And you thought McCarty invented the “drag Lemieux across the ice while he curls up like the coward bitch that he is” move?  Nope.  Cam Neely deserves the credit for that one.
Mac just refined it.

...and Mac threw in some knees to the face in there to boot if watch closely…I love just sitting back and thinking about that game, it really had it all.  A brawl that started with Larionov and Floppa, Shanahan going air-to-air missle with Roy, the goalies squaring off, Mac pummeling LePuke, about 5 more fights (counting those before and after the big one) 11 goals total with Mac scoring the game winner in OT when he probably should have been ejected after his coup d’état on Lemieux’s face.

...probably one of the most entertaining (and satisfying for Wings fans) game ever played on a sheet of ice.

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 12/03/08 at 10:14 AM ET

See aforementioned turtle here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYOFv8IArUY

Posted by moore00 from Columbus, OH/Grand Rapids, MI on 12/03/08 at 10:35 AM ET

Better view of the turtle here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2K0jsg0LE

Jesus, what a pansy.

Posted by moore00 from Columbus, OH/Grand Rapids, MI on 12/03/08 at 10:36 AM ET

Oh, no doubt, Neely definitely deserves credit.

If you really look at it objectively, I think Neely gave the more entertaining beat-down, given that it was the “original”, so to speak, and that it was Neely doing it, not a B’s fourth-liner.

There’s just something inherently more entertaining when a skilled guy (though Neely obviously proved he could fight time and time again) does his own dirty work… or a guy that nobody thinks can throw ‘em wins a fight (as Lilja has done a few times, or when Kopecky cracked open Sharp’s face.

Posted by Nathan on 12/03/08 at 10:59 AM ET

I like how Clod’s teammates don’t stick up for him at all, when it appears he’s covering up waiting for the cavalry to arrive. Classic.

Posted by shep from california on 12/03/08 at 12:13 PM ET

Save for a few flecks of gray in his dark hair, Lemieux appears to be the same physically fit, wide-shouldered, muscular chunk of Quebecois mountainside

Ick. I think I need to shower after reading that.

Posted by shep from california on 12/03/08 at 12:32 PM ET

Better view of the turtle here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2K0jsg0LE

Jesus, what a pansy.

wow.  Lemieux didn’t even attempt any sort of fighting back.  not a sliver.  that guy is a disgrace to the sport.  that being said, it would be great to have him on the ice for the upcoming Western Conference Finals between San Jose and Detroit.

oh yeah, I said it.  unless I missed it, it hasn’t really been discussed…but I think we all know it’s coming.  the Wings and Sharks will finish #1/#2 in the West, or #2/#1.  either way, it won’t matter…that matchup is coming, and one of them will go on to win the Stanley Cup.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 12/03/08 at 01:23 PM ET

so i was at the parents’ for thanksgiving, and they live near springfield, mass, about an hour from worcester. turtle being back on the ice seemed too good to be true, so i made my way over to the li’l sharkies’ on the 29th to watch them take on bridgeport, and hopefully get in some good hollerin’ at lemieux. turtle had himself a goal (and about 20% of the sharks’ shots), but he looked sloooooower than ever. i did catch him going down the tunnel to the locker rooms, and my nice bright red jersey attracted his eye. possessed by the spirit of the nineteen, i saluted him with a hearty “welcome back, turtle! mccarty will be happy to see you!” i thought that saying something clever would confuse him.

Posted by laerm from rochester, ny on 12/03/08 at 02:46 PM ET

Wait until he cripples a Wing and then how pleased will you all be?

This guy is a world class turd and I’m going home to get out my Claude Lemieux voodoo doll and break it’s leg.

Posted by wingsfanindenver on 12/03/08 at 03:05 PM ET

If Claude makes it, Kronner needs to study this video thoroughly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO1uhorF5LA

Easily one of my favorite Lemieux highlights.  Damn, I miss Vlady.

Posted by BuzzFledderjohn on 12/03/08 at 03:42 PM ET

Damn, I miss Vlady.

Jiri too…..

Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/03/08 at 04:10 PM ET

If Claude makes it, Kronner needs to study this video thoroughly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO1uhorF5LA

Thanks, Buzz.  That almost brought a tear to my eye!

Posted by w2j2 on 12/03/08 at 04:43 PM ET

I happened upon “Classic Series” on the NHL Network last night and they were showing Wings/Avs of 97. 

I almost forgot how much I hate Fraude LePuke and watching that again brought it all back to me.

It was great (and difficult) to see Vlady on the ice in the highlights.  So many Wings players I hadn’t thought about in a long time, Rouse, Sandstrom, etc. 

Even though it is long past, I still got goosebumps as the final seconds of Game 6 ticked off the clock.  After all these years, it is still very emotional to watch.

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 12/03/08 at 05:52 PM ET

Slight shift in gears.

Did you guys see this quote from Babbles? It’s Amazing!

Via George (duh), via Vancouver Province

“Super in my book means you’ve got soul, passion for the game, you love it and once the fun sponge leaves the ice—that’s me, by the way—you see these guys start to enjoy themselves, working at their passion for the game. I’ve stood and watched it and it’s something to see.”

Babcock = Fun Sponge!!

Posted by Osrt on 12/03/08 at 06:50 PM ET

There’s just something inherently more entertaining when a skilled guy (though Neely obviously proved he could fight time and time again) does his own dirty work

Concur, Nathan.  See one Gordie Howe for more of that.  Even at his advanced age, I bet LePuke wouldn’t go within fifteen feet of him.

Much as I’d like to see him dragged across the ice a time or two again, I really don’t think that San Jose will sign him.  You really think McLellan wants to give a roster spot to his old, washed-up ass?  It’s not like he’s a fan favorite that would put butts in seats either.

Color me doubttul.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 12/04/08 at 10:30 AM ET

It’s not like he’s a fan favorite that would put butts in seats either.

Awww c’mon JR’s yap and Lepuke’s antics wouldn’t sell seats in the Tank?

Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/04/08 at 11:18 AM ET

We used to call it Turtle Zooming as kids.  Take yur pet turtle and drag it over the tile floor…the legs and head tuck in and zoooom slide it over to a buddy! 

Neely seems to have perfected it with wee Claude. Have to watch out for PETA!

Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 12/04/08 at 03:24 PM ET