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LB: If You Plan On Joining The 19, You Better Believe
by VooX on 02/09/10 at 06:45 PM ET
Comments (758)
Things have to change.
And I’m not talking about the Red Wings. Everyone knows they need to win. The 19 expect them to win.
I’m talking about the negativity among Red Wings fans. And starting tonight, there better be some changes around here.
It’s time for a Live Blog and it is about time we had some perspective about what is really important.
And this isn’t it:
RWBill’s spaghetti chart shows that the Red Wings are in a fight for their playoff lives, and we all know it. In 19 seasons Red Wings fans haven’t faced this level of uncertainty nor adversity. Yet this week we are reminded, once again, what really matters.
In between the trolls and death wishes to the Chief (fuch you all), MO pointed the 19 to This Article dealing with the late Brendan Burke and his personal journey. A journey that took him through some dark places of uncertainty, but ultimately to love and vindication.
The mission is to be the best one can be every day with a vision to become a champion in everything one does, on and off the ice.
It is time to ask yourself, are you the best you can be? And are you the best Red Wings fan you can be?
If you are throwing pessimism around like it is a midget throwing contest, then you are not being the best Red Wings fan you can be. It is time to stop acting like spoiled fans, standing on a soapbox and preaching about the end of days. It is time to stand up, show some backbone, and stare this adversity down. The Red Wings will make the playoffs. You have to believe in it.
The Wings have the most unprecedented run in the NHL, despite adversity in the form of extra travel, the salary cap designed to sink the organ-I-zation, and Li’l Gary loathing everything to do with them. And us fans have benefited like no other fanbase has.
I’m not going to lecture the 19 about the way things were. Many of you lived through the mid-80’s, the 70’s, and the 60’s before that. You wore the Winged Wheel with pride, and now I am asking you to do it again. Stop forecasting ways we are going to lose our bid for the playoffs, and start focusing on ways we are going to make them.
I live in the heart of Leafs Nation. A place where eternal optimism springs forth, despite the constant failures on and off the ice. Talk in Leafs Nation is not about doom and gloom, but about all the ways the team will turn itself around. And we know the Leafs are a much bigger long-shot to win the Stanley Cup than our beloved Red Wings.
The Leafs have 1/5 the talent of the Red Wings, but lately the fans have 5 times the optimism. That is wrong. Were the Leafs in the Wings position, sitting within spitting distance of a playoff spot, the city would be a buzz of speculation on how they are going to make it. Wings fans should be doing the same.
I will never give up on this team. Ever. Our friend stonehands-78 reminds us of this: Never Never Never Never Give Up.
The Mule returns tonight. And even the Angry Chipmunk is rumoured to be in the lineup. The time for change begins today. On and off the ice.
Instead of grumbling about our woes, it is time to start celebrating our team’s successes, however small. As the Burke family grieves about what is really important, the loss of a loved one, we have no excuse to grieve or complain about the loss of a game, or a dismal playoff outlook. The 19 must remain optimistic about the Wings’ outlook. Save the pessimism and negativity for the really important things in life. Things that deserve to be taken seriously.
It’s a Live Blog and the Wings are facing the Brittle Baby Bitch Blues in the city of St. Lose. If you want to stay onboard the Hasek you better start believing.
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Comments
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But ...but ...but ... the Leafs have Phil Kessel! We can’t compete with that!
(and yes, of course I’m kidding)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/09/10 at 06:53 PM ET
The Leafs have 1/5 the talent of the Red Wings, but lately the fans have 5 times the optimism. That is wrong.
very wrong.
we all know there’s no place for optimism in Toronto.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/09/10 at 06:56 PM ET
Not that I don’t love me some Journey, but you should have gone with some more Stooges. They won when you picked the Stooges. 
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 02/09/10 at 06:56 PM ET
But ...but ...but ... the Leafs have Phil Kessel! We can’t compete with that!
You must have been reading this, Aunt B.
The Malkin vs. Kessel analysis:
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 02/09/10 at 06:57 PM ET
we all know there’s no place for optimism in Toronto.
Now that I can agree with.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 02/09/10 at 06:58 PM ET
hey Voox, is that from a web site somewhere, hopefully something where you can pick whoever you want and compare them?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/09/10 at 06:59 PM ET
They won when you picked the Stooges
I will respect the “shutout” ban when our goalie is earning one, but all other superstitions can suck it. And I know that will drive some of the 19 nuts.
The Stooges didn’t win shite. The Red Wings won that night.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 02/09/10 at 06:59 PM ET
I was thinking many of these same thoughts.
Think about how good we have had it. Think about leading all of the major sports franchises in playoff appearances. Just the odds alone tell us this can’t go on forever.
We were too old to repeat in ‘98…too old in ‘02…way too old in ‘08. And we were one shot away in ‘09.
No one in sports, and I mean NO ONE, has been as fortunate as those of us that call ourselves fans of the Detroit Red Wings.
This team has given us memories too numerous to count. But it was never a question of “if” the Red Wings would falter; it’s always been a question of “when”. So what kind of fan are you now that “when” is here?
