Out of all the teams for Scotty to join, it had to be the Blackhawks…

Looks like there’s no doubt as to which games are going to be most enjoyable to watch this upcoming season.

My prediction is Chicago is a playoff team this year.  Still in July, but as of right now, they’re the team I’d least like to see once the second season starts.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/31/08 at 10:31 AM ET

I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics? His posts are fatiguing on an otherwise excellent site.

Look, there’s always been a Hawks-Wings rivalry, even if it’s been dormant in recent years. Chicago knuckleheads who chant “Red Wings Suck” are quite clearly idiots and message-board skirmishes between frothing homers are just tired.

Bowman has done plenty of good in Detroit and now he’s moving on to another challenge. Detroit is still a powerhouse and Chicago is ascending . . . It remains to be seen how high . . . I would table some of the venom for now . . . Direct it toward your friends in Nashville, St. Louis and/or Denver.

Posted by eternal_fields on 07/31/08 at 10:35 AM ET

Ouch. I guess it shouldn’t be surprising though, Scotty’s son works for the Hawks, player development or something like that.

Posted by wingsfanindenver from 'lanche land on 07/31/08 at 10:36 AM ET

I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics? His posts are fatiguing on an otherwise excellent site.

You’re not one of us, are you boy? If you want intelligent discourse you’ve come to the wrong place.

Posted by wingsfanindenver from 'lanche land on 07/31/08 at 10:39 AM ET

“Histrionics”. Good word.  It fatigued me just re-typing it.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 07/31/08 at 10:42 AM ET

Like I said on the Emperor’s post…

On one hand, this is surprising. On the other hand, if your son had bone cancer and you had an opportunity to continue working within the sport you love, all the while having a chance to be closer to your son, would you take it?

Besides, as great as Bowman is, we’re still talking about a team that paid Brian Campbell better than Nick Lidstrom and has $12 million tied up in two goalies well past their prime. As a matter of fact, it’s funny when you think about how much Detroit is paying for a goalie tandem that’s of comparable ability at this point in time.

Posted by Nathan on 07/31/08 at 10:43 AM ET

I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics? His posts are fatiguing on an otherwise excellent site.

Iwo, it’s time to add another quote… I’m thinking between the St. Louis Game Time and MHH quips.

Posted by Nathan on 07/31/08 at 10:45 AM ET

Well, I guess this makes up for stealing Cheli. I’m not sure which theft was better.

Damnitall.

Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 07/31/08 at 10:46 AM ET

Just got the news.  I don’t blame Bowman for being near his son but I’m sure this was cleared with Ilitch beforehand.

A revival of the longest-running feud between two historic NHL franchises just got a swift kick in the ass.

Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 07/31/08 at 10:51 AM ET

I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics? His posts are fatiguing on an otherwise excellent site.

Looks like we have a new quote for the starboard side.

Ugh, Scotty to the Hawks...right after Pudge gets traded to the Yankees.  My stomach feels like I ate some bad chili.

Posted by cephalopod from Chicago, on the poop deck, not over it yet on 07/31/08 at 10:54 AM ET

Good luck in Chi-town, Scotty.  You’re gonna need it (at least for another year or two).

Thanks for the memories- and the Cups!!!

Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 07/31/08 at 10:55 AM ET

I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics?

He’s Navy - I believe it’s a requirement. 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/31/08 at 11:04 AM ET

SUCK IT!

After having to watch Chelios and Hasek (even though he barely played here) end up wearing white and red, I think it’s about time we took something from you…

Posted by Matthew K. from Chicago on 07/31/08 at 11:05 AM ET

I’m honored to be quoted . . . What I was really trying to say is this: The Red Wings are an impressive juggernaut. They beat a very good Pittsburgh team, won the Cup and then went out and got better. Revel in this. It’s an embarrassment of riches.

It’s practically stooping to engage in summertime e-brawling with Chicago, who despite improvements and spending sprees, will need many variables to fall into place just to make the postseason. But from looking at some of the other comments, it seems the high road has been blowed up, so as you were . . .

