Category Archive for ‘Steve Yzerman’ at On the Wings

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Can the Wings go all the way?

Published

on April 8, 2006

in Opinion, Playoffs, Steve Yzerman and The Team

. 2 Comments

Can the Wings go all the way? Here’s a list of why the Wings could take it all and followed by a list of reasons why they won’t be able to win it.

Why the Wings could go all the way…
Personally, I believe this is the Wings’ year. I think that we’ve made enough changes since the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 playoff disasters to prevent an early round exit from happening. I’m really excited for playoffs to start because unlike last season, I really can see Detroit taking it. And that makes me very happy, but also very nervous. So why do I, Christy Hammond, have this much faith in my team?

In no particular order…
1. The Captain. Need I say more? It’s potentially his last year and I could think of nothing better than for Steve Yzerman to retire after a Cup win. Plus, Yzerman has been stepping up his game of late with 13 points in his last 10 games. According to IwoCPO @ Abel to Yzerman, it’s his longest ten game point streak since 2000. The Captain has a way to inspire his troops so if they see him blocking shots, scoring, and working hard, the rest seem to follow.

2. As James Mirtle pointed out, the team who is the hottest at the end of the regular season tends to perform pretty well in the playoffs (ex. Tampa Bay). And which team has the hottest record since the Olympic break? That’s right, Detroit.

3. Health. Now I realize that the Wings went from healthy for the most part to Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Schneider injuries. Datsyuk is supposed to return right before the playoffs. Zetterberg missed the second half of the Columbus game last night with an upper body injury (rumors: injury from a puck or the flu). Assuming that those three return in good health before the start of the playoffs, we have our core intact. Now if any of those three especially Zetterberg and Datsyuk remain injured, the rest of my points may just go out the window.

On the bright side, Niklas Kronwall is finally regaining normal form after a preseason injury resulted in knee surgery to repair his ACL and MCL.

4. Goaltending. Now don’t get me wrong, I am terrified of the goaltending we will face in the playoffs. It’s usually the opponent’s goalie that seems to screw the Wings over. However, I think that in Manny Legace and Chris Osgood we have good enough goaltenders to take us to the Finals. They certainly aren’t the best goalies in the league, but I’d rather have them than an unhealthy Dominik Hasek. Plus Manny is 5th in the league with a 2.22 GAA and 9th overall with a .912 save percentage.

5. Mike Babcock. I really believe that this guy deserves some recognition. Everyone gives credit to Carolina’s coach and Buffalo’s coach, but what about Babcock? Sure it doesn’t seem much has changed since the Wings are still at the top of the standings, but Babcock knows how to push all the right buttons.

Let’s take a look at Brendan Shanahan, for example. Under former head coach, Dave Lewis, Shanny notched 68 points in ‘02-03 and 53 points in ‘03-04. This season with 76 games under his belt, Shanny has 73 points with 10 more goals AND 10 more assists than last season. Personally, I believe Babcock is the one to thank for giving Shanny a chance and opportunity to improve.

6. Winter Olympics. After the ‘98 and ‘02 Winter Olympics, the Wings took it all. What’s to say it won’t happen again this year? The Swedish Five would have one pretty sweet year, that’s for sure.

Random Piece of Trivia: Did you know that “The last 18-year-old to score as many points as [Sidney] Crosby has this season was Steve Yzerman, who had 87 in 1983-84.” I read that out of the Sports Illustrated Players NHL Poll (on page 30 for those of you who subscribe). SI asked 346 NHL players, “Will Penguins rookie center Sidney Crosby end up being one of the 10 best players of all time?” 49.5% said no, 40.5% said yes, and 10% said they weren’t sure.

ESPN: Pink sticks to honor moms, raise cash to fight cancer

Published

Matt Saler

on March 16, 2006

in Links and Steve Yzerman

. 0 Comments

Steve Yzerman is one of a large group of players who will use pink sticks this weekend, as part of a TPS initiative that is motivated by the recent death of the ultimate hockey mom, Phyllis Gretzky.