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 02/09/10 at 07:00 PM ET
hey Voox, is that from a web site somewhere, hopefully something where you can pick whoever you want and compare them?
The article links SBN as a source of the image. Good stuff over there, you have to expect that with all the KK alumni posting there.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 02/09/10 at 07:01 PM ET
Who stopped believin’? Shoot the motherfauxer?
No LB tonite, sister’s birthday party and college early tomorrow. As usual when I’m not watching, Helm scores.
Nail biter, 3-2 win, James stops 33 and Lidstrom pots one on the PP.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 07:02 PM ET
After 2 West coast trips in less than 1 month with numerous 10:00/10:30 pm starts coupled with a several of gary’s weekend afternoon specials , I was looking forward to a 8:00 pm start against the brittle blues, only to discover it’s a Versus exclusive broadcast. 
Thank god for the Mute button.
.
Posted by Down River Dan on 02/09/10 at 07:02 PM ET
Excellent damn writeup, Voox.
Now who wants some Kool-Aid?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 07:02 PM ET
So what kind of fan are you now that “when” is here?
Band wagon? Fair weather? I can’t decide.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 02/09/10 at 07:07 PM ET
oh damn it’s on Versus?! sweet. I can record it, and LB while I watch it!
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/09/10 at 07:08 PM ET
If you are throwing pessimism around like it is a midget throwing contest, then you are not being the best Red Wings fan you can be.
Voox, I am certain being realistic is not the same as being pessimistic.
I am old enough to have lived through the Dead Things. I have always been a fan, and a rabid one at that. But for fuchs sake - -
Detroit is just 3-5-4 in its last 12 contests overall.
Calling it like it is, does not mean I’m not a fan - - Geebuz.
And I like Bill’s pasta charts.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/09/10 at 07:10 PM ET
I have been watching the Wings since Yzerman’s first season. not sure if it’s something in the cosmos…just a coincidence I imagine.
the point being that I’ve been a devoted fan in some of the worst seasons in Wings history and the best. nothing will ever change that I’m a fan of this team.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/09/10 at 07:10 PM ET
So what kind of fan are you now that “when” is here?
Band wagon? Fair weather? I can’t decide.
Posted by monkey from Second prize is a set of steak knives on 02/09/10 at 07:07 PM ET
I’m actually ok with bandwagon fans. I had to jump on the bandwagon at some point. It’s fairweather fans that need their dicks kicked in.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 07:13 PM ET
Well, well, well….....so what if I missed the last 3 games because of the west coast swing, and an afternoon game that was played while I suffered through “Avatar”? So what if Johan Franzen is returning to the ice after what seems like 3 seasons?
I guess that ultimately it’s more important for DirecTV and Versus to continue their pissing match, and relegate me to the sidelines for yet another game this season.
Just f*ck it all.
Posted by dougie on 02/09/10 at 07:20 PM ET
Voox, I am certain being realistic is not the same as being pessimistic.
Realistically the Wings are still in the playoff race. Just don’t forget that either.
I am not saying that the 19 aren’t fans, it is obvious we are. I am saying realism cuts both ways.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 02/09/10 at 07:20 PM ET
Damn, I was thinking the same thing. ALL we have to do is outplay four teams for the #8 spot and we could be rollin’ healthy into a long battle tested playoff run. Hell, there’s 48 points out there to be had and we only need 32 of them an… 32 of them is all…. just 32,
that’s just .667 P% ...
OMFG WE ARE SO SCREWED !!!
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 07:20 PM ET
Damn that gives me an idea for a standings chart, what if one chart could show the progress and recent past performance of the teams vying for a playoff spot….
ahh phooie, no one would want to see it.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 07:23 PM ET
Still here.
Band wagon? Fair weather? I can’t decide.
What’s the difference? And frankly, every person that became a Wings fan in the last 15 years can be called a bandwagon fan, and that is unfair.
Am I a bandwagoner? Possibly.
Do I care less about the team than those who suffered in the 80’s? Probably no. Even if it’s true, it’s not my fault the Wings are good in my lifetime.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 07:27 PM ET
It is time to ask yourself, are you the best you can be? And are you the best Red Wings fan you can be?
I’m naked by the end of most games. I hope that’s enough.
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 02/09/10 at 07:30 PM ET
nice post VooX, faux yeah.
some will win,
some will loose,
some were born to *CRUSH* the blues.
LETS——-GO——-RED——-WINGS
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from somewhere in the North....Winter Is Coming on 02/09/10 at 07:31 PM ET
Is there a feed? If so, can someone send me a link? Stupid effing Versus.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 02/09/10 at 07:31 PM ET
it is time to start celebrating our team’s successes, however small. As the Burke family grieves about what is really important, the loss of a loved one, we have no excuse to grieve or complain about the loss of a game, or a dismal playoff outlook.
March 26, walk in JLA and look up. All those banners aren’t flukes, nor will be ones that are yet to hang there. It’s humbling to walk into JLA the first time. The decorations hanging from those rafters are no small success.
The kind of father Brian Burke is should be an aspiration to all parents young and old & I never thought I’d say something like that aboot him.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 07:34 PM ET
I’m naked by the end of most games. I hope that’s enough.
