%@& Shit Damnitalltohell.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 11/24/09 at 06:04 PM ET
*#$%@& Shit Damnitalltohell.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/24/09 at 05:04 PM ET
Perfect. One of the best comments of the day.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/24/09 at 06:09 PM ET
Last night’s was the first game I’d seen in some time. Other than religiously reading comments and posts here and a handful of games, I’ve avoided hockey. Mostly because I expected this year’s team to struggle some out of the gate of a new season but the injuries really have taken a toll on this team.
In past games, there was often someone there for the rebounds that Rinne left last night that no Red Wing seemed to be near. Players that had been together for years knew where to go, where to expect it. This year, after all the injuries and defections, there doesn’t seem to be much rhythm offensively even when they are piling up the shots.
Let’s see what happens when the injured return, when Tuzzi (who was AWFUL last night) is replaced by Mule. When Wally takes over for eVille. They’ll be better and the rest of the West will not like it.
Anyone else think they miss a personality like Shanahan’s on this team?
Posted by Deuce from Brooklyn on 11/24/09 at 06:10 PM ET
(pronounced “Gerr”, but spelled with homage to both J. Edgar and Little Gary’s salary cap unfolding precisely as planned). Try it. Gar-tuzzi.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 11/24/09 at 06:13 PM ET
My comparison was idiotic and insulting. I apologize to the Hoover family.
I love this place.
I was the one who blamed Happy Hooker last night, and I stand by that. What’s more, if we’d known about his intended defection early on, we might have had Hossa coming back to Pasha’s “mature” line this week, instead of joining the *#$%@& Blackhawks. (And yes, I’m still feeling very fragile about Hoss ... don’t bother trying to give me shit about it because I’m just going to put my tin foil hat on and ignore you.)
Posted by Bella on 11/24/09 at 06:20 PM ET
I GOT IT!
This explains everything. The problem with the Wings is due to “Global Warming”.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/24/09 at 06:23 PM ET
(And no. 94 is the result of the Wings problems here with the 19.)
(Sorta ...
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/24/09 at 06:30 PM ET
Try as he might, Homer is not very effective, either.
He has little speed & not much quickness.
Honestly, his only effective position is in front of the goalie on the power play.
Yeah, I know, what else is new?
My point is this:
What the heck can you expect from a first line of Homer, Bertuzzi and Datsyuk?
Datsyuk has nobody who can anticipate his passes.
I would trade half the team for a good European sniper.
Maybe Bert should go down to line 2, and move Cleary up.
Cleary is quicker and he can shoot.
Posted by w2j2 on 11/24/09 at 06:32 PM ET
The secret to the PP is blocking shots.
Lilja was a good shot blocker.
Nobdy else has stepped up.
Posted by w2j2 on 11/24/09 at 06:36 PM ET
Try as he might, Homer is not very effective, either.
Dude - - he is tied with Hank for the team lead in goals at 9.
On a team that struggles (putting it mildly) to score goals.
I don’t think Homer is an issue at all, he may be slow, but at least he friggin lights the gawd-damned lamp.
Damn I’m pissed. At least I’m not going all EMO 
eh Chief.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 11/24/09 at 06:39 PM ET
On Lilja, I agree with you on that. Lil’s was very good on the PK.
Stupid friggin pylon was very effective on the PK.
Two years ago I would have never, ever thought I’d say this - - I miss Lilja.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 19 on 11/24/09 at 06:42 PM ET
Dude - - he is tied with Hank for the team lead in goals at 9.
On a team that struggles (putting it mildly) to score goals.
I don’t think Homer is an issue at all, he may be slow, but at least he friggin lights the gawd-damned lamp.
I like Homer and I’m blaming Datsyuk and Bertuzzi before I’m blaming him, but the problem of “what have you done for me lately?” is there with him too. Last night he was trying to get penalties called during plays where he would have been better off scrambling for the puck after a shot. I know he gets mugged with no calls more than anybody else in the league, but he also embellishes a lot. Sometimes it’s a good thing, last night it wasn’t. I’m counting his embellishments towards the lazy play category.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/24/09 at 06:48 PM ET
Two years ago I would have never, ever thought I’d say this - - I miss Lilja.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/24/09 at 05:42 PM ET
Agreed. Last year everyone noticed how Lils had picked up his game. He is sorely missed.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/24/09 at 06:51 PM ET
Bertuzzi ruined two careers when he went Bundy on Moore.
Good call.
Posted by Lindas1st from New England on 11/24/09 at 06:53 PM ET
Bertuzzi ruined two careers when he went Bundy on Moore.
And that is why the whole situation is so sad. #44 has enough of a conscience that he felt bad about the injuries and hasn’t played the same way since - while Claude Lemieux, on the other hand, showed no remorse and kept playing the same way, proving that he has no soul.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 11/24/09 at 07:04 PM ET
I’m counting his embellishments towards the lazy play category.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/24/09 at 05:48 PM ET
Until The Perfect Human took them all aside and said whatever, they all were playing lazy. Uncle Mike has his work cut out for him. Getting the new guys into the system will take some time. As far as Helmer and Abby go, they know the program and, are familiar with the death stare.
