Marty Barry 230 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Last time we signed Bert, he was supposed to be the saviour. Didn't work out that way. This time, he was just a cheap alternative with a possible upside. Can he resurrect his career in Detroit and prove that he is still a force? Or is this his sad, sad, swan song? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShanahanMan 473 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Last time we signed Bert, he was supposed to be the saviour. Didn't work out that way. This time, he was just a cheap alternative with a possible upside. Can he resurrect his career in Detroit and prove that he is still a force? Or is this his sad, sad, swan song? I still don't know why everyone keeps bitching about "the last time we signed him". When we brought him over in 07, he was coming off a big injury and only played a handful of regular season games and then the playoffs. Even so, he still didn't do bad at all. Though I think it's jumping the gun to count on anything right now, its damn good to see flashes of his offensive brilliance when he shows it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thedatsyukian 7 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 (edited) Resurrect his career? There's nothing to resurrect as he's really found his role in hockey. He's a 15 goal, 40 point player who is going to bring some size and strength into your lineup while providing a presence around the net. Edited December 13, 2009 by thedatsyukian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marty Barry 230 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I think that if he can get in his groove without all the talent we are missing right now, when we get healthy, he will become close to the power forward of old. At his last signing I was screaming Stanley Cup down here in Columbus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 When he came in 07, he was decent. He hadnt playd since October and wasnt still 100%, had 4 points in 8 games and was a plus player, and if he didnt crash in Ozzie and mess up his brain, probably would've been better in the playoffs. Still managed 7 points in 16 games. This time around, he's been good defensively, and finally is starting to get breaks. For sure I'd like to see him kept around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thedisappearer 291 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Last time we signed Bert, he was supposed to be the saviour. What the hell are you talking about? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carman 387 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Bertuzzi is a damn good player, especially for his price. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Didn't really think he was very good in the early going, first 15-20 games or so, but the last 10ish he's picked up the slack and obviously the last 2 he's been awesome. Ups, downs, he's making peanuts so I'll take what I can get. So far, so adequate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueMonk 102 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I still think Bertuzzi had a lot to do with Detroit getting to the WCF in 2007. That team had been pushed around by the tougher teams in the league prior to that season and Bertuzzi gave them a bit of a spine for the first time. His body slam of Dion Phaneuf during the Calgary series was a watershed moment for them. I really like what he brings. The recent hot streak leads me to believe that he hasn't lost the scoring touch. He was already doing everything else right, but he was snakebit pretty bad. Now, I think he's got a chance to really keep it rolling. The team could really use it, and it does my heart good to see him rewarded for all the hard work through it all when things weren't going well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I just posted this in the GDT, but it's probably more relevant here... I had a feeling when he signed with us that he'd likely retire a Wing. There's no better place for him to redeem himself than Detroit if you ask me. And considering he said he's feeling his healthiest in years and the docs confirmed that he was in good shape, I just had a feeling that he'd be able to get things going this season at some point. And thus, I had/have little doubt that he'll make it too difficult for the Wings to resign him to finish out his career a Wing. We won't want to see him go and I don't think he'll make the same mistake again. He's going to want to finish his career on top and go out with as much reclaimed honor as possible. Again, there's no better place to regain his honor than Detroit. I'm telling you all right now, this could be a huge, huge, huge story for this team and Bertuzzi in June. I absolutely believe we are a good enough team to go the distance in the playoffs, but it will be tough to win it all. However, a guy like Bertuzzi playing like the star he's still capable of being could very well be the difference that puts us over the top. The Wings know it, but more importantly, Bert knows it. And you better believe he's starting to believe that it's possible now. And you know he's loving it and cherishing every second of it, so don't expect him to quit working harder and harder anytime soon. It's only up from here... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marty Barry 230 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 What the hell are you talking about? He was supposed to be the grit AND goal type of guy. The Intimidator. Lindros size, Shanny game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carman 387 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 He was supposed to be the grit AND goal type of guy. The Intimidator. Lindros size, Shanny game. Not after his back injury and age. You won't be seeing him run people over like he did when he was young. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SweWings 45 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Didn't really think he was very good in the early going, first 15-20 games or so, but the last 10ish he's picked up the slack and obviously the last 2 he's been awesome. Ups, downs, he's making peanuts so I'll take what I can get. So far, so adequate. Yeah. Let's see what happens in the next 10 games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marty Barry 230 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I just posted this in the GDT, but it's probably more relevant here... I had a feeling when he signed with us that he'd likely retire a Wing. There's no better place for him to redeem himself than Detroit if you ask me. And considering he said he's feeling his healthiest in years and the docs confirmed that he was in good shape, I just had a feeling that he'd be able to get things going this season at some point. And thus, I had/have little doubt that he'll make it too difficult for the Wings to resign him to finish out his career a Wing. We won't want to see him go and I don't think he'll make the same mistake again. He's going to want to finish his career on top and go out with as much reclaimed honor as possible. Again, there's no better place to regain his honor than Detroit. I'm telling you all right now, this could be a huge, huge, huge story for this team and Bertuzzi in June. I absolutely believe we are a good enough team to go the distance in the playoffs, but it will be tough to win it all. However, a guy like Bertuzzi playing like the star he's still capable of being could very well be the difference that puts us over the top. The Wings know it, but more importantly, Bert knows it. And you better believe he's starting to believe that it's possible now. And you know he's loving it and cherishing every second of it, so don't expect him to quit working harder and harder anytime soon. It's only up from here... AMEN!!! Well put! