Hockeytown Red Wings 245 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Thank you Red Wings! I honestly never thought they'd make it this far. They gave it a hell of a run, and had things bounced differently, maybe it'd be us going to the Finals. You'll always be our Red Wings, win or lose. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redwings-40-5 11 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Great Season. Terrific Playoffs. We proved a lot of critics wrong by taking the West in the season, and going to the Conference Finals. The only thing that would make this season better would have been winning the Cup, but there is always next season . GO WINGS 2007-2008 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Right now, I'm composed...it's been one hell of a year. Even as optimistic fans, I don't think any of us truly expected us to get as far as we did, but alas, we did it...we didn't win it all, but we gave it a great run...one for the books...one that will be part of a still unfolding story that is this new Detroit Red Wings team. New leaders...new stars...a new mission...yes, old faces remain as a reminder of the days gone by, but this is a new team. Just as the teams in the mid-90's had to watch other teams go on and hoist the Cup that for a moment appeared so close, so this team will watch from home as another team realizes the dream they so desperately long for. We will be stronger for it. We are stronger for it. We are still the Detroit Red Wings and our core is still strong. We will be back. If we can say anything, we can say that this Detroit Red Wings team refused to be categorized as playoff-maybe's, let alone playoff no-shows. Seemingly against all odds if you agree with the majority of hockey commentators prior to the 2006/07 season, the Detroit Red Wings proved they are a team that has what it takes to go the distance. We know that now is not the time for this team, but I do believe that no one doubts any longer that at some point in the near future, the time for this Detroit Red Wings team to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup will come about. How much did we accomplish? Let's just look at a few names... Pavel Datsyuk...the seven million dollar man known more for the fact that he hadn't scored a playoff goal in years can now be considered nothing less than a potent playoff force...no longer will a cloud of doubt surround Datsyuk prior to playoffs...he proved that he is the real thing and that he is ready to lead this team to the top. Andreas Lilja...arguably one of the most disliked players by the fans leads the team in hits and becomes an unsung hero for the Red Wings throughout these playoffs. No one may've surpassed expectations like Lilja...people will always remember "Game 5" but anything that happened in that game ultimately is negated by the fact that Lilja was absolutely key to all of our success in these playoffs and he proved emphatically that he can be a potent defensive force. Nicklas Lidstrom...that 'C' on his jersey is heavier than any of us could imagine...everyone who recognizes that 'C' instantly thinks of Steve Yzerman, the legendary Captain of the Detroit Red Wings...THE Captain...to be the next guy to wear it...well, quite frankly, that would intimidate anyone. Nicklas Lidstrom wore it with pride and continued to play his game and lead this team to success...it'll only be easier next year... Chris Chelios...45 years old...arguably one of the best performers and steadiest defensemen in these playoffs from any team...need we say anymore? and how can we forget Dominik Hasek...love him or hate him, the guy proved that he's still got it...at the age of 42 no less...everyone thought the Wings were nuts to take a chance on the oft-injured Hasek, but they did, and it paid off. I don't doubt that he will be back for one more go of it next year... All in all, you could say something about just about everyone on this team...they came together and played hard and gave themselves more than just a fighting chance in these playoffs...it's not remotely unrealistic to suggest even that they should've won this series...a few questionable calls at the end of Game 5 that actually went the right way, and we may've been the one's on the way to the finals, but what can you do? You win some, you lose some. This team is strong and the core of this team will be back. It's been a great year...one for the books...a story still unfolding...can't say it enough...nor can I wait for October to start this whole ship up again... Thank you 2006/07 Detroit Red Wings for a lot of joy and a lot of fun. Hats off to you. We'll see you next year. ...and with that, I've been composed long enough...time to just let the emotion of it all in...I love this team with all my heart...tears will come...I'm not sure when, but they will come at some point soon. Then we'll move on...what else can you do? I'll tell you, for the first time in years, I couldn't be more excited for next season...that's refreshing... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
