LINCICOME: Step aside, Hockeytown: Avs in 6
By Bernie Lincicome, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published April 23, 2008 at 12:08 p.m.
Updated April 23, 2008 at 4:57 p.m.
Photo by Chris Schneider © The Rocky
Colorado's Ian Laperriere points to the Red Wings bench after fighting with Detroit's Aaron Downey during a game in February at the Pepsi Center.
DETROIT — And, so, back to Hockeytown.
Well, there are worse places, though the list is short. An active landfill. Reality television. Inside Dick Cheney's head.
How, exactly, this became Hockeytown is unclear except the notion goes unchallenged, possibly because everyone else thinks the name is a practical joke that only Detroit does not get.
It is not like being called Titletown, as Green Bay refers to itself, or the Windy City, a measure of toughness for Chicago, or our own Mile High City, which can be used to intimidate visitors, but rather more like the Mistake on the Lake (Cleveland) Cowtown (Kansas City) or The Big Guava (Tampa).
There is just not a lot of competition for the names, and tying your identity to hockey is like tying your dog to a fire hydrant. Think about it.
Odder still than pride in being the so-called headquarters for the fifth major sport — maybe four, now that stock-car racing is slipping — is the tradition of throwing octopi onto the ice, there being no natural habitat for such creatures near Detroit.
Apparently, the throwing is still not prohibited but twirling is strictly against the rules. The Zamboni driver, Al Sobotka, had the habit of twirling the slimy cephalopods around his head, like some sort of crazed Jules Verne character.
Again, for odd appeal, this would be akin to someone from Fiji, say Vijay Singh, throwing a cow patty like a discus after making a birdie, and who would care why?
Because tiny bits of octopi tended to fly away, the twirling is now subject to $10,000 fine although folding the legs up like origami is still allowed.
Into this bizarre world go the Avs, not strangers, of course, having won and lost here before, having involved themselves in one of the great hockey fights of all time, enough to sustain a rivalry long after the teams themselves were worthy.
But there are enough players left from those days to keep an edge on things. Joe Sakic, Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg remain for the Avalanche and Kris Draper, Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty are still around for the Wings. Chris Chelios is, of course, older than hockey itself.
In addition, there is the residue of an earlier chippiness, on the part of the Avs, that might cause some concern.
In their final regular-season meeting, in Denver, Avs instigator Ian Laperriere threw a dubious forearm at star Nicklas Lidstrom's head. The Red Wings captain sprained his knee but did not suffer any real serious injury.
Still, this caused Red Wing Aaron Downey to take a crack at Laperriere, and coach Mike Babcock got into a shouting match with Avalanche assistant coach Tony Granato along the bench.
Because it is the playoffs, the normal payback might be withheld. On the other hand, check the first time Laperriere takes a shift.
The Red Wings shut out the Avalanche in three of four meetings and won the other, doing something unfamiliar to the cleaning crew at Joe Louis Arena, which is to sweep.
This was before the late-season additions of Forsberg and defensemen Foote and Ruslan Salei, not to mention the growing competency of goalie Jose Theodore.
Plus, Colorado was without Sakic in all four games against the Red Wings, and Ryan Smyth and Paul Stastny each appeared in only two.
This is a whole new challenge for Detroit, and the top-seeded Red Wings had more trouble in the first round with the last seed, Nashville, than the Avs did with higher-seeded Minnesota.
The reason for each is the goaltending. The great relic, Dominik Hasek, wobbled for the Red Wings in goal and has been replaced by the imperfect Chris Osgood since. Had the Wings lost, it would clearly have been the goaltending, just as the reason the Avs won is the revival of Theodore.
Foote, who smothered the Wilds' best scorer, Marian Gaborik, might have the same task against the Wings' Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk. Frustration by the Wild over Foote's competence showed itself in one game full of penalties, and if he does the same against the Wings' scorers, well, the pot is just under boiling as it is.