Link

The 19th Carnival of the NHL - The Steve Yzerman Edition

Published

Matt Saler

on February 18, 2006

in Carnival, Hockey Bloggers and Steve Yzerman

. 1 Comment

Hello and welcome to On the Wings. I’m Matt Saler and I’ll be your host today as we go through the 19th Carnival of the NHL. Because this is Hockeytown and the number 19 has only one meaning here, this Carnival has been dubbed “The Steve Yzerman Edition,” and was meant to focus on captains. However, the New Jersey State Police didn’t get the memo and they neglected to keep their “Operation Slapshot” under wraps for just a couple more weeks. Read the post next time, guys. You screwed everything up.

Anyway, we do have some captain material to cover so here it is.

First, we have d-lee of Red and Black Hockey and the colorful Acid Queen of Sweet Tea, Barbecue and Bodychecks. D-lee takes us back to September, 2005, when the ‘Canes’ beloved captain Ron Francis announced his retirement, taking a look at one of the classiest players in league history. The Queen took a slightly different angle but wrote more recently on the retirement ceremony. Also, be sure to check out d-lee’s look at Rod Brind’amour, the ‘Canes’ latest captain, and how he arrived in Carolina.

While we’re on the topic of recently-retired captains, we should stop by Steve Ovadia’s Puck Update, where Steve reveals a secret about Mark Messier (*gasp*! Messier not liked? Wow…). Not far off geographically is blogger-in-spirit Greg Wyshynski, who covered the Devils’ retirement ceremony for Scott Stevens for NY Sports Day. Be sure to check that one out.

It hasn’t happened yet (thank God) but it will happen soon and Bill Houlihan is on top of it. I’m talking about Steve Yzerman’s retirement and who is in line to replace him. Bill takes a look at the candidates here but may want to add Robert Lang to the list. Lang was named captain of the Czech Olympic team this past week.

While we’re on the topic of Steve Yzerman, here is an email tribute to him from a fellow fan here:

Steve Yzerman is my personal sports hero.

He is a true example of class and what a professional athlete should be. I am 30 years old, and idolized him so much 15 years ago that I wore his number 19 on all my highs school sports teams. Before he was a legend, and before he won a cup, when he was just a very, very good player, he was my hero. At the time, however, it was more of an immature youthful idol-worship. Now, 15 years later, it has turned to a deep respect and appreciation for one of the greatest leaders/players/heroes in sports history. I will truly miss him when he is gone. He is one of the few public figures whose example has truly inspired me, and I can’t wait to tell my kids about his example when they are old enough. As a lifelong Wings fan, I really can’t imagine the Wings without him, because I’ve never SEEN the Wings without him. 22 seasons in a Red Wing uniform. That in itself is a truly iconic feat.

Cheers to the kid from Ottawa. I’ve enjoyed cheering you on….thanks for all the memories, and hopefully a few more to come!

Kevin Usealman - transplanted Wings fan

Portage, Wisconsin

And if you’ve never read Christy’s piece on The Captain, read it now.

That’s the last of the captain-related content. But before we move on to the gambling scandal, I will direct you to some more uplifting stuff.

First, we have JP of Japer’s Rink, who, in the current spirit of Olympics-inspired national pride, provides two lists. The first is of the best American-born players in NHL history and the second is of the best Americans in Captials history. Both lists are very well done, though I confess I haven’t heard of a few of the Caps players. JP also has this account of the game he attended with Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Capitals. Ah, for an owner such as that here in Detroit….

If Mike Illitch’s hard heart about “independent media” makes you sad, check out Jes Golbez’s “Peter Forsberg Slideshow.” It’s worth a laugh or two (though that last slide goes a long ways in quieting any laughter, my fellow Wings fans).