13dats 1 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Thank you Red Wings. If not the stupid penalty call in game 5 the Stanley Cup final suppose to be in Detroit. Better team lost WCF. The next year would be better. I'm proud to be a Red Wings fan!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingFanInStarLand 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 (edited) Fans always talk about how there is a difference between losing with heart and losing because of a lack of it....As a Wings fan, I'm not sure I have been comforted by that until now...and I admit I didn't think it would be calming for what is otherwise a depressing team. But damn, I am so ******* proud of this team...words really can't express it. Even though everyone else wants the Red Wings to suck, our combination of veterans and younger guys continues to work hard to put a quality product on the ice, and this year they learned from playoffs past. They battled every night and poured every ounce of blood sweat and tears they had! Nobody wanted it more than they did. Though that black little disc can take peculiar bounces, both thrilling and heart breaking, it is not a reflection on the qualities in this team that we all admire... Lidstrom and Hasek illustrated that experience and hockey smarts can go a long way in sustained excellence that shouldn't suprise anybody. Datsyuk and Zetterberg grew up in these playoffs...always going to the net and even when they weren't scoring, they were always playing sound defensive hockey. Maltby and Draper conjured up memories of grind-lines past with speed, tenacity and some timely (if rare) goals...good to see that burst again boys! Bert, Calds and Schneids all fought through injuries and though their impacts may seem muted, the guts they showed should be appreciated ...Filppula and Franzen stepped up in big ways and illustrated that they will become perennially- underrated pieces of a future championship puzzle! I loved them out there. Finally, let me reserve my highest praise for two guys I fell in love with during this run...Dan Cleary and Andreas Lilja. When I think of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, I think Dan Cleary. Balls-to the Wall EVERY SHIFT. Inspired, Courageous, Tenacious, and Unrelenting. Rewarding those efforts is what the playoffs are all about, and Dano has earned himself a place on the Wings and deserves to adorn Lord Stanley. Lilja...Wow. I really can't believe it. Overcoming all odds to play beyond yourself and giving your team big big minutes. f*** YEAH. Blocking Shots, Making Hits, making solid defensive plays while soaking up ice time! As a 7th Dmen. I don't care about those who want to hang him for Game 5...he was great and he deserves a spot on next year's team! Add a (optimistically) improving Kronwall, and this team will be right back at it next year...the prize was not won, but our boys have rediscovered the how-to for playoff victories...that in and of itself is something to celebrate! great year guys! Edited May 23, 2007 by WingFanInStarLand Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jbrwing21 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Good job Wings!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray1905 18 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Thanks for the great season! Go Wings Go!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 For a season without expectations, these were the Wings that exceeded them. Be proud of yourselves - your fans will always remember you. Congratulations on a great 2007, Detroit Red Wings! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeta Power 40 1 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 thank you red wings. I freakin love you guys Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HkyTwn 5 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 this is gonna be a long 4+ months I'm with you!! Great season, Wings! So many things happened and so many people changed! I loved it and I can't wait for next season to yell at the TV or at the Joe!! And to the LGWers, you guys are completely amazing! I joined in April because a few friends of mine told me about it and I hadn't posted because I was too intimidated, but then I read for a while and joined... and all of you are just great. You're classy and wonderful. Thanks for a great season & great playoff threads. I'll keep posting until the regular season!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shaman 713 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 (edited) Good job wings, next year, Detroit will be home of the world series winners (crosses fingers, go Tigers) and the Stanely Cup winners Now for the real questions: Will Hasek come back? Bert and Calder gunna be around? Will we trade Lang? If all 4 of those players leave, who will replace them? PS GO SENS!!!!! Edited May 23, 2007 by Shaman464 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
glasgowcelticwing 18 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 A big thank you from Scotland to the Detroit Red Wings for giving us a very emotional and amazing experience that was our 2007 Stanley Cup Playoff run . It ended in disapointment but I'm proud of you all. LETS GO RED WINGS!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Offsides 21 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 (edited) I feel like saying something specific to every Wing: Todd Bertuzzi - The newest Red Wing, I really hope you play again, and I appreciate that you played through (most likely) tremendous pain. You've brought a lot of excitement to the game here, and I hope you re-sign next year, because I know you'd fit in great and be a great acquirement! Kyle Calder - Our very close to newest Red Wing. I really want you to sign here again, too. Who can forget Calds coming in his first game and scoring?!? You were obviously too hurt to play and I hope that doesn't count against you because I know you gave it your all Chris Chelios - Man, you bring the average age of the team up 10 years and every announcer has to mention it. You are a class act here, and I say play till your 50....why the hell not. We would welcome you with open arms every year. Dan MVP Cleary - WOW, At the beginning of the season you were just another player on the roster. Now, I have so much respect for you it is unreal. You are