Posted by eternal_fields on 07/31/08 at 11:13 AM ET

He’s Navy - I believe it’s a requirement.

You’re thinking of the Marines.

And can I just say about Scotty...DAMN IT.  I can understand why he did it, and I applaud him for it, and besides all that it’ll be interesting to see what he does with a up-and-coming young franchise once the twenty million on goalies and a defenseman become less of an albatross...and he won’t be a major loss-- after all, he was just a consultant-- and this was most likely discussed in advance with the braintrust...it’s the State Secrets he’s taking with him that hurt the most.  The inside knowledge.  THAT has the potential to to do the most damage.  Let’s hope he’s too honorable to use it against us.

On top of Pudge not retiring a Tiger, going to NY to retire there...yuck.  I don’t care how much better the bullpen is.  Thank god Fil re-signed, that offsets some of the leaden dread of this week.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from I-94, laying traps for Scotty's moving van on 07/31/08 at 11:20 AM ET

It’s practically stooping to engage in summertime e-brawling with Chicago, who despite improvements and spending sprees, will need many variables to fall into place just to make the postseason. But from looking at some of the other comments, it seems the high road has been blowed up, so as you were . . .

(Blown up.)

The problem is that most of the fans have been hoping for several years that the rest of the division would actually present more of a consistent challenge.  Why did so many Wings fans hate the unbalanced schedule?  Among other reasons, because the team could wind up with a coma-inducing stretch of games against Columbus-Columbus-St. Louis-Nashville-Columbus-Nashville-St. Louis (with the Trappist Wonks of Minnesota tossed in for variety).  When the regular season presents no challenges, it isn’t the best preparation for the postseason.

When you have been hoping for a rivalry, a real rivalry that develops organically out of shared history and a natural outgrowth of the competition (not a manufactured, plastic, made-for-TV piece of crap), even in the midst of the heat and humidity of summer the prospect that more games will acctually be entertaining in the next season is very exciting.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/31/08 at 11:21 AM ET

Look, there’s always been a Hawks-Wings rivalry, even if it’s been dormant in recent years. Chicago knuckleheads who chant “Red Wings Suck” are quite clearly idiots and message-board skirmishes between frothing homers are just tired.

Maybe in Toronto. In Chicago it’s “De-troit Sucks”.

Posted by WK from Chicago on 07/31/08 at 11:21 AM ET

eternal_fields, just remember, you are in a Wings blog and remember, you can discuss this topic in the hockey section of KK, where you just may get a more neutral reaction.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 07/31/08 at 11:22 AM ET

We all should thank Scotty for taking the franchise built by Mr n Mrs I, Jim Nill, Jimmy D and the Euro super scout Hakkan & shaping it to the juggernaut is has become.
That said, I don’t like the loss of him any more than the 18 of you. I’d have taken him going to Laffy Land alot better.
I live 1500 miles from my parents and have for a decade & a couple years ago when my father (one of my best friends) underwent aggressive cancer treatment, I abolutelyregretted not being able to see him every day for those months. He’s been in perfect health since, but IF that changes my bags will be packed and the residence will be for sale. Simple as that. Certain things like family transcend all other things, and Scotty is a big time family man.
In time all good things come to an end.

THANK YOU SCOTTY.

Posted by MoWingsfan19 on 07/31/08 at 11:23 AM ET

And off topic, what the hell good will Pudge do the Yanks? Posada is out, but its the PITCHING that is the achilles of the Spankees.

Posted by MoWingsfan19 on 07/31/08 at 11:25 AM ET

You’re thinking of the Marines.

I thought the Navy was tough-guy histrionics, and the Marines were gratuitious a**-kicking? 

Things must have changed in the last few years, if so.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/31/08 at 11:25 AM ET

“Histrionics” . . . please remember that there are Bubbas from Nashville reading this and don’t understand these $5 words.

