Abel to Yzerman
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Well Kid? Have You Paid Your Dues?
by IwoCPO on 05/17/09 at 08:10 AM ET
Comments (28)
More importantly, can you moan the blues? Yep. Bringing back David Allan Coe.
And here’s why. He warned us. He warned us all that if we’re big-star bound, you’d best be prepared because it’s a long, hard ride.
The Wings know that ride. They were aboard in ‘94, ‘95 and ‘96.
Hell. Steve Yzerman suffered through that ride for fourteen years before the adorable one finally let him off.
And since we actually have people comparing a young Hawk to the greatest Captain in the history of our earth? Think about this. Steve Yzerman had to suffer. In every way possible. He had to be taught hard lessons about leadership, about competing, about sacrifice…all before winning his first Cup in ‘97.
So while Jonathon Toews may share some circumstances, and while his style of play is reminiscent of Yzerman’s, let’s get something straight:
He’s no Steve Yzerman. Not yet.
The Blackhawks are a fun team to watch, an exciting team with a few comeback wins on their young resume. The fans in Chicago, after having been violated by the Wirtz family for decades, are justifiably frothing again. They’ll be loud when Gary lets Game 3 happen in his second favorite US city sometime in July, after like a 19 day break.
But here’s some sour news for all the longtime Hawk fans…and they’ve all stuck by the Hawks in these lean years, right? It’s not a fad in Chicago now is it? Oh. Hell. No…the sour news is that no matter the volume you inject into the 72,000 seat United Center? It’s not gonna matter much if the Hawks go in there down 0-2.
And they will. Because lessons are in store. Hard lessons for the young Hawks. Lessons that may not end this season or the next or the one after that.
Because I’m not buying into this whole conversation that the Hawks are on the verge of taking the crown. Any crown. The cool storyline is that Chicago is going to topple the Wings, just not this year. The popular comparison is between Jordan’s Bulls and Isiah’s Pistons.
Here’s the difference though: the Wings are stocked. They are loaded and will be for years to come. When the Pistons finally lost to Jordan’s Bulls, their core of Thomas, Dumars, Johnson and Laimbeer were all playing on their last legs.
The Wing core? Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Franzen? Sure, the captain’s in the home stretch. But by no means is he losing anything. And as for Franzen, Datsyuk and Zetterberg? The comparison is losing steam isn’t it? Detroit is going to be just as good next year as they are now. They won’t be slowing down as the Pistons did so suddenly.
What’s about to transpire may not be a “lesson” for the Hawks. There’s a real good chance that they’re being introduced to a new way of life, one where they have great success but only to a point.
You think Chicago hates the Wings now? Give it three years. Chicago fans better hope their new heroes in the front office can keep that team together, that those players continue to develop, that they get a real goalie, a better core of blueliners.
Because if all that doesn’t happen? Well then, what’s about to occur is going to be repeated again and again and again.
Oh, and don’t forget this. Every time the Wings have won a Cup in the last eleven years? Every journey has included a brief stop in Joel Quenneville’s kitchen to remind him that he is Detroit’s little bitch.
Yes. A lesson is in order. But sometimes in life lessons can be hard. One of those “bad things happen to good people” things.
My point is this. If you’re a Chicago fan, you’re going to take some solace out of what’s about to happen. You’re going to be saying that you had to lose before you could win. I understand where you’re coming from but here’s the thing.
The Wings aren’t on the downslope.
Despite what you’re reading and what everyone’s saying?
This might be the norm. The pain might be the constant in this situation.
The ride you’re about to suffer through might never end.
And we dig that.
Oh, and one more thing. You’re about to meet someone. You’ve watched him, heard of him, read of him. Seen him in the regular season and you’ve been impressed but you really don’t know what he’s capable of until you see him in a situation like this. He’s going to be your Swedish Daddy.
And you’re going to be tempted to call him sir, or even “mister.”