There might still be a sense that the Avs are playing beyond their station, especially with Theodore, but that would be the feeling from a place that calls itself Hockeytown.
After the Avs win the thing in six, a new name might be Loserville.
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April 23, 2008
1:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
HockeyHak writes:
Bernie, Bernie, just as predictable as always, here you start with your Detroit city slamming, Hockeytown slamming nonsense. Can't you think of something new for crying out loud? Such easy targets you pick. We expect something new and more craetive from a hack like you...
But since I'm here, I'll bite: Avs in 6? Are you freaking kidding me? They'll be lucky to win 1 game! Why do you think the Wings brought back McCarty? If, and I do mean if any cheap stuff happens McCarty will be in their face so fast you won't even see him approaching. You mention in the regular season series the Avs were without Forsberg, Foote and Sakic; ok, we were largely without Kromwell, McCarty and Brad Stewart. If not for the magic of Theodore, the only thing the Avs would be preparing for is golf. The Wings are so much more loaded than the Avs in position. This is NOT the Avs of 2001 - it's a cartoon version of that team minus Pattie Cry Baby. I can't wait to see you eat your words when the Av's are down 3 games to one. You will turn on this team faster than the speed of your keyboard. Wings in 5
April 23, 2008
1:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ashley writes:
Hey HockeyHak, the Dead Things brought McCarty back cause he's a thug, and everyone knows Detroit loves bullies and whiners. Makes you wonder why Sean Avery and Todd Bertuzzi at least aren't there as well. Doesn't McCarty's life story tell you anything about the guy? He's an idiot, an alcoholic, and oh yeah, plays a cheap brand of hit-from-behind hockey that should have gotten him drowned in some convenient back pond years ago. Go back to Detroit; Colorado's too good a state for the likes of you.
And Bernie, thanks for the rah-rah. GO AVS!
April 23, 2008
1:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
rodney writes:
OBVIOUSLY YOU NEVER PLAYED HOCKEY !!! FROM YOUR DISCRIPTION OF THE RED WINGS IT IS OBVIOUS YOU ARE SPEAKING FROM YOUR HEART AND NOT YOUR BRAIN. YOUR COMENT ABOUT TYING OUR IDENITY TO HOCKEY IS LIKE TYING OUR DOG TO A FIRE HYDRANT. LET`S TIE YOUR NAME TO RICHARD SPEC, JOHN GASEY OR SIRHAN SIRHAN AND CALL THEM JOURNALIST. YOUR REMARKS ARE WAY OUT OF LINE. AV`S IN SIX ? IF PERSONAL WAGERING IS LEGAL IN COLORADO PUT UP SOME $$$$$$$$$$$ DETROIT IS A DAMN GOOD HOCKEY TEAM AND MIGHT WIN IT ALL. THE AV`S ARE GOOD ALSO BUT NOT EQUAL TO THE WINGS. I HOPE AFTER THIS SERIES IS OVER YOU SHOW THE PROPER RESPECT FOR THE WINGS IN ONE OF YOUR ARTICLES.
April 23, 2008
2:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
redwingnut64 writes:
Hey ....What a hack. Why does this illustrious newspaper let a guy who obviously does not know anything about hockey write a playoff story? Put this so-called writer on to a task he can handle....like writing obituaries. While he's on that task he can write one for the Avalanche. Out in 4 games!!!
April 23, 2008
2:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
gowingsgo writes:
You would think a "hockey" journalist would have a little more common sense than to publish the crap above. If you did your due dilligence as a reporter and scratched a little below the surface you'd uncover another reason for the name "Hockeytown." Yes, in part it is because of the Wings and the success of the franchise (must I remind the longest active post season streak in pro sports). But also because of the strong hockey tradition from mini-mites through to midget major, junior and college. Michigan, SE Michigan in particular, as a state ranks up there as a top producer of American hockey talent. I believe the Avs have one Michigan native - Jeff Finger - and another Mich State product in JM Liles.