Leino needs to start showing he deserves to be here. I don’t care what he did in Finland. He’s not a superstar in Detroit. The Winged Wheel is.
And fire Still-I’llnevergetoverit-woozy. He’s a fuchin’ Freak Show.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/24/09 at 07:12 PM ET
Believe…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGuD0_NME7k&feature=fvw
Posted by pgoody from #8 spot in the West on 11/24/09 at 07:28 PM ET
If you hate Bertuzzi you can blame the Oompa Loompa. Yep. If Happy Hudler hadn’t taken off for Russia and the land of happy spankers and pliable hookers? We wouldn’t even be talking about this.
Please. I know reality is not your strong suit, Chief (and we love you for it), but Happy didn’t “take off” for Russia. He was forced out by Lil’ Gary’s damn salary cap. He had earned the raise the arbitarator gave him (and probably more), but there was no room for that salary.
The reality is the Wings got a gift when Happy chose to go to Russia instead of forcing the Wings to accept his new salary. Two years from now, or maybe even next year, he’ll come back to the NHL a much better player, at a salary way below his skill level, and he’ll be the sole property of the Wings.
So the only place that blame belongs in this situation is squarely at the feet of Todd Bertuzzi. As I said in an earlier post, “...he must be the least physical “power forward” in the league right now. He spends more time dodging hits that doling them out. Miller showed last night what Bertuzzi should have been doing from the beginning of this season...going hard to the net.”
And I agree 100% with what Nathan said in that same post...."I’m happy that he’s backchecking. Woo hoo. But if that’s all he’s good for, stick him to the 4th line where he’s not dragging Pavel down with him.”
If Uncle Mike is the quality coach we think he is, at some point he’s going to move “Usedtobebruisy” (I like that name) away from Pavel and put someone on his line (my vote is for Eaves) who actually wants to hit people. Let’s just hope that comes sooner rather than later.
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 11/24/09 at 07:47 PM ET
Dude - - he is tied with Hank for the team lead in goals at 9.
On a team that struggles (putting it mildly) to score goals.
I don’t think Homer is an issue at all, he may be slow, but at least he friggin lights the gawd-damned lamp.
Yeah, so Homer has 9 goals but you’re missing the point, he’s not the kind of guy that is going to laser one-timers off of Datsyuk feeds. Homer is fine on the top line ONLY if there is a shooter on the line as well. Homer and Bertuzzi CANNOT be on the same line. Datsyuk is a playmaker, and even though Homer had 9 goals, he’s not the kind of guy you setup with perfect passes. Why do you think Homer hasn’t been scoring much lately? Because there’s no one shooting the puck at him. Datsyuk has zero talent around him, kinda tough on a playmaker. I guess he’s just gonna have to start passing to himself, which I’m sure he can do.
Posted by John W. from pulling fish out of a hole in the ice on 11/24/09 at 08:09 PM ET
We have an offense that treats the side boards like there’s a jackatoreum glory hold cut into them and Karen Newman’s on the other side trying to get that leaf blower started backwards.
--JJ
Line of the day.
So...umm...we’re fuched aren’t we?
Posted by Osrt on 11/24/09 at 08:39 PM ET
I wish it wasn’t so late in Homer’s career. He would be better, of course...but he’d also have more time to improve on other stuff.
How did he go all these years skating like he does? Don’t you improve over time?
that’s all I want to say...I could say a lot but until it’s clear the sky is falling there’s no point
Posted by Tyler from Arizona on 11/24/09 at 08:50 PM ET
So the only place that blame belongs in this situation is squarely at the feet of Todd Bertuzzi.
Nope. Maybe you could have laid that blame at his feet the first time he wore the Wheel. This time? Nobody to blame but Management. Sure, they thought they were getting a role player with potential, but they had to have known he’d be called on if injuries started mounting up.
I don’t blame Beer Koozie anymore...I don’t think it’s even fear anymore, I think he’s got a wicked case of Post Traumatic Stress or Postpartum Depression or some bullshit. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s wearing sweater vests and writing bad poetry on weekends. No, I blame the teams who keep gambling that he’ll somehow regain his dominance. We’ve all seen it before, franchises ignore years of decline and go Brokeback Mountain for certain players. We couldn’t quit Lindros, we couldn’t quit Forsberg, and now the league can’t seem to quit the toothless one. And this season? It’s just our turn to lay face down in the tent and think happy thoughts.
And I should point out too...with Hossa’s surgery, we’d be just as bad off at this point in the season if he’d stayed, probably even worse. Either way, it’s waaay too early to start talking about fighting for our playoff lives.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 11/24/09 at 08:57 PM ET
Maybe I’m too ... um, simple (I’m no pharmacist) but it seems to be a bit of an over-reaction every time we lose to start pointing blame.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some giving better efforts than others, some producing better than, some slow, some still learning, some steady, some inconsistent, etc., etc.
