Abel to Yzerman
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The Plight Of The Fan Blogger
by IwoCPO on 12/18/08 at 02:35 PM ET
Comments (27)
It had been too long. Something like two years. I wasn’t prepared for it and I’ll admit to you now that I haven’t handled it well.
Losing to Denver was so unexpected, so…startlingly revolting, that I’d pushed the memories of the last time too far away.
I should have kept them handy.
There has been no trip across the heartland this week. No unexpected increase in workload or domestic responsibility. No.
Monday was tough and I can admit it now. I don’t react in an adult manner to any Red Wing loss. But a defeat at the hands of Denver? It has bad consequences. Immature, juvenile beyond words. Here’s what I’ve done the last three days: nothing.
I haven’t written a thing. I haven’t read a thing. I haven’t watched any hockey, browsed any blogs, discussed it with any friends or enemies. I don’t know what the diggers have been up to and until fifteen minutes ago I didn’t know our “starting” goalie has a groin thing going on.
I’ve received Google blog alerts, set to notify me every time “abel to yzerman” comes up…and they’ve attempted to direct me to the Dive blogs, several of which have been crowing about their monumental season-saving victory Monday. I haven’t visited those places either. I may…sometime.
Why? Why does a loss to that team affect me this way?
No idea. But it does.
I knew at about 2155 Monday that I wouldn’t be tip-tapping for at least 48 hours. I knew the second the final horn blew at the Joe that there would be no witty posts the next morning, the next day or the day after. You see, I don’t have it in me. I’m not an “objective fan of the sport.” I am a Wing fan and a loss to that team makes me want to throw up, curl up, pass out, refuse to shave or do anything hygienically responsible for days on end.
That’s how I roll and I make no excuses.
I haven’t written a damn thing for three days because Detroit lost a December regular season game to that team from Denver. Part of me is ashamed, but a bigger part takes some sort of sadistic satisfaction in that. I can’t explain it. It’s who I am.
And tonite? Tonite it could all be solved if the Wings could beat San Jose.
But my mood hasn’t changed. I don’t see it happening. I see us losing and it’s hard for me to picture another victory all year. I think the Wings are going to lose the next fifty games in a row. Of course, that will still be good enough for second place in the Central.
That’s the long-term effect Monday has had on me. Andrew Raycroft? Really?
I’ll be fine. The Wings will be fine. All will be well. Joy will eventually return.
I’ll be writing consistently again. I just needed that little break. A little respite from hockey and the bad thoughts that come after an experience like the one on the evening of 15 December.
You understand this don’t you? I’m not a journalist. Not a beat writer or a digger or a columnist. Nope. I’m a Wing fan and when the Wings lose to that team…well, it’s just not a happy time in my personal space.
Live Blog tonite. And as I said at the end of the last loss we won’t speak of…things may be set on fire if the outcome is disappointing to me and my family.
Hide your pets.
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Comments
I feel your pain Chief. I don’t even know if I can stand to watch tonight’s game.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 12/18/08 at 02:45 PM ET
Stab,stab, stabbity,stab, stab.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 12/18/08 at 02:48 PM ET
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
More importantly, where did they go to? They’ve yet to return this year.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/08 at 02:50 PM ET
I watched the Sharks play the BJs last night. They looked exactly like the Red Wings only more defensively responsible.
By “exactly like the Red Wings” I mean they weren’t playing at full-steam. The Jackets pulled out the second point in overtime against ‘em. I’d be relieved if we made it that far.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 12/18/08 at 02:57 PM ET
I will take little, if any, joy if the Wings beat Charlie Tuna tonite. They (San Jose) are on their “western road trip”, playing on back to back nights. We should beat them… and handily, except for the fact that our beloved Wings seem to want to make a return run to the Cup a tortuous affair. I’m getting tired of saying it’s early in the season and everything will be okay. I firmly believe the fact that the Wings are winning the majority of their games is hurting, not helping, the team. Winning is hiding too many flaws in the Wings overall game. For cryin’ out loud the Blackhawks are only 5 friggin’ points behind the Wings. If the Wings don’t right this ship, and now, they could find themselves in a heap o’ trouble come time for “The Winter Classic”. Losing to Denver… tragic. Falling behind the Blackhawks in the Central… enough to start boarding The Hasek and drinking beyond comprehension.
Posted by calquake on 12/18/08 at 03:27 PM ET
I hear you Chief. I have to live amongst these Dive fans.
