tommingthepuck96 1 Report post Posted August 27, 2009 http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=487141 Some nice quotes Babcock proved that this past postseason when he had Cleary, who had 15 points in 23 playoff games, in the Wings' top six and skating a lot with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, two guys Cleary said would be the best players in Canada's orientation camp this week. Still, before he even arrived, Cleary, who says his confidence has never been as high as it is right now Whole article CALGARY -- The question wasn't intended to offend Detroit Red Wings winger Dan Cleary, and it didn't, but it's also one that just couldn't be sugarcoated. "Why are you here?" A lot of people in Canada are asking themselves that same question about Cleary these days. Marc Savard scored 88 points this past season and he's not in Calgary this week. Mike Cammalleri had 39 goals, but didn't receive any invitation. Mike Ribeiro, Brad Boyes, Steven Stamkos are all worthy candidates that didn't make the cut. Yet, on the ice skating with Patrick Marleau and Vinny Lecavalier Wednesday was Cleary, a guy who finished 87th among Canadians with 40 points this past season. "I just think I have earned the right to be here based on my play the last few years in the playoffs and the regular season," Cleary told NHL.com. "I think I'm good at both ends of the ice. I have played on top lines and I think I had a good playoff this year, a good run. I have good experience of being in critical situations. With our team in Detroit I play in every situation. I play in the last minute of the power play and penalty kill. I feel I deserve to be here." He's right. Cleary is here because he represents the vision Steve Yzerman and Mike Babcock have for their role players on Team Canada at the 2010 Olympics. Whether that means he makes the final cut remains to be seen, but this much we do know: Cleary is not here because Yzerman and Babcock wanted a familiar face in Calgary. "It's just that he's a good hockey player," Babcock said. "Just look at the playoffs and the amount of scoring he does, the way he plays with and without the puck. He's just a real smart hockey player and he gets things done. He's a very usable guy whether it's on the power play in front of the net, in a checking role, physical on the forecheck, in his own zone or on the penalty kill. He's a good player." Cleary said Babcock, Yzerman and Detroit GM Ken Holland, Yzerman's associate with Team Canada, have never said anything to him about his chances of making it to this week's orientation camp. "Never, never, never," he confirmed. To that end, there was no reason for him to even think about being here until he got the invitation. Still, before he even arrived, Cleary, who says his confidence has never been as high as it is right now, knew he wouldn't feel out of place. He doesn't. "I have played against all these guys, went head-to-head with all these guys, checked them and had lots of battles with them," he said. "I feel comfortable. I don't feel any pressure. These other guys have way more pressure than me." Cleary, who believes he's "the most comfortable guy in camp," has an advantage over every other Canadian skater because he knows Babcock's coaching style and his systems. The coach is also comfortable in putting Cleary in all situations. Babcock proved that this past postseason when he had Cleary, who had 15 points in 23 playoff games, in the Wings' top six and skating a lot with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, two guys Cleary said would be the best players in Canada's orientation camp this week. With Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler and Mikael Samuelsson all skating elsewhere now, Cleary will see more ice time in the top six this coming season. It should only increase his scoring, his exposure and his chances of making this team. After all, he's certainly one guy who can't make an impression this week. The powers that be already know too much about him as it is. "They want guys not to be on the fourth line just to check, but to be on the fourth line and be great checkers with the ability to burn you offensively," Cleary said. "I think I can create offense given the chance and I'll have a good chance this year. We'll see what happens." Whatever does happen, Cleary isn't going to fret too much. Like he said, the pressure is off. All he can do is play his way, which, by the way, is what got him here. "That's exactly my mindset," Cleary said. "If it happens it happens, but you see, I know what I have to do to make the team. I'm going to focus on those areas and hopefully that's enough. If it's not, I will know I gave it all I can give. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut40 176 Report post Posted August 27, 2009 I have good experience of being in critical situations. Translation: "I'm clutch" Seriously, this guy is such a hard worker. It's like he never has to step it up because he's always giving it 100%. More players need to be more like him, obviously it pays off. Good article. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tommingthepuck96 1 Report post Posted August 27, 2009 Anyone remembers the way he was playing before his injury? It seemed like his offensive game was just starting to truly show, right before samulesson nailed him in the face.. Im interested to see what numbers he could put up if he stays healthy playing in a top 6 role especially with his confidence so high. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Esquire 324 Report post Posted August 27, 2009 Translation: "I'm clutch" Seriously, this guy is such a hard worker. It's like he never has to step it up because he's always giving it 100%. More players need to be more like him, obviously it pays off. Good article. Ain't nobody, and I mean NOBODY, that works harder than a Newfie. That's a fact. Cleary is making this damn roster! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted August 27, 2009 Who's a big Cleary fan? I'm a big Cleary fan. I was thrilled to see him get the invite and I think he's a guy who could really contribute especially as his confidence increases and he takes more chances/gets more opportunities. The guy has always had the skill set and has come around for Detroit after a rough start to his career, but he certainly still has plenty of potential to surprise people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManLuv4Clears 7 Report post Posted August 27, 2009 Who's a big Cleary fan? I'm a big Cleary fan. I was thrilled to see him get the invite and I think he's a guy who could really contribute especially as his confidence increases and he takes more chances/gets more opportunities. The guy has always had the skill set and has come around for Detroit after a rough start to his career, but he certainly still has plenty of potential to surprise people. <<<<<How can you not love a guy who plays with his heart on his sleeve. :beerbuddy: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Four Report post Posted August 28, 2009 I read that not to long ago, great article! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 <<<<<How can you not love a guy who plays with his heart on his sleeve. :beerbuddy: Amen.Hands down one of the hardest working players in the NHL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duguay 0 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 The thing with Cleary is that he gives it 100% every shift. The Wings have more players on they're team like that than any other team in the NHL. To make the Wings roster you follow players like Cleary. Future Captain or Alternate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
digitaljohn88 4 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 Cleary looks AWESOME in the canada scrimmage right now. I believe a line of Carter/Marleau/Cleary just scored. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 Cleary should be a Wing for life. I know I'm just repeating everyone else, but the guy is the hardest worker in the league. He has done more to truly earn every reward he receives than pretty much anyone else. I have faith he'll impress and make the roster, a testament to the reward for honest, hard work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
going_top_shelf 6 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 Anyone remembers the way he was playing before his injury? It seemed like his offensive game was just starting to truly show, right before samulesson nailed him in the face.. The one time he didn't hit someone in the shins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
titanium2 867 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 The one time he didn't hit someone in the shins. Oh God... some game against VAN. Sammy on the point... Cleary on the PK... Bad bad bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 Dano's gonna do it. I'm so happy to see him coming into camp healthy and confident, if he plays with Z and D and gets PP time he'll score 30 goals. In 07-08 he was having his best season ever with 20 goals and 22 assists in 63 games before getting hit by an errant shot by Samuelsson, just ya'll wait. Newfies make the most of chances like these. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmamolo 287 Report post Posted August 28, 2009 I really think Cleary has a more than reasonable shot at 30 goals this season. I think when we see the passing of the guard when Lidstrom retires and most likely Zetterberg is named Captain I think we see Cleary get an 'A'. This guy is well spoken, leads by example and is willing to put his body on the line to make plays. He has everything you could ask for in a hockey player. He may in fact be one of the most versatile players on the Wings roster because he fits in absolutely anywhere you want to plug him and makes his line better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