Get some new material. Your crap is lame. When you can poke some real holes in the Wings I'd love to hear it.
April 23, 2008
2:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
RedWing52 writes:
I hate to think Av fans are entertained by this brand of sophomoric humor, but then we heard the same "bash Detroit" tripe from some other no-name "sports writer" from Nashville. I guess if you can't rely on your team's past performance you're naturally defensive! Wings in 5 unless Jose Theodore plays the series of his life...then it'll take 6!
April 23, 2008
2:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
deezybaby writes:
First, I'm a Detroiter, who 1) Hates hockey, and 2) hates bad journalism...so forgive me for my bittnerness. There's a reason Detroit is deemed hockeytown, it's an original six team. As for the octupi tadition, as a hockey guy, you should know where that came from...ya know...8 wins was all it used to take to win a cup...Lastly, stop throwing gas on an exstinguised fire. This rivalry died in 2002 when the Wings ran Roy in game 7 of the WCFs. And if trying to spark anything was your goal, maybe next time keep out that you failed to win a single game against the Wings this season. Us Detroiters have more important things to worry about...hockey is the last of our sporting concerns...Go Tigers!
April 23, 2008
3:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Zillianz writes:
As a Denver resident and Av's fan I am embarrased by this distateful article. I would expect to read some cheese material on blogs or lesser media outlets. Mr. Linicicome I believe Detroit would be known more as the Motor City or Motown and to a lesser extent in the hockey world Hockeytown. I am proud citizen of the Mile High city but never considered it to be an intimidation factor for opposing sports teams. Your premis was way off point. And the cheap shots at their arena staff is just bush on your part. I have lost a lot of respect for the RMN to allow this cheap writing and Mr. Linicicome is doing a diservice to all the QUAILITY jounalist that write for this paper.
April 23, 2008
3:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Detroitnavy writes:
Bernie
I will probably get evicted as a Detroit Sports fan for saying this but brother you are right on!
This place sucks, insert your very own Kwame Kilpatrick joke here, even the city council members have no idea on how to act while in public.
It is great that this place got labeled hockeytown, even though I live here and have been a avid Red Wings fan, hockeytown should be Motreal, or any other city in Canada.
As a guy who was at the infamous "Fight Night" game in 1997 between our two teams, I look foward to a new chapter of this rivalary. No matter what rivlas like these say or do, they are good for the NHL, and let us be honest here Hockey could use all the good press it can get right now.
Keep hitting it man, I really enjoyed the column and it has placed you on my sports radar, I look foward to reading more in the coming weeks.
April 23, 2008
3:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
BonBon writes:
Wow, looks like Bernie has gotten the Wings fans all riled up. Thin-skinned to say the least. And HockeyHak, the Avs have got plenty of talent up front, a very good D and a goalie who's playing out of his mind. The Wings haven't seen this version of the Avs and you're definitely setting yourself up for disappointment if you think this is the minor league team that the Wings played during those months when it seemed that half our team was on the IR. Avs in 6.
April 23, 2008
3:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
jwoolfall writes:
I almost fell asleep reading this article. Another typical Avalanche Fan talking about the Red Wings. Cant you come up with anything new?
April 23, 2008
3:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
rodney writes:
I TOO AM A DETROITER. STARTED WATCHING THE WINGS IN 1949 WHEN BUD LYNCH TV 2 USED TO BROADCAST THE THIRD PERIOD. BLACK AND WHITE, NO REPLAY. SEVERAL YEARS AGO THERE WAS A TAVERN IN DOWNTOWN DENVER THAT HAD A LARGE RED WING FAN BASE. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A TAVERN WHERE AN OLD DETROITER CAN ENJOY HIS TEAM PLAY WITH SOME OTHER DETROIT FANS? DETROIT IN 4
April 23, 2008
3:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
bringontheavsholes writes:
Why didn't you throw in a picture of Calvin p*ssing on a Winged Wheel? Or finish with "Red Wings Suck"? It's unbelievable the quality of journalism Coloradans have to settle with. Detroit has Mitch Albom and Bob Wojnowski...enough said. Colorado has a guy named Bernie why writes like a fifth grader. Quite honestly, I'm embarrased for Avs fans. How about another TD and extra point like the last time we saw Roy in 2002? GO WINGS!