But given what we’ve had to deal with concerning major injuries to key players, it could be a whole lot worse.
All in all, I think we’re fortunate to be where we’re at in the standings at the 1/4-pole.
I know, I know, we want more and expect more and usually get more - it is the Detroit Red Wings.
But let’s not panic. Things will get better - I hope before they get worse - when the injuries heal to the missing soldiers.
For now, weather the storm and stay in the hunt.
We’ve got a couple pretty smart guys running the show, right?
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/24/09 at 09:17 PM ET
Please. I know reality is not your strong suit, Chief (and we love you for it), but Happy didn’t “take off” for Russia. He was forced out by Lil’ Gary’s damn salary cap. He had earned the raise the arbitarator gave him (and probably more), but there was no room for that salary.
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 11/24/09 at 06:47 PM ET
Not to quibble, OTC, but it was Oompa who quit the farm. Hossa was gone, Sammy was gone, and the Wings were ready to negotiate. Hudler and his agent began talking KHL before arbitration. I know a lot of fans and the organ-I-zation would welcome him back with open arms and think that anyone in his right mind should have taken the cash, but I still think it was bush league by Happy not to inform the team that this was in the works before their UFAs took off.
Either way, it’s waaay too early to start talking about fighting for our playoff lives.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 11/24/09 at 07:57 PM ET
Gabe, we’re going emo, but I don’t think we’re going that emo. (Well, except for Tyler from AZ, but the kid can’t help himself.)
On a side note, I won’t be near a computer for the next few days, so let me be early in wishing the 19 a happy and safe Thanksgiving. I’m thankful that the Emperor and the Chief have provided us tin-foil lunatics with an asylum. You bitches are the best.
Posted by Bella on 11/24/09 at 09:26 PM ET
I wish my lawn was emo so it would cut itself. I also wish Bert was himself so he’d beat the shit out of himself for playing such a gutless pussy.
Posted by HockeyJoe from Upstate New York on 11/24/09 at 09:27 PM ET
I wish it wasn’t so late in Homer’s career. He would be better, of course
You mean he’d have improved mental clarity right?
I don’t think Homer has been a problem. To my eyes he’s looked faster and more agile than he has in years. His puck handling and passing has actually improved, and on that not-so-rare-anymore occasion when he takes a shot from farther than 10 ft out, it looks decently quick. Granted, his best work is still in front of the net, but I’ve not seen him this quick to the corners in a while. I don’t see him slowing his line down at all. I can only assume he actually is healthy apart from the ever present stick-shaped bruises that no doubt mar his backside.
The problem again here is Jerktuzzi. He used to be at his best around the net as well, especially picking up the ugly goals to the sides of the net. And we still see his shadowy best there too. Maybe with Homer constantly in the paint he feels that he needs to stay away, or was told to stay away. Problem is, he’s not just playing perimeter now, but he’s frequently barely even in the play. When the puck is tied up on the boards, he doesn’t move in to support. He drifts right out of the TV picture, way out to the center blue line. Frankly, I’m surprised he even bothers to drift there backward and continue facing the action. Best case, he just keeps right on coasting till he hits the bench and somebody else can jump on. Even Leb-duh.
We’ve mentioned before his inability to take a pass, leaving Pavel to do everything. We’ve all seen his lousy blind passes that inevitably result in turnovers. And if he continues to play like he did last nite, you can add those feared stupid penalties to the list of demerits as well.
I don’t know what will get through to the lunkhead, but something needs to change. And I’m not buying the “he wasn’t signed to be a point producer” argument either. He’s been on a top line his entire time in Detroit. And regardless of his relatively small salary and expectations, he’s not living up to his spot on the depth chart even before the injuries.
Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 11/24/09 at 09:29 PM ET
I would LOVE an emo lawn!
And happy Thanksgiving to Bella and anyone else who will be off line for the holidays. Safe travels to all and don’t eat so much turkey that you throw up. 
I don’t think anyone is really stressing about fighting for playoff lives right now - it’s just frustration at seeing a beat-up team unable to gain any kind of traction and make any headway.
All frustration over the penalty kill is completely understandable, however. That is not an over-reaction at all. (And I hate seeing Pavel play this way because it breaks my heart - my feelings are unchaged since the start of the season on that issue.)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 11/24/09 at 09:32 PM ET
Regarding Datsyuk - I feel terrible for the guy at this point. The situation he is in tends to be the type that frustrates what are otherwise franchise players. Eventually they start asking for a trade and no one is happy. Datsyuk needs someone else (take that, fauxing dead horse) that has hands or, if not that, then hustle. Someone needs to replace gar-tuzzi on that line.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 11/24/09 at 09:35 PM ET
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Kellogg’s Emos taste better with sugar, but why bother?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/24/09 at 04:52 PM ET