JeeSpot82

I'm not sure you're referring to my comments - but I'm far from panicking. I just wanted to point out some reasons that are cause for some concern from one fan's point of view. I think that all of the points - including him not being able to take hits in the first period - are valid. Being up 2-1 is no time to panic, regardless of who's in and who's out, but I'd much rather have lost this second game in Calgary while being up 3-0 than have a chance at the series being even before coming home to Detroit. The first two games looked like the Wings wanted out of that playoff funk they've been living in since '03, but game 3 looked an awful lot like the Edmonton series last season... I just don't want the mentality to drop back into the mode that it had been for a few post-seasons. If they lose tonight, there might be cause for concern given their recent performance when trying to keep up with a hungrier team. This is a huge, huge game for the Detroit Red Wings. Here's to a great game by ALL.

I'm glad this conversation has come up and that it has remained civil. I've kept quiet because I'm sure people on LGW won't like my opinion on the matter, but reading these posts have shown that this is an actual conversation and not flame-up... First of all, I'll be the first to admit I didn't like the idea of acquiring Bertuzzi to begin with. Having said that, he wasn't acquired to sit on the bench - that's a given. But to say that he's been disappointing in terms of recovery/re-injury is an understatement. How effective is he if his physical play keeps him out of the lineup? Let's not forget how he got this latest concussion - running Chris Osgood into the parking lot. Next, if it ain't broke... The Wings were an overwhelming 2-0 in the series after the home games. Anyone who expected a sweep hasn't watched Calgary this year - particularly at home. They really turn up the heat (PUN!) in their own building and absolutely came to play in game 3. Would Hudler being in and Bertuzzi being out changed the outcome of that game? No. But, why tinker with the lineup when A) things are working really well for you; and B) Bertuzzi isn't exactly healthy to the point where you have to make a decision yet. Just because he was cleared to play last Friday and hadn't doesn't mean you have to rush him back into the lineup, especially when you're winning and things are working on all levels (minus Line 2). Third, someone above me mentioned Uwe Krupp. While that might not be a fair comparison - let me mention Derian Hatcher. Big dude that was brought in to lay some body and spent the majority of his time in Detroit on IR. The difference? Hatcher played 15 games to Bertuzzi's 8. He also played in all 12 playoff games that season. Finally, Bertuzzi hasn't looked comfortable AT ALL in his skates. He was getting tossed around in the first period of Game 3 - and spend a fair amount of time on his butt. Yes, there is a curve to getting back into the game, but if his main purpose is to Corner Smash and he's the one ending up on his kaboose, he may not be prepared to return to the lineup yet. I'll give you that he got his bearings straight and started laying some hits as the game progressed, but I wasn't at all impressed with his game on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Dan Cleary is blowing Dion Phaneuf up to the point where he can't remember his middle name. And Cleary has bled more than I knew any human could the last few games... some people are playing like their jobs depend on it, while Bertuzzi is playing like he DESERVES to be in. And I don't like players with that attitude. Having said ALL OF THIS - I'd still have an issue with his being benched. He was acquired to be in the lineup and provide some intimidation and bruises. I'm sure we can find someone to sit down instead of Hudler - but this isn't a thread about Samuelsson, Lang, or Hudler - it's about Bertuzzi.

I was going to say... the reason they lost is because Team Sweden was playing the Predators last night.

NOBODY is guilty of homerism the way that TSN is. I remember a time earlier this season that all 6 Canadian teams were in the Top 8 or something like that... and not to say that Ottawa isn't a good hockey club, as their record the last two months indicate, but there was a time earlier in the year that someone was at the top of the rankings "because" of their 6-3-3 record in the last 12. I almost fell off my chair.

Pat Falloon was drafted 2nd overall by the Sharks, not Islanders, in the 1991 Draft - immediately after Lindros. And one before Scott Niedermayer if memory serves correct.

I thought this thread was going to be about the longest name on a jersey. I'm pictures Vincent Damphousse's name wrapping onto his arms on the Maple Leafs jersey. I'm sure there are others. John Vanbiesbrouck perhaps?

