Abel to Yzerman
Next entry: Workin' On Mysteries Without Any Clues...It's A Summer of Stanley Live Blog
Previous entry: Khan(!) Makes A Bid To Maintain Deep Digger Captaincy
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
by IwoCPO on 06/14/08 at 05:47 AM ET
Comments (31)
But, allegedly and according to Mick, providence somehow assists in providing what your spiritual advisors determine to be your greatest need.
Interesting.
Because I’d say we have the whole “wants” thing covered. Now? Well, now it’s up to Tick Tock to determine the “needs”.
Uncle Mike says he’s helping.
I already submitted my list this morning to Ken Holland.
That’s courtesy of the Freep, the transcript of Babcock’s WDFN interview. I saw that yesterday and immediately thought what you did. I need to see that list. The 19 must have access to it. We deserve it.
So we sent the A2Y crack research staff to JLA, on a mission. Get your frigging hands on that list.
And they did. Late last night, while most of you were sleeping and others were pining, the interns put it all on the line and snuck into Tick Tock’s office.
Disturbing? Perhaps. It is what it is. Let’s analyze.
Uncle Mike says he needs a shooter and there are a few on the market. The merits of bringing in another Swede have been analyzed. The Cap would support it. Niyo says it’s in the plans. Sundin’s hungry for a Cup and he’s probably already visited Novi.
But I have reservations. I’m not sure I like how the whole deal in TO played out around the trade deadline. If Sundin’s so starving for a Cup, why not accept a deal and help the team he was so allegedly loyal to? That always bothered me. Then again, maybe--like the rest of us--he can’t stand the Leafs. Maybe he’s happy leaving them with nothing in return.
What would Sundin bring? A huge, difference-making presence on the second line. Franzen, Filppula, Sundin? Like the look of that? I know you do. All depends on the cash. He’s got a chance to once again prove he really wants a shot. Take less and join the Dynasty? Or head to the bank and play in front of the wine sippers at the Ass Can, or in San Jose with Toddy. Swedes, Novi, Cups or cash. Your choice big boy.
But if not Sundin, how about Fedorov? Shut up. You think I wasn’t going there? Is this your first time visiting? You’re damn right I want him back. A gamble? Yes. Expensive? I think not. Older, Cupless for six years like the rest of us were and...maybe most importantly...in search of a place where he can go to cement his legacy, firm up his reputation as something other than a malcontent who took off because he wasn’t “the man”.
What would Fedorov bring? Not as much, offensively, as Sundin. But a great presence on the second unit PP, defensive responsibility, still a great shot and a huge contributor to a puck possession game.
Kenny says he’s got the money. We believe him. I think it boils down to those two, if any at all. Temptation can be dangerous Kenny. Dangerous. But worth it if you’re smart.
And if a UFA is in the cards? Somebody’s gotta go. Drake is probably done. We already know Hartigan’s gone, little bitch. See ya. Unfortunately Downey probably is too. Mac stays. Helm stays. I think Abbadaba’s headed to GR. That frigging Finn. I can never remember his name. Let’s pretend he’s a nugget and a keeper. And we take a look:
Selke/Smythe/Homer
Franzen/UFA/Filppula
Hudler/Draper/Cleary
Maltby/Kopecky/McCarty/Helm/The Finn Dude
What? Woops. No Sammy. That’s right. No Sammy. Due to be paid 1.2 next year, then he’s a UFA. Prime trade bait. Maybe at the draft. But I’ll tell you, I’m not as sold on getting rid of him as I was in, say, February. William Tell proved a bit of worth in the playoffs. Some timely goals, a little violence here and there and a sound checker.
But I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that if Kenny’s gonna roll the dice on a UFA, Sidewinder’s saying sayonara. And that’s alliteration bitches.
Health. Uncle Mike scribbled that he wants a good doctor. He was being funny and we all realize that because we know that quirky bastard’s sense of humor by now. But, we’ve got a summer of recovery ahead. Homer’s groin. Hank’s back and probably wrist. Filppula’s knee. Chelios’ knee and whatever else is ailing him. All those plus the stuff Tick Tock’s not telling us. And a real short recovery time before the frigging madhouse in TC in September.
