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One Week Later: Readers Have Questions
by IwoCPO on 06/12/08 at 09:19 AM ET
Comments (21)
The emails keep pouring in. Thousands of Wing fans wanting my opinion, seeking my views. It’s almost too much for me to handle. If not for the crack A2Y staff and interns from Saginaw Valley State University, I’d be in over my head.
Oh yes. It’s time for reader/Chief Q and A.
It’s time to go…back to the sack.
Sally from St. Louis writes, “Hi. Kids are skipping school today, pounding beers in the front yard. I’ve got a few minutes so I thought I’d let you know that (a) Blues fans hate your guts and (c) we laughed watching your Wings celebrate in silence.”
Iwo: Hi Sally. Thank you for writing. I don’t remember if you were participating in the Game 6 Live Blog. If not, let me explain. We hosted 22 of those bitches over the last two months. For the sake of reference, that’s the exact amount of playoff games your Blues have participated in since….2002. Man, that sucks.
My point, though, is that I recorded only the last 34.7 seconds of Game 6, Sally, because a certain group of superstitious bastards wouldn’t let me start the DVR until the game was “in hand.” So, while everyone else has watched the game over and over, I’ve been relegated to 34.7b.
And, yes, Sally. It’s tough to watch. Like a few people have mentioned here at A2Y, there’s still a feeling like we missed something. I watched the handshakes and the Cup presentation again last night and couldn’t help but wonder how much better it would have been 48 hours prior.
Milton from Jupiter, FLA, “‘sup bitch. Ten defensemen?”
Iwo: Milton, your views are always valued here at A2Y. Thank you for your input. Yes. Ten defensemen. But, Milton, between you and me…Tick Tock Kenny Holland wishes the number was smaller. I haven’t talked to him recently, but if I had I’d do this, like Helene St. James does. “I just spoke with Ken Holland…” I can’t say for sure, but I think Kenny wouldn’t be displeased if a certain 46-year old called him up and said, “I’m done.” Chris Chelios, for all he’s done for this team and the city, is going to be extra baggage next year. Is Holland that sentimental, that he’d keekp a guy around, taking up a roster space, just out of sheer loyalty? No. But, answer me this: if Chris Chelios was on the market, would the organ-I-zation have him anywhere on the radar?
His experience will come in handy. I just hope his presence isn’t at the expense of someone who could contribute more. And we’re not even talking about Lilja…yet.
Felicia in Bangkok, Thailand, “I’m 4’11” and I really believe I could kick your ass. Are you Swedish?”
Iwo: Welcome Felicia. Welcome to our home. Of all the readers of A2Y, it’s the Thai’s I value the most. Really. Plus the assbaskets in Denver. No, I’m not Swedish. But, based on your question, I’m assuming you’re from the Don Cherry school of dipshitedness. Haven’t the Swedes, Felicia, proven this whole “soft Euro” thing is a farce? I guess, Johan Franzen playing with a hemafriggingtoma didn’t do the trick for you? Well, get this bitches. He’s gonna score 40 next year, and Hank will too, of course. And Kronwall proved he’s a menace and, IF HE STAYS HEALTHY, will be an all star. How’s that for you, Felicia? Bring it.
Tommy in Midland, “I’m 10. Does that make me older than Justin Abdelkader? If so, can I play for the Red Wings next year?”
Iwo: Hi Tommy. Great question. I think your dad may have hit me in the forehead with his shoe at Bay Ice Arena in 1986 when Arthur Hill was beating Midland High’s ass. No. You’re not older than Abbadabbadeedoopadabbadoo. I think he’s got you by ten years or something. So, no you can’t play. But, don’t fret young man, he won’t be playing with the Wings next year either. I believe he’ll be in Grand Rapids, at least to start. That Finn kid is going to have to lose a spot, I’m thinking. And Helm is a keeper, maybe for a decade or more. I just don’t see the room for Abbadabadoopitidoo. The year after, when McCarty and, maybe, Maltby, have left? Yep. But, despite how good he looked for the short time he was with us, he’s got a little bit of time left before he’s up there permanently.
There’s your sack, folks. It was full, now it’s not. Don’t forget. Live Blog tonite. Epic.
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Comments
speaking of “if he stays healthy”...what’s the word on Kopecky these days?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/12/08 at 11:03 AM ET
Add to Tommy—
As a 10-year old, you may not be older than Abbadabbaetcetera (Hey, does the “Abba” part make him an honorary Swede?), but you are—in all likelihood—taller than Jiri Hudler.