Yeah, I bought that book too... doesn't make either of us an expert. I didn't say (or at least didn't MEAN) that I think Bertuzzi was conciously thinking about how to end a career - no one who plays hockey could be that malicious (well, I guess they could... but I prefer to think of them as admirable and prideful). Nevertheless, he DID. I'm a lot of things (stubborn is one of them, you nailed that on the head!) but stupid - I am not. Yes, indeed, "s***" does happen - but, what you forget to mention, Socrates, is that the likelihood of destroying a life, and a career, increases the more behind the attackee you are. Being a man and being tough are two different things, which I'm sure you can grasp. I believe that you can do whatever you want to a fellow player as long as he's looking at you. He steps onto the ice with the understanding that there is a certain danger level he's accepting, and that's totally fair. But anytime someone breaks the "code," it's a malicious attack. Should it be punishable by law? I'm not so sure about that, because hockey is a dangerous endeavor... but someone who is a professional has to know when the line has been crossed and when you're still playing fair. The vast majority of hockey players get it - and I'm sure that Todd Bertuzzi gets it. That doesn't mean that he didn't cross the line and take a partially unmitigated cheap shot at a "defenseless player" - but so did the other players that you've listed as examples. Yes, Tie Domi crossed the line MANY times. Is he a man? Yes. Did he act like a man those times? No. He acted like a goon and a tough guy. I think that now you and I are saying the same thing and it's probably become reduntant. I don't mean to derail the thread and make it about Bertuzzi, because we're trying to talk about Jordin Tootoo. My original post was just to say that while we, as Red Wings fans, love to hate him, I'm sure we'd learn to love him if he was on our side. He may be a dirty player on ocassion, but we've just established that players can and do cross that line, and while it's unfortunate, it hasn't dissuaded anyone from being a Bertuzzi fan or a Tie Domi fan or a Chris Chelios fan or a (God help us) Claude Lemieux fan.

Easy with the personal attacks there, chief. If it helps you sleep better thinking Bertuzzi wasn't intending on ending a career, be my guest and think that, but don't drip your naivity into these forums. Anyone with any kind of guts (read: "MAN.") faces a problem and does what's necessary to alleviate it, not grabs a neckhole, punches a temple, and drives a skull into ice which is like concrete. I've made quite a few mistakes in my day, as well as my days on the ice, but none of them amounted to what Mr. Bertuzzi has had to deal with. And I've steered clear of all talk regarding this debate because of the complete homerism surrounding it and it's not my place to judge anyone. I'm sure he's upset about what happened and I'm also sure that he's very sorry. The shame and guilt that he has to live with is punhisment enough, and I don't want to switch places with him at all. "People like me" are the ones who are pointing out that if Jordin Tootoo was a Red Wing, the way that Todd Bertuzzi is now, that it'd be a different tune being sung in the forums. Running around "trying to hurt" players doesn't have a place in the game, either. And if that's what you think Tootoo does, I'd ask that you take a closer look at him when he's on the ice. I'm a Red Wings fan. He annoys the s*** out of me. I would love to see him get leveled by a Winged Wheel, but if the tables were turned and I could have him do what he does for my team, who would say no?

I'm not saying I want him over Maltby - I'm saying that if he's a Red Wing, there are a lot fewer "he's a dirty player" calls going around. I think he's quite capable, and he is a grade A pest. He's not completely useless with the puck on his stick (read: Darryl Bootland), so what's the harm in having him on the ice? Does he take stupid penalties? GOD yes, but he knows his role and doesn't try to do anything out of his realm of capabilities. EDIT: sorry, responded to something I misread.

Perhaps when little Inuit fists were flying at his face. A need for the team? No. A need for his pretty little nose and reputation? Probably.

I loved it too. Claude Lemieux made it clear he wanted in on that action. Steve Moore didn't have any idea a gorilla was riding on his back until his neck was broken. And let's not forget -- Claude Lemieux played hockey again. And stood up to DMac, and made a game of it. Darren McCarty knew better than to go all Rambo on his ass and end his career.

Because his purpose is to provide a physical aspect to the Red Wings, and drop the gloves when need be. Not puusy foot around drawing penalties - there are 18 other Red Wings willing/able to do that. If you want another Dan Cleary, say so - don't light buildings on fire for GRIT, TOUGHNESS, and FIGHTERS and then hide behind him "drawing a penalty" for pulling a Norton and getting his ass handed to him in mere nanoseconds.

Bravo. I didn't want to be the one to say it, but anyone who doesn't want Tootoo on the team but welcomes Bertuzzi with open arms is spewing what they call a "double standard." Bertuzzi might not have made a career out of cheap shots, which one can argue Tootoo has, but Tootoo has never been in court for something he perpetrated on the ice. Call Tootoo's onslaught on Bootland "sucker punches," but at least Bootland was LOOKING at him. And, indeed, Bertuzzi used to have a scoring touch, I look forward to seeing if he can regain it - it's been a rough year for him in Miami. But, I see your points that Bertuzzi can put up numbers besides the ones that go in the column "PIM."

I'd like to see a show of hands of everyone who wishes he was on our team.