It’s my understanding that a deal for Zetterberg can get done as early as 1 minute after midnight on 1 July. Knowing Holland, the contract’s already written up, approved by both sides and just waiting for some ink. How much? Here’s how much. 6.7. Exactly the same as Datsyuk’s. It will go down as the biggest bargain the NHL has ever seen. While Malkin rakes in his 9 million, Zetterberg takes the discount because he’s a team guy. He said he would and we’re holding him to it while his agent squirms.
But there are other concerns, as you know. Fil’s an RFA. Franzen a UFA next year. Deals could very well be in place for each of them too. Busy, busy, busy. No golf for you Kenny. No trips to South Florida. Unless that means a visit with another Finn who’s still embarrassed about a certain video. Send me down there. I’ll bring him back. No I won’t. Jokinen, and it hurts to say this, isn’t in the cards either. I understand that now. I’m over it. Mostly.
Stories out of Pittsburgh indicate Ryan Malone was playing Games 5 and 6 with a broken pelvis, cracked spine, two working toes and shattered kneecaps.
No. I’m lying. But there is this.
Malone and the Penguins are believed to be far apart on a new contract. He is expected to lean toward testing the free-agent market, where the Columbus Blue Jackets will likely make a play for his services - possibly with an offer near $5 million annually over five years.
Stunned. Stop. Hold it. Look. I like that whole “stunned” thing. And, yeah, I’m going to steal it and use it from time to time. I know where it came from, and I give them full credit. It’s too good, too simple and too easy to use not to make it mine every once in a while. I haven’t asked for permission, but I think they’ll give it to me.
You think Uncle Mike doesn’t have Malone on his list? Are you frigging kidding me? If anyone in the league is his kind of player it’s Malone. Columbus? Oh. Ok. You think Ryan Malone is going to visit the cusp, then head off to Columbus for free BJs? Well, again, tempting I’m sure. But here’s the deal Ryan. Come to Detroit and you’ll get 8 per year. That’s 8 more than an average Dive fan gets per lifetime. And, hey, 4 of those you’ll get and be able to walk away right after, no questions asked. Who can turn that down?
Who, Kenny, is going to bring Uncle Mike his Tab and his pigs in a blanket? Who’s going to replace McLellan? Who’s going to run the power play and the offense? Let’s not pretend this is a loss that isn’t being fretted about, at least a little. And finding his relief may be the most interesting turn of events over the next three to four weeks. Of course, considering the lukewarm power play during the playoffs? I’m just sayin’.
As promised, I’m out. Taking a vacation from blogging. Three weeks at least. I’m tired and cranky. Summer calls. I’m looking at a no-later-than date of 15 July for a return.
Or it could be tomorrow if something merits my attention.
I do have one more thing in store for you. One final Live Blog to end all LB’s. It’ll be posted tonite some time. A summer-long, insert your adventures, community of 19 juvenile idiots journal.
And remember, if nothing pans out this summer. If Tick Tock stands pat. If Sammy stays and activity is low...it’s because Holland decided that’s what’s best. And this summer, the 11th Summer of Stanley, we’re giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Tags: abbadabbadoo, babcock, datsyuk, fedorov, franzen, helm, holland, mccarty, ryan+malone, samuelsson, sundin, zetterberg,
Comments
I’m with Uncle Mike. I want a 2nd line shooter. Of course, I wanted one all last season too, and that worked out pretty well.
A healthy Franzen (So long as he doesn’t forget how to score like Sammy did a couple years ago)and Filly who continues to grow(maybe hit that 25 goal mark next winter?) could keep that line dangerous even without adding a sniper.
Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 06/14/08 at 09:22 AM ET
Chief:
Enjoy your time off. Get completely away from the train. If you don’t take it, you will burn out next November.
Mike Ilitch will not have Federov back.
No matter what.
Ken MUST get Flip signed.
What to do with about 12 D-men for 8 positions?
Posted by w2j2 on 06/14/08 at 10:13 AM ET
Chief, I was out at the US Open yesterday. Followed Tiger and Phil for a couple holes....could have sworn I saw the Stress Train roll by with a bunch of Mickelson supporters on it .... no sign of the Hasek...of course.