April 23, 2008
3:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
detroitmetal writes:
Thank you Lincicome for your poor attempt at criticism of Detroit,
Please stick to hockey next time.
FYI - One reason Detroit is Hockeytown is the #1 highest scoring American born NHL player is from Detroit. Oh - yeah, so is the #2 highest scoring American player. In fact, hockey players born and raised in Detroit reads like a who's who of all American born players.
Mike Madano, Pat Lafontaine, Doug Weight, Mike Grier, Mark Howe, John Vanbiesbrouck, Brian Rafalski, Gordie Roberts, Brian Rolston, Kevin and Derian Hatcher, Al Iafrate, Craig Janney, Bob Johnson, Dan Keczmer, David Legwand, Chris Luongo, Kelly, Kevin, and Kip Miller, Ryan Miller, Ken Morrow, Craig Patrick, Chris Tamer, Chris Tancil, Mike York, James Wisniewski. Shall I go on? I can....
April 23, 2008
3:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
kathyM writes:
Mitch Albom might be a tad cheesy, but he's also a zillion-selling novelist (non-sports) and playwright. Not like the one-trick swayback who wrote this disgusting article!
Go Red Wings! Bring on the octopi!
April 23, 2008
3:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
avs2001 writes:
IF YOU WINGS FANS ARE SOOOOO PROUD OF YOUR TEAM AND CITY...THEN GO LIVE THERE. WHY ARE YOU IN COLORADO READING A DENVER PAPER AND SPENDING DENVER MONEY??? WHY? BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS TO LIVE THERE. THEY CANT SELL OUT PLAYOFF GAMES IN THAT DUMP ARENA AND AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED, A PLACE THAT CANT SELL OUT PLAYOFF GAMES CANT BE HOCKEYTOWN(AND YES THAT INCLUDES COLORADO).PS...YOU MORONS SAYING WINGS IN 4 ARE SHOWING HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE AND HOW LITTLE YOU KNOW ABOUT HOCKEY!
April 23, 2008
4:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
LaneMeyer writes:
This is what is referred to as pandering to an audience. While expected from posters on a message board, foolishness such as this generally doesn't make it past an editor's desk.
You were a poor writer in Chitown Bernie, and one can see your skills, as it were, have not improved.
I'd take your Avs in 6 wager.
April 23, 2008
4:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
NixyQuik writes:
Stand up article, old cuss. You must get a kick out of the exaggerated response from these sensitive types. I do.
April 23, 2008
4:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
rodney writes:
HEY AVS 2001 WHAT AM I DOING LIVING HERE ? I`M RETIRED. THE MONEY I SPEND IS MY OWN. YOU SAY I`M A MORON BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE WINGS CAN WIN IN 4? HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? THE FAN IN THE EMPTY SUIT? THEY MIGHT NOT WIN IT IN 4 BUT THEY WILL WIN THE SERIES. WANT TO WAGER ?
April 23, 2008
4:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
LRandolph614 writes:
Bernie you really lack any journalistic credibility. You have not done any real research and don't know the history of the sport or this rivalry. At least Mitch Albom writes with passion and has his facts straight. Sweep? See Cup Finals '97 then again in '98. I'll give you that the Avs are a different team today then they were during the regular season but to run smack after beating the Wild would be likes Wings fans thinking we accomplished something in beating Nashville. The octopi is a tradition, it's 8 tentacles represent the 8 wins it required to win the Cup. Research Bernie, how you ever got this gig is a mystery. Mike Royko would be so disappoined with you. Loserville? Home to Howe, Abel, Yzerman, Lindstrom? All winners in anyone's book, no different than Roy and Elway. If you had any stones Bernie you would go to the Joe and experience the place first hand, again doing research, what a novel concept. Poke fun at the Lions, heck write about the mayor but to call the town Loserville, with an arena named for Joe Louis ? Your old, washed up, and bitter. Bring on the Avs, HOCKEYTOWN is more than ready, we wanted this and so did Avs fans. Bernie you just don't get it!
