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http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20..._game_here.html Wings want outdoor game here by Ansar Khan Thursday January 03, 2008, 12:21 AM DETROIT -- Watching the Winter Classic on TV Tuesday gave several Detroit Red Wings the itch to relive the pond hockey days of their youth and play a game outdoors. The NHL is expected to host more outdoor games in the future. Detroit players hope the league brings the event to Michigan. "It would be unbelievable, fill The Big House (Michigan Stadium) and have a hockey game there and have all the fans show up," Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "That would be a great experience." Dan Cleary said he was pumped up watching on TV as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout before 71,217 at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium in the first outdoor NHL game in the U.S. "I thought it was really cool, a little white sheet of ice and all those fans," Cleary said. "I can definitely see it coming to Michigan. Michigan would be a great host. It would be great for the kids, everybody throughout the whole state." The Red Wings explored the possibility of hosting an outdoor game at Comerica Park a few years ago but came to the conclusion that it would be too costly and that the stadium's seating configuration wouldn't be optimal for fans. An outdoor game would have to be held at Michigan Stadium or Spartan Stadium, which hosted the 2001 "Cold War" between Michigan and Michigan State. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said an outdoor game in the state would generate a festive atmosphere. "Do it at The Big House or wherever you want to do it. We're so close to Canada you'd get a lot of people that way, especially if it were Toronto and us," Babcock said. "If you did a college game as a warm-up the day before, a three-on-three tournament, you could have an unbelievable festival that would generate revenue for our city and put hockey back on the map again. I think it would be a fantastic thing." Chris Chelios said spectacles like Tuesday's game are worth it for the attention they bring to the sport. "That's a no-brainer, if we can get on national television and get the exposure, that's the only thing we're lacking," Chelios said. "Not a knock against our TV deal (on Versus) because they do the best job they can to promote it, but it doesn't get into all homes." The NHL is exploring the possibility of having the Red Wings and Toronto play at Ford Field next season, as a dry run for the 2010 Frozen Four, the NCAA hockey championships that the stadium will host.

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/ Winter Classic On NBC Draws 2.4 Overnight Rating by Paul on 01/02/08 at 01:07 PM Comments (2) via William Houston of the Globe and Mail, NBC exceeded audience expectations for its coverage of the Buffalo outdoor game on New Year’s Day by earning a 2.4 overnight rating (percentage of the potential U.S. audience tuned in). Sources said an American network has not produced an audience of that size for an NHL regular season game since the Fox Sports telecasts in the 1990s. added 3:27pm, from NBC Universal Media Village, NEW YORK – January 2, 2008 – The NHL Winter Classic, broadcast New Year’s Day on NBC, earned a 2.6 overnight rating and a 5 share (1-4:45 p.m. ET), the best overnight NHL regular season rating in more than a decade (Feb. 3, 1996 on Fox, six-game regional, 3.0/7).

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...artigan_re.html Holmstrom (knee) out; Hartigan recalled by Ansar Khan Wednesday December 12, 2007, 12:38 PM Tomas Holmstrom will miss Thursday's game against Edmonton because of a sore knee, which he injured Sunday against Carolina but still managed to play through it the next night in Nashville. Mark Hartigan has been recalled from Grand Rapids. Dominik Hasek will start in net against the Oilers. COMMENTS (0)

Report- Return To ESPN In The Hands Of The NHL by Paul on 12/12/07 at 03:21 PM Comments (3) from Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated, The door is open, then, for ESPN. According to an ESPN source, the network could be interested if it saw a fit in terms of cost and content. The network would require playoff hockey and one night of exclusivity during the regular season. “It’s totally in the NHL’s hands,†the source said. As one media critic expressed it, does the NHL want to be No. 7 on ESPN or No. 1 on Versus? The league does indeed receive more loving care from Versus than it did on ESPN, despite the half-hour show ESPN2 used to give it nightly, but its absence from the cable heavyweight has taken hockey one step further from the national conversation. more

