Abel to Yzerman
Next entry: Taking Aim At The Delicate Genius
Previous entry: Hosting The Live Blog…Literally
You Want Grades? Don’t Look Here.
by IwoCPO on 01/12/09 at 01:37 PM ET
Comments (12)
Halfway through the season (regular) and the Diggers are in “mid-season review” mode. Always an exciting time of year. So creative. So…scholarly.
Oh, yes. You know the “grades” are in. An A- for Lidstrom and a C for Drapes and a C for Osgood, because Hahn cuts anyone off who grades Ozzie lower than that.
If you want to read ‘em all just go to your favorite sports section. Helene and Teddy and Ansar and George and maybe even Bruce. I haven’t checked yet.
My midseason review? Sure. Glad you asked.
We’ll do something new and fun. Review by word association. You say a word, I’ll give you a word right back. Of course, it’s not really you saying the word. It’s me pretending to be you saying the word and then associating another word with the word you would have said if you were real and not made up. Ready? Awesome.
Goaltending: Scary. Ok. The word association isn’t going to work. It’s going to be: word…then lightning round reaction. Just typing without thinking. Then editing later for content and spelling. Here we go. Gonna try again.
Goaltending: Inconsistent and weird because Osgood looked so damn good last year in the playoffs and most of this year he’s looked lost. 3 goals. 3 goals. 3 goals. Make it stop. Stop whining while you’re at it. Play your position. Get out of the net. No, get back in. Shit. Put Conklin in. Ok. Ozzie’s hurt. Is he really hurt? No. Groin? Ok. He’s back. Whoa. Looks better. Let’s start him a few games in a row. Nah. Alternate. Is he the starter? Yep. Until when? Until he’s pulled from a playoff game. That’s when. Grade? Shut up. We don’t do that here. 2 Yuenglings out of 5.
That made me tired. I’m done with the mid-seasong grades review thing. It’s a space filler and I don’t need to fill space.
But I do have some other thoughts as we get ready to bitch slap Marty in his own living room.
I don’t care if Hank, Hossa, Rafalski, Franzen, Homer, Hudler or anyone else sit the all-star game out. It’s not even a matter of rest. It’s more about principle. Any mediocre hockey fan can point to Marian Hossa’s exclusion and use it as an example of how our league is run by a midget clown. Good. Bettman’s actually like the Lions. I want him to stay because it’s easy to write about him, to talk about him. If the Lions were to win 7, how fun would that be? None. So don’t give us a competent commissioner. Let us keep the dregs of all pro sports executives, just so we can have something concrete to make fun of when things get slow. Gary. Ass.
I’m thinking somebody made a strategic move late last week. After years of saying all the right things, it sounds to me like Hank Zetterberg decided to let Tick Tock know he’s a businessman too.
“I would love to say here, but at the same time it’s got to be mutual.’‘
Has there ever been any doubt? Nope. But we’re in negotiation season.
You guys have all the links. I’m not going to push you to specific Digger passages. Suffice it to say that yesterday Hank was the main topic among all three. And I’d bet they all took their cue, again, from Craig Custance (the best hockey writer in Detroit) and this particular line from the Sporting News yesterday.
After signing a one-year contract ($7.45 million) with the Red Wings this summer, Hossa’s agent Ritch Winter has started talks with the Red Wings to make it a long-term relationship.
“He’s really enjoyed Detroit, he’s enjoying the experience,” Winter told SportingNews.com on Friday morning. “It’s pretty clear he made the right decision in terms of his short-term future.”
I’m betting that got the Diggers off their asses. If Hossa’s negotiating, does that mean Franzen and Zetterberg are also? What’s the order of battle on that? All at once? Nope.
Tick Tock says he’s dealing with the Hank issue, then the other two, but never all three at once. Maybe two at once with one in waiting? Nope. Just one. Then another, then one more, then a nap and a sandwich, then a few more like Oompa and William Tell.
Holland also said yesterday that there’s no way the roster will stay intact, as we know it.
But he didn’t say we won’t be keeping Hossa, Hank and Franzen. He just said the roster won’t be the same, that it can’t be. Ok. Got it. But back to Hank. You have to know they’re knee-deep in negotiations right now. You have to know that while Hank’s a reasonable guy who likes to win as much as anyone, the kid wants his cash too. And so we go back to how much is enough? Is 6 enough? Can it be? For five or six or seven years?
And what else is driving Zetterberg during these talks? I’m starting to think that the longer these talks drag on, the more stressful they’re going to become for all of us.
Again, Monday is arriving around 1pm on Sunday because we start thinking about the next day instead of enjoying the last few hours of the weekend. And we can all say we’re going to “enjoy the moment” but we’re all lying and we all know it. Lying liars. Tick Tock Kenny. Tick. Tock.
Nick Lidstrom’s playing great hockey. We all see it. Every part of his game has improved since November and early December.
