Hockey

Instant Legends Update…

Crippy Hockey ,

Even though the Tigers will not end their World Series drought in 2015, I’m very excited for MLB playoffs and the start of the 2015-2016 NHL season.

Most of my excitement for the upcoming hockey season revolves around two rookies, that are not Red Wings, Connor McDavid (Edmonton) and Jack Eichel (Buffalo). McDavid and Eichel were the first two picks in the 2015 NHL draft, both of whom I saw play at the World Junior Tournament in Montreal after last Christmas.

Below is the cover of the Hockey News, August issue, with the heading Instant Legends.

FYI: I’m a new THN subscriber

Connor McDavid & Jack Eichel
Connor McDavid & Jack Eichel

Last night the NHL pre-season kicked-off. McDavid had two assists against Calgary and was the game’s first star.  Eichel, had a short handed goal, which proved to be the game winner, against the Wild and was also name the game’s first star. I know it’s pre-season, but I’m excited, did you see the Tigers’ doubleheader yesterday?

Here’s a link to Eichel’s “shorty”.

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=835626

Remembering Bob Probert…

Crippy Hockey , ,

Hat Tip to Big Johnny.

Bob Probert was probably the best enforcer to ever play the game of hockey.  He played for the Red Wings from 1985-1994.  He was my favorite player of that era and one of my favorite players of all-time.  I still wear his #24 jersey to home games. He was trouble for opponents on the ice and troubled off the ice.  The Red Wings honored him at HockeyFest this past Sunday, 9/13/2015.

Here’s a link to a post on Red Wings dot com.

Kocur wrapped up the event with how he will always remember his best friend.

“How I remember him was the toughest player ever, and I mean ever, to play in the NHL,” Kocur said. “With all the talent he had, he still had to do all that fighting and everybody knew it. If you ask every other tough guy in the NHL, there’s only one name going to the top of that list and that’s Probie.

Bob Probert Memorial Jersey Poster
Bob Probert Memorial Jersey Poster

Don’t Forget About Jack Eichel…

Crippy Hockey , ,

who was the second pick in the 2015 NHL draft behind Connor McDavid.  I saw Eichel play at the World Junior tournament last year in Montreal and he looked like a fabulous playmaker.  I know Sabres fans were disappointed when they lost the McDavid lottery but I think they are going to be very happy with Jack Eichel.

From the The Hockey News:

At the Sabres’ prospect tournament finale Monday night, Buffalo’s prospect squad took on Boston’s prospects in a contest to determine who the winner of the three-team tournament would be. The Sabres were down 2-0 after the first frame, but cut the lead to 2-1 in the second frame. That’s when Eichel made two special plays worthy of the hype that comes along with being the second-overall selection at the 2015 draft.

In the third, with Buffalo down 2-1, Eichel received a pass on the left wing and walked in to the Bruins’ left-wing faceoff circle before delivering a picture perfect cross-ice saucer pass that landed right on the tape of Brycen Martin. Martin made no mistake, firing home the game-tying goal.

Miracle On Ice, Newly Discovered Original Live Call

Crippy Hockey , , ,

Check out this incredible, newly discovered, original play-by-play call of The Miracle On Ice, perhaps the greatest upset in the history of team sports. When the USA shocked Russia, 4-3, at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, Curt Chaplin was covering the game as a sports reporter for the ABC Radio Network. Standing on a camera platform in the crowd, he did play-by-play of the entire game into his tape recorder, capturing the event on tape forever. Now, after 25 years, these tapes have been rediscovered and matched to the video. The result is a dramatic, stirring and completely original experience for sports fans all over the world. Now you can relive the #1 sports upset of the 20th Century in a whole new way, through new eyes and a new voice. Still as fresh and exciting as the day it happened. Curt’s call has been accepted as an exhibit by the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. If you know any hockey players, fans or anyone who loves sports, send them the link. They should all see it.

https://youtu.be/fztlLwgSFCg

“It’s not how fast you skate, it’s how fast you think.”

Crippy Hockey , , , , , , ,

Here is a fascinating article from former Red Wing Igor Larionov from The Players’ Tribune:

I roll my eyes whenever I hear people talk about how fast the game is now and how sophisticated the systems have become. Watching the game, does it really seem much faster? Does it really seem more advanced? We had a saying in the Soviet days that I wish more coaches and scouts would adopt today: It’s not how fast you skate, it’s how fast you think.