April 23, 2008
4:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
masondav2004 writes:
Lincicome-
Go satisfy yourself. Wings in Five.
April 23, 2008
4:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
Phineas writes:
Why is Detroit Hockeytown? It's all about the numbers. One of the Original 6 teams. 10 Stanley Cup championships. 9, 19, and 5 (Howe, Yzerman, Lidstrom). Some good players have passed through Colorado, but they're far from legendary. None of them are close to Howe, Yzerman, and Lidstrom. 82 years as a franchise.
Although Colorado may have fielded better teams at times, Detroit is historically the better team and currently the better team. And to the bozos that are wondering why Detroiters are here on your message board, maybe you should check Freep.com and see the pollution of our Detroit paper by Avalanche fans, K? Detroit in 5. Good day.
April 23, 2008
4:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
LaneMeyer writes:
Well done Phineas my good man!
April 23, 2008
4:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
alarman0911 writes:
Hey Bernie...Good job of creative writing, I think you rehashed every stupid comment from your columns in 2002. To this day, you and the rest of the Avs fans are just plain hockey ignorant. You're lucky to have a team, those Stanley Cups belong to the people of Quebec who were robbed of their team by greedy owners. And Bernie, is that road kill on your head? How cool is that that instead of having to get a hair cut, all you have to do is drive along a country road for a new hair doo! Your Avs entire history has been defined by the great Red Wings, they have embarassed them by beat downs and great hockey.....we can only hope that after the Wings get rid of the Avs, all you Denver idiots will climb back under your Rocky Mountain mushrooms.
April 23, 2008
4:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
DETIN6 writes:
Hey Bernie,
Your column is a LOAD of CRAP. You're picking AVS in 6, give me a break, the LIONS have a better chance of winning the Super Bowl, than Colorado beating Detroit.
By the way, the hit on Lidstrom by Laperriere, that was a cheap shot, your baldy should have been suspended for at least 1 game. In case you didn't know Lidstrom is nominated for yet another Norris Trophy. The only nomination that Laperriere will get in this series would be the "never ending" trip to the penalty box. He takes really stupid penalties.
Wings will win in 6 and move on to face the Stars in the WCFs.
AVS will, well there is always next year!!
April 23, 2008
4:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
WiseWilly writes:
Dear Bernie,
Chicago, then Denver, next Sun City…
It is not the Cubs that “are bound by nature to reaffirm the futile and confirm the inadequate.” It is your pen. Oops, and the Avs. Go Wings!
April 23, 2008
4:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
bernieiscute writes:
Chris Osgood imperfect? I agree. Let's review his imperfections:
0.39 GAA (that stands for Goals Against Average, Bernie) in the playoffs
2.09 GAA in 43 regular seson games this year.
363 Career Wins, 47 playoff wins.
Oh, and a shutout against the Avs this year.
But hey, nobody's perfect.
April 23, 2008
5:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
kathyM writes:
Avs2001, if my husband didn't get pink-slipped, I'd still be in Michigan. Pretty mountains here, but Avs fans like you make the state ugly. Detroit city sucks, but the rest of Michigan is gorgeous. Shows how much YOU know....
April 23, 2008
5:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Durbin writes:
Another politician playing to his base. "Wings suck, Avs Rule, blah blah blah..." The 'rivalry' hasn't really been there for wings fans since '98, '99 at the latest, whenever lemeiux left.
And what is with the blasting of detroit traditions? I think its because Denver doesn't have much sports history comparitively. But wait you say, "we have history! the Broncos of the 70s!" come on! michigan-ohio state, ty cobb, gordie howe, ted lidsney, james norris, et al.
