Wings defeat Dallas, 4-2, in Hockeytown
On Sunday, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Dallas Stars, 4-2. Kris Draper notched two goals in the third period. For the shootout, he had another opportunity to score but missed the shot. Brendan Shanahan and Dan Cleary also scored for the Wings. Detroit also won the shootout.
It appears that the lockout did not affect Draper’s offensive abilities. “One of the things Mike said was, ‘Don’t think, go fast,’ and that has been one of my theories since,” Draper said. “It is fun when things are opening up a little bit, especially down low.” Head coach, Mike Babcock, hopes to see Draper use his speed more. “I expect him to be good,” Babcock said. “He is probably one of the best athletes in the game.”
It sounds like Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and even Jamie Rivers may return on Wednesday when the Wings play Columbus. “He is a great young player,” GM Holland said. “All the moves made this summer were to make sure we had Pavel and Zetterberg. It would have been a great loss to buy people out and not have Pavel.”
I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the hockey game on Sunday. Because of all the construction on the freeways heading into Detroit, it took an hour and a half to get there (normally a 30-45 minute drive) and we got into JLA with 4 minutes before the puck dropped. I was lucky because Steve Yzerman actually played. But unlucky because I left my camera in my dorm room so I borrowed my mom’s. Her camera had a minute of battery left and 3 photos left on the memory space. None of which I realized before I got to JLA. So I have 3 photos, but I haven’t transferred those few photos yet.
Anyways, the fans weren’t as energetic as a typical mid-season game, but I was just happy to be at the Joe watching NHL hockey. I happily bought two t-shirts and an Yzerman bobblehead. My room at home is filled with autographed Red Wings memorabilia, none of which I took to college because I didn’t want to get it ruined. So all my unsigned stuff was brought to my dorm room to Wing-ify it. As the game went on, the “lets go Red Wings” chant became much more pronounced.
I must say that after watching a shootout live, I’ve become a big fan. The whole crowd was chanting “Manny Manny.” It was intense. However, I hope that this shootout feature is not added on in the playoffs because the prospect of OT, double OT, or even triple OT is what makes the playoffs so incredibly exciting. Remember Larionov’s goal against the Hurricanes or Yzerman’s goals over the Blues? Good times.
The Wings play Colorado tonight, but unfortunately it won’t be shown on TV in the Detroit area. Go Wings!
Red Wings play Columbus in exhibition game
I’ve never been so happy to watch real live NHL hockey on tv. Seriously. Last night, I had multiple meetings preventing me from watching the Wings play Colorado Avalanche (which they won in OT, 3-2). I saw a few clips from the game and Lidstrom scored in his classic spot, by the blue line, in OT. Shanny was the only one to score in the shootout.
I’m watching the game right now against the Blue Jackets with a little under 5 minutes left in the 1st period. It just feels so good to watch “my team” play. Live. On tv. Wow. I love the sound of skates pushing off the ice, the puck hitting the crossbar (although that can kill me too), and the rattling of the boards after a big hit. Ah, the joys of hockey. Thus far into the game, we’ve had 2 Wings penalties (Mowers and Sloan) and 1 Columbus penalty. The first 3:24 went without a single whistle and Draper had a chance to capitalize on a 125 foot pass from Kronwall (I believe). While I’m unsure about how certain rules will work out over the next little bit, I do like offensive chances like that because they’re allowed to do two line passes.
This is just making me more and more excited for the pre-season game vs. the Stars that I’m going to on Sunday. Sorry guys, I know I’m just rambling right now but it’s wonderful to procrastinate doing homework by watching hockey.
I did see some clips of the NHL’s new marketing campaign, My NHL. I personally don’t care for it. They compare a warrior to an NHL player in 5 “chapters.” Why can’t they just pick some of the best players out there and do like a crazy highlight reel? Why do they feel that they must go to Shania Twain or a ‘hockey warrior’ to market hockey? To see what I’m talking about, watch this (the commercial cuts aren’t until later in the press conference) video.
I’ll probably update my ramblings after the game. Go Wings!
Update: The Wings tied with Columbus in the last 43 seconds of the third period. With little left in OT, the Blue Jackets beat Jimmy Howard to win the game, 3-2.
Hockey is back in town
Last night, the Red Wings played their first pre-season game against Tampa Bay Lightning. While the Wings did lose 5-3, it was exciting enough to know that NHL hockey is back. Around 11,000 fans watched the action in Joe Louis Arena last night. Kris Draper scored twice and notched an assist as well.