Like I told my 8 year son before the game, the law of averages say’s the idiots have to win sometime. I actually wanted the Dive to win because next week he and I are going to be near the glass in Denver and I want a win there. This assures it.
And because the Wings have not put forth a complete effort all season to date, I am not going to make the effort to watch tonight. I will instead attend an optional event with some of my children. That will assure they win tonight.
One other thing, If Ozzie really is hurt, and Holland works it out, give Howard a chance. Like I have been saying, you gotta find out sometime. I know Uncle Mike and the brass see his ordinary numbers in GR.. But, sometimes players play to the level they are at.
Go Wings!
Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 12/18/08 at 03:39 PM ET
You understand this don’t you?
Yup. Although I have to admit that the vomit-inducing Colorado loss was cushioned somewhat by my growing apathy following the Dallas and Phoenix games. I know it’s temporary…I’m a diehard fan and always will be…but I really couldn’t bring myself to watch more than one period of any of those last three games.
And I’ll say it again to anyone who suggests we’re spoiled and that we turn on our team when they’re struggling: An inadequate, underdog team fighting for every rare win is okay with me (maybe I should be a Leafs fan). And a powerhouse team that embarrasses anyone who has the balls to play against them is great too. But watching this incredibly talented roster with their total indifference to playing defense simply because they won a Cup last year? I imagine it would be like watching your spouse just completely let themselves go just after the wedding. It…it just sucks the fun out of life.
*#$%@&.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 12/18/08 at 03:49 PM ET
I, like Jeff, have to live among the fans. I had to take my lumps cheerfully on Tuesday and I was doing ok until talking to a customer and a co-worker walked by and whispered “Red Wings suck!” in my ear. I really considered throwing something but since I was talking to a customer I could not.
I, like Jeff, will be at the game on the 27th, it is 3 days before my bday so I am hoping for something much better than Monday.
About tonight? Have programed the DVR for later watching after a bout of Christmas shopping. I am considering watching with a blindfold on so that I can hear but not have to see it.
I would just like to know what they are drinking in the NHL scheduling department. We are not getting the Sharks at their best. With the game on Monday, it was the Wings 3rd game in 4 nights (not an excuse, just pointing that out). For the game on the 27th, the Wings will have played Bubba the night before. Hmmm.
Anyway….Sixty minutes of full Red Wing hockey. I know it is in this team somewhere.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 12/18/08 at 03:58 PM ET
Oh yes, as for the Dive, they may have beat the Wings on Monday but they got it handed to them in Philly on Tuesday. I know, not the same but at least it is something.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 12/18/08 at 03:59 PM ET
Falling behind the Blackhawks in the Central… enough to start boarding The Hasek and drinking beyond comprehension
Hey Cal, we kicked in the doors on Monday. Andrew Jen and I have dibs on the couch. We have some puke on the floor and the shelves are fully stocked…. just the way the Hasek rolls.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/08 at 04:12 PM ET
I’m thinking a loss to the Sharks could be the best thing that happens to the Wings. By that I mean that it will demonstrate, in no uncertain terms, that talent will only carry you so far. Hard work is what usually tips the scales when two very talented teams meet. If they play Langsidasical hockey tonight they’ll lose, and maybe it’s just the wakeup call they need.
Posted by wingsfanindenver on 12/18/08 at 04:13 PM ET
And tonite? Tonite it could all be solved if the Wings could beat San Jose.
Nothing is solved until this team plays a 10 game stretch with solid (not great, just solid) goaltending and sound (not great, just sound) defense.
Doesn’t matter what their record is over that stretch, just matters that they get those contributions.
Posted by Nathan on 12/18/08 at 04:19 PM ET
And people say I worry too much, sheesh…. 
Posted by Tony F from Virginia Beach, VA on 12/18/08 at 05:03 PM ET
people say I worry too much, sheesh
I’d say this is wayyyyyy beyond just worrying. The fetal position in November is a dead give-away (yes pun intended on the give-away), last game was ridic with give-aways.
We’ve been saying by the end of Oct, we’ll have it right. Ok, by Thanksiving we’ll have it right… ok by Christmas…. puke.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/08 at 05:17 PM ET
Mo, I’m glad you, Andrew and Jen have forcefully entered The Hasek. I’ll assume my usual position… on the floor, in my own juices if the Wings fail to put forth a 60 minute effort and squeak by Charlie Tuna tonight. That’s worse than losing because the Wings will again be lulled into a false sense of ” we can win anytime we want” mentality which will crush this team come playoff time.