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/ Lidstrom shakes off hip flexor injury to play Posted by George James Malik December 11, 2007 08:20AM Detroit Red Wings Captain Nicklas Lidstrom played through what can be an extremely painful injury against the Nashville Predators, but looked to be no worse for wear, posting 3 shots and registering a takeaway while racking up his usual half-a-game's worth of ice time: December 11, Detroit Free Press: Team captain and iron man Nicklas Lidstrom was bothered enough by a left hip flexor to prompt the team to bring Chris Chelios, who had been slated to be off Monday, along on the trip. But after the morning skate Lidstrom told the team he felt fine, something he backed up later in the day by playing 29:17, 8:09 of it while the Wings were short-handed, in a 2-1 victory over Nashville at Sommet Center. In 15-plus seasons, Lidstrom, 37, has missed just 22 games. His continued good health left Chelios was a healthy scratch, which suits the Wings just fine. Babcock would like to not have Chelios, 46 next month, play in back-to-back situations. Derek Meech subbed in for Chelios, playing 6:46. As for the Wings' other injured players, we'll probably know more about Kirk Maltby's situation on Tuesday afternoon as he saw a back specialist on Monday: December 11, Detroit News: Babcock said there was no update on Draper (sprained left knee) or Maltby (lower back). The situation with Maltby's injury, said Babcock, has gone from a day-to-day situation to week-to-week. The cause of Maltby's discomfort hasn't been determined

MLIVE is reporting that both Meech and Lebda practiced this morning so we can cross them off the list: Injury on defense might force Chelios into lineup by Ansar Khan Monday December 10, 2007, 2:15 PM With games on back-to-back nights, Wings coach Mike Babcock was planning on leaving Chris Chelios home for tonight's game in Nashville and inserting Derek Meech into the lineup. But a minor injury to an undisclosed player forced the team to bring Chelios on the trip. Babcock said after the morning skate that he wouldn't know who'd be out on defense until just before the game. "We'll see who's eligible and who's not,'' said Babcock, who wouldn't reveal the injured player but said it's not Nicklas Lidstrom. It isn't Meech or Brett Lebda, either, as they both skated during the optional practice. Kirk Maltby (sore back) and Kris Draper (sprained knee) didn't make the trip. Maltby was scheduled to see a specialist again on Monday. Draper hopes to begin practicing with the team on Wednesday. COMMENTS (0)Post a comment

Babcock said in the post game show that Hasek is in goal for Carolina and Osgood is in goal for Nashville. He said after that he will probably alternate them. He said Hasek is playing Sunday because of Osgood's record against Nashville.

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/ Short-shift injury updates Posted by George James Malik December 06, 2007 07:22AM The Red Wings remained relatively tight-lipped about the statuses of Kirk Maltby and Kris Draper on Wednesday, but Dan Cleary was willing to elaborate on the status of a practice injury: December 6, Detroit News: Babcock is hopeful Maltby will practice today and be ready to play against the Wild, but a more likely bet could be the weekend. Dan Cleary was hit on the left ankle with a Samuelsson shot during a drill Wednesday and was skating gingerly but said there was no injury. December 6, Detroit Free Press: Dan Cleary walked on a tender left ankle after taking a shot on the bone, courtesy of Samuelsson. "It's all right," Cleary said. "I'll give him a lot of flak for it." ... Kirk Maltby (back) didn't practice; he's doubtful for Friday.

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/ Posted by George James Malik December 06, 2007 19:14PM Detroit Red Wings forward Kirk Maltby admits that he's becoming concerned about the state of his sore back: December 6, Detroit News: "[i'm a] little bit [concerned]," said Maltby, who has missed three games and won't play Friday against Minnesota, and might not play back-to-back games Sunday and Monday. "It hasn't progressed like I would have hoped." Maltby practiced Monday in Montreal, his first time on the ice in a week, and seems to have aggravated the injury. A MRI revealed no major problems, but the soreness persists. "That's the only time I skated (Monday) and I tweaked it at the end," Maltby said. "It hasn't progressed as I thought I would. I was hoping when we got back from Montreal to skate today, but we'll see. I'm not worried. It's definitely day to day." Still, if Maltby doesn't feel better in the next few days, a visit to a back specialist is on the agenda. december 6, DetroitRedWings.com: "It didn't really progress like I'd hope it would so that I could have skated a little today, so it's the same prognosis, day-to-day," Maltby said. "If it feels good tomorrow to go for a little twirl on the ice then I will, if not then it's going to be a little bit of a workout and treatment. Honestly, I wish I had more to tell you." ... "Hopefully, it's just a matter of time," Maltby said. "It hasn't been all that long and hopefully I'm not still saying that a month from now. I'm not concern[ed] yet, but I definitely thought it would be better than what is it right now." Kris Draper's making more measurable progress, but "next weekend" (i.e. about December 15th) is looking like his probable return date: "Obviously, we're closing in on 10 (days), so it will probably be closer to the two-week time," Draper said. "I'll skate tomorrow and that will be a big test. Just to get out there - an opportunity to skate with the guys again - would be fun, so we'll see what happens. "Riding the bike is fine and the little walks and runs on the treadmill today, I didn't have any issues with that, so every day I've been stepping it up and doing more stuff. Hopefully, that's a good sign and we'll go from there." Asked if he thought he might return by late next week, perhaps against Florida on Dec. 15, Draper said, "You'll probably have to ask tomorrow. Until to get out on to the ice and stop-start and battle that's going to be the test on how it reacts to stuff like that."