“It felt good to be back out there. It seems there will be a lot of specialty teams this year,” said Kris Draper. “That’s what everyone is talking about right now, the amount of penalties that were called.”Â
With Chris Osgood out with a sore groin, Manny Legace and Jimmy Howard both goaltended during the game. Legace started the game and Howard took over in the third period when it was 2-2. He let in the first two shots on him. “As a group, I didn’t think we were quick enough. We have to continue to skate,” head coach Mike Babcock said. “I’d like us to be more competitive on the puck.” Those 11,000 fans got to see what a shootout would be like even though the game did not end in a tie. All exhibition games will feature a shootout at the end regardless of the score at the end of the game. The Wings lost in the shootout as well. The Wings play Colorado on Wednesday at home.
Datsyuk may return to Detroit
Now it sounds like Pavel Datsyuk will play for Detroit this season afterall. With all of the rumors floating around, I don’t know if I can even get my hopes up on this. Apparently GM Holland has kept in touch with Datsuk’s agent, Gary Greenstin, every couple of days to keep tabs on the developments. After talking with Greenstin on Monday, it appears that Datsyuk could be back in Detroit this weekend (and hopeful wishing on my part wishes he’d be playing by Sunday when I go for the game).
“Gary told me that Pavel has decided he wants to come back to Detroit,” Holland said. “At this stage in the game, it looks as if Pavel is returning to Detroit unless something gets derailed here in the next 24 to 48 hours. Certainly it’s an exciting day for the Red Wings.”Â
If it’s true and the situation doesn’t change over night (which wouldn’t really surprise me), this will be a huge boost for the Red Wings. Without Datsyuk, the Wings would be a decent team. With Datsyuk, the Wings would be a team with a chance at winning the Stanley Cup. So I guess we’ll have to see how things work out.
The Detroit News gave 10 reasons why they’re happy and unhappy that hockey is back.
1. Captain comebackÂ
The Captain’s back. The long layoff chased away some of the game’s veteran greats — future Hall of Famers like Mark Messier, Scott Stevens and Ron Francis. But Steve Yzerman is back for a 22nd season, his 19th as captain, and his first as a 40-year-old. It’s also likely his last as a player, though the NHL’s longest-serving captain isn’t about to confirm that. Yzerman, who is closing in on 700 career goals, doesn’t want a farewell tour with rocking chairs and curtain calls. All he wants is a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup one more time. “I wanted to give it my best shot,” Yzerman said. “I’m not afraid of the challenge, and this year, there’s a lot to try and accomplish.”
2. Lions and Tigers … oh, my!
The ice will come in handy, don’t you think? Another rotten season from the Tigers is really starting to stink. And the Lions’ start — next home game, it’s the fans’ turn to wear black — isn’t encouraging. The Lions have won one playoff game since 1957. The Wings have won 153 and three championships. The Tigers haven’t qualified for the postseason since 1987. The Red Wings haven’t missed the playoffs since 1990. Everybody loves a winner. And with the Wings, well, there’s simply a lot more to love lately.
3. Hoops, hoops, hooray!
Speaking of winners, that’s another reason to cheer the NHL’s return. It means the NBA season can’t be far behind. A month from now, it’ll be the Pistons’ turn to unveil a new coach and a new championship blueprint as they hit the hardwood in defense of their Eastern Conference crown. All Joe Dumars & Co. have done while hockey was on sabbatical is win one NBA championship in 2004 and come within a few minutes of another this spring.
4. Grapes of wrath
Go ahead, admit it. You missed Don Cherry, too. Even if he drove you batty with his bombastic, Euro-trashing rants — and just wait till he sees the Wings’ roster full of Swedes — you still flipped the channel to CBC to catch “Coach’s Corner” on Saturday nights.
But it’s more than just the plaid jackets, starched shirts and Ron MacLean’s straight-man routine we’ve missed. We’ve missed it all. “Hockey Night in Canada” is an institution that goes back to the NHL’s Original Six era.
A word of caution, though: While the NHL lockout is over, CBC’s labor dispute is not. A month ago, the company locked out more than 5,000 Canadian Media Guild members. Unless things get settled before the Oct. 8 debut of HNIC, all you’ll get is the video feed of the game.
5. Pennies from heaven
Detroit’s sports bars are breathing a sigh of relief, as shuttles to the game crisscrossed downtown. “It’s been 16 long months since the Red Wings skated at Joe Louis area, and I’m holding my breath that the fans will be as enthusiastic this season as they were in the past,” said Vaughn Dederian, whose downtown Anchor Bar’s success depends largely on the 42-plus home games.
“If the team wins and competes hard this season, the fans will come back and we will have good nights. There is a huge difference in the turnout after wins than after losses.”