Posted by PredNeck from Hicktown on 07/31/08 at 11:25 AM ET

And off topic, what the hell good will Pudge do the Yanks? Posada is out, but its the PITCHING that is the achilles of the Spankees.

Maybe they figure if he hits well enough he will make up for their pitching deficiencies?

Still, they need someone behind the plate or they’ll have a lot of passed balls.  They may as well go with a recognizable name and a World Series ring.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/31/08 at 11:28 AM ET

...it seems the high road has been blowed up…

Ms. B already corrected your grammar so let me say simply that there never has been, nor will there ever be, a “high road” at A2Y. If you feel like you’re on that road here, you’ll know you got off at the wrong exit.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 07/31/08 at 11:32 AM ET

What is it about winning the cup that makes this guy want to bolt?  Win in ‘02?  He retires as coach.  Win it in ‘08, he leaves as advisor.  If winning the cup is what makes this guy leave, he’s going to be with the Hawks a long, long time.

In all seriousness props to Scotty for gracing us with his greatness all these years.  I think he probably views the Wings as a success story and is leaving with a sense of “mission accomplished.” We’ll be fine without him, Uncle Mike has learned his tricks, the torch is passed.

Now let’s get this rivalry (re)started.

Posted by Hippy Dave from San Francisco by way of Detroit on 07/31/08 at 11:43 AM ET

Good Luck Scotty, and Thank you…

I had hoped you would be leaving Detroit as Bettmans replacement.

Now I’m hoping you leave the Windy City as Bettmans replacement....and SOON

Leave a man his dreams....

Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs don�t live up to my expectations on 07/31/08 at 11:49 AM ET

Ms. B already corrected your grammar so let me say simply that there never has been, nor will there ever be, a “high road” at A2Y.

That was, er, intentional, but hey I’m always amused by message board grammar police.

Thanks to Paul for clearing up the distinctions between the KK clearinghouse and this blog.

I’m a Chicago guy whose kid became a Red Wings fan about three years back when I took him to a Red Wings/Hawks game at the UC. Since I’m fairly comfortable with life in general, this did not upend my world, and I’ve kind of enjoyed the Red Wings excellence vicariously through him ever since. We took in a game at the Joe last year when we were in town for a hockey tournament. Seeing the Wings on the PP was truly impressive (and scary). In general, I think the fronting on both sides is kind of tired, but I understand it and won’t lament it here again . . .

Best,

eternal_fields

Posted by eternal_fields on 07/31/08 at 11:52 AM ET

Ugh, this hurts for two reasons.

The first and most obvious is the loss of consultation advice from the master.

The second is something that my hometown Leafs should have taken note of when trying to get Scotty onboard our team:

I bet the Blackhawks never asked Scotty Bowman to submit a resume.

Goddamn Leafs.

Good luck, Scotty, just not too much luck, OK?

Posted by VooX on 07/31/08 at 12:00 PM ET

Scotty has a brilliant hockey mind, but I guarantee that he doesn’t have the scouting that the Wings have, and the ownership in Chicago doesn’t hold a candle to the Illitch family.  Bowman didn’t do everything in Detroit, he had lots of quality help. Im not talking down about the man, no way would I ever, but he can’t do it all alone in Chitown.  They are improved yes, but as with Pittsburgh, when you draft in the top 5 for a few years, you do get quality talent. I’m happy for Scotty that he gets to be near his son, that rises above everything else.

Posted by Yzerman19 from Nashville on 07/31/08 at 12:08 PM ET

scotty needed a new challenge- babcock and yzerman-less wings have a cup, the torch has been passed. on to the next challenge. much respect to scotty for all he’s done for wings franchise and look forward to future success and better rivalry from hawks!

Posted by PD from SW on 07/31/08 at 12:11 PM ET

Jesus Christ.  It had to be Chicago.  Why Chicago?  Why?  Damnit.

Ok, I understand wanting to be with his son.  I respect that.  Hell, I might even support that.  But that doesn’t mean he needs to work for the Hawks...it just means he needs to get a long distance plan and move to Chicago. 