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/ Vote for Ozzie Posted by George James Malik December 06, 2007 08:22AM Detroit Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood is nowhere to be found among the NHL's All-Star fan balloting leaders. With a month left in the voting, the Wings' website is starting an understated campaign to get Osgood voted in as a write-in candidate: December 5, DetroitRedWings.com: A trio of Red Wings sit atop the most current voting results that will decide the Western Conference's starting roster for this season's All-Star Game. Unfortunately, the one player who is most deserving of making the All-Star Game isn't even on this year's ballot. Goalie Chris Osgood, perhaps the best feel-good story in the league this season, has posted 13 wins in 15 decisions. But fans won't find his name on the ballot. "In my mind, he is an all-star," said Henrik Zetterberg, who has received 175,270 votes. "He's been playing really well for us. That stretch that we had with nine straight wins, a big part of that was him playing so well for us. Everything starts with the goalie and when he's hot the team kind of plays better." ... Five Red Wings - defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom (246,144 votes) and Brian Rafalski, forwards Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk (134,661), and goalie Dominik Hasek on this year's fan ballot. Fans have until January 2 to cast their votes for the starters of the January 27 game in Atlanta. ... While the fans vote for the game's starters, Osgood still has a very good chance at heading to Atlanta in late January. The league and commissioner Gary Bettman will finalize the Eastern and Western conference rosters. "Has he played like an all-star?" Wings coach Mike Babcock asked. "Then he's an all-star. That's how I look at it, but that's not how it works. The fans have a huge vote and history and all that type of stuff. I think it happens every year with guys that are having great individual years and sometimes they miss out." Both Osgood and Tomas Holmstrom are write-in candidates, and it's worth noting that the NHL prefers to represent all teams, so it's highly unlikely that extra Red Wings would be included on the roster by Bettman and the NHL's GM's for the sake of "balance." Osgood isn't particularly concerned about his status: December 6, Detroit Free Press: [Detroit Red Wings coach Mike] Babcock said Dominik Hasek, who started Tuesday, would start Friday against Minnesota. Osgood (13-1-1, 1.79 goals-against average, .924 save percentage) has numbers that merit consideration for his participation in the Jan. 27 All-Star Game -- not that he is paying attention to online voting. "I barely know how to use my computer," [Osgood] said. "My daughters are on it more than I am. ... If I do get chosen to go, I'll go, and it'll be pretty cool to have a chance to go at this stage in my career -- that's how I look at it." ...

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...phoenix_ma.html Osgood gets call vs. Phoenix; Maltby out, Ellis back in by Ansar Khan Friday November 30, 2007, 2:04 PM Update from practice: Chris Osgood will start for the sixth time in the last seven games Saturday against Phoenix, coach Mike Babcock said after practice Friday. Dominik Hasek will start the next game, Tuesday in Montreal. "Ozzie's playing good, but I need to get Dom back in there and get him rolling, too,'' Babcock said. "It'll be a good environment in Montreal, a tough test, a good opportunity.'' Kirk Maltby didn't practice, saying his sore back hasn't improved. He'll miss his second straight game and is listed as day-to-day. Matt Ellis returns after sitting out three games because of headaches. Mark Hartigan was reassigned to Grand Rapids (AHL). The Wings won't face Phoenix defenseman Ed Jovanovski, who on Friday was suspended for one game by the NHL because of a hit to the head on Minnesota's Marian Gaborik on Wednesday.

