Abel to Yzerman
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by IwoCPO on 03/02/08 at 08:24 AM ET
Comments (28)
Ahh, March. Good old March. Largely ignored by calendar experts such as Simon and Garfunkel, who begin their ode to Spring with April. Glorified by Shakespeare but with a stern warning that won’t come for two more weeks. And, of course, the weather adage that it arrives….oh god no.
Like a Lion? Please…no.
As you can see, the Stress Train is no longer sitting dormant at the station, waiting for April. No, the black smoke is belching. 19 seats, all full. All occupied by regular travelers. They claimed their seats early and they’ve established a three month’s residence. It’s a restless group. Look at the image and it appears serene, a glorious scene set against the rising sun. But what the innocent don’t see is the turbulence inside.
What the uninitiated don’t understand is that inside the Stress Train, negativity is the norm. The Stress Train is no place for optimists. It’s the place to which we’ve been banished by our families who can’t stand the pacing, the tantrums, the drunken mumbling. Interventions have been staged. Friends have gathered, surrounded us and presented us boarding passes as last resorts. Reality show contracts have been signed. Crews are in place.
It’s an early departure this season. In fact, the earliest trip the Train has taken since 1989. That’s how long it’s been since the Wings have played this poorly, for this long. Re-phrase: that’s the last time the Wings have lost this consistently.
The Train’s been ready for departure for nearly a month, but it hadn’t left the station. Just sitting there, cocky, sneering at us. Laughing, knowing that come April 7th the journey would begin. But the Stress Train is always ready, always prepared, always stocked. You don’t catch the Train unaware. And Friday? The second that puck hit that netting, the crew manned their stations. As Mickey Redmond was doing his Cape Fear Robert De Niro speaking in tongues impression, the doors were opening. When Franzen refused to shoot from the slot with seven seconds left…the engines were in full roar.
And now? The Train is full. We are aboard, as directed. There is no destination for the Stress Train. None is required. March was supposed to be a time of positive anticipation, a thirty day grace period for us to prepare our loved ones for the trip ahead. But unlike past years, March has its own plans, just like bastard February did before it.
April? Come she will, but only after the Train’s been chugging for a full thirty days.
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Comments
Poetic Cheif.
Until our Captain comes back, I don’t see us winning consistently. A few perhaps, but not consistent Red Wing hockey. There is no particular logic to this, only that there is a comfort factor, a feeling that’s missing. The feeling that comes with seven Norris trophies (Cheli + Nick), and a lot of calm wisdom emanating from the C.
After sucking really bad, our coach used to hold a “whistle practice.” No pucks, just skating and more skating. Otherwise known as the “bag” practice. I say Babs has a all Puck practice. You’re not allowed to take more than two strides without shooting.
Babs, are you listening? I have a spreadsheet and several years of organized hockey as credentials!
Posted by Osrt on 03/02/08 at 09:54 AM ET
Not a bad idea.
Maybe have all the players pass pucks around and as soon as they hear a whistle they have to shoot immediately, no matter where they are on the ice. Like musical chairs, but on ice.
Give a few extra whistles out so they get a lot of practice actually shooting.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/02/08 at 10:00 AM ET
The “Lion” reference hit me exactly the same way Baroque - I mean, c’mon Chief! Any sports fan in Michigan knows there is just no reason to fear Lions.
All the same, for once the train left without me. If we are still losing when everybody is healthy? Why then you better sit down and buckle up ‘cause I’ll be shoveling the coal myself.
Posted by Hoser from Downer Peninsula, Michigan on 03/02/08 at 10:49 AM ET
Lions hereabouts are as scary as these little guys.
Meow. 
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/02/08 at 10:59 AM ET
Sure, blame the Captain.
2 losses, poor officiating
3 losses, Hot goaltending
2 losses, poor netminding
5 losses before we lost lidstrom
?
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 03/02/08 at 12:24 PM ET
I’m even more stressed out now that the NCAA has “March Madness” that will dominate the sports headlines across the networks and sports cable channels.
Must…need…hockey…fix…
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 03/02/08 at 01:09 PM ET
Gramps,
I never blamed Nick. Quite the contrary, I’m arguing that Nick brings an intangible––confidence and calm don’t seem to capture what I’m thinking––the team needs. Yes, we began losing with him in the line up but I simply don’t think that we’ll get on course without him.