I actually like roy and sakic and forsberg, its just that its hard to even be bothered with the desperation of columnists like this sometimes. Yes detroit as a city sucks, but only people with inferiority complex's continue to go on obout it.
Newspaper columnists are dead anyway, bloggers do it better and for free. if any denver fan wants to hear a resonable Detroit sports fans opinion you can check out motownsportsrevival.blogspot.com . its not my blog, I don't even know the guy, I just know he talks sense, unlike these hack newspaper columnists.
April 23, 2008
5:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
AvalancheSuck writes:
Here we go again. I remember when Dungver first got their franchise - they didn't understand the game or when to cheer. Not much has changed.
I've been to Dungver many times - they've not much to brag about, most certainly not their sorry hockey team.
Patricia Roy - her last game she got chased out of the net when the pucks flew past her faster than the bullets flying past a Dungver homeless dude. Where did it happen? In Hockeytown!
April 23, 2008
6:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
joeschmidt68 writes:
I live in Michigan. This article was re-printed in the detroit free press, this is where wings fans are reading it. I just wanted to clarify that for the jackarse talking about people living in Denver, spending money, etc..
Denver is a nice city. I used to travel through back when the wings and avs were rivals, and always had fun watching the games with the Avs fans in bars.
This writer is a hack. You can fire up your fans without taking really weak cheap shots at the city of Detroit. It's bush league, and the RMN, as well as Avs fans, should be embarassed. When the Detroit Free Press took some cheap shots at a former Lions player a year or so ago (you can guess who), i was embarassed and told them so in an e-mail.
Bernie, you are weak. You are a douchebag. If you come to Detroit, we'll look forward to greeting you appropriately.
-joeschmidt68
April 23, 2008
6:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
j_jetson_s writes:
This is going to get lost in all the comments, but I had to say something.
Why is Detroit called "Hockeytown?" No, it's not because of the history, age, or even location of the franchise.
Detroit is called "Hockeytown" because it was an advertising campaign from 1996.
April 23, 2008
6:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
avkiller68 writes:
Last time I was mile high i was getting a hummer from Lincicome`s daughter!She was adopted of course because we all know two men can`t have babies
April 23, 2008
7:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
Vonmises writes:
I would love to wash Lincicome's face with a nice & slimy Octopus!
April 23, 2008
7:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
52hockey writes:
Oh please Wings fans. Calm down. Get over yourselves. Look what happend to all of the MN Wild fans when the CO columnists got them in a tizzie. They still can't believe they're out of the play-offs. You're all going to spend so much time online spouting off that you'll miss the Av's winning in 7.
April 23, 2008
7:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
originalsix writes:
Colorado, more than just Columbine and Kobe Bryant.
April 23, 2008
8:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
avs2001 writes:
rodney- Id happily wager that they wont win in four. Which is what i said was moronic. And anyone who thinks EITHER of these teams can sweep is a moron...who am I? I am a fan that travels 400 miles to watch the avs 4-5 times a year and sit in the cheap seats. Ive been to 4 avs-wings games and every game the wings fans are the most disrespectful of any apposing team fans. Maybe that isnt a true judge of your fan base in general, but that is what I have to base my opinion on. I am not asking for wings fans to sit and shut up, but why be rude and disruptive??? Its that way every time I go. And by the way, the Avs have won 2 of the four Ive been to, so its not because of the outcome.
April 23, 2008
8:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
BernieBlows writes:
More poor journalism from Bernie.
Like other team's fans, Avs fans are just jealous.
April 23, 2008
8:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Pjozzie30 writes:
As a die-hard Wings fan, my fellow Wings faithful may not like what I have to say. But whatever. First of all, stop overreacting to Bernie's column.
You're giving him exactly what he wants. Since I live in Chicago, I used to be exposed to his mindless crap as well. So RMN readers, I apologize you got our sloppy seconds.