Memories.
Ahhhh...the off season
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 06/14/08 at 10:41 AM ET
The idea of Sundin the scoring machine sounds good at first, but could bring baggage. Can he be the consummate locker room pro like Cheli and Dom were in the playoffs after being The Man in the TOR for so many years? Shut up, lay low, take a lesser role, because that is how the Red Wings roll, bitches.
Mats can be a physical presence but R Malone leaving PIT is a big big tantalizing piece of cake, but maybe too expensive. Dude is sometimes nasty physical and a pain to play against. IF he, still very young in his career, can see the benefit to NOT going for max free agent $$ and instead taking less to be an immediate Cup Contender than he could end up in Red. Can he see the big picture already at a young age? Maybe this playoff run will give him that perspective, otherwise other teams will outbid Detroit for him.
I loved the idea of Sergei coming back, but maybe now prefer the idea of developing our young fast hard hitting guys instead, for less $$. Radio around DC indicates that the Caps GM keeps using language like “only if we don’t overpay” to resign Sergei. W2J2 could be right, the Ilyches probably were not too keen with Sergei’s attitude in Detroit his last year, but that family will always do what’s best for the Organization. If he does come back I hope the fans would greet him enthusiastically with not one anus-breath booing him the first time out.
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/14/08 at 10:48 AM ET
By the way Chief, Great Get copping Uncle Mike’s note to Tick Tock. This is why we love Uncle Mike, he’s obviously at the same juvenile level as the rest of us, just check out his parade drawing. LMAO.
What W2 said, take a break otherwise you’ll be burned out before mid season. Next season will be a marathon, not a sprint.
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/14/08 at 10:51 AM ET
But if not Sundin, how about Fedorov?...in search of a place where he can go to cement his legacy…
I agree with W2, but for a different reason...one that involves your last statement, Chief. The stories I read after the trade deadline all said that Sergei was a terrific fit in DC. He provided a veteran presence and had a really positive impact on Ovechkin.
So, I think Sergei has found the perfect team with which to end his career on a positive note. He’ll mentor the younguns. He’ll at least get a chance to win another Cup. And he’ll play in front of fans every night who really appreciate him. For all of those reasons, I think Sergei takes a little pay cut and stays in DC.
Who’s going to replace McLellan? Who’s going to run the power play and the offense? Let’s not pretend this is a loss that isn’t being fretted about, at least a little.
IMO, filling this job might actually be the easiest task they have this summer. My guess is that Kenny’s phone is ringing non-stop with calls from coaches in the minors and the NHL who’d just love to get Uncle Mike his water and bubble gum. (Man, that guy does some serious chewing during a game.)
As for you three weeks off, Chief, what the hell are you talking about? You’re bailing before the draft and the opening day of free agency? Now you listen here, mister. You just forget this “vacation” nonsense and get your head back in the game. As the saying goes, there will be plenty of time for you to rest when you’re dead. 
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 06/14/08 at 10:57 AM ET
That frigging Finn. I can never remember his name. Let’s pretend he’s a nugget and a keeper.
Here you go, Chief. Bookmark this page: Ville Leino.
Some 2007-2008 exerpts of note:
1) 55GP - 28G - 49A - 77P
2) PIM: 18
3) Playoffs: 14GP - 8G - 11A - 19P
Strengths: Plays a puck-possession style that fits the Red Wings’ current system to a T ... Exciting, dynamic offensive player who has the upside to be a real home-run acquisition ... Good playmaker ... Strong down low on the cycle ... Controls the puck well along the boards ... Great puckhandler who is dangerous 1-on-1 ... Soft hands ... Finishing ability has come a long way from his earlier years in Finland ... Competitive and determined ... Capable of playing center and right wing.
Weaknesses: Will need heavy defensive schooling ... Doesn’t have top-flight speed ... Needs to show his high skill level will translate to the pace, strength and physicality of North American hockey ... Overhandles the puck ... Poor shot-pass selection, sometimes opting for neither, and eventually loses the puck ... Needs to add muscle strength to emerge as an NHL player.