This is, of course, an entirely banal observation but I do think it allows us to see that his presence, as much as his skill, is crucial to our success.
Posted by Osrt on 03/02/08 at 01:13 PM ET
@ Osrt:
Steadiness? Poise? Composure?
Are those a little closer to the word you’re looking for?
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/02/08 at 02:27 PM ET
OSRT:
Until our Captain comes back, I don’t see us winning consistently.
You should read Baroques post on leadership, paying close attention to Yzerman’s remarks.
When Lidstrom hits the ice, the team does not magically play better hockey like they do when Cleary steps out.
IWO:
Red Wing fans are prohibited from using the term
“early departure” during the last 2 months going into the playoffs.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 03/02/08 at 04:13 PM ET
Todd:
That’s just what I was getting at. 
For all the debate about how one guy (e.g. Joe Sakic) is a great leader because his team wins, and this other guy (e.g. Olli Jokinen) is a lousy leader because his team loses, I think that most teams know who their leaders are, letter or not - and if there isn’t much talent on the team, including several players who can fill the stereotypical leadership role, it doesn’t matter who has the captaincy because the team won’t win - and it isn’t because of a lack of an amorphous quality like “leadership” or because the coach isn’t intense enough or the players don’t “want it enough,” but just because the team is bad.
In some ways (and I should have probably used this analogy) it reminds me of the debate over school uniforms.
If a school has a lot of problems with discipline, and the roofs leak, and the boiler needs to be replaced, and each class has 45 students, and the textbooks are out of date, and the kids have to pass by boarded up houses on their way to and from school every day, then just having them wear uniforms isn’t going to make the attendance and achievement magically improve. If a uniform policy is part of a larger policy to involving making the school a safe environment where students can learn and get tutoring if they need it then it can be the most visible recognition of a new outlook in the school.
If the other things don’t happen as well, then dressing all the students alike won’t have any lasting effect at all.
I don’t care about captain’s leadership - I just want to see those 20+ minutes per game of Norris-caliber defense on the ice replacing some of the Lilja and Lebda time that we are treated to at present.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/02/08 at 05:15 PM ET
....replacing some of the Lilja and Lebda time that we are treated to at present.
A couple of turnovers waiting to be baked.
Nice engine on the ole Stress Train Chief. As I gaze around the Club Car the headcount does seems to be a little north of 19…
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 03/02/08 at 05:56 PM ET
I know it’s asking a lot, but howzabout a lil’ Lilja love after that second period?
Posted by dougie on 03/02/08 at 07:43 PM ET
All of the goodwill Lilja earned with the save, he lost by jumping into that fray and not paying attention to the fact that the whistle had not blown yet on the second Buffalo goal.
The focus of the team in general seems to be lacking lately…
Posted by Hap from Grand Rapids, MI on 03/02/08 at 08:11 PM ET
Goals from Drake and Maltby.
How bizarre.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/02/08 at 08:35 PM ET
I’ll take it. Way to start out the month on a good note that will hopefully carry over a little bit. The team looked relieved after the game today (as was my companions who were glad I was no longer throwing pillows and uttering strange phrases and mumbling something about being and engineer on a train). I was very nervous when the 3rd period started, the 4th goal lead to an audible side of relief.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 03/02/08 at 11:01 PM ET
Gramps & Baroque:
I haven’t read Baroque’s full post on leadership yet but will still reply, and perhaps add something later.
First, I am not claiming that Lidstrom is a great leader because his team wins or a lousy leader because his team loses. I do, however, take issue with two things.
1) The Wings play better when Lids is on the ice. There is nothing particularly magical about this. He is simply dominant and can control the tempo of the game. He also makes the people around him better. See Schneider and Rafalski’s career years as reference.
2) His Norris caliber defense is not be distinguished from his “leadership.” Here is where my claim gets slippery but certainly not beyond understanding. I am arguing that there is an emotional presence Lids brings that is above and beyond his physical skills. Missing this key component, I don’t believe the Wings will win consistently. If I’m wrong, fantastic. However, I think time will bear me out.