Posted by calquake on 12/18/08 at 05:19 PM ET
I never left the Hasek. I took up permanent residence after Game 5.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 12/18/08 at 05:43 PM ET
I know I accused half the team of mailing it in, but honestly the entire team is working
very hard giving it 110%, game after game.
They are being misdirected, used at the wrong time and in the wrong circumstances.
The problem is behind the bench. I am known as not being a fan of Babblecock, but
the absence of McClelland and Scotty is starting to be obvious. They are backchecking
too hard, and without a plan. Could it be that all three coaches think the other coach is
coaching the backchecking? Uncle Mikey’s admiration for waterbug hockey and
wasted effort has finally caught up to the team. A hot goaltender would help, but
both of ours are experienced and get the best view of what is going on. It affects their
confidence….having to crap their undies everytime there is a sloppy player change has
a big affect on how they play the puck, and what they do behind the net. There are options
and not much time to sort thru them. Decisions are just based on how well the team
is doing. Don’t be badmouthing our goalies until the team starts averaging 4 goals a game.
3 goals in 2 games (one of them strictly charity).....WTF…What happened to our offense.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 12/18/08 at 05:44 PM ET
Oh ye of little faith!
I will be watching the Wings tonight.
I will be well-fortified with Scotch.
I will look for Conklin to stand on his head., Franzen to score two, and Datsuk to hypnotize everyone & feed Hoss for the game winner.
Looking for a fight, too.
Posted by w2j2 on 12/18/08 at 06:00 PM ET
WTF…What happened to our offense.
That one’s pretty simple…we don’t have the puck as much anymore. Doesn’t matter if the problem is the lack of effort or the coaching or the loss of Scotty…the defensive problems snowball into other ones…too many good scoring opportunities against means bad goaltending…and less puck possession means more time backchecking and less time in the offensive zone. Consistent mediocrity means more trouble for my liver and worse hangovers, which leads to me falling behind with work and children who cry because they’re scared of Daddy.
It’s all one big web of suck.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 12/18/08 at 06:00 PM ET
Gabe. You and I are far toooooo similar. I can’t help but say….. I’ll frigging drink to that. Then again I’ve already had a beer… or 2. Getcher ass home and get the blender going, be damned what your wife says.
Rumbear, to the galley.
Oh ye of little faith!
It does run thin after being tested for a month or 3 with VERY few glimpses of hope.
I never left the Hasek. I took up permanent residence after Game 5.
Well thanks for cleaning it up in the offseason.
It’s official, I will at least start watching the game tonight. The wife and little dude are out n about til about 9.. so I’m free to scream expletives at the top of my lungs
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/08 at 06:18 PM ET
Sundin to the ‘Nucks
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/556047
Posted by Arthur2sheds on 12/18/08 at 06:41 PM ET
Rumbear, to the galley.
%#^$&@ Board meeting tonite. I am out around start of second period.
Gabe….a couple of texts updates…. please????
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 12/18/08 at 06:41 PM ET
Wierd, it’s 28 degrees outside… thunder and lighting in the sky & freezing rain on the ground.
Huh.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/08 at 07:05 PM ET
The sky isn’t falling yet. Remember, every single team is gunning for The Wings. Even when they really sucked everyone was gunning for Detroit.
Also, every team we play is playing their very best Cup Final game against us and we’re plodding along playing like it is the regular season.
Yes, there is a hangover, a mental cloud of sorts hanging over the team right now, but behind every cloud is a Silver Lining. Bitches.
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 12/18/08 at 07:11 PM ET
Wierd, it’s 28 degrees outside… thunder and lighting in the sky & freezing rain on the ground.
Locusts. Watch for Locusts. All will be fine until then.
and keep drinking.
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 12/18/08 at 07:15 PM ET
I almost forgot.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 12/18/08 at 07:16 PM ET
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I’m undecided about tonight, really may not watch. Maybe I’ll mail in my viewing effort or text it in if I’m really as lazy as our beloved Wings have been.
Sitting in my tree stand in single digit weather with a north wind is more appealing in many ways than parking in front of the boob tube for 2+ hours of torture, frustration and hatred.. to see 5 or less minutes of Red WIng hockey.
I’ll flip a coin on whether to watch or not when I get home from hunting.
But Monkey did provide a sole bright spot today in the Sound of Thunder post… about the Drew Sharp comment about “being an idiot and admitting to it” to paraphrase.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/08 at 02:42 PM ET