One final attempt at avoiding the gambling issue: Grampapinhead takes a look at penalties and the referees that call them here. He also makes an interesting suggestion: female refs.

Now, we have to talk about the gambling scandal. But it won’t be too bad, since I didn’t get a lot of submissions on it, though there is plenty out there if you look.

First, Michael of Confessions of a Hockey Fan takes a look at the defense strategy of Mark Recchi and John LeClair. Here’s Steve Ovadia’s unique look at the whole thing. Finally, we have another great piece from Greg Wyshynski.

And that’s the Carnival. I apologize for my tardiness in getting it published. Next time I’ll be sure I have a clear spot in my schedule before volunteering to do it!

Quote of the Week

Published

Matt Saler

on February 7, 2006

in Mike Babcock, Quotes and Steve Yzerman

. 1 Comment

I like this sentiment (from today’s Freep):

Coach Mike Babcock watched the Super Bowl and said it was nice that Jerome Bettis went out a champion in his final game.

“Reminded me of Ray Bourque or John Elway,” Babcock said. “I don’t think there’s any better way. We should be doing the same thing here for (No.) 19.

“If it’s going around, you might as well catch it.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Also, posting may pick up some more soon. A due date has been pushed back so the academic pressure isn’t as serious this week, though I do still have a lot to do.

A Wings look back on 2005

Published

Christy Hammond

on December 31, 2005

in 2005-2006, Andreas Lilja, Brendan Shanahan, Brett Hull, Brett Lebda, Capitals, Chris Chelios, Curtis Joseph, Darren McCarty, Dominik Hasek, Flames, Henrik Zetterberg, Jason Williams, Jiri Fischer, Johan Franzen, Kris Draper, Lightning, Manny Legace, Mikael Samuelsson, Mike Babcock, NHL, Nick Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Olympics, Pavel Datsyuk, Robert Lang, Sidney Crosby, Steve Yzerman, The Team and Wayne Gretzky

. 2 Comments

As the 2005 year draws to a close, it’s time to take a look back on the past year. Since this is a Wings hockey blog, I’m going to do a list of the top 3 of the year in a variety of categories with Matt’s help. All categories are in regard to the Detroit Red Wings, not necessarily the NHL, in the year 2005. Feel free to leave comments saying what you would change on these lists!

Top 3 Scary Moments
3. Niklas Kronwall tears his ACL and MCL after what was supposed to be his breakout season
2. Kris Draper gets hit in the face with a puck / Nick Lidstrom gets hit in the face by the puck against the Blue Jackets Dec. 20th
1. Jiri Fischer collapses during a game (On the Wings had in depth coverage of Fischer’s press conference)

Top 3 Games
3. Detroit beat the Washington Capitals after a hard fought game, 4-3
2. Wings beat defending Stanley Cup champs Tampa Bay, 6-3
1. Wings extinguish Flames, 6-3, in Darren McCarty’s first game in Hockeytown on an opposing team

Top 3 Former Wings Moments
3. After a drama filled 2003-2004 season in Detroit, Curtis Joseph moved on to Phoenix, where he is having a good season
2. Dominik Hasek is one of the reasons why Ottawa is the best team in the league. When Hasek has something to prove, he is a hard one to beat.
1. Brett Hull retires after short stint with Phoenix and is now being offered a job with Dallas

Top 3 Goals
3. Pavel Datsyuk’s near end to end goal against Tampa Bay
2. Henrik Zetterberg’s breakaway goal against Pittsburgh
1. Steve Yzerman faking out Devils goaltender Scott Clemmensen earning the final goal of the night

Top 3 Suprising Moments
3. Pavel Datsyuk actually signs with Detroit
2. Manny Legace wins 10 games in October earning a league record and defensive player of the month honors / Darren McCarty signs with the Calgary Flames
1. The Wings go 11-1-0 in October to start off the season with a bang