But he’s not winning the Norris. It’s just not going to happen. You can whine and you can bitch, stifle a sob if you have to. But it’s not going to happen. Dan Boyle will win it. Or Phaneuf or even Duncan Keith. Hell, Sydney Crosby may win it. What? Yep. He just might. Bettman’s involved. Never forget that. Ever. Bottom line: the writers are bored with Lidstrom. He’ll lead the league in points for a defenseman. +/- too probably. Hailed and regaled, heralded as the league’s best. But he won’t. Win. It.
31 January. I’m thinking about 0900. That should be the time all us DC-area Wing Transplants storm into a bar around the Verizon Center. We now have about two weeks to find a spot that will be open that early, and not just serving hot cocoa bitches. Get on it.
Mid season grades? Did you want a few more? Oh, alright.
Penalty Killing: Oh for the love of SBJ. For all that is good and holy. The PK MUST IMPROVE. C’mon. Seriously? You really think it won’t? Isn’t this one of the basics that we’ve all grown up on? Who has to be your best penalty killer? Who? Say it with me…your goalie. As our goaltenders continue to improve, so will the PK. Give it a C- now if you want. But they’ll be top 10 by the end of the year.
One more: Head Coach. A quadruple plus, and six more pluses. I’m serious. He’s led a Stanley Cup winner to a record every one of us would have been ecstatic about in October if the record-in-January fairy had told us what it would be. Hungover and milked? Yes, but almost by design. This team will be frothing come April. Uncle Mike will make sure of that.
So, one of the 19 joined the IwoCPO family for some Wings hockey at A2Y HQ on Saturday. Andrew from Ann Arbor somehow made it through customs and into the states long enough to drop in. Outstanding time. He represented you all well and even pretended he liked the cheap, warm American beer. Needless to say, this will be the first of many. Standing A2Y orders to all of you: if you’re in DC, let me know and the Yuenglings will flow like the glorious chocolate river Mr. Wonka built right under the nose of that bastard Slugworth.
Live Blog tonite bitches. It’s on Versus so I’m sure each of you will be more than willing to show the world your “V”.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
Holy Christ, what did you take this morning? I expected a burnout after the contract talks but you just kept going.
Posted by DetroitHockey on 01/12/09 at 01:58 PM ET
I’m sure each of you will be more than willing to show the world your “V”.
‘Bout time you got on the bandwagon with RWBill and myself.
Drew, you need to breathe deep, my man. Z’s not going anywhere. And I dare someone to give Hudler an offer sheet, because either it’s low enough that it’s fair, or it’s high enough that we get first round picks for it. No sucker is going to be the guy that gave the Hakan Andersson and Ken Holland and the Jimmys and Steve Yzerman an extra first-round pick to toy with.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 01/12/09 at 02:19 PM ET
Zetterberg, without question, is the highest priority right now. We’ve all read and heard about Hossa’s desire but Franzen? I haven’t heard anything from his camp recently.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 01/12/09 at 02:19 PM ET
That’s right, I said, “the” Hakan Andersson. He’s so good, he deserves a “the” before his name.
Glossary entry.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 01/12/09 at 02:25 PM ET
Great entry, Chief. I was beginning to wonder if the visit from Andrew left y’all in a cheese and Yuengling induced coma.
With the amount of stress we all have in life, it’s amazing that we continue to heap it upon ourselves. It’s there. We all know it’s there. The only difference is how we choose to deal with it. Personally? I find booze helps. Lots of it.
Posted by clemshady from Greenwood, SC on 01/12/09 at 02:43 PM ET
Not too worried about Hank’s comments, but it makes me wonder if he feels like he’s being low-balled by the contract talks going on. I can’t see why he would leave, and if it’s a money issue of a matter of a couple million, I’d be disappointed in him.
The Hossa article was interesting. Perhaps Hank is feeling somewhat threatened by Marian’s willingness to stay with the Wings and that he’ll usurp his priority. I don’t think that’s the case within the organization, but you know how players can get. I can’t see the Wings keeping Franzen or Sammy, and Draper and Maltby will hopefully be let go. This should free up enough money to sign Hank and Marian. Hudler? I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get an offer sheet and bolt. Methinks his asking price will be much higher than expected as he’s on pace for a 30 goal season. I hope I’m wrong.
Big road trip coming up. Looking forward to Saturday night’s game vs. San Jose, as it’ll be nice to have a regular season game again that has a little more meaning to it. Got a doubleheader planned that day with Michigan vs. Bowling Green here at BG in hockey at 5 and then the Wings game.
Posted by Jeremy from Bowling Green, OH on 01/12/09 at 02:43 PM ET
Oh, and I just wanted to throw out the fact that after my little trip to Joe to watch Miller get peppered…I rushed out to Ann Arbor for a men’s league game standing at 8 wins 0 losses on the year at Red Wings games that I have attended. 7 wins at the Joe (including the Conk-blocking of San Jose, Chicago, and Columbus) and 1 big fat beat down at Wrigley field.