6. Meet the new boss
Hockey’s back, and it’s bringing a new game with it. New rules, new faces and a new marketing approach will be the biggest story around the league this season. You’ll certainly recognize some old, familiar faces with the Wings: Yzerman, Shanahan, Lidstrom, Draper, Osgood and others. But even in Detroit, everything old is new again with the addition of Babcock, a fiery redhead whose energy level suggests an unhealthy caffeine consumption. Turns out that’s just what the doctor — General Manager Ken Holland — ordered. “He’s the boss,” Holland said. “He’s going to be in their face and keep them on edge a little bit.”
7. Hockeytown heroes
The Zamboni has a full tank of gas, and Al Sobotka’s got the shovel ready, so the first octopus toss can’t be far away. Budd Lynch, 87 years young, is ready and waiting, too. This will be his 56th season as the Wings’ public address announcer, and he sounds better each year. Karen Newman is finding her pitch for the national anthem. Mo Cheese, provided he’s kept in shape during the lockout, should be ready with that cheesy “Curly Shuffle” routine. And Mickey Redmond has waited a long, long time to tell us, “Bingo, Bango! This is what the fans came for!”
… and three reasons we’re not so happy to see hockey return …
8. Talk is cheap
For more than a year, all we heard was millionaires arguing about cost certainty. Little did we know, the only real cost certainty was this: Ticket prices weren’t going to get any cheaper in the new NHL. Say it ain’t so, Joe (Bucks)!
9. Seeing red
Give it a few months, but soon they’ll be everywhere. As sure as the leaves change colors in the fall in Michigan, so do the jerseys and jackets in Hockeytown. Gaudy, red leather jackets, Probert jerseys and mullets — it’s a retro fashion infraction that just won’t die.10. The big chill
Sure, hockey’s back to keep you warm at night when winter arrives. But the “new-and-improved” NHL schedule designed to spark divisional rivalries packs about as much entertainment value as an icy morning commute. The Wings won’t face Toronto, Montreal or Boston, but they’ll get to see Nashville and Columbus 16 times. April flowers and spring showers — not to mention the playoffs — are a long way off.
Kronwall impressing Wings
I’m happy to report that I’ve purchased some Wings tickets. For non-season ticket holders, I’ve found it very hard to get tickets to games. I was able to get tickets for my family for the September 25 pre-season game against the Dallas Stars. Today, the first 14 home games’ tickets went on sale at 10am. I was able to purchase 2 tickets each for 3 games: Anaheim, Coyotes, and the season opener. I will only be able to go to one of those games b/c my brothers get to go to a game as well. But I plan on having my Dad take pictures at all the games and whatever turns out, I’ll post here. I am totally and completely excited/ready for Wings hockey. As much as I love being a fan of a winning team with a rich history, the Wings could suck and I’d still love watching my hockey team. Hopefully it’ll never get to that, but the era of “buying wins” is sadly over.
Kronwall impressing teammates and bringing comparisons to Vladdie
In Traverse City camp, Niklas Kronwall impressed teammates and Wings staff alike. Since he was 16 years old, the Wings have watched him play in Sweden and more recently, Grand Rapids. Now they hope to see him develop into an NHL defenseman.
“He’s got good offensive skills — he’s good defensively, great mobility, he’s strong on his skates,” assistant general manager Jim Nill said. “He’s one of our top young players.”Â
Thus far, 24 year old Kronwall has been paired up with veteran player Chris Chelios.
“He’s going to be a great player in this league for years to come, without a doubt,” Schneider said. He’s one of those guys that is the full package — plays physical, moves the puck well, sees the ice well — and it’s just a matter of experience, now. Not to mention he’s a great kid. He’s got a great attitude. You don’t want to compare him to Nicky, but he’s got the same type of mentality, the same attitude.”Â
Others have compared Kronwall to Vladimir Konstantinov like in the way he hits players.
“In the sense that they have the ability to catch a guy with his head down in the neutral zone, Vladdie was good that way, too,” Yzerman said. “They’re good skaters, agile, they can adjust to when a guy is moving across the ice. I don’t think he’s as chippy as Vladdie was as a player, but certainly as physical. He’s a great open-ice hitter. He will get a reputation for that, but his first year or two around the league, he’s going to catch people by surprise and then force players to have their heads up coming through the neutral zone.”Â
While he has already gained a reputation as a physical player, Kronwall broke his leg during the 2003-2004 season causing him to miss out on some games. During the lockout, Kronwall had a chance to work on his game.