You sound slow and inconsistent to me.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 02/09/10 at 07:35 PM ET
OMFG WE ARE SO SCREWED !!!
Posted by RWBill from the engine room feeding The Hasek. on 02/09/10 at 07:20 PM ET
VooX, pour that chap another IPA of what the hell ever he drinks.
I’ll raise my Irish Ale along with ya Bill.
Our fate is in our hands my friend (no pun intended for the we are screwed).
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/09/10 at 07:40 PM ET
PLEASE NO “bandwagon” talk. Everyone has to start somewhere, and not everyone starts following a horrible team.
It isn’t when you jump into fandom, but if you go in with both feet and stay there long-term. That’s all that matters.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/09/10 at 07:44 PM ET
I’m naked by the end of most games. I hope that’s enough.
I hope you stop that at the game in March. That should probably stay at home.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/09/10 at 07:45 PM ET
and yeah, Jen, I expect nude pics in exchange.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/09/10 at 07:46 PM ET
I hope you stop that at the game in March. That should probably stay at home
Not even at home. I’ll be there too.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 07:46 PM ET
Khahn update: no Homer tonite, no Eaves before the Olympics.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 07:47 PM ET
and yeah, Jen, I expect nude pics in exchange.
Share and share alike.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 02/09/10 at 07:47 PM ET
The Wings Will make the Playoffs no matter how cynical some may be at this time. I truly and honestly believe they will be in come game #82
If per chance they fail to make it? Well I guess I will be sad for about a day, and then I will think back to every amazing highlight , overtime playoff winning goal, every series clinching goal , and all 4 , 4!!! , 4!!!!!!!!!!! Stanleycups won in the past 12 years.
Not too shabby, and far more than I could have ever dreamed of in my lifetime. My time as a Wings fan goes back to 1973/74. Not many victories, or highlights , and even fewer playoff appearances. I remember the biggest thrill back then was a single playoff appearance in 1978 against the Atlanta Flames. They won that series, but were crushed by the Habs in the next round. That was the Only playoffs for many years before or after.
This has been a tough year and it may get worse if they can’t get things turned around, but I have lived through much worse.
Posted by Down River Dan on 02/09/10 at 07:47 PM ET
Warmup lines:
Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi
Franzen-Filppula-Cleary
Draper-Helm-Maltby
May-Miller-Williams
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 02/09/10 at 07:48 PM ET
“The Naked Man!”
I wrote in the last thread about how I was looking at the positive side, all it would take is 3 or 4 games to separate ourselves. I’ve only changed moods 6 times since this afternoon.
Lizzy Borden hatchet time, bitches.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 07:49 PM ET
Have been a Wings fan waaay longer than the 19 yr streak and have described myself as “a spoiled and arrogant Red Wings fan” for quite a few years now. That is not aboot to change.
Posted by Trish from PalmBeachCntyFL on 02/09/10 at 07:50 PM ET
Still here.
Band wagon? Fair weather? I can’t decide.
What’s the difference? And frankly, every person that became a Wings fan in the last 15 years can be called a bandwagon fan, and that is unfair.
My definitions are mine, but from what I consider a bandwagon fan is somebody who starts following a team when they’re successful; a fairweather fan is one who ONLY follows them when they’re doing well. Being a bandwagon fan isn’t a bad thing unless you turn out to be a fairweather fan when your team isn’t doing so well.
The only break I’ll give for fairweather fan behavior is for the people of Chicago. I don’t like Blackhawks fans and how they have trouble rooting FOR their team as much as they root against the other guys, but I can’t necessarily say I would have stayed on their bandwagon while their owner did nothing to stop the rain.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/09/10 at 07:50 PM ET
I think, tonight, we will see a celebration on the ice.
That’s true- at least one.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 02/09/10 at 07:51 PM ET
Not even at home. I’ll be there too.
Heheh
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 02/09/10 at 07:51 PM ET
Journey is so f@cking awesome. If only they didn’t have those stupid @ss outfits, I could watch instead of just listen.
Paul, sounds like a fair trade to me.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 02/09/10 at 07:51 PM ET
I think, tonight, we will see a celebration on the ice.
Well, yeah, but by whom?
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 02/09/10 at 07:52 PM ET
Never married, Borden’s will, probated on June 25, 1927, left $30,000 to the Fall River Animal Rescue League.
Well she’s not all bad, unless people like me who adopt animals from shelters are nuts. Plausible.
The house on Second Street where the murders occurred is now a bed and breakfast.
No thank you, sir.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/09/10 at 07:53 PM ET
I’m naked by the end of most games. I hope that’s enough.
Slacker.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/09/10 at 07:54 PM ET
i’ve wondered the last 18 years if i would end up being a fair weather or bandwagon fan when this day came. well, i’m still watching and cheering on the same team, so i think i passed. lgrw
Posted by Twig in Houston from Houston, TX on 02/09/10 at 07:55 PM ET
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Crazy post.
Well said.
Posted by DetCapC19 from Vancouver, BC on 02/09/10 at 06:52 PM ET