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I just posted this in the GDT, but it's probably more relevant here... I had a feeling when he signed with us that he'd likely retire a Wing. There's no better place for him to redeem himself than Detroit if you ask me. And considering he said he's feeling his healthiest in years and the docs confirmed that he was in good shape, I just had a feeling that he'd be able to get things going this season at some point. And thus, I had/have little doubt that he'll make it too difficult for the Wings to resign him to finish out his career a Wing. We won't want to see him go and I don't think he'll make the same mistake again. He's going to want to finish his career on top and go out with as much reclaimed honor as possible. Again, there's no better place to regain his honor than Detroit. I'm telling you all right now, this could be a huge, huge, huge story for this team and Bertuzzi in June. I absolutely believe we are a good enough team to go the distance in the playoffs, but it will be tough to win it all. However, a guy like Bertuzzi playing like the star he's still capable of being could very well be the difference that puts us over the top. The Wings know it, but more importantly, Bert knows it. And you better believe he's starting to believe that it's possible now. And you know he's loving it and cherishing every second of it, so don't expect him to quit working harder and harder anytime soon. It's only up from here... He's happy here and it shows. He's been getting quality chances since the start of the season but it's only now that he's starting to get some bounces go his way. Confidence is such a massive thing in sport and he's playing with a ton of it right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sureWhyNot 19 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I hope the people around here that just bashed Bert relentlessly (and there was a whole bunch of them) are literally choking on their words. He has been playing like a champ the whole year, and while he wasnt catching breaks early on (how many goal posts) he is coming around now. I love it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marty Barry 230 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Not after his back injury and age. You won't be seeing him run people over like he did when he was young. I think that he can, if healthy, keep other teams honest. Just the threat of his retaliation will stop teams like the Ducks and hopefully, in the playoffs, the Flyers from running our younger stars. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I still think Bertuzzi had a lot to do with Detroit getting to the WCF in 2007. That team had been pushed around by the tougher teams in the league prior to that season and Bertuzzi gave them a bit of a spine for the first time. His body slam of Dion Phaneuf during the Calgary series was a watershed moment for them. I really like what he brings. The recent hot streak leads me to believe that he hasn't lost the scoring touch. He was already doing everything else right, but he was snakebit pretty bad. Now, I think he's got a chance to really keep it rolling. The team could really use it, and it does my heart good to see him rewarded for all the hard work through it all when things weren't going well. I agree about 2007. The guy was underrated/under-appreciated then because we lost and he left, but he was definitely solid for us in that run. If not for so many injuries, some horrid calls and hell, a HORRID game 6 by Hasek in the Anaheim series, I really think we could've won it all with that squad. That was a great team that just didn't catch the breaks, but that's hockey. I feel the same about Hossa as well. He wasn't as great in the playoffs as some expected and he left, so he automatically sucks. It's silly if you ask me, not to mention profoundly inaccurate. But anyways, it's definitely good to see Bert get things going lately. Like you said, he's been doing a lot of things right this year but just wasn't catching a break which lead to him maybe pushing a little too hard, again, much like Hossa at times in the playoffs last year. It takes time but you get through that. These last couple games are just huge for him. Not only does he get two goals a game, but they're both game-winning overtime goals. I was thrilled that he just got the game-winner last night! I was really hoping he'd get a goal tonight to prove to himself, the team, the fans, the league, hell, the world, that he still has what it takes to be a dominant force out there, and truly, a star. I was thus thrilled that he scored the one goal tonight! But as soon as he caught that pass from Dats, I knew this game was over, and I knew Bert was back. All he needed was to get his heart back in it, and you better believe it's alive and kicking now. He's loving this. I'm incredibly happy for him and proud of him for all he's done this season to put himself in this position. I can't wait to see how this continues to play out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 He's happy here and it shows. He's been getting quality chances since the start of the season but it's only now that he's starting to get some bounces go his way. Confidence is such a massive thing in sport and he's playing with a ton of it right now. We're definitely on the same page on this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 On the topic of Bert's contract, if he keeps playing strong, I think think there's a good chance Bert will be resigned to a 2-3 year deal by February 1st. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thedisappearer 291 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 He was supposed to be the grit AND goal type of guy. The Intimidator. Lindros size, Shanny game. He was never supposed to be a savior in Detroit. He was supposed to be a big bodied role player, coming off a serious back injury. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest lnvincible Report post Posted December 13, 2009 As much as i love Bertuzzi and always have, we'll know at the end of the season if he was a good signing or not. As of now i think its a good signing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nhurdi 42 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 (edited) I live in Vancouver and back when Bert was with Morison and Naslund they had good chemistry and he was a star player. With that said once the Moore incident transpired he hasn't been the same. If he could get back to 80% of what he was then that would be awesome. In the end i am glad he is scoring goals for us. Especially scoring goals that won us these last two games. But don't fool yourself into thinking he is anything more than what he is. Also not sure why he gets brought up again in his own thread, sure he scored some goals but isn't there a few threads on him already here? Edited December 13, 2009 by Nhurdi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jersey Wing 1,521 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 I STILL hold some resentment over the Moore incident and while it's nice he's playing so well for the team I love, it's like I feel 3/4 as happy when HE scores as oppsoed to someone else. Of course I did did cheer when Jamie Macoun held the cup over his head over his head after the 1998 win after his headhunting cheapshot on an old personal friend growing up in Waterford Pat LaFontaine so I hope one day I can fully enbrace Big Bert especially after nights like the last two..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mikeal 60 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Honestly he has looked like a player without confidence for the past couple years. I think he might finally be getting some of that confidence back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