Bowman leaving Detroit is almost as mind boggling to me as Steve Yzerman retiring.  I can’t handle this...I need to go outside for some fresh air.  Peace.

Posted by John from Pittsburgh, PA (Wings fan for life!) on 07/31/08 at 12:19 PM ET

Eternal, I appreciate your comments and I’m glad you came back with some clarification.  And I agree with what you wrote.  Then again, I’m not a “member” here, so what the hell do I know? 

Baroque - I suggest to you that our division and its teams gave the Wings the most fits through last season and I agree that it’s gonna be moreso now that Bowman, Sr. has gone to them. 

I’m not thrilled with the idea of all that knowledge and wisdom being intravenously and copiously (how’s THAT for a word) injected into their players’ noggins.  On the other hand, the Wings were challenged every way possible last year and came up, WAY up - with the Cup.

Posted by Vladifan from Central Texas on 07/31/08 at 12:35 PM ET

All things considered, I think Uncle Mike has proven that he is up to the task. Scotty was there to mentor him along, but Mike Babcock was the coach behind the bench when we won The Cup.
Uncle Mike has made it clear from day one that this is his bench. He has been criticized for some of his decisions and has been called stubborn. Some of the very same traits that Bowman has.
This is Uncle Mikes Flying Circus now, and it is his time to shine. He has learned from the Master and applied those lessons very well indeed. 

Good Luck Scotty. You’re going to need it in Chicago.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 07/31/08 at 12:39 PM ET

I don’t like this any more than the rest of you.  None-the-less, the Wings will be fine…

More importantly, Bowman will be near his son, who probably has been working on dad for a long time…

Unhappily, Hawks fans will be giddy with anticipation of a Stanley Cup, and just plain smug over stealing Bowman from Detroit…

And…

The Toronto press will be flagellating themslelves that they dropped the ball and did not get Bowman.

Posted by w2j2 on 07/31/08 at 12:48 PM ET

In general, I think the fronting on both sides is kind of tired, but I understand it and won’t lament it here again . . .

Whoa, EF, you’re taking all of this too seriously. The A2Y portion of KK is, for lack of a better term, a free-for-all. We get giddy over the least little thing (like the Hossa signing, for instance) and then go semi-suicidal over the next little thing (like Scotty going to work for the Blackhawks). It’s all in good fun...if you like juvenile fun.

So, just take everything you read here with the proverbial grain of salt...except, of course, what the Chief writes. He really is crazy. 

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 07/31/08 at 12:50 PM ET

bowman’s son stan has been battling cancer for years. it recently came back during last seasons playoffs. i fully understand.

THANK YOU SCOTTY!

Posted by cowboycoffee from San Francisco, CA on 07/31/08 at 12:56 PM ET

Want a reason to hate us? We won the division series against you hosers.

I’m hopeful that the wheels will fall off Detroit, hopefully sooner than later.

Posted by Wade on 07/31/08 at 01:21 PM ET

Wow. Did not expect this news this morning.

I’ve heard the comment echoed around before, but I think this Cup was the last step to push him away. Not in a bad way, but I think he knows his work is done here, and now it’s time for him to find another challenge. He’s not an “integral” part of the Wings organization anymore, and his son is part of the Hawks front office. I can’t fault him for going, even if it is sad. A lot of great memories, Scotty. I hope you remember this town fondly.

CHIEF! I think you and the 19 need to put together a “Rivalry Depth Chart” for the Wings, as it seems like everyone is trying to get a piece of the Red and White nowadays. That way we can properly insult them, depending on their position. Lord knows we don’t want to waste much effort on a 4th Line Rival like St. Louis or something… :-D

Posted by Justice And Rule from Marine City, Michigan on 07/31/08 at 01:33 PM ET

first thing my wife said, “he obviously doesn’t want to win anymore"… helps me remember why I love her so much

Posted by Sharkbaiter from The friendly confines of the Great North on 07/31/08 at 01:40 PM ET

Want a reason to hate us? We won the division series against you hosers.