For those not familiar with Igor and his early years, before he came to the NHL he centered one of the best lines in the history of hockey, the KLM line. The KLM line was the top line of the Soviet Red Army team that dominated international hockey in the the eighties, their only blemish being “The Miracle on Ice. The KLM line featured Igor Larionov centering Vladimir “The Tank” Krutov and Sergei Makarov.  They were truly a joy to watch a moving concerto; everything working in perfect harmony.  I liken them to a fine Swiss watch with all the parts moving but each performing their function flawlessly.

(Note: Igor Larionov didn’t join the Red Army until 1981. Additionally, the Soviets liked to keep five man units together.  Joining the KLM line were defenseman Slava Fetisov, Red Wings fans will remember him, and Alexei Kasatonov.  This five man unit was known as the Green Unit, named for the green jerseys they wore in practice.  An interesting aside, all five members of the Green Unit were left handed.)

Green Unit

Check out Igor’s article as he shares a little insight on what it was like to play for the Soviet Red Army.  It wasn’t fun but it was beautifully to watch.

So Far, So Good

Crippy Baseball, Dailies, Detroit Tigers, Hockey , , , ,

The Tigers thumped the Indians this afternoon 8-4 and moved their 2015 record to 4-0.

Alfredo Simon looked pretty good for the first four innings. He struggled in the fifth and was ultimately able to last 5.1.

No surprises, the bullpen didn’t look that great but didn’t look horrible either.  We know the pen is a chink in the armor so there is no sense kicking a dead horse.  🙂

There are two things that struck me about this game.  First, the offense didn’t go in into hibernation after putting up big numbers in the two of the first three games. Also, after the Indians made it it 5-3 they came right back in the top of the 7th and got the runs back. Second, they won their first road game in Cleveland.  Remember what happened when they went into Cleveland, I believe for the first time, last year?

I’m excited for the tomorrow’s match-up, Price v. Kluber.  I’m not expecting the Tigers to dominate Kluber but I’d like to see some good at-bats and a least a run or two.

Did anyone see Babcock’s interview after last nights loss? Check it out, http://video.redwings.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=885&navid=DL|DET|home

Tigers 7 Twins 1

Crippy Baseball, Dailies, Detroit Tigers, Hockey , , , ,

Nebraska’s prediction of a 162-0 season got one game closer as the Tigers completed the sweep of the Twins.

Shane Greene was smokin’ balls!  One game into his Tigers career he looks like the guy we saw last year.

And looooky here, the Tigers offense put up 7 runs one game after scoring 11.

Three games into the season we’ve seen some good signs.  First, Anibal didn’t implode in the 6th inning yesterday and second, the offense didn’t go into hibernation after an explosion the game before.

I’m not making World Series plans but I’ll take 3-0.

On a different note, did anyone see the Red Wings game last night?  I’ve never felt so shitty about clinching a playoff spot. Jimmy Howard is an abomination.  In an important game like that, when his team is fighting for a playoff spot and gets him three goals on Carey Price, he gives up three goals that go right through him, two, from ridiculous angles.

And I don’t want to see Brendan Smith in a Red Wings uniform after this year.  In fact, after the stunt he pulled to put the Wings two men down late in the third, up by a goal, I don’t want to see him period.

Here we go…

Crippy Baseball, Hockey , , , , , ,

I can barely contain myself. Baseball starts Sunday. The Tigers open Monday and the hockey playoffs are right around the corner.  The only downside is that I’ll be so busy watching or listening to baseball and hockey that I won’t get much reading done.

OK, I don’t expect much from the Tigers this year.  As Nebraska says, “too many ifs”.

The Tigers could contend “if”:

  • Verlander returns to form.
  • Miggy and Victor are healthy.
  • Someone can get on base in front of Miggy.
  • Joba pitches like he did in the first half of last year.
  • Nathan stays on the team past May.
  • J.D. is what he appeared to be last year.

Too many “ifs” and hope is not a strategy.  But there is always a chance.  The stars could align for the Tigers like they did for the Red Sox in 2013.

I’m excited but proceeding with caution.

Also, I recommend readers check out another site, Minoring In Baseball.  I’ve been reading this blog for the last few years and absolutely love it.

Have a blessed Easter and LET’S PLAY BALL.

FYI: I’m on the verge of hating the Red Wings.

“God I love baseball.” -Roy Hobbs | The Natural