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/12/ma...able_for_w.html Maltby still unavailable for Wings-Habs game Posted by George James Malik December 04, 2007 13:27PM Kirk Maltby won't play for the Detroit Red Wings tonight: December 4, Detroit Free Press: Update from the Bell Centre, where tonight the Red Wings play the Canadiens: Kirk Maltby wasn't on the ice for the morning skate, and won't be available tonight. Maltby has missed the past two games because of what he describes as a sore back. He was able to skate Monday, but Mike Babcock said Maltby felt sore when he woke up this morning. It also looks as if the lines might be switched up, at least at the start of the game, with Henrik Zetterberg playing with Johan Franzen and Mikael Samuelsson and Pavel Datsyuk centering Valtteri Filppula and Tomas Holmstrom. Dan Cleary is with Jiri Hudler and Dallas Drake, and Matt Ellis with Tomas Kopecky and Aaron Downey I think it's a safe bet to assume that Babcock will go back to the "Flying Circus" well of Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Holmstrom by the mid-way point of the game...

I now have NHLTV on my on-screen t.v. guide but it looks like I have to order the sports package. I don't believe WOW will be carrying the NHL channel. I believe that's why they dropped Centre Ice this year (and why I switched from WOW to Comcast). If I remember correct, the NHL would not give the Centre Ice package to WOW because they refused to carry the channel.

Lou, I see you are in Roseville. I looked last night and had the "to be announced". Did you click on the channel and it was there? Do you have any extra sports packages (other than Centre Ice - which I have). Thank you!

I know. I am trying to think of a reason that I can leave work early. I'm in Clinton Township.

http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ Practice update -- Chris Osgood will start again Thursday. Coach Mike Babcock said after Wednesday's practice that Dominik Hasek will start either Saturday or next Tuesday in Montreal. Which game has yet to be determined. -- Kris Draper's knee sprain will keep him out of the lineup for 10 days to two weeks. Today, he could just ice the knee and sit in the sauna. "It was harmless," said Draper of the play on which he was injured. "That's the frustrating thing. … I don't know if I just kind of fell on it awkward and there was a twist, something like that. I've been hit a lot worse and been in a lot more vulnerable positions and didn't have anything happen." -- Kirk Maltby (shoulder) didn't practice. His status is unknown for Thursday. -- Tomas Kopecky (shoulder) has been cleared to play Thursday. -- If Maltby is unavailable, the Red Wings' current roster has 11 healthy forwards. Babcock said that in that case, the team will either call up a forward or skate with seven defensemen Thursday. Derek Meech practiced up front Wednesday. -- Matt Ellis (headache) might be available for Tuesday's game in Montreal, according to Babcock. Ellis skated for the first time in nearly a week, taking the ice on his own before practice. -- Dallas Drake will debut a half-visor Thursday and is thrilled about not having to wear a full shield.

Maltby not at practice. Hartigan called up from Grand Rapids. http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ Thursday, November 29, 2007 Mark Hartigan is on the ice for this morning's skate. No official work from the Red Wings, but the skate line combinations were ... Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Hudler-Filppula-Samuelsson Drake-Franzen-Cleary Kopecky-Hartigan-Downey In 20 games with Grand Rapids this season, Hartigan had 11 goals and 17 points and was a minus-7. Hartigan has 79 games of NHL experience with Columbus, Atlanta and Anaheim.

I had site issues too. I started the update from practice thread and then realized that there were already two other threads that were similar.

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/11/ba...d_about_dr.html Babcock, Wings worried about Draper's knee sprain Posted by George James Malik November 28, 2007 09:37AM The Detroit Red Wings lost a key-stone player in their 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames as Kris Draper suffered a sprained left knee: November 28, Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings will be without Kris Draper indefinitely after he suffered a sprained left knee. Draper drove himself to DMC hospital for an MRI exam after leaving with 1:20 left in the first period of the 5-3 victory over Calgary at Joe Louis Arena. Coach Mike Babcock did not have an update after the game, saying: "We're a little concerned right now, but we're hoping that things are going to be real good, and it won't be a big issue." The last Red Wing to suffer a sprained knee, Johan Franzen, missed 10 games. Draper was injured when he got tangled with Owen Nolan along the boards; Draper's left leg buckled, and he dropped to the ice, where he lay for a few seconds until play was stopped. That forced the Wings to shorten their bench. "It hurts killing penalties," goalie Chris Osgood said. "Drapes is a reliable guy. We always know what he is going to do, and he can chip in with some goals." November 28, Detroit News: "It's unfortunate," said Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom of Draper's injury. "He's been a key to our penalty killing. Hopefully, he'll get back soon for us." John Hahn, Red Wings senior director of communications, said Draper drove himself to the hospital to get an MRI. The results will be known today.

