The best and worst of the Red Wings
I regularly read ProBlogger for any tips and ideas on how to improve BtJ. Anyways, Darren has a new group writing project that he has encouraged readers to participate in with the chance to win a nice prize.
Your task is to write a ‘list post’ (new posts please, not previously posted ones if possible) - or a post that is largely some type of list. It might be a ‘top ten’ type list, a ‘how to’ type list, a ‘my favorite…’ type list - whatever you like. I’ve chosen this topic because it’s adaptable to most topics (I’m looking forward to seeing the variety of types of lists that are submitted).
I’m making numerous lists of 5 in regards to the Red Wings of late. I’m only going to cover the seasons I can actually somewhat recall, which means starting in the 1993-1994 season when I was six years old.
5 worst Wings moments
5. Wings get swept in Finals. For the first time since 1966, the Wings had made it to the Stanley Cup finals. Fans were excited. Things were finally looking up for this Original 6 team. Unfortunately, the New Jersey Devils swept the Wings ending their quest for the Cup.
4. Draper suffers facial injuries. It’s Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals in the 1996 playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche. Avs right wing Claude Lemieux drills Kris Draper face first into the boards resulting in serious facial injuries.
Draper’s face crashed into the boards, leaving him with a fractured upper jaw, a fractured cheekbone, a broken nose, a 30-stitch cut on the inside of his mouth and five displaced teeth. Lemieux received a major and game misconduct for the hit, but Colorado went on to win the game 4-1, thereby wrapping up the series in six games. Although the Red Wings scored on the ensuing power-play, Detroit players, coaches and fans were livid over the Lemieux hit, which they deemed a clear intent to injure.
Draper said Lemieux never gave him a chance to protect himself, but that wasn’t surprising “because that’s the kind of player he (Lemieux) is and we all know that.” Lemieux argued that the hit was clean shoulder-to-shoulder contact, and that the injury was an unfortunate accident.
As a result of the hit, the NHL suspended Lemieux for the first two games of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals and fined him $1,000. The suspension and fine were announced three days after the incident on June 2, 1996. That wasn’t enough for the Wings, who vowed to take revenge on Lemieux during the following season, thereby igniting what became the most bitter rivalry in hockey throughout the late 1990s.
3. Yzerman’s eye injury. During the second round of the 2004 NHL playoffs against the Calgary Flames, a deflected puck hits captain Steve Yzerman directly in the face resulting in four hours of facial surgery and indirectly resulting in a playoff series loss. It’s always scary when you see an athlete like Yzerman, who has such a high level of pain tolerance, go down writhing in such extreme pain and agony.
2. Jiri Fischer collapses during a game. On November 21st, 2005, defenseman Jiri Fischer collapsed on the bench during a game against the Nashville Predators. Fortunately, the team doctor was able to act quickly saving the young defenseman’s life. Fischer has not yet been allowed to return to NHL action.
1. The Accident. I remember first hearing about the limo accident involving defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov at a Belle Tire type place as I was sitting watching the news while my mom was getting new tires for the car or something like that. For me to remember where I was at that moment when I was only 10 years old tells you something. And the fact that it happened only six days after the Wings won their first Stanley Cup in 42 years really hurt.
Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Fetisov got into a limo driven by Richard Gnida, whose license had been revoked because of repeated violations. Traveling about 50 mph through the suburb of Birmingham shortly after 9 p.m., the limo veered sharply across several lanes, jumped a curb and slammed into a tree. The brakes were never applied, said police, who believe Gnida might have fallen asleep at the wheel. Oakland County prosecutor David Gorcyca said Gnida had marijuana in his system, but the driver’s lawyer said his client hadn’t smoked that day. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Fetisov weren’t wearing seat belts. They were hurled forward, and Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov smashed their heads against the front of the passenger compartment when the limo hit the tree. Fetisov was spared serious injury when he landed chest-first into the wet bar. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov were pulled unconscious from the limo and diagnosed with severe brain trauma. Konstantinov also had an elbow injury that required surgery and Mnatsakanov needed surgery to stabilize his spine.