But we went 3-1 in the last 4 games. These Wings haven’t known Chicago as anything more than a speed bump. Took them a little bit of time to actually put effort into those games.

And really, it’s hard to hate a team that didn’t make the playoffs when we won the Cup. :-p

Posted by Justice And Rule from Marine City, Michigan on 07/31/08 at 01:44 PM ET

Whatever.  We’ve got the best Red Wings team ever heading into training camp.  The Blackhawks will be better this year, but they’re not going to threaten the Wings. It’s too bad, because Scotty obviously has a great hockey mind, but I don’t think it’s the end of the world.

The difficult Michigan football season ahead troubles me much more.

Posted by TDeters on 07/31/08 at 01:45 PM ET

Want a reason to hate us?

Nah, we don’t need reasons nor facts.... prefaced by the little ditty on the top right of the page, just in case ya didn’t notice.

...it seems the high road has been blowed up…

Actually that is gramatically correct if you are a Nascar fan. Lotsa them engines get blowed up any given Sunday.
Baroque,
Molina is a decent catcher but not the clutch hitter Pudge (or Posada) is. Still, pitching wins more baseball games than a bunch of bats that have been off & on all year. Least the Yanks are catching the Red Sox for the wildcard spot… but then that elininates the possiblity of another ALCS ‘tween them. Not a big baseball fan, but those series are worth paying attention to. Matter of factly, the only reason I like Yanks-Sox stuff is b/c I’m originally from Vermont, so nothing starts a good juvenile pissing contest like starting a Habs- B’s arguement or Yanks n Sox.

Posted by MoWingsfan19 on 07/31/08 at 01:47 PM ET

Jesus Murphy!  I head out for a week of camping with a little golf on the end and come back to this?! 

Bowman in Chicago.....

What’s next? Chief named his boat “Sea Man” or something like that!

Posted by Rumbear from Lake Tahoe...in my mind. on 07/31/08 at 01:54 PM ET

From the SI coverage -

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says he’s going to miss Bowman “personally and professionally” but that he’s “earned the right to pursue whatever opportunities he thinks will make him happy.”

As several other have already said - Thanks, Scotty, for everything you did for this team.

Posted by Gusoline from Outside DC on 07/31/08 at 02:01 PM ET

Scotty’s headed to Chicago.

Nooooooooooo!

I realize it’s the slow summer season, but can this guy tone down the tough-guy histrionics?

Hi! You must be new here…

Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 07/31/08 at 02:47 PM ET

Want a reason to hate us? We won the division series against you hosers.

And I’m sure they talked about it well into the summer - on the golf course.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/31/08 at 03:34 PM ET

The Hawks have actually been poaching us for a while now: Jason Williams, Robert Lang, That Guy They Signed Right Out Of Our Training Camp Last Year.  I sure hope they don’t steal Samuelson...Good God, anyone but Sammy!

Posted by cephalopod from Chicago, on the poop deck, not over it yet on 07/31/08 at 03:37 PM ET

The Hawks have actually been poaching us for a while now: Jason Williams, Robert Lang, That Guy They Signed Right Out Of Our Training Camp Last Year.  I sure hope they don’t steal Samuelson...Good God, anyone but Sammy!

Or Lilja. 

Because good solid defensemen are so key to winning in the playoffs.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/31/08 at 03:58 PM ET

I’m hopeful that the wheels will fall off Detroit, hopefully sooner than later.

Ahh, yes, the implosion.  It’s coming… go ahead and hold your breath…

Posted by monkey from Gary's World, setting fire to McCrimmon on 07/31/08 at 04:19 PM ET

Ahh, yes, the implosion.  It’s coming… go ahead and hold your breath…

I was thinking more along the lines of the Red Bird having an actual accident.

Posted by Wade on 07/31/08 at 05:08 PM ET