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/12/08 at 11:14 AM ET
Pretty sure I saw Kopy on the ice hoisting the Cup, so he cant be that hurt anymore. Haven’t seen anything “official” tho.
I like the kid. Plays like Dmac used to. Just gotta teach him to fight a bit. I’d like to see him again next season.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 06/12/08 at 11:16 AM ET
Pretty sure I saw Kopy on the ice hoisting the Cup, so he cant be that hurt anymore. Haven’t seen anything “official” tho.
I think guys would spontaneously rise from the dead to hoist the Cup, so I don’t know how much of an indicator that really is.
Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH on 06/12/08 at 11:20 AM ET
Also, has anyone had the cajones to point out to Cheli that he was benched the entire Finals in favor of Andreas Lilja?
If he really was healthy enough to play, the shame alone should cause him to retire.
If we didn’t have a veritable plethora of young D-men just cooling their heels in Grand Rapids/the pressbox I wouldn’t have a problem with him sticking around until his body decomposes. But it’d be nice to see what some of these kids can do.
Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH on 06/12/08 at 11:25 AM ET
In my opinion, I think they need a long-term solution goalie. Doesn’t really seem like Jimmy Howard is that guy. Maybe Holland tries to aquire a high draft pick to get one? Would have been really nice if the Wings got Huet last year.
Posted by millsz on 06/12/08 at 11:26 AM ET
Would have been really nice if the Wings got Huet last year.
That would’ve done nothing but muddled the goaltending picture even more.
Besides, at the time of the deadline, Hasek was starting, Osgood was a more-than-capable backup and goaltending was the least of the worries. Adding Huet would’ve done zero, ziltch, nothing, nada to help the Wings.
Besides, Huet is an unrestricted free agent as it is - so who’s to say he’d come back to begin with? If the Wings think/thought that Huet is a good move, they could still do that - but I don’t see them investing years and money on a Huet when all you’re really looking for is a guy that can start 20-30 games in the regular season and if they don’t think Jimmy Howard is ready for that sort of on-and-off workload…there’s many ample choices to be had who can.
Posted by HockeyJoe from NY on 06/12/08 at 11:42 AM ET
Goaltending has long been an issue in Detroit. I do have a lot of faith in Ozzie to win another cup or two, because of the team playing like one unit with one objective. So yes, we will have to find a #1 that is like minded. But not right away.
As far as Cheli goes, Holland said in February he was going to ask Cheli back. He will accept any role the Wings have to offer. He is a good mentor for the younger players. I did read somewhere after we won The Cup, that Cheli had a knee injury during the finals and maybe even before that. We all know that is top secret during the playoffs.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/12/08 at 11:47 AM ET
Also, has anyone had the cajones to point out to Cheli that he was benched the entire Finals in favor of Andreas Lilja?
If he really was healthy enough to play, the shame alone should cause him to retire.
To be fair, even though Cheli said he was healthy, I’ve read that he apparently did have a knee injury and needs to have it scoped this summer.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/12/08 at 11:49 AM ET
In my opinion, I think they need a long-term solution goalie. Doesn’t really seem like Jimmy Howard is that guy.
He hasn’t had a chance to show if he is or not yet! He spent a few years in college, a few years in Grand Rapids - see what he can actually do witht he backup spot behind Osgood and see how he performs in the NHL for more than two games at a time before you decide to junk him.
At some point the team needs to develop a goaltender if they can, just because constantly getting free agents costs too much - and a high round pick wouldn’t develop for years anyway.
Before you kick Howard to the curb at least give him a chance to play.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/12/08 at 11:53 AM ET
Just when I thought I’d seen everything DRW related, now A2Y has a LiveBlogMailBag show. Jesus, I keep shaking my head and LMAO.
For the record, it’s always worth a laugh to think about how many Stanley Cups they have won in San Louise, and how many times straight the Wings dispatched them without breaking a sweat back in the previous century when the Blues used to make the playoffs, no matter for how brief a stay. Remember that Game 7 Yzerman dagger? I’m sure Jon Casey does. Sweet. That gives me a boner in sweat pants just thinking about it.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 06/12/08 at 11:58 AM ET
Ah, back to the sack. It’s been too long, just like the MBCQOTDs.
