Kira

You're right. No matter how well-intentioned the coaches are to break up the line, inevitably they wind up back together. There is an uncanny ability between them that no amount of separation can seem to diminish. You can't change what is meant to be, and for some unexplainable reason, this chemistry was meant to be. So why fight it???

God love dear Pasha...he's always got a way of making me laugh.

I think you're gonna see some of the best hockey you'll ever see from Pasha, Henrik, Johan and Valtteri...something tells me this year is going to be even better than last, if that's possible.

He won't come back to the NHL, but hey, if the fire is still burning inside him, and he wants to play in Europe, more power to him. You can't keep a good man down.

A friend tried to tell me that Sundin had signed with the Rangers. If he did, I haven't seen hide nor hair of it online, and they can't afford that guy anyway. Mats, either stay in Toronto, or hang them up.

My hockey memories go back to the 60's...watching Hockey Night in Canada and seeing players like Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Alex Delvecchio, Maurice Richard and the like. I loved it. When my brother was at Michigan Tech, he would get us tickets for the Great Lakes Tournament for Christmas, and I really got hooked on the game. I've been a fan of the game since I was a kid of about 8 or 9 (that's a long time ago), but I have to admit that Pasha hasn't hurt either. He's drawn in my nephew (who is 12) as a fan of the game now...Carson loves Pasha and Nick Lidstrom. So thanks to the Wings from the 60's until now for drawing in two generations of fans.

It starts with ownership and continues down the chain. From Mike and Marian Illitch down to someone as insignificant as the kids who skate on the ice to collect the hats after a hat trick, everyone in the organization is of the mindset that this is a true family...that everyone cares for everyone else, and it shows. Respect, trust, whatever you want to call it. It is in droves and it is evident wherever you look. I think the players know this, and that is why they are willing to take less money and even take on smaller roles just to stay. Loyalty is not a problem for Wings players.

Thanks to all of you who sent kind words and condolences following my father's death. I'm actually holding up well. He had Alzheimer's and congestive heart failure, so his death is a blessing. I have to thank some friends for signing the guest book for Dad, and also a huge hug and thanks to Puckloo for giving a gift in my dad's name to Houston Animal Rescue and Detroit Animal Watch. I asked my friends, in lieu of flowers, to make a contribution of food to their local animal shelter...my dad loved my dogs, and I thought it would be a fitting tribute to him. Thanks, Dad, for all you taught me...I keep the lessons close to my heart. :angel:

I'm dreading today...it's the day of my father's funeral. I hope I can get through it without acting like an idiot.

Allow me to throw my two cents in, please. In all the time I've been going to camp (this will be the fourth year), I've never seen a problem with the guys signing autographs, posing for pictures with fans, and even giving hugs (if asked nicely). Maybe because they know that we are the ones who pay their salaries, and far be it from them to bite the hands that feed them. Two incidents stick out in my memory. First in '06. First time I talked to Pasha face to face. I had a Moscow Dynamo jersey on, and he asked me if I would like him to sign it. I didn't ask him - I was too shy. HE asked me. It was a very nice gesture on his part, and I have never forgotten it. The second happened last year. I was waiting to talk to Jiri Hudler, when I got called away for an emergency. I asked another person to try and get my copy of "48 Hours with the Red Wings" signed. When I came back, they told me that he had asked what happened, made a point to sign the book, and left a message saying he hoped everything was alright. I didn't get a chance to tell him thank you, but I hope I get a chance to do it this year. In all my encounters with them, they have been gracious, generous and polite. If you treat them with courtesy, respect and kindness, you will get back what you give.

From what I hear, if you don't have tickets already, you are s*** out of luck. For the first time since I can remember, the scrimmages and practices are sold out, and I can bet the games probably are too. The Red and White game always sells out. Good luck - I've had my tickets since June.

I can breathe a sigh of relief. Now let's concentrate on getting Cheli back. Welcome back, Aaron!

Okay, point taken. I guess when you are told all your life that you are ugly, you tend to get sensitive about it. Also when your self worth is ridiculed constantly that doesn't help either.

What difference does it make what he looks like? It's what's inside that makes him who and what he is. Heart, courage, skills, determination...coupled with kindness, sincerity, a great sense of humor. We don't have much of a choice in what we look like, unless we want to be in hock to plastic surgeons for all of our lives. Hell, if that was the case, I'd have been in hock to them since the day I was born. He cannot help what he looks like, so just get past the outer packaging and find the true treasure that is inside. Besides, if you want to talk about separated at birth, you'd be better off looking at Lurch and Derian Hatcher. P.S. Dmitriy, I love the pictures. The second one is a gem, but it would look a whole lot better without that stupid watermark.

Smart ass...it was slower than molasses in January to open. Oh well, good things come to those who wait.

Okay, so why aren't the pictures showing up for me???? Never mind, they are showing up now. By the way, it's not the outside of the package that matters, but the treasure that lies within.

Even a virtuoso musician will tell you that there is always room for improvement, and that is why he practices his craft every day. "I don't got nothin'"...Pasha, you don't realize that's a double negative, and you're actually saying you do have something. And oh boy, do you have something! Daniel1, it might be nice if you could post a video of that pass so that everyone could see what you were referring to.

Henrik, Emma, here's a piece of advice...Don't yell at each other unless the house is on fire.

I love that man...he's funny, human, down to earth, and just plain fun. Not to mention a smartass.

Good point. I still like the Chelios deal though.

I do believe one of the all time stinkers has to be the Cory Cross trade. Hell, you could have traded a bag of used pucks and done better. He was about as useful as a screen door in a submarine. Best, hands down, Chelios and Draper's trades. Cheap at twice the price.

I get to see it later this summer, time and place remain unknown to the general public.

Hell hath no fury like a pissed off Russian? Though I must say I was impressed. It took a lot of guts for him to even think of taking a swing at Gary Roberts, who isn't exactly a marshmallow. There goes his Lady Byng image all to hell!

I wish him well in whatever endeavor he takes on. Such a class act.

You too???? I've had my tickets since June! I can't wait! I'm looking forward to seeing Pasha get his first regular season hattie. Since we know he has it in him to do it, it would be a good thing to do in the regular season. The DVR is ready, the DVD supply is good, and I'm just chompin' at the bit to get goin'