Overhandles the puck ... Poor shot-pass selection, sometimes opting for neither, and eventually loses the puck... Well, if this is true, then Sammy has to go if Ville makes the team. There’s no way I can go through an entire season watching two guys do this. 
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 06/14/08 at 11:20 AM ET
I’m not sure I like how the whole deal in TO played out around the trade deadline. If Sundin’s so starving for a Cup, why not accept a deal and help the team he was so allegedly loyal to? That always bothered me.
That always bothered me, too, but from the other side. A player asks for and the team agrees to a no-trade clause. Then as the trade deadline draws near said player is tried and convicted by the press, with either the team’s abetment or complacency, for not making the big sacrifice to become the team’s Holy Savior. Way unfair, methinks.
It’s happened to others, too. Sundin is only an example.
There’s other things about this whole no-trade mess that I don’t like. How about the player that holds a team hostage with “I’ll only waive my no-trade clause if I go to such-and-such a team?” Or the rental player that does waive the clause with full intention and the knowledge of both sides that he’ll be returning to his original team after the season? All of this carries a malodorous air, IMO.
Maybe this is a dumb idea—it wouldn’t be my first and I’m sure the rest of the 19 will be more than happy to tell me so—but we can get rid of all this distractive peripheral crap by replacing the no-trade clause with a ”can’t-trade” clause. You sign the agreement and you’re there for the duration. End of press story. End of story, period.
And, Chief, if you need three weeks off, or 4, or 5, to avoid burnout then by God you take them. If that also necessitates time off work, you take that, too. Just tell them I said it was OK.
Posted by BobTheZee on 06/14/08 at 12:12 PM ET
What about Rolston? I like him and think he would fit great. A good two way player, can play either wing and I believe is an UFA soon.
Posted by Puck from San Francisco, CA on 06/14/08 at 12:27 PM ET
I commend your daughter on her crayon penmanship in transcribing Babcock’s note to Holland. If she’s that sneaky already, just wait until she spins stories to account for being out after curfew! 
Have a nice break, Sailor - and if you somehow come across the Cup on your world travels, post a picture for your loyal readers, eh? (But maybe not if you give it a kiss that would make your wife jealous ... )
That always bothered me, too, but from the other side. A player asks for and the team agrees to a no-trade clause. Then as the trade deadline draws near said player is tried and convicted by the press, with either the team’s abetment or complacency, for not making the big sacrifice to become the team’s Holy Savior. Way unfair, methinks.
It was astonishing the way he was ripped to shreds in the press for having the audacity not to gallantly ignore a clause he wanted in his contract for a reason in the attempt to help the morons who paid him clean up their own god-awful mess. I don’t know if the media lynch mob was worse or the astoundingly clumsy way the team itself handled it - either way, Sundin was the only one with any class in the whole affair.
I can’t see him coming to Detroit - but if he did, imagine the wails from Toronto fans if the Red Wings repeat and the image of Sundin raising the Cup over his head has him in red and white instead of blue and white? I’ve only met one Toronto fan, and he certainly doesn’t deserve that kind of pain.
(Although would Montreal be any better, if that rumour comes to fruition?)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/14/08 at 12:29 PM ET
in search of a place where he can go to cement his legacy, firm up his reputation as something other than a malcontent who took off because he wasn’t “the man”
OlderThanChelios already said it, but I’ve got nothing else of value to offer, so I’ll just say it again: it looks like Fedorov’s already found that place in DC. Watching him play with the Caps during the playoffs was an absolute joy; he looked completely revitalized as a player, and what’s more, he just looked like he was having a great time playing with those guys. And from what I’ve read, it seems like he’s really clicked personally with some key players, particularly the Russians.
Caps management may be saying that they don’t want to overpay, but they know they’ve got a team that’s well on its way to playing for the Cup, and Fedorov is definitely a part of that. Combine that with Sergei’s desire to stay, and I think they’ll be able to come up with a compromise on the contract that’ll please everyone involved. He’s playing well, on the same team with some of the best Russians in the league, and he doesn’t have to deal with the Ilitches; I doubt he’s willing to give that up.
Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 06/14/08 at 12:40 PM ET
...it looks like Fedorov’s already found that place in DC. Watching him play with the Caps during the playoffs was an absolute joy; he looked completely revitalized as a player, and what’s more, he just looked like he was having a great time playing with those guys. And from what I’ve read, it seems like he’s really clicked personally with some key players, particularly the Russians.
Ovechkin absolutely loves playing with him, too.
I’m just glad he is playing well. That man still can skate better than almost anyone else in the league, and is so much fun to watch when he’s really on his game. He’s had some injuries the last few years which have hampered him more than he’s used to, and the smaller amount of travel in the Eastern conference might suit him now that he has a lot more miles on his odometer.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/14/08 at 12:55 PM ET
3 weeks off?
Whoa, whoa, whoa Chief, my porn bookmarks don’t run that deep, so see if you can toss up a fluff post every now and again, yeah?
I propose we tow the Hasek out to a desolate plain, stuff it with RDX and have our very own version of “Burning Man,” minus the dirty hippies.
Maybe christen a new stress refuge… The Lilja? The Sammy?
A general purpose LB - love it.
If I can tear myself away from these overblown, pseudo-intellectual books and articles I need to peruse for the final week of scholastic torture, I’ll be there.
Aww *#$%@& it, I’ll be there anyway.
Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/14/08 at 01:09 PM ET
What would Fedorov bring? Not as much, offensively, as Sundin. But a great presence on the second unit PP, defensive responsibility, still a great shot and a huge contributor to a puck possession game.
can you imagine Datsyuk and Fedorov playing together? holy crap. the other team would never touch the puck.
Datsyuk/Fedorov/Zetterberg
that makes my head spin.
it’s amazing to think how much better this team is going to be next season even if they don’t sign anyone. but if they do? yowza.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/14/08 at 01:15 PM ET
I don’t know about the rest of you, but the idea of Dallas Drake retiring gives me a small taste of The Fear.
The Wings have talent in spades, and while I’ve never bought the whole “Wing’s are soft” argument. Drake provided a certain blue collar work ethic that this team needs. Mac fill that role, but how long can his aging, somewhat injury prone, body hold out?
Posted by wingsfanindenver from 'lancheland on 06/14/08 at 01:23 PM ET
Uncle Mike says he needs a shooter and there are a few on the market. The merits of bringing in another Swede have been analyzed. The Cap would support it. Niyo says it’s in the plans. Sundin’s hungry for a Cup and he’s probably already visited Novi.
A shooter? I like that idea, Chief. But I think the best shooter on the market isn’t a Swede, a Slovak, or a Russian who’s been here before...or a gritty Penguin. It’s a Finn who could come cheaper than any of them, so long as we can convince him to come for the entire season...He won’t be a defensive presence like the Swede or Fedorov...but how can you not like a guy who shoots like he does and can teach physics?
Filppula-Franzen-Teemu
I want that second line. What does the A2Y 19 think?
Posted by WingInTO from Toronto on 06/14/08 at 01:40 PM ET
doesn’t Teemu have a reputation for messing up the chemistry in a locker room?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/14/08 at 01:48 PM ET
doesn’t Teemu have a reputation for messing up the chemistry in a locker room?
I’ve never heard anything negative about his dressing room rep. I’ve heard that Owen Nolan was a problem in San Jose, but not Teemu. And I haven’t heard of anything in Colorado, just that he was playing on 2 completely wrecked knees that some of his teammates said he shouldn’t have even been playing on.
Posted by WingInTO from Toronto on 06/14/08 at 02:10 PM ET
If Drake retires from the Wings let me offer my services to pick up the “physical Got Your Back element”.
My 2 year stint in the “W”, plus experience as a bouncer in various bars in Kelowna and Victoria make me an ideal balance for the Wings. You ever try and throw a drunken lumberjack out of a bar B4 closing time? Remember Kocur?
I can also open doors for people and hand out trophies.
Posted by DICK LINDSTROM from the basement whacking off. on 06/14/08 at 03:35 PM ET
Two others got there before me, but I’ll repeat it: Fedorov seems happy in Washington, and I don’t think he goes anywhere. Shame, because I wanted him at the deadline and would still love to have him. He’d fit right in on the point with the second unit.
