55fan

Stupid question here: Why's Quincey now number 4?

Um, nope, Shanny's Canadian (Ontario IIRC). Cullen's from Moorhead, Minnesota, USA. There was an article about someone with that connection with Shanny, but I can't remember who offhand.

Hasn't been lusted for........oh, I see, as a hockey player. Yes. Quite right. Well then. Thanks for clearing that up. I do wish for his sake that he still had something in him; I'd love to see him back. Maybe we could get him on staff to give the younger boys enforcer lessons. Back to the original topic, didn't Belfour decide to play in Sweden? Or am I mixed up?

Just wondering if anyone has heard anything- I didn't see McCarty on the list. Is he still looking or has he decided to retire? Is anyone looking at him? I'm not trying to start a "bring back Mac" thread. I'm just curious for old times' sake.

We had the Staal underage drinking scandal that amounted to nothing. I'd hate to think what it would take to get hockey into the news. I don't think we need that. Maybe if Sidney Crosby got a sex change or if someone signed Paris Hilton as a goalie or something, but not your average run of the mill arrests. Ooh, reality show- Paris and Sid switch lives. Check that! Personally, I'm glad our boys don't do that sort of stuff, and when they do, no one hears about it. I guess anonymity has its benefits.

Ooh, "Sewing with Nancy" beat out ESPN's hockey coverage. I guess she knows her Drapes better.

Golly, OsGOD, Berkhoel can't be #1. That's retired. He'll have to choose another number. Addendum from the legal department: This post contains sarcasm and sillyness. It is not to be construed as serious. Persons who take this post seriously may be asked to subject themselves to a brain check or root for another team during the upcoming season. Discontunue use and consult a physician if swelling or a rash occurs.

Did they say how much he wanted as a "reward"? I have to admit if I found a Stanley Cup Ring, I'd give it back for a reward...like, say, an autographed somethingorother, or even just an autograph. I could sure use the money. Ok, I could REALLY use the money, but I'd be pleased as punch with something like an autographed photo or puck. Now if it was a Wing, I'd want whomever's ring I found to autograph my jersey. I think a reward is in order, and since he offered it in place of the money he could have made, I'm withholding judgement until I find out how much he is actually asking. Dang, imagine finding a Stanley Cup ring! Blows my mind.

Now that is what we need more of. Hits on the ice, defend your teammates, and then gentlemanly behaviour off the ice (or at least after the play). I applaud you for both. I realize a beer league is a bit different as the guy doesn't get paid whilst he's out with the injury. You wouldn't be looking for a job as a 13th forward, would you?

Re: Kronwall. Lidstrom sees him as his heir to be the next big Swedish dman. The translation sucks, but here it is: Question: The best defenceman in NHL's history? Who of Sweden's young defencemen see you as your heir? /Jakob Lagerstedt Lidstrom: Bobby Orr revolutionized the [position] playing in NHL, he took with himself the puck up from own zone and pressed in full rate. He is the biggest. When it comes to young Swede backs on road up say I Niklas Kronvall. He has all opportunities to become a correct good defenceman. End quote. Full article can be found here: http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/08/li...ng_q_and_a.html Also interesting is that Nick said he'd be willing to play for under $5000 USD/month. No word yet on the condition of his agent's health after that remark. For what it's worth, if Lids and Babs see something in Kronwall, I'm excited to see it come to fruition. I'm a bit fond of him.

I found this today whilst looking for something else, but I thought it was interesting: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...articlecomments His lines for forwards are: Dats, Homer, and a left wing Hank, Sammy, and a left wing Cleary, Flip, Drapes Kopecky, Malts, Drake The left wings will be Huds and Franzen, but he's not sure who goes where until he sees Igor. He also intends to pair Rafalski and Lids together, and Kronwall and Lilja together, with Brian and the Ni©ks taking most of the minutes. Obviously, much is still up in the air, but I got the sense he's excited. So am I.

You know, this could work for us. Picture the scene: "OK, son, Zetterberg is a big scorer. Don't let him by you." "Which one is he?" "The one with the A on his sweater." "Got it coach....Not him, not him, not him...." "ZETTERBERG SCORES!" "Why'd you let him by?" "I didn't see the A." "It's on the other side, you twit." "Oh, sorrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy." Seriously, not the end of the world. Bettman is a buffoon. We love Vladdie. Stevie is and always will be The Captain. We bleed Red. As long as these truths remain, little else matters.

Allright boys, I got a job for you. Take out Chrissy "The Elbow" Prongerino. And make it look like an accident.