The next day several teammates visited the hospital and were shocked by the gruesome sight of their fallen friends. At a brief news conference, captain Steve Yzerman choked back tears and urged fans to “do whatever you do in difficult times that helps make things work out better.”
5 best Wings memories
5. The 2001-2002 offseason and regular season. I don’t know about all of you, but I’ve never enjoyed a season quite like the 2001-2002 season. Between the players we obtained in the offseason (Luc Robitaille and Dominik Hasek) and the future Hall of Famers already on the team, how could we lose?
5. The dominance of the Russian Five. It was always such a joy to watch the five Russian players dazzle opponents and fans alike on the ice. The group consisted of Igor Larionov, Sergei Fedorov, Slava Kozlov, Vladimir Konstantinov, and Slava Fetisov.
3. Believe - 1998. The 1997-1998 season was dedicated to the victims of “the accident” and players, staff, and fans were asked to Believe. We believed and the team delivered with their second consecutive Stanley Cup. The team gathered around Vladdy who, with the help of teammates, held the Cup in his lap while sitting on a wheelchair.
2. 2002 Stanley Cup. I put this moment ahead of ‘98 because it was so rewarding for me to see Yzerman lift the Cup after such a painful and impressive postseason performance on one knee. Plus, quite a few players got to relish in winning the Cup who hadn’t in the past two victories.
1. First Cup in 42 years. While the celebration that summer was tarnished by the accident, it was such a wonderful sight to see the Wings lift the Stanley Cup up for the first time in 42 years. The victory came after the Wings swept the Philadelphia Flyers in 1997.
5 biggest tradings/signings
* Honorable Mentions *
Brett Hull & Luc Robitaille in the summer of 2001.
5. Igor Larionov - To start off the 1995-1996 season, Ray Shepphard was traded to San Jose in exchange for Igor Larionov. The Professor’s arrival completed the Russian Five and the rest, as they say, is history.
4. Dominik Hasek - For once, the Wings actually acquired a goaltender with the skill set and tough mentality and competitiveness who could actually win a game for the team. He was the final piece of the puzzle in the summer of 2001 and you just knew that the postseason would be a joy to watch with Hasek in net.
3. Chris Chelios - The Wings traded defenseman Andres Eriksson for Chelios in 1999. Chelios went from longtime Blackhawks nemesis to a fan favorite.
“Never in a million years did I expect to wind up in Detroit,” Chelios said before his first game against the Sabres, one day after the March 23 trading deadline. “I guess I’m going to have to change my mind-set. I’ve hated the Red Wings for so long.
“There were certainly some funny looks in our room in the first game against Buffalo, if you know what I mean. I looked at Brendan Shanahan one time–and we both started laughing about all the battles we’ve had over the years.”
2. Brendan Shanahan - The Red Wings sent Keith Primeau, Paul Coffey and a first round pick in the 1997 draft to the Hartford Whalers for Shanahan and minor-league defenseman Brian Glynn. Shanahan went on to score 46 goals in the 1996-1997 season and helped the team win their first Cup in 42 years.
1. Scotty Bowman - Yes, I realize that Scotty was the Wings coach, but his impact on the team was unlike any other player we signed or traded for. His evil little mind games and whatnot may have annoyed some players, but they worked.
My 5 favorite Wings
5. Vladimir Konstantinov - As you’ll see on this list, my favorite Wings tend to be the gritty players because you always saw them giving 100%. Vladdy was an amazing defenseman who was very physical and a joy to watch.
Konstantinov’s game was to get others off theirs and he did it better than anyone. “He was just a great competitor,” St. Louis forward Keith Tkachuk remembered of Konstantinov. “He never let up. He was always looking to hit you.”
But Konstantinov was far more than just a pest. He led the NHL in plus-minus with a plus-60 rating in 1995-96. Konstantinov was selected to the NHL Second All-Star Team that season and finished as runner-up in the Norris Trophy voting in 1996-97. He was an NHL All-Rookie Team choice in 1983-84.