Baroque: The Leafs-Wings rivalry just evaporated after the Leafs switched conferences. People here would be pretty upset to see Sundin as a Canadien and livid to see him win as one, but wouldn’t care any more about him as a Wing than any other random team. I seriously doubt that he comes here, anyways.
What’s with all the Sammuelsson hate? Two years in a row that he’s been outstanding in the playoffs. Frigging anti-Euro bias… if he were a good Canadian boy, you’d just call him a gritty playoff performer and ignore him all regular season. (This was sarcasm, except for the part about him being good in the playoffs.) I can’t see him being traded. What are they going to get for him, a third round pick? An old rental? He’s too old to be a prospect and has one year left on his contract. Nobody wants someone like that.
Not too concerned about Drake leaving (which he will). Datsyuk was as gritty as Drake all playoffs and more physical for many of those games. I’m not sure Leino will come to North America next year, and even if he does, he doesn’t play more than a few games with the big boys. Kopecky will be a regular. No idea where Helm will be. Gut says in Grand Rapids, head says in Detroit. Maybe they rotate him, Abba, and other prospects in as the 13th forward.
Posted by Ryan from Toronto on 06/14/08 at 03:40 PM ET
Thx for the clarification - I don’t see Toronto and Detroit as big rivals, but don’t consider myself especially aware of historical rivalries.
I get the sense that Ville Leino either sticks with Detroit or goes back home to Finland, as he signed as a free agent and not a drafted prospect.
Drake retireing doesn’t bother me at all.
It’s not Samuelsson hate - it’s a case of Sammy frustration. Streaky players in any sport are always infuriating (plus without Lang some fans need someone to rip on). No one disputes that he does bring something in the playoffs, but the regular seasons are bad on the heart. If he could only improve his aim instead of wearing out the glass behind the goal, the complaints would be nearly non-existent.
Probably which youngsters are up from Grand Rapids will depend on their performance in training camp and then who is playing well during the season for the Griffins when someone gets hurt - I wouldn’t be surprised to see a pretty varied rotation of inexperienced players during the year.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/14/08 at 05:36 PM ET
And I haven’t heard of anything in Colorado, just that he was playing on 2 completely wrecked knees that some of his teammates said he shouldn’t have even been playing on.
Guys playing on knees no one in their right mind would be playing on? We don’t know anything about that here. Not that I’m comparing Teemu Salami to The Captain, mind.
You can’t help but question the heart of a guy who pulls a Forsberg and only shows up for half the season, but I can’t help remembering his 76 goal rookie season. That was sick. Also, like eleventy-billion years ago.
I just can’t see it. He’s got his Cup. This isn’t like Robitaille in ‘02. And I think he got greedy last year and tried to go for two, but letting his teammates do all of the prep work for him, while he and the bearded wonder got the glory.
Feds, I would love to have back, but after seeing him play w/ Washington in the playoffs it looks like he’s pretty happy there. I really hope the guy finishes out his career strong. All of the attention Ovechkin gets should mean people are noticing Feds as well. He seemed like a HOF lock while he was with the Wings, but he’s pretty much fallen off the face of the Earth since. Playing on the BJs will do that for you, I guess.
Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH on 06/14/08 at 05:49 PM ET
I have to say that I don’t really care much if someone is streaky all season long if they bring it in the playoffs. I don’t think the Wings care that much either—this franchise is all about what happens at the end, not what happens along the way.
Sammy can blow all year, but if he shows up the way he did this year, he’s a keeper, and, short of Dats, probably the most unpredictable guy out there with the puck. He doesn’t look like anyone else at all, head moving around, going in circles, shucking and jiving. It’s hilarious AND he scores.
I’d dump Hudler, despite his playoff contributions, rather than Sammy.
Posted by Chris from in DC on 06/14/08 at 05:57 PM ET
I wouldn’t dump any of them. except for Lilja.
