The Secret

Well said! In all honesty does having an enforcer on your team prevent anything anyway? If someone goons a player it is nice to see the gift returned but really I don't think it stops anything anyway.

I agree that we don't need a goon taking up a roster spot. Also that the type of playered that would fit in and fight would likely have to be drafted as if you have yourself a Milan Lucic for example I doubt you will let him go. But I think if we could pick up someone that could contribute in points and PIM's I could think of a few players that would not be missed in our current lineup. Here's to hoping we can find ourselves a Milan Lucic type in the near future, I'm afraid hoping for this is all we have!

Man most goalies in the league wear leg pads that are up to their waiste high. This guys knee pads may be over Hudler's head. The 5 hole on this guy is going to allow a beach ball through, or maybe Hulder could weave his way through his pads!

Franzen is looking great and I hope he can keep it up. I think this will be a big break out year for the Mule.

If I'm not mistaken we won the last year and there is no guarantee, even with the team we are icing this year, that we will win again... so no there would be no trading of the Cup. And a trade like this, although it would not happen, would give us the greatest up and coming talent for many more years then we will have D and Z playing at this level. There are always so many variables that could come into play, ask Lindros if he thought he'd be retired at such a young age... or fischer or primeau. But as is, I would take the risk. Its just a fun tread meant to have something to talk about. I'm not complaining at how D or Z are playing but its fun to think about. Someone offered a Franzen + Hudler for Heatley trade... I would give this some serious consideration but seeing how franzen is coming along he may naturally reach Heatley's level of play... I wouldn't at all be sad to see hulder traded. I guess there are some of us that would like to see a bit more of a North American influence brought back into our game, some more players that would fit into our system and naturally have grit built into their game. I think Crosby, maybe a whiner, but definately has more fight in his game. I don't mean drop the gloves fight I mean going into the tough area's and throwing a check to get the puck and make a play. Try to sit back and watch a few Penguins games without judgement on Crosby and really watch all the little things that he does do so well and you will see! Someone earlier suggested that we embarrassed the Pens in the SCF. I beg to differ, I watched a pretty great series. A part from the first 2 games I was never comfortable that we had any game in hand. I was nervous at each penalty called against us and how many games were you actually in your seat for nearing the games end? I couldn't even watch the TV for the last few seconds of the very last game! I think the better team won, but not by embarassing the Pens but by hanging on for a tough fought win! Just another wishful thought would be to see Milan Lucic from Boston come to Detroit.... I Love that kid too and we could definately fit him in. I think I would buy and wear a Lucic Jersey if he played for us.

Yzerman was all offense and learned 2 way play later on when it was required by him. Fedorov was the same. I think Crosby would make any team better and in the Winged Wheel he would be scarier then he already is. Th Red Wing organization has a way of changing how players work with each other. Hull was a loud mouth and at first wasn't sure how he would fit in and he managed quite nicely. Being a Red Wing demands respect and thats how almost every player brought here is able to fit in... Crosby would be no different. I am willing to bet he would gladly relinquish his C and sacrifice some numbers in order to lift the Cup. He is a competitor more fierce then most his age. Yes, I do believe his age is just one of many important factors. I agree with Hank, it wasn't until a few years ago that Dats and Z finally took their game to the next level to compete in a play off situation. Crosby has that instinctively. And if the biggest knock on him is "he's a whiner" then think about the good he'd bring because its the real reason that this thread was even created. I think the hate for Crosby is possibly driven by bias and maybe jealousy because of the attention he brings with him. Hate him or not... He is what he is and that is perhaps the greatest player in the league right now! I do not want to spoil this reputation by getting rid of our classy players to get a whiny crybaby such as Crosby. We risked this when signing Chelios and Hull but they managed to fit in fine.

Well said! I couldn't agree more. I would look at moving Hudler now hoping his stock around the league could bring a more suited, and hopefully Canadian player, to Detroit or a good draft pick. I will not be sad when he is gone!

I miss Hasek already. I was and still am a big Hasek fan!

I tend to agree with this statement. I have never seen Ozzie as a full time starter. He was a great tandem with Hasek and perhaps the best backup but I still don't feel comfortable that he is full time starting material. We pulled Hasek last payoffs for playing just like Osgood has the past few games. I for one would have welcomed Hasek back this year with open arms, they were a great tandem! I would like to see Conklin in for the next few. Although its not fair to blame our poor play entirely on Ozzie as it has clearly been a slow team start but Ozzie needs some bench time to find his motivation... a little friendly goal tending competition may elevate both of their games. I have Hasek's cell number handy... I will start talking to him about coming out of retirement and coming back to work for us!