4. Dino Ciccarelli - When I was little, my dad and I would watch the Wings games together and we both absolutely loved Dino. He loved to annoy goaltenders in front of the net (think Holmstrom) and his gritty play was wonderful to watch. It still bothers me that he never won a Cup since we traded him away to Tampa Bay in the summer of 1996.
3. Darren McCarty - I think everyone in Detroit liked this guy. He seemed more human than most hockey players plus he was one of our gritty players for a long time and had a big heart for charity. Plus the fact that he made Claude Lemieux look like a turtle really brings a smile to my face.
2. Kris Draper - I’ve interviewed the guy and he’s funny, nice, and very passionate about hockey and his family.
1. Steve Yzerman - Is there any need for an explanation? Heck no.
Please feel free to tell me where I’m wrong and tell me who you think should make it on one of these lists!
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13 Responses to “The best and worst of the Red Wings”
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August 15th, 2006 at 5:07 am
[…] The Best and Worst of the Red Wings by Christy […]
August 15th, 2006 at 8:53 am
Excellent list, great way to summarize for those of us not so familiar with the Red Wings ;). Our list is up if you’d like to look - http://lilduckduck.com/ducky-moments-in-time/240
Have a great day!
August 15th, 2006 at 10:05 am
[…] The Best and Worst of the Red Wings by Christy […]
August 15th, 2006 at 10:42 am
Christy, great list. I can’t argue with any of them (nor should any non-Wings fan!). I do find it funny you mentioned the ProBlogger website the day after I discover this one on the net.
Lastly, I think it’s Anders instead of Andres in the Chelios trade.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:15 pm
“Unfortunately, the New Jersey Devils swept the Wings ending their quest for the Cup.”
This Jersey Girl is smiling!
August 17th, 2006 at 2:06 am
[…] The Best and Worst of the Red Wings by Christy […]
August 18th, 2006 at 1:55 am
Nice list. I confess, I haven’t followed hockey in a long time (I grew up in Los Angeles watching the old Triple Crown line of Dionne/Taylor/Simmer). I may have to bust out a similar list for the San Diego Padres at some point.
August 18th, 2006 at 9:33 am
MamaDuck, Drew, Jersey Girl, & Geoff Young - Thanks so much for the comments!
August 18th, 2006 at 11:20 am
[…] The best and worst of the Red Wings (Behind the Jersey). My hockey knowledge is extremely dated, but this is a great idea. Don’t be surprised to see something similar around here one of these days. […]
August 26th, 2006 at 4:37 am
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August 26th, 2006 at 11:55 am
[…] 246. 3 Best Unforgettable Matches since I Became a Football Fan (since 1994 til now) by Dmt 247. The Top Ten Important Aspects of a Game by Yehuda 248. How to be a Better Sports Radio Caller by Bruce 249. Top 20 Sports Movies of All Time by Jeff 250. The Best and Worst of the Red Wings by Christy 251. Pan Pacs 2006 - What to Watch For by Scott 252. Nine Signs You Think About the San Diego Padres Too Much by Geoff 253. 20 Ways to Improve Your Training for Rowers (and other Athletes) by Alan 254. Top Five Things I’ve Learned Blogging the Yankees by Jon 255. Top Ten Takeaways from the Bruce Arena by Josh 256. A few handy EPL team facts by Bill […]
September 15th, 2006 at 9:06 pm
[…] “First, here’s a rundown on The Best and Worst of the Red Wings and the Top ten takeaways from the Bruce Arena interview. It’s good you know to give sports talk a rest. I had to learn the Nine Signs You Think About the San Diego Padres Too Much.. . . . Top 20 Sports Movies of All Time? . . . Want to know 11 Teams I’d Love to See on the Amazing Race? They’re not really teams and they’re people you’ve probably never heard of. ” […]
December 24th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
[…] The Best and Worst of the Red Wings by Christy […]