What on earth is Gordie Howe doing on that list? His playing that one shift in that one game didn't hurt anyone, didn't cheat anyone, didn't violate any rules of the game, nor did it involve ethical problems. It was straight forward. He's signed to a one game contract and he will play a shift. The outcome of the game was in no way influenced by his being on the ice, nor did he take any undue liberties against the other team. Sure, it wasn't the same as if he'd signed on for a whole season, but they didn't pretend that it was. It annoys me to see him included with alleged drug users and cheaters, judges on the take, and liars in general. All Gordie did was give his fans a chance to see him play one more time. He earned every honour that has been bestowed on him. That's why he's Mr. Hockey.

It could have been a lot worse. (I realize I'm dating myself on some of these.) For example: "At least we're not the Lions." "We're not mathematicly eliminated yet" (current Lions motto) "Wings: they're not just for breakfast anymore." "Got Wings?" "Wings: So simple a caveman could do them." "Choosy Swedes choose Wings." "Goes down easy." "Red Wings: The other white meat." Doesn't "Fire on Ice" sound a lot better already? PS Don't flame me about the Lions cracks. I've been a fan of thiers for 4 decades and still going strong.

Knowing how to fight is important. Defensive fighting is important. There's a huge difference between learning how to go about knocking people around and knowing how to stop someone from knocking you around. From what I read earlier, Boogard is teaching how to fight so that if one is challenged, one doesn't end up a glob of injured goo. I agree with sending Huds and anyone else from our team to that sort of training. I'd say add Dats to the list. Who would expect it from a two-time Lady Byng winner? The next time someone takes liberties with him or Hank, he'll be the most unexpected enforcer in the NHL. OK, I'm dreaming, but you get my point. Having a couple of guys who will stand up for themselves would go a long way towards a tough team without adding unnecessary goonery. Keeps the opposition honest.

Golly, gosh! That new logo just looks keen! One question, though. Will they be using real laser beams, or just pictures of laser beams? Because, you know, real laser beams would melt the ice, wouldn't they? I think they'll just have to use pictures of laser beams. Thanks for getting us the real version. It is so much better than the fake one. I can't wait to see the Sharks skating around shooting each other with real laser beams. We'll have to get infrared visors or something. (Yes, I know this is a joke.)

Could someone refresh my memory? I think I recall that Markov shoots left, but I'm not sure on that. I recall the "L" boys (Lebda, Lilja, Lidstrom, Kronwall- 2 l's on the end) are all lefties, and Cheli and Quincey shoot right. I remember reading that Rafalski also shoots right. Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks. As long as we're on the topic, to what extent do you think it helps to have a natural leftie and rightie paired? Enough to say that if Markov is a leftie that we pass, and aim for more righties? Or is it kind of a nice thing to have them paired, but not that big of a deal? Personally, I never was as big of a Markov fan as many, but I sure wouldn't send him packing if we can get him for a deal.

My fave would be......aw, you guessed it. I love Kronwall. I really think that he'll do as well with the Wings as he has in Sweden once he gets over his injury problem. He's tough, he hits, and he has beautiful eyes, and a baby face. Honourably mention: Hank, Matlby, Ozzie.