AndrewFromAnnArbor writes: Dear Chief. I’m not actually IN Ann Arbor, but the whole situation is just so damn complicated to explain and would take too much time. I’d have to draw flowcharts and put together spreadsheets and everything. Do you like spreadsheets? I don’t unless they’re put together in southeast Asian sweatshops by ladyboys. So what’s the deal with this blog, and the community it’s brought together? Are they all losers like me, or have I accidentally stumbled into the room full of cool kids again like I did in ninth grade? They pants’ed me. And if Jimmy Howard isn’t the future, is this Daniel Larsson it?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from making imitation the sincerest form of flattery on 06/12/08 at 12:16 PM ET
Besides, Huet is an unrestricted free agent as it is - so who’s to say he’d come back to begin with? If the Wings think/thought that Huet is a good move, they could still do that - but I don’t see them investing years and money on a Huet when all you’re really looking for is a guy that can start 20-30 games in the regular season and if they don’t think Jimmy Howard is ready for that sort of on-and-off workload…there’s many ample choices to be had who can.
Thanks for the correction HockeyJoe. For some reason I thought Huet was a lot younger (I probably confused him with Price).
Posted by millsz on 06/12/08 at 12:24 PM ET
and if they don’t think Jimmy Howard is ready for that sort of on-and-off workload…there’s many ample choices to be had who can.
Atlanta’s Kari Lehtonen (07-08: 17-22, 2.90, .916) is RFA, and has yet to be re-signed. Atlanta has a difficult decision to make regarding goaltending as well, because there’s Calder Cup winner Ondrej Pavelec (07-08 AHL: 33-15, 2.79, .911 NHL: 3-3, 3.11, .905) sitting in Chicago. So, does Atlanta get rid of Pavelec or Lehtonen?
Atlanta’s decision could be made easier with a little help from Detroit. Whether it be the offer sheet kind of help, or a potential trade.
That’s assuming Howard isn’t up to the task.
Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 06/12/08 at 01:19 PM ET
And if Jimmy Howard isn’t the future, is this Daniel Larsson it?
Exactly. F$&* Canadians, we’re going all ABBA all the time.
Howard looked solid when he played last season and was an AHL All Star. He had terrible numbers in GR because his team sucked but, from all accounts, handled himself well. He has a terrible record playing for us; I think he may have won one game out of six, but most losses were of the 2-1 variety. I remember feeling bad for the kid that we couldn’t get him an NHL win despite playing really well.
Home Keys should play in GR and show off there. Forgot about that Swedish secret agent Chief! What was his name again? And how many years before there are articles written about Holland’s false chase of Brunnstrom––who?––to draw attention away from future all-star ___cc___om
Cheli will be a player-coach, and will play on a slight majority of the games. Say, 50 or so. He is still one the best conditioned and hardest working Wings there are; I would want that living legend example in the locker/ weight room.
Posted by Osrt on 06/12/08 at 01:30 PM ET
And if Jimmy Howard isn’t the future, is this Daniel Larsson it?
Let’s see what Larsson can do. He won the goaltender of the year award in the Swedish Elite League. So did Henrik Lundqvist (three years in a row) and unfortunately, Stefan Liv. Unlike Liv though, Larsson also won rookie of the year.
We haven’t been so lucky with Swedish goalies lately. Liv (although technically Polish) like we all know, didn’t do very well.
Posted by lilja4ever on 06/12/08 at 02:23 PM ET
Thanks for the correction HockeyJoe. For some reason I thought Huet was a lot younger (I probably confused him with Price).
Ahh yes - there’s only about 11 years difference between those two. 
Huet is 32 and has bouts of inconsistency. Someone will cough up a lot of money for him, probably Washington to re-sign him, but he’s worth more to them.
Posted by HockeyJoe from NY on 06/12/08 at 02:27 PM ET
Felicia in Bangkok, Thailand
Patpong? What’s your favorite number?
Posted by O-Joe on 06/12/08 at 02:34 PM ET
Robert L. from Chicago writes: How’s my hair?
Posted by cephalopod from Chicago...nope, still not over it. on 06/12/08 at 02:36 PM ET
With the priority in Washington being goaltending and Green, it seems to me that Federov is a more viable possibility for the Wings than Sundin (Washington would be wise to extend a generous offer to Fleury-one way or another, it hurts their Eastern Conference rival Pittsburgh).
I agree that Chelios will be back in somewhat of a player-coach role in what will be his last year.
Posted by BobS. on 06/12/08 at 05:01 PM ET
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Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/12/08 at 10:49 AM ET