someone who gave their all every second of the playoffs and no one can question it one bit. Pavel Datsyuk - You were so good. You scored in the first game, and twice in the last of the playoffs. Thanks for proving everyone wrong. I always knew you'd be a great playoff contributer. You are worth the money they pay you...keep up the good work. Kris Draper - You are a guy who I think puts his heart and soul into every shift. You will retire a Red Wing, and I'm proud to have you on the team. Your two way play is such an asset that is overlooked a lot I think. Valtteri Filppula - Honestly, the Red Wing who impressed me by the biggest margin was you. I couldn't believe that you were so amazing with the puck this year. You are domininant and deserve to play a bigger role on the team. I am not at all nervous seeing you at the top line, and it's been good to see you constantly step up all season. Johan Franzen - Wow, such a tough guy. You were always sacrificing your body to make the hard plays. I also remember a certain VERY timely goal. You are just great all around. Dominik Hasek - You are a player that I never thought I'd like. I'm still not sure I like you, but I love you like I'd love a quirky step-brother. You truly played frustratingly good through the season (for someone who wants to see Ozzie play), and saved our bacon a few times in the playoffs. If you do retire, there will be a weird sadness there that I would never expect Tomas Holmstrom - You've proved yourself to be so valuable...it's just amazing. I can't say enough about you. You sacrifice yourself every night...playoffs or not. I hope you retire a Red Wing...quietly through the years you've deserved it. Jiri Hudler - I wish you'd have gotten to play more because I think when you did play more you made the most of your minutes. I know you have a great future with the Wings, and I was proud of you when you were on the ice. Tomas Kopecky - You were injured a long time and I think got kinda thrown in there at the end, but I saw some potential...most definitely, can't wait to see more of you next year. Niklas Kronwall - Oh, how I wish you weren't injured. I think we'd have had an easier time of it. I remember being so downheartened when I heard you were injured at the end of the regular season. Get well, and have a full season! I think you will be a great asset. Robert Lang - Well, you are and have been one of my favorite players. I really hope you come back, but if you don't then I wish you well whereever you go. I will never forget the 2 most exciting tying goals of the playoffs...both by you. You made the game exciting...and kept us in the series...it counts for something to me. Brett Lebda - Your speed just floors me everytime you turn on your wheels. I was never sure when you came back if you were 100% and I expect not...so kudos on battling through injury. You are the future of our defense, and I'm proud you are on the team. Nicklas Lidstrom - Our new captain. I don't think anyone would have filled the position with such grace. I am so proud for the team to be led by your quiet reserve. You rarely make mistakes, and are just in general, awesome. Andreas Lilja - Wow, You really stepped it up in the playoffs. It was so exciting. Rarely could it even be said you made a mistake, and you even scored a goal. I hope you re-sign with the team, truly. Kirk Maltby - No substitute for you PK abilities. And we were on the PK so often this playoffs that it was totally necessary. You are one of our quiet leaders. I hope that you retire as a Wing. Danny Markov - Sometimes you were an absolute beast out there. You did everything as a defenseman that we want out there and we loved every minute. Chris Osgood - There isn't enough typespace for me to talk about you. Even though you didn't play in the playoffs you kept the team upbeat and never caused any goalie drama. It's impossible not to absolutely love this guy...and that's why you're my absolute favorite Wing... Kyle Quincey - You stepped in when you needed to. You did what was asked, and without playing most of the regular season. Not much more I can say about that, but will be looking forward to seeing you full time soon. Mikael Samuelsson - All of a sudden you were a goal scoring machine it seemed. You really singlehandedly won a couple of games...In any case you really stepped up your game to be one of the best players in the playoffs. Matieu Schneider - Oh how we wish you weren't injured! It was so hard to win without you and your very good defensive play. You were sorely missed at the end, and I hope you have a speedy recovery! Henrik Zetterberg - Can't say enough about you. You are everything that a Red Wing should be. Hope you are always a Red Wing...you've been money in the playoffs, and kudos...huge praise for playing through injury...I can't even imagine. I <3 them all!! Edited May 23, 2007 by vladdy16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 @ Offsides Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 (edited) I feel like saying something specific to every Wing: Todd Bertuzzi - The newest Red Wing, I really hope you play again, and I appreciate that you played through (most likely) tremendous pain. You've brought a lot of excitement to the game here, and I hope you re-sign next year, because I know you'd fit in great and be a great acquirement! Kyle Calder - Our very close to newest Red Wing. I really want you to sign here again, too. Who can forget Calds coming in his first game and scoring?!? You were obviously too hurt to play and I hope that doesn't count against you because I know you gave it your all Chris Chelios - Man, you bring the average age of the team up 10 years and every announcer has to mention