Wow, I am just shocked that people hate this kid so much because he gets emotional playing a physical sport. He whines and that makes him not worthy of being a Captain. Jerome Iginla gets emotional and takes cheap shots and even does some whining of his own... does that make him a bad Captain? I don't think so! How about the Great Gretzky, a tad bit of a whiner, definately a puss and people hated him for that too despite the facts that he was the best. Its the Kids natural born ability that is the draw to him... I don't care if he sucks his thumb at night he can play hockey. What better way to lead and be a Captain then to do what your there to do... produce. I love Dats and Z but how long were they in the league before they learned to play the way they do? Crosby hands down out produces them offensively and he can and will learn the defensive game too. Stevie was all offense at first and learned to be one of the best 2 way forwards ever. Don't underestimate his age and what he has already accomplished... each passing year he will continue to develop! I don't particularly like his or anyone's whiney antics but that will not shade the obvious from me, he is the best of the best and I would take the chance right now, today, with this team and trade Dats AND Z for Crosby.

Hahaha, no offense taken. I was just having this discussion with a friend and fellow LGW'er and thought I would include everyone. I like how Dats and Zet have developed but I Love to see how much ground Crosby has covered in such a short career. He is the real deal and will only get better and can you imagine what he could do in our organization? 2 for 1 maybe be much but I would risk it for what The Kid has to offer.

I agree with you! I don't think he looks bad but I feel there is a lot more to come. He isn't the only one getting off to a slow start. Hossa, dats and Z all need to quite the fancy stuff, maybe make one less pass and lean into a few good shots on net. It's coming... we seem to go through this every year in stretches.... SHOOT THE PUCK! To me so far the players really coming along are Holmer, Franzen, cleary and Filpula finally. Our 4th line is invisible. The gell isn't there quite yet but it won't be long. We are too well coached to stay stagnant for too long!

Here is a beauty... Probert vs Gary Nylund in one of the dirtiest fights... complete with hair pulling, helmets being torn off and used as weapons, headbutts, and of course plenty of flying knuckles: But this one is my all time fav. Probert vs Coxe... all out brawl with the best finale, watch Coxe's head snap back after the final 2 upper cuts:

Well said! I agree totally. I for one do miss the tough 80's style of play and for having a guy like Probie to watch out for and create room for our skilled guys. Although, i like winning a lot too!

No thanks, I hate the thought! ....I just looked at some of the proposed logo's! They are all awefull. I like what we have, no need to change!

In the early 80's team was quite bad and there 2 main reasons to be a Red Wing fan. #1 Steve Yzerman building his legend and #2 was The Bruise Brothers = Probert and Kocur. I Love Probert... he was the greatest enforcer ever and if you can find yourself a copy of the Bruise Brother video you will see why. The quality of the video isn't all that great but its basically 2 hours or better of nothing but Probert and Kocur fights. Probert had some of the best fights ever Probert vs Cox come to mind first but there are so many. I bumped into him in a bar in our hometown of Windsor. He's a big big man. Not a person you would want any part of. He was under the influence and was trying to coax us into fighting... thank God nothing happened. After he settled down and realized we wereWings fans he was pretty cool to hang out with and listen to his stories of being a Red Wing. He spoke very highly of the Organization and of the Illitches and did not want to speak of his days away from Detroit. My step mother went to school with the Probert boys and said that they had quite a rough childhood too. Anyway, he was a huge part of the Red Wings back then. More for his presence but added some offense too. Find the Bruise Brothers and see for yourself... it definately one for the shelf for any Red Wing fan!

No doubt... It was a tough pill to swallow when Chelios became a Wing, i'll never forget that. Or the picture in the Windsor Star of Shanny giving a strange look at Chelios as they laced up their skates for the first time. I am veru happy now that we have Chelios! But getting Claudia?! That I could never get used too.... nor could I see Drapes being cool with it. Unless Draper was allowed to return the favour and start with a clean slate and let Claudia taste how his filth tastes!

Very cool article... thanks for the post! I hope the Wings front office have found the cure for the Stanley Cup hangover... Logjam on defense and Hossa for the chaser. I think we have a good a chance as there has ever been to repeat... here's to hoping!

What a final... scrappy young team with a bright future. Hopefull we see you again next year!

I'm all for a healthy Chelios coming back. Not at all opposed to a healthy Hasek returning either... any news on that? Anyway, I hope its true. With Cheli coming back that has to mean Lilja is gonzo.... here is hoping anyhow!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Congrats to the best Team in the World and also to the best fans as well!! It's been fun! Take care y'all!

Hossa almost made me vomit! That was soooooo close!

Hasek is awesome... I wouldnt at all mind him coming back for another season. I still think he can play and he and Ozzie are a great 1 - 2 punch... Since there is no controversy and they have such a great relationship I think they can continue to learn alot from each other and keep each other in tiptop shape.

Ref's made some bad calls... but we can't blame them for our not putting the winning goal in. MAF was huge! we had many many opportunities to but....

I also thought Hlem had a great game... not a very big guy but he was hitting quite effectively! I liked the comparison with Draper... only I hope Helm can develop a few finishing moves.... I'm always pulled out of my seat when i see a break-away until I realize its Draper! I always thought that Draper was a few finishing moves away from being a super star... maybe Helm will be just that?! Welcome aboard Helm!