The only interesting, or perhaps new, point is that Lidstrom has an emotional impact on this team, one that I feel is crucial and easy to ignore given his Zen master like demeanor. If one were to continue Baroque’s school analogy, Lidstrom would be the building’s architecture; the shape of the hallways and rooms, the presence or absence of open spaces where students could easily gather etc. These are not entirely noticed but they allow the space to function is very specific ways. Lids’ presence, I think, gives the team an emotional structure that is both easily forgotten and indispensable to our proper functioning.
I respect both of you and hope none of this sounds snarky. For your consideration.
And if you disagree…you’re wrong 
Posted by Osrt on 03/02/08 at 11:18 PM ET
I cite the German knowing, Nietzsche quote dropping, Thhhhomas’ a$$ whooping, George as back up (from Snapshots, obviously):
The only good that seems to have come out of this (because losing stinks, and is never a “blessing in disguise”—it’s losing!) is that the streak has illustrated that Nicklas Lidstrom is, undoubtedly, both the heart and soul of the team and a true leader of men.
can I get “oohhhh SNAP!” from the crowd!?! 
Posted by Osrt on 03/03/08 at 12:38 AM ET
Missing this key component, I don’t believe the Wings will win consistently.
they faltered a bit when Yzerman left, but soon found a new identity. even though he was the heart and soul of the team, his impact on the ice dimished slowly before he left. I think it’ll be a much larger adjustment when Lidstrom leaves. Too bad we don’t have a healthy Jiri Fischer on the ice. [sigh]
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 03/03/08 at 12:53 AM ET
Osrt:
I don’t doubt that there is an emotional impact with Lidstrom on the ice and that he has assumed the classic “heart and soul” position;
That’s why I was trying to help you find the words you were searching for (I like composure and poise, myself);
I think Todd’s dispute was your contention that the team won’t win consistently until he comes back and he assumed you were talking solely about an emotional reason for this. They may begin winning consistently before he actually gets back on the ice as the other components of the defense start coming back, even though they will miss him as long as he is out.
I don’t think we’re really disagreeing, it’s a matter of nuance - and nuance is tricky on the internet. Hell, it’s tricky enough with full verbal communication!
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/03/08 at 06:23 AM ET
Incidentally, what I was looking at in the post Todd referred to was the nationalities of the captains for the teams - and which captains are captaining their teams in the playoffs, point being that the old saw “you need a Canadian captain (despite the fact that Hatcher wasn’t a Canadian captain, he is North American and at least that is close) to win the Stanley Cup” should be retired - it’s a matter of time before a European captain wins the Cup and Don Cherry’s head explodes.
What I was getting at was the inane fallacy of assuming that hockey leadership is a national trait, and there is only one way to properly lead a team, and if you aren’t the stereotypical Canadian captain, you are obviously an inappropriate choice as a leader.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/03/08 at 06:30 AM ET
Not to mention that all this discussion about exactly how important Lidstrom’s amorphous leadership qualities are to the team completely refutes those who before he was selected captain (and even after) thought he might not be the right choice because he was too quiet and didn’t yell enough to be a leader.
No one here, just some other ignoramuses I happen to know.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/03/08 at 06:43 AM ET
Chief: I think I’d like to leave my club car seat to someone else now—I know there are others “on-board”, but perhaps they would also like to be quaffing their favorite beverage.
After watching the Buffalo and San Jose games, I am left debating whether I really need my club-car ducat. The “GRings” are really not playing too terribly bad. Lots of mistakes to be sure, but they do have a pretty freaking good work ethic.
And they are getting healthier—praise the hockey gods. KHAN! notes:
Rookie defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is likely to be sent back to Grand Rapids (AHL) after Brian Rafalski returns from his groin injury on Wednesday.
Lidstrom, Cheli, and Cleary left on the Questionable List.
Kronwall, Stuart, Rafalski, Lilja, Meech, Lebda.
“It’s getting Better all the time”
MEMO to BABS: What Bizarre, Bonkers, and Cracked Thinking gives you the compulsion to put Sammy on the PP POINT? Sure he shoots (at what is anybody’s guess), but his blueline turnovers consistently give me heart palpatations!!!
The effort by the Wings in the Buffalo game was the best I’ve seen them work in a long freaking time (still Buffalo had too many good scoring chances—Dom was very good (wonder who gets credit for that save by Lilja)
Lilja—Enigma Jr.?