In any case, I'm floored by the cockiness displayed by other Detroit fans on this board. Did you not pay attention in the first round? Have you not paid attention in the last five years? The regular season means NOTHING. A six-game win over a mediocre Nashville team is nothing to be overly excited about. They were certainly playing good hockey at the end, so that's something to be encouraged about.
Still, on what grounds are you bragging? The conference finals choke last year or the early exits before that? Sorry, saying "We won the cup on 2002" simply isn't ammunition enough. Neither is a regular season series.
Appalachian State. Remember that? St. Louis Cardinals. Any NFL team. Anaheim. Edmonton. Calgary.
My point is not to dog the Wings, I think they will win in seven, but it is to shut up all the ignorant wings fans who are probably the same type who have finally started showing up at Comerica Park.
April 23, 2008
9:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
deezybaby writes:
PJozzie-Hilarious. You're a die hard Wings fan IN CHICAGO. That must be easy, because the Blackhawks are suffering a bit of a dry spell eh? I bet you were a Bulls fan starting roughly in May of 1991. Bears fan since 2007? You're a die hard Wings fan who quickly discredits their success in recent years, and yet ignores the fact that they have the longest consecutive streak of post-season appearances of any major sport. And to reference App. State in a anti-Detroit sports rant is simple ignorance, last time I checked, Kwame doesn't have jurisdiction in Ann Arbor. (Or East Lansing for that matter). Look, I stated in my last post that I hate hockey. I really do. The strike killed the sport in my eyes. But I love Detroit and the teams that reside here. The underlying theme is quit bashing Detroit for city-sake. This isn't a rivalry anymore. I have nothing bad to say about Denver as city, nor any of their teams. Poor journalism is poor journalism, and Detroiters get sick of being the butt of the nation's jokes We get it, we had riots, we're not a metropolitan Utopia, thanks for the reminder... Stay true to the Windy City and leave Detroit sports to the Detroit fans.
April 23, 2008
9:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jbcohen writes:
I've read this, and now I must ask why did this place hire him? I mean what kind of **** journalism is this guy writing? Oh and of course brilliant comment by Ashley who calls McCarty an alcoholic. Sweetie, he recovered. And don't call him a thug because there is no bigger thug, ****rag, and horrible father figure than Patrick Roy. I mean who tells their kid to fight the other goalie, who doesn't want to be a part of it? Like father like son, except trashier. As for the Red Wings fans, i'd say can a lid on what you say and wait until it's all said and done because it's been five playoff years since the Wings have appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals (six years in total). As for the journalist, once again... who really hired him, no... who gave him a degree in journalism? Is this a satire or a real sports article? I can't tell because of the bias opinion from head to toe.
April 23, 2008
9:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
malekamoo writes:
do you honestly call this journalism?
to tell you the truth i expected more out of the rocky mountain news. i am a red wings fan in colorado and i have, for the most part, felt that avs fans respected the red wings to some degree.
but this article makes me think avs fans are poor sports.
perhaps you should look at the real facts bernie, instead of making excuses to explain why the avs have lost to the red wings so many times. its not because their key players were out, it was because they can't amount to red wings. plain and simple.
There's a reason why the wings are number one in the league and its not because all the other teams' best players were out.
its because we're the best
April 23, 2008
10:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
WingNut1967 writes:
Hello Av's Fans.... Nice to meet you...
Now let me LMAO @ this article, and the Av's fans comments...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA See you tomorrow...
April 23, 2008
10:18 p.m.
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josmus writes:
This goes to show how bull headed and ignorant Bernie is. How Hockeytown got it's name is clear. Detroit has the best hockey fans in the league, and it's a love affair. You talk all this smack, and yes, the Avs have won three out of five against us, but we have three Cups since the rivalry began, and you have two.
