On the Wings

Sorry about taking all day to post something. It’s pretty much the first chance I’ve had, as my computer has been giving me problems. Just a few interesting tidbits:

… Todd Bertuzzi had his first full practice with the team today, which apparently surprised Mike Babcock, who had told him, “You don’t have to impress us today. You impressed us already, that’s why you’re here and let’s just get you back.” Still, this doesn’t mean he’s going to be coming back any sooner.

The obvious topic choice for the media after the practice was Bertuzzi’s attack on Steve Moore. Understandably, it’s not his favorite topic (I wonder if the Freep picture captures his face as he faced those questions) and he tried to deflect the conversation away from it:

“The only people who talk about and discuss it is usually media and all that. You know, I gotta respect that you guys have a job to do and I understand it.”

Chris Chelios provided some input as well, obviously siding with his new teammate:

“For the most part, all hockey players are good guys. What happens on the ice doesn’t carry on off the ice. I can’t wait to see him play for us.”

He may be a good guy off the ice, but he’s not going to be able to throw off the stigma from what he did. I just hope The Incident doesn’t become central to his time here or else it’s going to be difficult for him to be effective.

Also in the Khan blog post from which the Chelios quote came:

… The lines will remain the same as they were on Tuesday

Holmstrom-Datsyuk-Filppula
Calder-Lang-Franzen
Hudler-Draper-Maltby
Ellis-Hussey-Langfeld

… Brett Lebda did not practice today due to the flu. That may put his status in question for tomorrow night’s game against the Hawks. In the event that he sits out, Andreas Lilja will get another game in the lineup despite Chris Chelios’ return.

… Apparently, Tomas Kopecky also had a full practice today, though the Wings are still decided whether or not he’ll be returning this season. Khan says it seems unlikely, which makes sense both because of the seriousness of his injury and the mere fact that the roster is now packed with guys who will get the ice-time that might otherwise have gone to Kopecky.

… George Sipple elaborates on the interesting story that Owen Nolan chose not to come to Detroit on Deadline Day. Apparently, his wife is pregnant and he does not want to move at this time, which is entirely understandable.
… Lastly, Henrik Zetterberg was the NHL’s #1 Star for February.