And he’ll say this to you…“You don’t have to call me mister, mister. The whole world calls me Hank.”
8 to 12 bitches. 8 to 12.
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Comments
He’s no Steve Yzerman. Not yet.
There will be one Stevie Y, ever. All the wee lad is going to earn is the right to be compared to Stevie… eventually. I’m keeping my eye on Byfugelin or how the hell ever you spell it, he’s been good the first 2 series’... and you know we’ll be focused on the Wonder Boys. Eager will be filling the role of villian for them too…
The kids are going to play us hard and fast, it’ll be a nice breath of fresh air after the last series and the distinct “style” of the last opponent.
David Allan Coe, well done Chief.
8 to 12 and 5 1/2 hours to go.. beer in the early afternoon on a sunny beautiful day… the stage is set. Let the kids get their first real lesson of the playoffs.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 05/17/09 at 08:24 AM ET
It’s not a fad in Chicago now is it?
As many people as there are who’ve jumped on the bandwagon here in Chicago, it astonishes me how many still could give a shit. I wore a Wings T-shirt all day yesterday for visits to the grocery store, library and movie theater, and I had only one person give me crap for it. On Thursday a coworker, who is pretty up on other sports, asked me what a hat trick was. Sure, the vibe at the United Center is fantastic. The rest of the city, not so much.
Posted by Bella from puddle of her own vomit on 05/17/09 at 08:37 AM ET
Wirtz tried his damndest to bury Chicago hockey so deep that no one would ever be able to find it, and very nearly succeeded. As many long-time fans who are now actually coming out of the woodwork now, there are a lot of newbies just discovering hockey.
I think if the team continues to be competitive over the next few years, there will be more of a buzz around the city and a more aware fan base in general. It will take some time to fully resurrect the near-dead - one exciting season is nothing more than a start.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/17/09 at 08:42 AM ET
Sure, the vibe at the United Center is fantastic. The rest of the city, not so much.
Hmm, perhaps Gary needs a community organizer to ‘inform’ the electorate.
I wonder how many Wings fans will infiltrate game 3.
Posted by The Hurricane on 05/17/09 at 08:43 AM ET
I wonder how many Wings fans will infiltrate game 3.
I blew my hockey allowance on Winter Classic tix, so sadly I won’t be one of them.
A mildly amusing story from the Winter Classic: Afterward, I was taking the bus home and there were a few Hawks fans sitting in front of me (I had an overcoat on so they didn’t see my Wings jersey). They were bemoaning the number of Wings faithful who were at Wrigley. One of the guys said, “Whenever we chanted ‘Detroit Sucks’, they would chant ‘We Win Cups.’ Which is a good point. How can you respond to that?”
Posted by Bella from puddle of her own vomit on 05/17/09 at 08:59 AM ET
This can’t be a game day. I am being nice to people. Almost cheerful. Helpful around the house. There is not one iota of stress about the upcoming series. I take the Hawks seriously, but just barely.
I seem to function better as a fan when there is some deep down hatred for the opposing team and city. And the biggest thing I can find to hate about Chicago is the way they can fu-ck up a innocent, defenseless hot dog.
Posted by dougie on 05/17/09 at 09:00 AM ET
I seem to function better as a fan when there is some deep down hatred for the opposing team and city. And the biggest thing I can find to hate about Chicago is the way they can fu-ck up a innocent, defenseless hot dog.
I know. That team is just so darn adorable - like a bunch of puppies, all big brown eyes and floppy ears and those cute little wagging skinny puppy tails. Maybe they’ll be more hateable after a game or two.
Off topic - Am I the only one who noticed that three of the remaining four teams all have red uniforms? The only oddball is the Penguins. Strange.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/17/09 at 09:14 AM ET
There is not one iota of stress about the upcoming series. I take the Hawks seriously, but just barely.