If all it takes is five seconds (which is liberal having seen the replays over and over again of last night's "bout") is all it takes to have Bootland on HIS ASS, then yes - he got smoked. If you're a fighter, step one shouldn't be telling yourself "Okay, get off the ice and try again."

I was hoping this thread was about Darryl Bootland getting SMOKED by the midget who wears number 22 for Nashville -- not to mention the backpeddling everyone who said he could fight would be doing. He brings a certain energy and he laid that one nasty hit inside the blue line, but he doesn't belong on the Red Wings. His handful of games over the last four years are evidence that he's an AHLer. No shame in that at all.

I'd love to bid on some as well -- I know they'll quickly elevate above my price range, but I like to do what I can to support breast cancer research. My grandmother lost both of her breasts, but that was about ten years ago now and she's still kicking ass and taking names. Not every woman (or man, for that matter) who gets breast cancer is so lucky and pulls through as wonderfully as she has. They need all the help they can get.

I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand this comment - are you suggesting that hockey fans in North Carolina are more knowledgable than those in Detroit? I'd have a problem with that claim, but before flying off the handle (like many others will do hahaha), I'd like clarification. I've never been to a game in Raleigh, but from what I see on TV - they seem into it and very loud. And from what I recall, they used to have cheerleaders. Do they still have scantilly-clad gals dancing around? Because that certainly doesn't hurt get a crowd riled up.

I love Mickey Redmond, and always have -- but I was thinking the same thing last night. Ocassionally, there are games where he's slurring and giggly. Last night was one of those nights, I felt. Am I alone in thinking that? Haha Whatever he's doing, he should keep doing - because it's HI-larious.

I'm steering as clear of this GDT tonight but here's to hoping for a fantastic hockey game - one where the Wings come up on top of the scoreboard and standings.

Back in the day, they used to put a carpet over the ice and have dinner with the Red Wings -- each table featured a Red Wing (or two if they were the newcomer, call-up types). Obviously, they don't do that anymore because they've grown to be so popular, but in 1993, I had the opportunity to escort my mother (as a fine-lookin 11 year old). I made friends with Mike Sillinger. Another time, two of the young guys (I don't even think they stuck with the team) jokingly fought over who got to finish my meal because (obviously as a youngster) I couldn't. Nick Lidstrom was a rookie that season and NOBODY knew who he was, so I talked with him and his then-fiance, now-wife, for HOURS, and she explained that he was learning English and that it was nice that I talked to him for so long. One thing that sticks out is that I really wanted to meet the goalies - and I was really upset to see Vincent Riendeu wearing glasses. I asked my mom how he could see the puck on the ice, and she replied "Well...not very well to be honest." I wore a Red Wings jersey and just had everyone sign my back. Gordie Howe signed it right by the neck hole and I remember it creeping me out. Anyways, I just found that jersey last time I went home to Michigan and was rummaging through my mom's basement. Paul Ysebaert was cool, I have the MEANEST looking picture of Bob Probert, and my mom has one of her punching him and he's laughing his ass off. Sheldon Kennedy was on the team then. Yves Racine brought his little boy - who I believe suffers from Downs Syndrome, but both of them were SUPER COOL. Konstantinov didn't speak English. ----- On another occassion, I had the opportunity to meet Ted Lindsay. Still smart as a whip, he definitely moved a little slower than I thought he might. ----- A couple months ago, I went to the Red Wings game in Jersey, and after the game, my girlfriend and I went to an Italian restaurant down the street from my apartment on the east side of Manhattan. It was about to close for the night, and who else but Mike Babcock, Ken Holland, both assistant coaches wander in. They sat down right next to us and were talking shop. Of course, I eavesdropped like crazy, and anticipated the team walking in shortly after. I work in television, and I know that nothing annoys people who are "of noting" like going up and saying you're a fan and interrupting their meal, so I kept to myself. Gave them a little bit of a head nod and a "great game today" and was on my way.

Darryl Bootland will be the 35th Red Wing on the NHL.com official roster submitted for gametime, which includes players that didn't get to dress: Jonathan Ericsson and Evan McGrath; and a player that dressed but didn't get into a game: Stefan Liv. Make it 37 if you want to count Fish and Greg Johnson.

Williams is playing well for the Hawks, too. A change of scenery will do you good sometimes. I just love that Holland admitted he didn't want to part with Williams and then couldn't catapult him out of here fast enough this season hahaha

Knuble is down for the count after colliding with Shanahan if I remember correctly. I checked Wikipedia and it claims that there are three "A"s and zero "C"s. Probably wait to re-sign Forsberg in the off-season again haha

Personally, I wouldn't be too afraid of losing Darryl Bootland on the waiver wire. Even if he is eligible, I can't see many of the other teams making a pitch for him.