GMRwings1983

Winning Cups is important, but Ullman isn't to blame for arriving to the Wings after their Cup runs in the early 50's, and during the Canadiens 5 Cups in a row stretch. By the time the 60's rolled around, things weren't the same. I guess it's a different precedent from other teams, if they're only retiring Cup winners in Detroit. The Kelly one is even more surprising to me because of the things you've mentioned. My best guess for why both players aren't up there would be that they didn't play their entire careers in Detroit. Then again, neither did Howe or Sawchuk, but obviously they had to retire those numbers.

Han anyone honestly ever explained why Norm Ullman and Red Kelly don't have their numbers in the rafters? Is it because they didn't play their entire careers in Detroit? As I stated earlier in this thread, if those guys didn't get their jerseys up there, Ozzie shouldn't as well. He didn't play his whole career in Detroit either, and he's not nearly as great as either of those players. FYI, I think both Kelly and Ullman should have their jerseys retired. They were two of the best players of their era, and it's a joke that the Wings haven't honored that.

"Go on out and get some air fatso"

Has Bourque ever talked about Ericsson?

Orr won 8 in a row and if not for injuries, would have won around 15 or so Norris trophies. Even if Lidstrom passes him in Norrises, Orr is the best defenseman ever and the second best player ever, imo.

He'll have to compete with the Lakers for that, though.

I guess Homer will never get one, despite his longevity with the team. I'd give it to Hudler. He has all the qualities you'd want in a leader. He skates hard on every shift, constantly goes to the net, rarely takes games off, and is responsible defensively. If not Hudler, I'd give it to Aaron Downey, just because he's Canadian and he fights. Who cares if he's not playing anymore.

But he's got the best backhanded shootout move in hockey history!

Now they don't have to worry if Crosby gets injured again.

Did I say it was "all" his fault?

That and the fact that most shooters would tell you Belfour was much harder to score on than Osgood. Ozzie was a good goalie, but not elite. While Belfour ranks behind Hasek, Roy and Brodeur on the all-time list, he was in the same class of those players for many seasons. Ozzie was never in that class. No one thought so back then, and I don't know how anyone can think that now.

He's been a Wing since I was in grade school. It'll feel weird not seeing him out there.

Especially the prior season against LA. People have short memories around here.

Belfour was one of the 3 or 4 best goalies in the world for about 10 years. Ozzie was never in that class, period.

You really think he'll be a top 6 forward at any point in his career, or will become a physical force and really good fighter? I say no to any of those things and it seems like you somewhat agree in the above posts. Just because a player is in his mid 20's doesn't mean he has tremendous upside. It's more than just an age thing. Based on the post I responded to, I still think Abby is easier to replace than Helm. Helm can do some things not many guys around the league can with his speed and tenaciousness. Abby doesn't do anything other players (young or old) can't do better around the NHL.

Abby didn't do s*** last year in the regular season, and especially in the playoffs. I don't see much improvement in his game and he hardly seems indispensable. The stupid penalties and lack of fighting doesn't help either. We can find better 4th liners all around the league.

Helm is the only guy on that list I'd like to have back.

1. Yzerman 2. Shanahan 3. McGrattan (was Boogaard for a long time) 4. Fedorov 5. Drake

No. He doesn't outplay Roy in game 6 and 7.

BTW, this is the same franchise that gave Uwe Krupp Red Kelly's number. Just sayin...

Are you guys joking? Sawchuk is one of the 5 greatest goalies of all time. Osgood isn't even close to being as good as him. Whether Ozzie should be in the rafters has nothing to do with Sawchuk. You guys talk about Sawchuk as if he's just another solid goalie. I say if Red Kelly isn't in the rafters, then Ozzie shouldn't be either. Same with Fedorov. Both those players were better Wings than Osgood, and neither will likely get a banner.

May as well have used this Jets logo.

WTF? I was under the impression they were going to use the old logo. This logo sucks compared to that.

They haven't made the playoffs in forever and haven't accomplished anything in the playoffs outside of 1996. They're one of those sports franchises that everyone seems to forget actually exists. Hard to envision them actually winning the division from Washington or Tampa.