Sgt. Angry

For once it's nice to know that this years WIngs are not an entirely veteran team who might run out of gas as the playoffs progress. All of those young rookies on our team make bonehead plays at times, but their energy level may be what drives us deeper into the playoffs.

OK, after a long absence, let me chime in here:

1. I miss the Russian 5. When Scotty first sprung them on the NHL, it was like they were playing against a neighborhood bantam team. I would like to get a time machine, and replace Kozlov with Datsyuk, and see what happens.

2. I miss the feeling of excitement for the future that I felt after the losses to San Jose and Toronto in the playoffs. You just knew better times were coming. Sadly, that feeling is absent with this group.

3. I miss the feeling of indignation I felt when Scotty traded away Ray Sheppard and Paul Ysebaert (sp?). But he ended up being right.

4. I miss games from the Montral Forum, listening to Danny Gallivan.

5. I miss Sergei Federov and Duane Rao doing the Metro-25 tire ads (Who is this bozo?)

6. I miss the younger and slimmer Leila Sbitani, in jeans and black pullover, in the early Belle Tire ads.

7. I hate to admit it, but I miss Ray Lane. He wasn't great, but I've never cared for John Keating.

8. I miss Gerard Gallant - what a perfect hockey name.

9. I miss Lefty Wilson. If you remember him, you're old!!!!

can somebody give a quick synopsys of which players on the Red Wings between 1995 and 2002 came to us by trade or free agency vs. draft pick / farm system? I'm sure some of you more dedicated fans have a lot of this info on the tips of your tongues.

I would rather gut out the season with what we have than trade away our prospects to save a season that is already lost.  I trust in Holland and the Wings leadership.  They have brought us 4 cups in the last 15 years.  That alone should be reason enough to trust in them.

I am definitely not trying to be a smart-ass here, but I really want to know - when was the last time a Red Wings "top prospect" ended up amounting to anything. Detroit seems to sign who are supposed to be good prospects, but all I see are 3rd and 4th line drones coming out of GR.

Pavel Datsyuk is the only quality player on this team. There are a few others who would be quality if they tried. The only way this team is going to get ahead is through trades and free agent signings, because the Red Wings farm system seems to be filled with just more of what the team already has - journeyman quality 3rd and 4th line players, who may shine for a game or two after being called up, but then they just blend into the woodwork with all of the other mediocrity.

I think it's time to put this team to bed, and dig out my old tape of the 2002 WSC game 7 against Colorado.