it. You are a class act here, and I say play till your 50....why the hell not. We would welcome you with open arms every year. Dan MVP Cleary - WOW, At the beginning of the season you were just another player on the roster. Now, I have so much respect for you it is unreal. You are someone who gave their all every second of the playoffs and no one can question it one bit. Pavel Datsyuk - You were so good. You scored in the first game, and twice in the last of the playoffs. Thanks for proving everyone wrong. I always knew you'd be a great playoff contributer. You are worth the money they pay you...keep up the good work. Kris Draper - You are a guy who I think puts his heart and soul into every shift. You will retire a Red Wing, and I'm proud to have you on the team. Your two way play is such an asset that is overlooked a lot I think. Valtteri Filppula - Honestly, the Red Wing who impressed me by the biggest margin was you. I couldn't believe that you were so amazing with the puck this year. You are domininant and deserve to play a bigger role on the team. I am not at all nervous seeing you at the top line, and it's been good to see you constantly step up all season. Johan Franzen - Wow, such a tough guy. You were always sacrificing your body to make the hard plays. I also remember a certain VERY timely goal. You are just great all around. Dominik Hasek - You are a player that I never thought I'd like. I'm still not sure I like you, but I love you like I'd love a quirky step-brother. You truly played frustratingly good through the season (for someone who wants to see Ozzie play), and saved our bacon a few times in the playoffs. If you do retire, there will be a weird sadness there that I would never expect Tomas Holmstrom - You've proved yourself to be so valuable...it's just amazing. I can't say enough about you. You sacrifice yourself every night...playoffs or not. I hope you retire a Red Wing...quietly through the years you've deserved it. Jiri Hudler - I wish you'd have gotten to play more because I think when you did play more you made the most of your minutes. I know you have a great future with the Wings, and I was proud of you when you were on the ice. Tomas Kopecky - You were injured a long time and I think got kinda thrown in there at the end, but I saw some potential...most definitely, can't wait to see more of you next year. Niklas Kronwall - Oh, how I wish you weren't injured. I think we'd have had an easier time of it. I remember being so downheartened when I heard you were injured at the end of the regular season. Get well, and have a full season! I think you will be a great asset. Robert Lang - Well, you are and have been one of my favorite players. I really hope you come back, but if you don't then I wish you well whereever you go. I will never forget the 2 most exciting tying goals of the playoffs...both by you. You made the game exciting...and kept us in the series...it counts for something to me. Brett Lebda - Your speed just floors me everytime you turn on your wheels. I was never sure when you came back if you were 100% and I expect not...so kudos on battling through injury. You are the future of our defense, and I'm proud you are on the team. Nicklas Lidstrom - Our new captain. I don't think anyone would have filled the position with such grace. I am so proud for the team to be led by your quiet reserve. You rarely make mistakes, and are just in general, awesome. Andreas Lilja - Wow, You really stepped it up in the playoffs. It was so exciting. Rarely could it even be said you made a mistake, and you even scored a goal. I hope you re-sign with the team, truly. Kirk Maltby - No substitute for you PK abilities. And we were on the PK so often this playoffs that it was totally necessary. You are one of our quiet leaders. I hope that you retire as a Wing. Danny Markov - Sometimes you were an absolute beast out there. You did everything as a defenseman that we want out there and we loved every minute. Chris Osgood - There isn't enough typespace for me to talk about him. Even though he didn't play in the playoffs he kept the team upbeat and never caused any goalie drama. It's impossible not to absolutely love this guy...and that's why he's my absolute favorite Wing... Kyle Quincey - You stepped in when you needed to. You did what was asked, and without playing most of the regular season. Not much more I can say about that, but will be looking forward to seeing you full time soon. Mikael Samuelsson - All of a sudden you were a goal scoring machine it seemed. You really singlehandedly won a couple of games...In any case you really stepped up your game to be one of the best players in the playoffs. Matieu Schneider - Oh how we wish you weren't injured! It was so hard to win without you and your very good defensive play. You were sorely missed at the end, and I hope you have a speedy recovery! Henrik Zetterberg - Can't say enough about you. You are everything that a Red Wing should be. Hope you are always a Red Wing...you've been money in the playoffs, and kudos...huge praise for playing through injury...I can't even imagine. I <3 them all!! Ditto to it all. I think im going to cry again. Red Wings, PLEASE re-sign Calds, Bert, and Schneids. Please. The Wings had a phenomenal year and far exceeded anyone's expectations of them. Everyone counted them out in the season, said they wouldn't make the playoffs, said Calgary would beat them, said the Sharks would beat them, and that the Ducks would have it easy. The Wings proved every single one of those doubters wrong. They've had a great season, despite being eliminated and they should get all the credit in the world for coming this far. It's got nothing to do with being a homer, it's called being a realist and seeing that the Wings DID give it their all, and that in itself deserves an applaud for the entire team. Edited May 23, 2007 by vladdy16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