From MLIVE: Draper suffers sprained left knee Posted by George James Malik November 27, 2007 20:09PM Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper suffered a sprained left knee during an attempt to finish a check on Owen Nolan in the Wings' end during the first period of the Red Wings' game vs. the Calgary Flames. Draper banged his right knee into the boards, between Nolan's legs, and his left knee apparently was "tweaked" as he fell to the ice.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/200711...r_two_games.htm Hartnell suspended two games.l

From Red Wings Corner: Notes from Tuesday's morning skate -- Matt Ellis (headache) didn't practice but did work out off-ice. Tomas Kopecky (shoulder) participated in the entire practice. Neither has been cleared to play tonight. So here are the lines that Detroit practiced with ... Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Franzen-Filppula-Samuelsson Cleary-Draper-Maltby Drake-Hudler-Downey Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Lilja Lebda-Chelios Osgood (starts) Hasek Meech (healthy scratch)

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=223757&hubname=nhl Peddle - Hiring Ferguson was a mistake.

December 2007 NHL Network U.S. Game Telecast Schedule Wednesday, December 5 Ottawa @ Florida 7:30 ET/4:30 PT Friday, December 7 Minnesota @ Detroit 7:30 ET/4:30 PT Wednesday, December 12 Vancouver @ Anaheim 10:00 ET/7:00 PT Friday, December 14 Toronto @ Atlanta 7:30 ET/4:30 PT Friday, December 14 Minnesota @ Anaheim 10:00 ET/7:00 PT Wednesday, December 19 Los Angeles @ Detroit 7:30 ET/4:30 PT Wednesday, December 19 Colorado @ Anaheim 10:00 ET/ 7:00 PT Friday, December 21 New York Islanders @ Pittsburgh 7:30 ET/4:30 PT Sunday, December 23 Boston @ Pittsburgh 3:00 ET/Noon PT Wednesday, December 26 Toronto @ New York Islanders 7:30 ET/4:30 PT Friday, December 28 Montreal @ Florida 7:30 ET/4:30 PT *Schedule subject to change All games available in HD

From Spector: CHANGES COMING FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS? TORONTO SUN/OTTAWA SUN/TORONTO STAR/CANWEST NEWS/ARIZONA REPUBLIC: all reported today of speculation that major changes could be afoot soon for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Steven Simmons of the Sun believes John Ferguson Jr's days as Leafs GM are numbered, claiming "a bevy of sources" say the team is actively searching for his potential replacement. Jim Gintonio of the Republic suggests head coach Paul Maurice could be the next NHL coach to be fired, although Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe defended Maurice and the coaching staff. Damien Cox of the Star believes in addition to firing Ferguson the Leafs should also make sweeping changes, including shopping McCabe, Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle and Nik Antropov to the highest bidders by the trade deadline. Cox also suggests hiring Steve Yzerman, Mark Messier and/or Glen Healy as team president and general manager. Lance Hornby of the Sun reports Ferguson remains hopeful his team can turn things around. Hornby also reports team captain Sundin continues to wear a brave face through the Leafs current slump, insisting there's still plenty of time to turn things around. Michael Traikos of Canwest News reports Ferguson is believed seeking a trade but failing that could fire Maurice or face being replaced himself. Spector's Note: Many Toronto hockey pundits have had the knives out for Ferguson for years, and with the Leafs seemingly in free fall they can smell blood. Unquestionably these are tough times for JFJ and I don't doubt he and possibly Maurice could be replaced in the near future if the club fails to rally. That being said, it's amusing how many pundits are stumping for untried, unproven former NHL stars like Yzerman, Messier, Healey and Doug Gilmour as JFJ's replacement. No offence to those gentlemen but the last thing the Leafs need is an unproven hand on the tiller. As for Cox's suggestion of shopping Sundin, McCabe and Kaberle, need it be said yet again that these players carry "no-trade" clauses and can only be moved if they agree to it. If they don't want to leave, they won't leave, no matter who's the Leafs general manager. Only Antropov could be dealt and even then there's no guarantees they'll find any takers, given his inconsistency and injury history.