Yes…but watch as the clock ticks closer to game time. I was thinking that exact thing this morning. The birds were chirping. The dork across the street was already up mowing his lawn. Again. But come game time, if he’s still mowing or working on his car…I may just get a roughing penalty…
Posted by 42jeff from Minot, North Dakota on 05/17/09 at 09:16 AM ET
And the biggest thing I can find to hate about Chicago is the way they can fu-ck up a innocent, defenseless hot dog.
Celery salt has no place on a hot dog nor anything else.
And if that’s all you hate about CHI, you must not have ever driven around Chicago much… traffic there is horrid.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 05/17/09 at 09:32 AM ET
My sister and her family live in Naperville just outside Chicago. My nephews are Wings fans to the core as is my entire family. He will be sure to give me any update regarding this series from a Detroiter living in Chicago viewpoint.
Yes, all his buddies have jumped on the Hawks bandwagon which they should. Most of them were born there but, most of his buddies I met when visiting just a couple of years ago were Dive fans. No surprise there.
By the way, I actually happen to like the way they load up hot dogs in Chicago. It’s different but, to each his own. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 05/17/09 at 10:07 AM ET
I’m keeping my eye on Byfugelin or how the hell ever you spell it, he’s been good the first 2 series’
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 05/17/09 at 09:24 AM ET
Right after they finished Vancouver off, I was talking to Erik. He said that Buyfugelin reminded him of a young Iginla. After we hung up, I switched to CBC and they were comparing him to Frank Mahovlich.
Eager needs to be taken out early, before he puts one of our key players on injured reserve.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 05/17/09 at 10:28 AM ET
“I think if the team continues to be competitive over the next few years, there will be more of a buzz around the city and a more aware fan base in general. It will take some time to fully resurrect the near-dead - one exciting season is nothing more than a start. “
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/17/09 at 09:42 AM ET
so the hawks might be like Wesley from the Princess Bride?is Quennville Prince Humperdink or Vizzini the Sicilian?is Scotty Miracle Max?LOL. only reason i thought of this,it was on BRAVO last night after the Tigers were over
Posted by Speedy Sammich from DTown on 05/17/09 at 10:32 AM ET
By the way, I actually happen to like the way they load up hot dogs in Chicago. It’s different but, to each his own. Bitches.
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 05/17/09 at 11:07 AM ET
give me a layfayette coney any day over anything else 
Posted by Speedy Sammich from DTown on 05/17/09 at 10:35 AM ET
Close - it’s spelled “bye-foo-glee-en,” Byfuglien, even though it’s pronounced “buff-lin.” I can see why everyone calls him “Buff.” I guess “Buffy” sounded too much like a vampire-slaying cheerleader.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/17/09 at 10:36 AM ET
I’m feeling like some of you right now.
Little, if any, stress. Did extra chores around the house. Hell, when watching TV this morning it felt like just another slow Sunday, when I reminded myself something extraordinary happens at 3PM today: We’re in Round Three.
Again.
The nerves will come soon enough.
Generating hate for a team I somewhat admired all year will come soon enough.
One bad goal, one terrible call by the ref, one blown chance by the Wings to bury this team, and the stress and hate come back and grab a seat in our kitchen, like they never, ever left.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 05/17/09 at 10:38 AM ET
so the hawks might be like Wesley from the Princess Bride?is Quennville Prince Humperdink or Vizzini the Sicilian?is Scotty Miracle Max?LOL. only reason i thought of this,it was on BRAVO last night after the Tigers were over
Posted by weisfan from DTown on 05/17/09 at 11:32 AM ET
Too much thought put into that analogy - but Quennville has to be the six-fingered man, because of the moustache (I think - it’s been a long, LONG time since I saw that movie.) My favorite character was Inigo Montoya - and the ROUSs cracked me up.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/17/09 at 10:40 AM ET
hopefully Franzen is Fezzik,he has been so far.i liked Inigo as well,but the scene where Vizzini and Wesley have a battle of wits is and was the classic of that movie.Vizzini reminds me of these MSM on VS,NBC,and CBC who pretty much ignore the fact Detroit has been the class of the NHL.