I can’t imagine any of you thinking the Wings don’t have a great chance of repeating if they have exactly the same team next year.
they won’t, of course, but that’s pro sports for ya. the Wings do have the luxury of some cap room, and some young guys who we’ll get to see more of throughout the regular season. they’ll put the best team on the ice that they can come next May...and we all know it will be at least as good - if not better - than this year.
IMO, whether or not the Wings repeat is about two things - the usual “war of attrition” of the playoffs, and what moves OTHER teams make. as usual, everyone else is chasing the Wings. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/14/08 at 06:05 PM ET
You can’t help but question the heart of a guy who pulls a Forsberg and only shows up for half the season, but I can’t help remembering his 76 goal rookie season. That was sick. Also, like eleventy-billion years ago.
I just can’t see it. He’s got his Cup. This isn’t like Robitaille in ‘02. And I think he got greedy last year and tried to go for two, but letting his teammates do all of the prep work for him, while he and the bearded wonder got the glory.
I agree, I didn’t like the whole sit out most of the year and then make a return. Even less so with beardo because he had a contract...but that’s why I qualified it with wanting him here the whole season. I’ve always been a Selanne fan. It’s not his awesome rookie year that has me thinking, it’s that he’s still a frigging great player.
And I have no problems with players who are greedy for a repeat Cup but I want him here for the whole ride if he’s willing.
Baroque I’m with you in that I don’t have a hate for Sammy, just frustration. He drives me nuts because he has skills, but absolutely zero hockey sense. How many times do you see him make those cross-ice passes on the PP with a guy sitting right near or in the passing lane? Or the little dinky ones off the boards to the guy in the middle, with a man between them? A guy coming late with him, he stops and waits for someone to come in, curls, and then lets a shot go from 40 feet that the goalie sees the whole way? Poor shot selection? No hockey sense whatsoever. He’ll score on a pretty wraparound, get another goal, and then you know he’ll go 5 making you yell at your tv. He’s a hockey mimbo.
Posted by WingInTO from Toronto on 06/14/08 at 07:15 PM ET
Baroque I’m with you in that I don’t have a hate for Sammy, just frustration. He drives me nuts because he has skills, but absolutely zero hockey sense. How many times do you see him make those cross-ice passes on the PP with a guy sitting right near or in the passing lane? Or the little dinky ones off the boards to the guy in the middle, with a man between them? A guy coming late with him, he stops and waits for someone to come in, curls, and then lets a shot go from 40 feet that the goalie sees the whole way? Poor shot selection? No hockey sense whatsoever. He’ll score on a pretty wraparound, get another goal, and then you know he’ll go 5 making you yell at your tv. He’s a hockey mimbo.
If there was a Red Wings drinking game where you had to take a drink every time the announcers said ‘Sameulsson shots...and gets the glass.’ or something to that effect we’d all die from alcohol poisoning after the first game of the season. I’m convinced he’d hit the net more if he started aiming away from the net instead of at it. If he’s aiming at all.
Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH on 06/14/08 at 07:49 PM ET
I’m convinced he’d hit the net more if he started aiming away from the net instead of at it. If he’s aiming at all.
I’ve never caught the camera angle that would prove it, but I’ve always guessed his strategy is some sort of “close your eyes and hope.”
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/16/08 at 08:31 AM ET
It could be part of the master plan.
After missing the net 4-5 times the Goalie
probably relaxes knowing Sammy has the puck.
Posted by Gramps from HockeyTown on 06/16/08 at 11:16 AM ET
It could be part of the master plan.
After missing the net 4-5 times the Goalie
probably relaxes knowing Sammy has the puck.
then what explains the other half dozen times he misses the net? overkill?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/16/08 at 12:30 PM ET
The Mick (Redmond) was interviewed on HNIC about 30 yrs ago:
“What do you do coming in on net? Do you pick a hole or a corner?
Redmond: “Nah, I just blast away. If I don’t know where it is going, he doesn’t either.”
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs dont live up to my expectations on 06/16/08 at 02:24 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Mellow Is The Man Who Hosts About 120 Live Blogs Per Year
“Faux”…Interesting. Do You Use “Faux”?