I’m ready to give up my club-car seats (almost ready to start hunting my luggage too, almost)—any takers??
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 03/03/08 at 08:34 AM ET
2 losses, poor officiating
Gramps, you won’t find much argument from me about some of your points, but for what it’s worth those two losses due to poor officiating were genuinely losses for just that reason. You can argue all you want about how the Wings should have out of sight at the second intermission, but those were two tough, hard-fought games against difficult opponents, and in BOTH CASES the game-winning goal that prevented the game from going to overtime (and thus guaranteeing at least two extra points) was either waved off or safeguarded by some exceedingly questionable calls, the like of which I cannot recall seeing in my twenty-five years watching the NHL—with the possible exception of Brett Hull’s skate in the crease. Those were both winnable games that were lost, at the end of the day, because of poor officials. The standard of officiating has been getting more and more terrible since the lockout, and so far it’s cost us two salvageable games this season, not to mention some pretty bad calls in the Anaheim series last year (the interference call on Datsyuk, Corey Perry pushing Dom into the net with his stick, etc.). I’m just wondering how much more we’ll see before people start turning their television sets off.
But we did start The Slump before the big injury to Nick hit—we kind of expect Kronner to be injured, but not Nick. But even before that all was not right. I can’t remember where I read it, but someone made a very good point. Before he was injured, on the ice Nick was looking less like Nicklas Lidstrom and more like a thirty-seven year-old defenseman. With any luck, that was the doldrums, weariness, and the drag of the season, and he’ll be refreshed and playing like his normal self after the enforced rest.
If not, you’ll be able to find me in the caboose of the Stress Train with a case of whiskey to keep me company.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the platform, tentatively gazing down the tracks on 03/03/08 at 09:17 AM ET
@ Baroque:
Damn you reasonable women! I, unfortunately, agree with you that Lids’ return will not be a purely emotional spark. That’s part of the emotion/skill distinction I was trying to undo as well. I especially agree that a leader’s nationality has little to do with their ability to win. Just wait till Lids’ raises it this year. (I wonder if the playoff MVP award upset Cherry)
I will hold firm, (read: unreasonably) that we will not win *consistently* (read: winning streak) until he comes back.
Alright…enough nicey nice; get back in the kitchen and cook my dinner woman! The game is on and this is quiet time for the Man. Got that sweetie? 
Posted by Osrt on 03/03/08 at 09:57 AM ET
Would you like a side dish of Giardia with your dinner? Or perhaps E. coli serotype O157:H7?
Watch your back, hon. 
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/03/08 at 11:00 AM ET
No reason to worry about the slump before Lidstrom got injured. At that point, it was nothing more than the typical losing streat the Wings put together every year. That injury compounded the injuries to Cleary, Rafalski, and Dom, and created the tailspin.
A guy as good as Lidstrom doesn’t go from the best defenseman in the league to a bottom-pairing 37-year old over the course of a five game skid where the entire team is playing crappy.
The concern should be that because he is 37 that the knee comes back 100% healthy. Given his history, I’m not concerned a ton on that front, but that’s the main concern for sure. If he’s 100% healthy, there’s no doubt he’s the best player in the league.
Posted by Nathan on 03/03/08 at 11:38 AM ET
Alright…enough nicey nice; get back in the kitchen and cook my dinner woman! The game is on and this is quiet time for the Man. Got that sweetie?
Osrt, there’s a much more concise way of saying what you’re trying to say:
“Git yer biscuits in the oven and your buns in the bed!”
Not that I’d ever say that, especially not to a woman capable of inflicting great gastrointestinal distress borderlining on bacterial warfare. I’ve had giardia (drank from the wrong stream in Idaho), and it’s no party. So I’ll second what Baroque said: Watch your back.
And your fork.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from The Monkey's Paw, hangin' with the Village Irregul on 03/03/08 at 01:35 PM ET
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Hmmm…
The “Lions vs. Lambs” adage should be altered a bit for sports fans in Michigan. I would take the chances of a lamb kicking the loser butt of pretty much any of the Lions that could be encountered in this state.
Except the kicker. Might be the toughest guy on the team.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/02/08 at 09:53 AM ET