Posted by Speedy Sammich from DTown on 05/17/09 at 10:47 AM ET
give me a layfayette coney any day over anything else wink
Posted by weisfan from DTown on 05/17/09 at 11:35 AM ET
That’s just a given. Are they still open? I only made it to Greektown and the cemetery this past September on a visit back home.
I swear there is never enough time to do all the things you want or, to see all the friends that are still pretty close to you, or still living. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 05/17/09 at 10:59 AM ET
Blackhawk fans have no idea what hate is, they’re really just too happy to be here. Let them experience a couple years of playoff defeat, hopefully at the hands of the same team. Then we can talk about hate.
Oh, and one more thing. You’re about to meet someone. You’ve watched him, heard of him, read of him. Seen him in the regular season and you’ve been impressed but you really don’t know what he’s capable of until you see him in a situation like this. He’s going to be your Swedish Daddy.
I was wondering where you were going with this. My money would have been on Franzen. But yeah, Hank is good too. When a fellow fan is talking about a stealth weapon and you aren’t sure which one he’s talking about, that’s a good thing.
@Baroque: I thought the same thing. If Washington had won that series, the entire final four would be wearing red.
Posted by cephalopod from Chicago...nope, still not over it. on 05/17/09 at 11:08 AM ET
hell ya,still gloriously tasty.just like lays potato chips can’t eat just one.my gameday fave tho is Bates Burgers in Livonia when i’m not going to the game or a nice Hungry howies cajun crust
Posted by Speedy Sammich from DTown on 05/17/09 at 11:11 AM ET
http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=23&id=42189
Looks like Lilja and McCarty are on the ice with the team now (at about 1:20).
Posted by lilja4ever on 05/17/09 at 12:34 PM ET
One more thing to mention with the Bulls/Pistons comparison—the Bulls had the greatest player in the history of basketball on their team.
The Hawks, while they have two great young forwards, a third guy that finally seems to be healthy and is a very good all-around player, there’s nothing like a superstar.
If the Hawks had a player rivaling Howe, Richard, Gretzky, or Lemieux right when they were on the cusp of their primes? Then the comparison would be more valid.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 05/17/09 at 12:56 PM ET
but both leagues have Commishes that hated Detroits title runs
Posted by Speedy Sammich from DTown on 05/17/09 at 01:11 PM ET
I’m a michigan transplant living in chicago for 15 years now. I hate all chicago sports team except for the cubs. If none of the rest of you have, I’ve already hopped on the stress train for you. The Hawks don’t scare me overall, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Lets keep Quenville where he belongs, looking up at the Wings. I’m ready to see a Russian explosion all over the ice for next week and a half.
Posted by RayRay from Chicago on 05/17/09 at 01:40 PM ET
There’s only ONE Steve Yzerman.
Jonathon Toews, as talented and driven as he is, should be allowed to make his own mark.
Just not now. Not when the Wings are on a mission this playoff year.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 05/17/09 at 05:01 PM ET
This might be the norm. The pain might be the constant in this situation.
the BBBs can tell them all about it on the golf course.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 05/17/09 at 08:47 PM ET
Great article, very well written.
I have one question, and I hate to sound like a Wings newb (been a fan for 22 years, must have missed something), but what does the “8 to 12” reference at the end mean?
Thanks! GO WINGS!!!!
Posted by Tfen from Grand Rapids, MI on 05/21/09 at 11:14 AM ET
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The Captain was thirty-two years old when he finally made it to the Promised Land.
Toews just turned twenty-one and knows nothing aside from his skill.
The only thing they have in common is the number on their back and the letter on their shoulder.
There will be a Cup, maybe multiple ones, in Toews’ future. But not this year.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 05/17/09 at 08:23 AM ET