Top 3 Surprising Players
3. Chris Chelios for being so silently strong at the age of 43 (just 10 PIM since November 6th)
2. Jason Williams suddenly becoming a point machine with 10 goals and 24 assists as of December 30
1. Mikael Samuelsson has a breakout offensive season

Top 3 New Wings
3. Brett Lebda re-joined main roster and is playing very well to help bear the burden of Jiri Fischer’s absence
2. Mikael Samuelsson / Johan Franzen, the “Mule,” doesn’t score a lot but works as hard as anyone on the ice, very solid
1. Mike Babcock comes in as new head coach

Top 3 Team Moments
3. Wings visit Children’s Hospital in Detroit
2. 9 Wings were selected to represent their country in the 2006 Olympics
1. Father and son southeast road trip. While the Wings performance during games on this trip wasn’t solid, both the players and their fathers/mentors got a lot out of this trip.

Top 3 Defensive Players
3. Johan Franzen
2. Chris Chelios
1. Nicklas Lidstrom

Top 3 Offensive Players
3. Jason Williams (34 pts)
2. Henrik Zetterberg / Brendan Shanahan (38 pts)
1. Pavel Datsyuk (42 pts)

Top 3 Players Overall
3. Brendan Shanahan - was on a point tear that was only recently halted
2. Manny Legace - very good when not injured, though it has been a while
1. Henrik Zetterberg - two-way force

Top 3 +/- Ratings
3. Robert Lang / Pavel Datsyuk (+11)
2. Andreas Lilja (+13)
1. Mikael Samuelsson (+16)

Top 3 NHL moments
3. 2005 NHL Draft day / Sid the Kid finally heads to an NHL team.
2. Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One,” becomes head coach of the Pheonix Coyotes.
1. Opening night. Every single NHL team played on October 5, 2005, which is quite a way to start the new season after a yearlong lockout.

The Cheap Seats: Vintage Stevie

Published

Matt Saler

on December 13, 2005

in Hockey Bloggers and Steve Yzerman

. 0 Comments

The Bleacher Guy, Rob Visconti, chimes in on the speculation about Yzerman’s retirement. I agree, Rob.

Link

Yzerman will not play in 2006 Olympics

Published

Christy Hammond

on December 6, 2005

in Canada, Olympics and Steve Yzerman

. 0 Comments

Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman phoned Wayne Gretzky last night asking that he withdraw his name from the roster for the 2006 Olympics. The upcoming Winter Olympics will take place at Torino, Italy. “I talked to Wayne the other night and told him I didn’t feel I was playing well enough to hold one of 13 spots,” Yzerman told Sportsnet, referring to Team Canada general manager Wayne Gretzky. “I’m very grateful for past opportunities representing my country, but there’s too many good players playing too well for me to hold a spot on the roster.”

Wings spokesman, John Hahn, confirmed this report that Yzerman will not be playing for Team Canada. Yzerman helped Canada win a gold medal in 2002 when the Winter Olympics took place in Salt Lake City and became only one of three to win the Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medal in the same season (teammate Brendan Shanahan was another).

I was very pleased with Yzerman’s decision and not surprised whatsoever. I kept reading about people griping about how Yzerman will take a spot of one of the up and coming players, who would have a bigger impact on the team, and that he is being selfish about the whole ordeal. Give Yzerman credit. He is the classiest athlete I know, well have read about, and I’m just happy people around the country (well US and Canada) will finally see that and accept that. Yzerman has always done the best for his team, not himself. And this is just one of many examples backing that statement up. I had expected Yzerman to turn down the offer to play in the 2006 Olympics because he realized that he couldn’t play the same and while his leadership is invaluable, he couldn’t impact the team in ways other younger players could.

So please, everyone, lighten up on The Captain. He’s not going to retire during this season, unless something crazy happens. He’s missing a couple of games here and there to give his knee and body a breather not because the coach is benching him. You can’t expect a 40 year old player to put up the numbers and time he did when he was 21. Enjoy the rest of the season that we have here with one of the best hockey players of all time.