Not sure if this is allowed here. If not, please forgive me. I rewrite song lyrics as a hobby. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you are interested, here's one I wrote about last season. The midi in the link isn't the best, but it works. It's to the tune of American Pie by Don McClean. Midi at: http://members.tripod.com/~boogietown/page_2.html A long, long year ago Do we all remember how The Captain used to make us smile? But he retired and we were low, Then Shanny also chose to go- We didn’t think we’d win for quite a while. We watched with barely hopeful shiver But Hank and Dats- they did deliver. Homer played the doorstop While Hasek made one more stop. And even though we had a cry When old 19 was raised up high, We knew they’d spread their wings and fly. The Wings will never die. Oh, my, my look at Zetterberg fly Looks like Heaven, motor revving’, what a wonderful guy. Put him with Dats, and our limit’s the sky Cuz those Red Wing boys will never say die. Red Wing boys will never say die. You look at them- what’s not to love? Drapes, Malts and Clears- they sure can shove If a team needs laying low. Dominator still can flop and roll And Ozzie gives the team some soul Just knowing he could jump right in and go. And Nick Lidstrom, we’re in love with him, With a Norris win for every limb. At home we couldn’t lose- All the central sang the blues. We were impressed then with our Finnish buck, And Franzen stood like a big Mack truck. Kronwall’s face was pure bad luck. The Wings will never die. We started singing My, my, look at lil Hudler fly He’s just zippin’ and a-rippin, but we’re wondering why His ice time’s low, cuz he’s a wonderful guy. Oh, those Red Wing boys will never say die. Red Wing boys will never say die. Now some fans start to whine and moan “Been five years since we’d a cup our ownâ€Â. But the rest smiled and said “Wait and see.†They all said that Calgary was mean And our boys were all too small and lean, But we fought and won the victory. We won the two in old Motown, But in Calgary things slowed right down Our hopes were slightly burned. To Motown we returned. But then our boys regained their spark, We left the Flames burnt out all dark And set our sights to hunt for Shark The Wings will never die. We were singing My, my, see McClennan’s stick fly Sent our Franzen bent and dancin’ but he gave his reply. He scored the big goal just by shooting it high Cuz those Red Wing boys will never say die. Red Wing boys will never say die. Lost Lil’ Nik, but got back Zetter. Lang and Sammy looked much better. The playoffs seemed to sail right past. Holmstrom had to take a pass But came back attired in plexiglass With him back, the Wings came back up really fast. Then the defencemen were full of gloom When Schneid’s wrist broke, it filled the room With many’a downward glance. But Quincey gave us a chance. It was another round for the Winged Wheel, The fans and boys just had to feel A Stanley victory was real. The Wings will never die. We started singing My, my, look at Mike Babcock’s tie Superstition, hopeful wishin’, let’s just give it a try. The Sharks are gone, just a Duck left to fry. Cuz those Red Wing boys will never say die. Red Wing boys will never say die. Oh, and when the Ducks came to our place We wiped the smile off Pronger’s face. The toll showed on those who defend. Although Quincy’s nimble, Lebda’s quick Cheli, Lilja, Dan and Nick- They gave their all, but had to see it end. Homer downed, and we did rage As Pronger’s elbow did engage. We watched as Homer fell, After that was never well. We lost three times after that night. The Stanley Cup was out of sight. We saw Pronger laughing with delight. But Wings will never die. We started singing My, my, what a terrible guy. He’s a-winnin’ and a-grinnin’- hope he’s hung out to dry. Where’s D Mac and Probie? They’d’ve blackened his eye. As we watched our Stanley Cup dreams all fly. But Red Wing boys will never say die. And though we know it hurts to lose Maybe next year will bring happy news. We signed Rafalski right away. I have to wonder what’s in store, Since the team’s not what it was before, But really, things have never been that way. In the Joe, the fans will scream The Wings will always chase that dream. Tradition is unbroken, Though different names are spoken. Two or three years at the most, Lord Stanley’s Cup we’re sure to host. And it will be our turn to boast. The Wings will never die. And we’ll be singing My, my, look at Chelios fly. He’s still Heaven at forty-seven. What a wonderful guy. Sobotka still chases boiled octopi Cuz the Red Wing boys will never say die.

Wow, thanks for all the nice words. I had expected responses to be along the lines of "don't you have a life?" (answer: no). If anyone wants to record this, I am not sure of the copyright laws. I know you have to have my permission (consider it granted, if not done for profit- otherwise contact me and we;ll work something out), and I think you need to have Don McClean's permission if you are doing it for profit as well. Both he and I would have to be given credit as well. At least that's the laws as I know them. I think if you just record and post it on youtube or something like that, you don't need permission, but credit should be given. Don't quote me on that if McClean comes after you Anyway, thanks again to everyone. I personally like any line that has "octopi" in it.

I am so pumped! I love Z! I hope he stays here, has a long productive career, and ends up next to Stevie in the rafters (his number, that is). side note: So does Emma moving here mean that Kronner is the undisputed #1 unattached Red Wing hunk? Or am I dreaming? back to topic: Has anyone heard how his wrist is doing? I'm sure the offseason is good for resting it. It's a chronic problem, though, right? Any worries about this? I'd hate to see someone that great not be able to live up to his potential.

Indeed I do! Not a lot of local celebs around here. Blake going to the NYI got a front page aritcle in the local sports section. It's kind of odd- for as much as people follow the UND Sioux, there are very few NHL fans around here. Fortunately, I know a lot of Mich. transplants. Mark's stats are far from impressive. He only played 3 games with the Flyers, and didn't have any points to show for it. In 2005-6 he played 29 games with the Blackhawks and put up 16 points. (7-9-16). We can always hope. The Wings have been known to jump-start seemingly stalled careers. He's not a big guy (5'11", 190) but if he drops the gloves, maybe he can be that enforcer we need. I have no idea of whether or not he is the fighting kind, but we do tend to behave that way out here, even us middle aged women

Ya know, I was just thinking about Pronger and his inability to know and control the whereabouts of his elbows due to the laws of physics the other day, and it occured to me, now that we've signed Hudler, Pronger's elbows should go right over his head, which means, according to the laws of physics, that Hudler's elbow should land, due to no mailce of forethought on his part, somewhere in Pronger's groin region, for which Hudler would be able to claim a complete lack of personal responsiblilty, due to the laws of physics and all. Please exercise caution in calling Pronger a douchebag- the douchebag community may take offense.

Oh, cool. a local boy. (Across the river from me,) My neighbour's boss is his dad. Maybe if the Wings call him up and win the cup, he'll bring it here......... Hey, out here, that's the closest thing I get to an actual Wing. Oddly enough, I didn't get the brothers confused. Here's to a number of good seasons for Mark.