So I shall sit back and take a deep breathe and try and forget that the there is an off-season after this year…....ok there. Now, I’m worried again.
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 01/12/09 at 03:19 PM ET
People, remember, Hudler getting an offer sheet is not a bad thing. If he’s offered up to 2.6 million, that’s something that is frankly a fair salary for Hudler, and something the Wings should be willing to pay him. If he’s offered over 2.6 million, the sucker that offered it is going to ship the Wings at least a first and third round pick, which if you’re the Wings is at least one sure NHL player between those picks.
If Hudler is smart and greedy, he’ll avoid any offer sheets that pay him below an average of 3 million per year, go to arbitration, and get 3.5 million per year for having a more productive season than Wally Filppula. Otherwise, if he gets an offer over 3 million, who honestly cares if he takes it? I’ll take the first and third rounder (or more) and the cap space to ensure Franzen is around and potential to bring Hossa back for another season.
Draper and Maltby will hopefully be let go.
Draper’s got two more years on his contract, Maltby three. The only types of teams that would trade for these players are the types of teams the Wings are in competition for Stanley Cups with, so nothing there.
The waiver wire is one route, but I don’t see Tick Tock being disloyal all of a sudden. Besides, despite the poor +- rating Draper has, he’s still a good PKer, as well as one of the best face-off men in the league. If you want Drapes and Malts off the books, then you better write them a letter and convince them to retire a couple seasons early. Or wish long-term injury on them, if you’re feeling really mean.
I’ve actually been happy with Maltby’s game this year, he’s improved from last season in all facets, and for his salary, with only one season left, keep him around. Draper has been disappointing because he is making decent cash.
Posted by Nathan on 01/12/09 at 03:36 PM ET
I am selfish. I want all 3 to sign. To me the only hang up is the economic situation everywhere, including sports, TicToc has to factor this in somehow, but it is not a hard number of any sorts. Just that the next couple years look cloudy and he has to rationalize this into the cap number.
Yes, no Norris for Nick. Thanks Gary.Ass.
Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 01/12/09 at 03:50 PM ET
Off topic, I know but Helene St. Jamesis reporting that Kronwall is in tonight’s match against the Stars. Chelios and Meech are scratches.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 01/12/09 at 04:36 PM ET
. Besides, despite the poor +- rating Draper has, he’s still a good PKer, as well as one of the best face-off men in the league.
Pluses are pretty hard to come by when playing for a team as inept as the Wings at scoring even strength.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 01/12/09 at 05:11 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.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
GDT - Game #55: Red Wings host Oilers (7:30)
The F Stands For Finger And The Finger Could Really ______ Us All
GDT - Game #54: Red Wings at Coyotes (8:00)
So Far 4 In 2, Why Not 6 in 3?
GDT - Game #53: Red Wings at Oilers (10:00)
GDT - Game #52: Red Wings at Canucks (10:00)
All Aboard…Play Time Is Over, Live Blogging The 7th Re-Grand-Redolent Opening Of The Hasek
GDT - Game #51: Red Wings at Flames (9:00)
The NHL All-Star Game - So Unpopular It’s Not Even Worth Stealing
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: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When learning from experts it’s best to learn personally from them, or from their blog. We can provide that with poker lessons blog, your home to learn poker personally.
Do you get shocked from the luck in the game of poker? Stop getting shocked and start being a Poker Shoker
Get the top online sports betting bonuses available to sports betters!
That quote scares the poop out of me, because I was under the impression that there was never any doubt…please take everything out of that sentance after the comma…please!!!! As if we don’t have enough to worry about.
It’s sad really that as great as the season has been, and hopefully will continue to be…that there has ever been this dark contract cloud looming, never letting us relax, no matter how much butt the Wings have been kicking.
I mean it, every time Hossa touches the puck, instead of thinking, “Man, I’m glad we signed him…love that shot, and backchecking too!” I can’t help but think “Man, there is no way we’re going to be able to re-sign him. Every time Z touches the puck, instead of simply thinking “Man, did he just split the D again?!? Don’t Worry Nik, we have a great captain to take the reigns!” I can’t help but think “Um…he WILL be around to take the ‘C’ from the Perfect Human…right?”
The Mule’s stock keeps rising and at the rate that Happy is going, it isn’t out of the question to think that someone is going to lay a Kevin Lowe-esque offer sheet down for him and Dustin Penner him away from us…only to become the next Martin LaPointe (or Dustin Penner for that matter). The Oompa Loompa is a product of the system, Franzen to a lesser degree…so please don’t poach them!
It all adds up to what should be one of the most enjoyable seasons, but for some reason…the hockey gods will never let us Red Wings fan enjoy a full season without throwing a big old bowl of STRESS to make it interesting…
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 01/12/09 at 01:58 PM ET