What_the_puck? 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 the Canucks are my # 1 team ... but after them, the Wings! I was really cheering for Detroit, maybe more so because the Canucks also lost to the Ducks. There was some amazing "deja vu" happening ... (a) The Ducks got some incredibly lucky breaks against the Wings (ditto against the Canucks) (b) The Wings outplayed the Ducks in most games & had more heart ( ditto against the Canucks) © The Wings got shafted by the refs on alot of really WEAK penalties (ditto the Canucks) Conclusion: The Ducks are by far, the luckiest team to still be alive in the playoffs. In my view, they are very fortunate to have survived to the 4th and final round. Two other teams (Wings & Canucks) deserved a better fate against the Ducks, and they do not deserve to hoist Lord Stanley's cup ... that honor should go to Ottawa, who have played their guts out in their series. Watch for Anaheim's goons (hello, Chris Pronger) to try and intentionally injure a couple of key Senators, as they did to the Canucks' D-men & a couple of Wings. I'm cheering for the team that deserves to win it all ... go Sens !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 A fantastic season. Proved a lot of critics wrong, and for a while there looked like they were destined for their fourth Cup in 10 years. A very disappointing way to end the season- especially to Pronger and the Ducks, but Game 6 of the WCF is way better than the entire league (minus two teams) did this season. That says a helluva lot. Good job Wings. I look forward to next year. For now, GO SENS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 You know what? No longer can anyone call the Wings playoff chokers. No longer can anyone say they are too soft, or that they have no heart or desire to win. This playoff run has been amazing, and they really gave it one hell of a run. I remember before the playoffs started there were those that sad they wanted the Wings to stay away from two teams, the Flames, and Sharks. They wanted so badly for the Wings to not face them because they thought they would completely own us with their physicality. Look at how the Wings responded. They played more physical in these playoffs then I've seen them play since the early 90's..even when they won their Cups. Everyone said they weren't tough enough..and they really proved everyone wrong. They are no longer soft, they aren't afraid to take the body, sacrifice themselves, block shots, muck it up, get into scrums, stick up for teammates, and even fight. They did all that, and on top played with so much heart. Battling till the very end. Getting huge goals at the right time, the superstar players coming through, great goaltending, players stepping in and playing solid while others were injured. They REALLY do deserve an applause. I am so damn proud of them. No one can say they weren't tough enough, because they most definitely proved they were. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
What_the_puck? 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 And great effort Wings ... you were robbed, and deserved better. Next season, maybe that will be the one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Great effort Wings! It was a heck of a season. We'll be back next season. I can't wait! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bringback91 2 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 To the Wings: Great season and playoff run there fellas. Couple of bad bounces away from perhaps a Cup. To me this season was way more than just trying win a Cup. This was supposed to be the year that the giant that is the Red Wings finally fell in defeat. Too old, slow, soft, euro, no heart, heard it all. All season long. Everyone of those was proven to be false. I like the roster, if not for some key injurys and some bad bounces who knows? But i do know that this current roster is good enough to get it done, with maybe a tweek or two. But there is no overhaul or "rebuild" nessicary that we all heard so much about last off season. From september to june the Wings always give me something to look forward to and root for. While upsetting and disapointing, this isn't the worst defeat I've gone through as a Wings fan. Hell I'm damn proud of them. Just wasn't the year I guess, but no need to hang your heads, players or fans. Gotta great team here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gizmo 21 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 (edited) It was a very good season indeed... We saw a heck of a lot of great hockey and I think they certainly had a great play-off run. Shoulda-woulda-coulda... that's how hockey goes. A flukey bounce here, and funny tip there, and it all could have been different. No shame. Edited May 23, 2007 by Gizmo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilandwingsfan 3 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 Congrats and a standin' ovation for an awesome season & playoff run for the Red Wings! No more super early exits for this team. It was great to see the Wings prove all those critics wrong! Next year, boys!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted May 23, 2007 (edited) Great job guys! Psst... tell your boss that if he want the seats filled he needs to lower the ticket prices next season.... I know he will raise them all around, but its worth a shot to ask for us isn't? Edited May 23, 2007 by OsGOD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