Detroit Media: Zero Outrage. Fedorov? Plenty
Well Gary? Your League Is A Joke
Gambling In Havana? Hiding In Honduras? Dad? Get Me To A Live Blog…STAT
Dammit…No Turco In Hockeytown Tonite
About Abel to Yzerman
Welcome to Abel to Yzerman, a Red Wing blog since 1977. No other site on the internet has better-researched, fact-laden and better prepared discussions than A2Y. Re-phrase: we do little research, find facts and stats highly overrated and claim little to no preparation. There are 19 readers of A2Y. No more, no less. All of them, except maybe one, are juvenile in nature. Reminding them of that in the comment section will only encourage them to prove that. Your suggestions and critiques are welcome:
A2Y Stuff
-----------------------------
Wanna Feel Smart?
Does confusion make you sad? When you read words like "enigma" and phrases like "Thanks Gary. Ass", do you wonder why mean people speak in languages you don't understand? Fret no longer friend! The A2Y Glossary will bring you great joy and enlightenment.
-----------------------------
How Others View The A2Y 19
"Hell, I guarantee the content co-opters at Abel to Yzerman were about to link this article under the heading “Bitter Blues Fans” again right up until they just read that last half-sentance. Thanks but no thanks, you Kukla hangers-on."
--St. Louis Game Time
"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."
--A2Y Fan, Eternal_Fields
"I constantly marvel at how Bill (IwoCPO) and his disciples at Abel To Yzerman can be so pompous and full of themselves throughout every regular season, but come playoff time they collapse into wavering puddles of stress and nervousness as they anxiously await the impending and unavoidable collapse of the Red Wings in the post-season."
--Mile High Hockey
"I hate them because they are better than us. Of all the frigging teams…"
--In The Cheap Seats
"It's just a shame that the most classless, uneducated, lowbrow fanbase in the league gets this sweep. Red Wing fans don't deserve their team."
--Thhom
"I really don’t care what fans or bloggers think."
--Drew Sharp
"Why is it you Detroit fans are still so classless when you have such a classy hockey team, with such a professional GM and gentlemen players? I understand that the author of this blog is a manner-less cad, but the rest of you should be better."
--A2Y Fan, Jeff Beaumont
"Have you ever *read* A2Y? Its the most opinionated, juvenile stuff i've read."
--Paul Nicholson
"I actually like the Detroit team and have a sh&% load of respect for them, but their fans are the biggest douches next to Canadians."
--KStewy, PensBlog Commenter
"Just when it looks like we have bottomed out, the 19 hit a new low."
-A2Y legend, Hockeytown Todd
"And for the record, I don't hate the Red Wings, I hate their fans."
--Douche Bag at Puck Daddy who isn't Wyshynski
"You’re nothing but a douchebag ****, c3po. Go f**k yourself, and learn something about hockey in the process. Nothing ruins my day more than seeing your byline on the kk page."
--Hector, A2Y fan, statesman, Pittsburgh Chapter of Jonas Brothers Fan Club President
"I can just imagine the kindergarten teacher’s reaction when the tyke blurts out 'Mommy says Gary Bettman is a f*cking f*ckface! He wants to give ‘Rosby the bad touch.' ”
--Bella, of the 19
"A2Y is what other blog sites aspire to be when they fail to grow up: intelligent immaturity for the juvenile genius set”
--Captain Dennis Polonich, of the 19
Head to Hockeytown
Blogs the Chief Likes
Also in the vein of Pensblog…
FIRST POST!
You know what? Despite my whole Summer of Sundin noise, and boy would it ever rock to get him here, I actually won’t be torn up if William Tell stays. He just has to keep up his play from the SCF games, and I’ll be happy. He could then be bait around the deadline if needs be. And I wouldn’t be disappointed with Feds either, back to mentor the young players...like he was SUPPOSED to, goddammit.
And with Leino coming in, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Helm with the Griffs next year getting twenty minutes of IT a night on their top line. Said it before, say it again. Development. The Organ-I-Zation Is absolutely crazy about it. Develop them until they’re nore than ready, and then they’re so hungry for NHL ice time that they’re utter beasts when let loose.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from watching and waiting for the trigger to be pulled on 06/14/08 at 08:39 AM ET