“I think I’ve improved a lot, actually, especially my offensive game,” Kronwall said. “I got a lot of good chances last year to work on it. In my own opinion, I think maybe last year was probably the best thing that could have happened to me — I got to play a lot in Grand Rapids and get some more experience on the smaller ice surface.”Â
Head coach Mike Babcock was quote impressed with Kronwall’s performance at the world championships when he represented Sweden.
“At the world championships, I thought he was outstanding,” Babcock said. “I’ve seen him against the best players in the world, and he was, in my mind, a high-end player. It might take him a little bit of time, but he’s going to be a high-end NHL defenseman.”Â
Zetterberg signs and other Wings news
While Pavel Datsyuk probably won’t be playing for Detroit this year (although I can’t say that with 100% certainty), Henrik Zetterberg will be returning to Hockeytown. The four year contract is valued at $10.6 million, definately a big raise from his $625,000 last season. The Wings also get the added comfort that they’ll have Zetterberg for an additional year after he becomes an unrestricted free agent. “We feel Hank will be a good player for a long time here,” general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s an important part of our team.”
During the lockout, Zetterberg played for Timra in the Swedish Elite League where he led the team in scoring with 19 goals and 31 assists in 50 games.
“I saw a few of his games over in Sweden while I was there scouting,” Holland said, “and he did play very well. He’s the type of player who works hard every day at practice. He’s a pro. He’s responsible at both ends of the ice. I don’t know if Hank will be a big-time scorer, but he’s going to be a point producer in this league.”Â
Holland hopes to sign three more forwards with around $5.5 million left under the salary cap. And while most Wings fans hope that Datsyuk will be filling one of those spots, it sure seems unlikely. Two days ago, Moscow Dynamo matched Avangard Omsk’s contract. Gary Greenstin, Datsyuk’s agent, has said that the deal in Russia has a no-trade clause, but that Datsyuk still desires to play for the Wings. I’d be so frustrated in Holland’s position. Frustrated or seriously confused because I can’t figure out what Datsyuk wants. Since Russian hockey contracts aren’t as secure as the NHL’s, there is always a chance (a remote one) that Datsyuk could still play with the Wings. Datsyuk has until October 5 to return to Detroit. Once that date passes, he will be unable to leave his European team for an NHL squad. “We’re going under the assumption that Pavel will not be with us this season,” Holland said. “But I’ll continue to keep in touch with Gary Greenstin and stay on top of any developments.”
Osgood happy to be home
It appears that Chris Osgood is enjoying his return to Detroit. During an informal workout, Osgood could be seen joking with fellow goaltender Manny Legace, talking with old teammates (like Kris Draper, Brendan Shanahan, and Kirk Maltby), or even in his old locker stall.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Osgood said. “It’s a big opportunity for Manny and I. That’s the way we’re approaching it. I know what it’s like (playing in Detroit). I didn’t have any second thoughts at all. I keep going back to the fact we have a good team and we have a chance to win.Â
I like playing here. It’s like that for every player. If you don’t play well, they’ll (the fans) get on you. Over the course of 82 games, you won’t have a great game every game. I have a good feeling things will work out this year.
When I left, it’s like anything else in sports, few guys get a chance to play for the same team (for an entire career),” Osgood said. “I pretty much had run my course. I’d been in the organization for 10 years. It was time for me to go play someplace else. I was disappointed at the time, but I knew it was time to go.
And I had fun in New York. It was one of my favorite years in the league. But after being away for four years, I felt now it was time to go back and try it again. I was fortunate I had a chance to see what it’s like on another team, and I had a great time. But when I had an opportunity to come back, I jumped on it.”
“There’s been some good days and some not good ones,” Osgood said. “Health-wise, I feel great. It’s just a matter of getting the timing back and getting back to where we were before we had the break.”
Informal conditioning workouts at Joe Louis Arena
This week, Darren McCarty got a chance to say goodbye to his friends and now ex-teammates during an informal conditioning workout. Afterwards, he went around the dressing room hugging the guys and saying his goodbyes. “I’ve come to grips with it, but it’s still sort of surreal,” McCarty said. “It really was nice to be with the guys one more time, yukking it up. Nostalgic, you know?” He left Wednesday for Calgary to start preparing for the upcoming NHL season. “I played with the guy his entire career,” Yzerman said, “and it’s sad to see him move on.”
As of Tuesday when they did the informal workout, Steve Yzerman believes his knee is feeling much better than before the start of the lockout although that could all change once the season gets going. “Right now, I’ve got to say the layoff really helped,” said Yzerman. “We’ll see eight weeks from now if the soreness comes back, so I’m not going to get overly excited. But it feels better than it did at any time the last two years. I’m pleasantly surprised.”
Source: The Detroit News
Some of the veteran players admitted their disappointment when they found out Datsyuk wasn’t re-signing. “It’s definitely disappointing, but as teammates, we’d like to think the door’s not closed on Pavel coming back,” Brendan Shanahan said. “I think the expectations remain high. This team has a lot of depth. We’d all rather have Pavel, but when you compare us to other teams in the West, there’s no reason for us to use that as a crutch.” And while Yzerman agrees that it will be more challenging without Datsyuk, he still believes in the team’s competitive strength. “We’re worse off without Pavel,” Yzerman said. “We still should have a pretty strong lineup, but there’s no question we don’t have the depth we had a year and a half ago.”
Other Wings had something to say regarding the Datsyuk situation…
Mathieu Schneider: “There’s still a lot of depth on this team. Many people tend to forget we have Robert Lang. He was injured soon after he came here and played with a broken hand in the playoffs. Kris Draper had a big year for us and increased his confidence offensively. People like Nicklas Lidstrom, the depth we have on defense, the goaltending. We still have a very formidable team.”
Jiri Fischer: “You never know in these things. You never know what a person is thinking. It’s a very individual situation. For Pavel, this is an opportunity to stay near his home, play close to home, play in his home country. You can’t argue with that.”
Manny Legace: “It’s a different way of life there, I can tell you that right now from playing there (during the lockout). But if you’re from there, it’s your home, it’s something a player has to decide for himself and his family. Not having Pavel leaves a big hole on this team, but we have a lot of guys who can fill that hole.”
Chris Chelios: “We knew that with the salary cap, we’d be one of the teams that would be most affected. Time will tell, but we have some new faces and there are still some pretty good players around here.”
Datsyuk signs with Avangard Omsk
With only $7 million under the salary cap left, the Detroit Red Wings were unable to re-sign Pavel Datsyuk. In a surprising move, he signed with the Siberian team Avangard Omsk, part of the Russian Superleague. Reportedly, the deal is for one year valued at $6 million (tax free). It is unsure if Datsyuk can return to the NHL if he signs with the Wings by December 1. There is nothing Holland could have done to keep Datsyuk. It would’ve been hard enough beating out Moscow Dynamo, but how can a financially strapped team compete with that?
Apparently, Datsyuk believes that he is fully worth the $6 million. “I think I am worth at least what (Dany) Heatley or (Joe) Thornton got from their deals,” the Reuters news agency quoted Datsyuk as telling Russian reporters Monday. Heatley has a 3 year deal worth $13.5 with the Senators and Thornton a 3 year deal at $21 million. I believe that he is a valuable player, but he hasn’t really proven himself in the playoffs and until then, shouldn’t expect that kind of money from a strapped NHL team.
Holland offered Datsyuk deals varying between $3-4 million a season and a 1-4 year contract. “Obviously it’s a disappointing loss,” Holland said. “We were really counting on him.”
Clearly signing Henrik Zetterberg needs to become a huge priority with the loss of Datsyuk. He planned to talk to Zetterberg’s agent, Marc Levine, sometime today. Even without Datsyuk, Holland believes the Wings will remain competitive. “We’ll be a difficult team to play against,” Holland said.
Datysuk closer to signing with Wings
Yesterday John Niyo reported that the Wings and Pavel Datsyuk were far apart in negotiations. Apparently, something has changed over the past 24 hours as Niyo is now reporting that the two sides are closer to reaching a deal.
Finally, perhaps, there was a positive sign late Wednesday in the ongoing negotiations between the Red Wings and restricted free agent Pavel Datsyuk.Â
A report in today’s Soviet Sport newspaper in Russia indicated Datsyuk was a last-minute no-show as the Russian national team left Moscow Wednesday for today’s EuroTour game against Sweden in St. Petersburg, Russia. Datsyuk had been practicing with the national team this past week.
Datsyuk’s agent, Gary Greenstin, last week told The Detroit News he wanted to have the framework for a new deal for Datsyuk in place by Sept. 1. He also said Datsyuk faced a Sept. 5 deadline for signing with Moscow Dynamo, the Russian SuperLeague team he played for last season during the NHL lockout.
Last weekend, Datsyuk, 27, rejected multiple contract offers from the Wings, ranging from 1-5 years in length. Greenstin, who met with Datsyuk in Moscow earlier this week, is believed to have faxed the Wings a counteroffer either Tuesday or Wednesday — a three-year deal appears to be the common ground — but neither Greenstin nor Wings general manager Ken Holland could be reached for comment Wednesday.