Is Denver really that great of a sports town? They haven't had four major teams for very long. They used to just have the Nuggets and Donkies for most of the time. Now the Donkies are fading anyway. You can jump on the Charger bandwagon anytime...we've been riding it for two sweeps in a row now! Never mind, Lights Out!
April 23, 2008
10:28 p.m.
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Pjozzie30 writes:
Deezybaby -- You ought to be ashamed of yourself. How dare you challenge my loyalty to Detroit sports. As a proud fan in Chicago, I've put up with more crap than any fan should ever have to deal with. Regardless of the venue, regardless of the abuse I have endured over the years, I have remained loyal to my roots downriver.
Please, tell me, what success in recent years? And when I talk recent years, I don't mean the last 10 years. I know you're not a sports fan, but here's a little lesson for you. You're only as good as your last championship. Anything else is a failure.
Consult some of the greatest minds in sports. They'll agree.
I don't understand why you brought up Kwame...I had nothing to say about him at all in my post. I wasn't knocking the city. I wasn't knocking the team. (As I clearly stated in the post). I was knocking the idiotic fans who have proclaimed the Wings will win the cup each year.
Usually speaking, those are the same fans who couldn't name a single Tiger (OK, other than Inge) on the Tigers' 2004 roster.
Say whatever the hell you want about me. But don't challenge my allegiance.
April 23, 2008
11 p.m.
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deezybaby writes:
Jozzie- I don't challenge your allegiance...Simply put, why would I? I don't know you, I don't need to know you, I don't care who you do/don't root for. What difference does it make to me? Just as you don't know, nor need to know me. That pretty much rids myself of any shame I would have questioning, condemning, or dismissing your anti-Detroit sporting rants. You claim to be a proud fan, but you knock the teams, and the fans of the very same teams you claim to root for. Shouldn't fans of like teams join together, not divide themselves. Those "idiots" at Comerica Park, may not know one Tiger from the other, does that not allow them to root for a Ordonez homer, or cheer for victories? I don't feel I need to justify my fandom to anyone, but there are a few of us who know plenty more than most fans out there, and despite our knowledge don't hold it against lesser devoted fans. I am not a hockey fan, grant you, but as for the other city's other sports, I'm as loyal as they come. I don't care what arenas you go into, who razzes you, its part of being a sports fan anywhere, not just Chicago v. Detroit. What makes your endurance of abuse any different than other fans who've relocated elsewhere? If you don't view 17 straight post-season appearances as a noteworthy accomplishment, so be it. And the lesson that you're only as good as your last championship...was your educator George Steinbrenner...Yanks haven't won a World Series since'00. What about the resurgence of the Tigers, and the good it did the city, as well as the team's image league wide. We may not have any trophies newer than '04 around here in any major sport, but did that deter the Sporting News from calling Detroit the best sports city in 2007? So apparently, these minds you speak of, don't necessarily agree. As for the Kwame reference, it was a slight to your App State reference, because Detroit isn't affiliated with the University of Michigan, and last I checked UofD didn't play the Mountaineers, let alone lose to them.You may or may not have been too busy adjusting your soapbox to notice...
April 23, 2008
11:01 p.m.
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detroitsexpot2 writes:
bernie, first off u may be the worst columnist that has ever written an article in a newspaper...for one lets go to the facts --- Detroit Red Wings=10 Stanley Cups and The Colorado Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques (ya thats right i will give u 2 franchises)=2 Cups so try and do the research before u write your next shi*ty article...2nd cheli's chili will kick your dumba*s as well as adam "sh*t on my dick" foote who is one of the worst playes in the nhl...also lets get the intimidation factor, i dare u to step foot in the D without shi*ting your pants u fa*got...by the way u also owe me $2,000 for the hole that i punched in my computer when i read your dumb a*s article..ill come to the mile high city if i want a c*ck in my butt but otherwise nothing about your city is intimidating...u embarassed your newspaper and your city by writing this article so keep your opinions to yourself...WINGS IN 5!!! Also if anyone wants me to blog again just let me know and ill tear bernie a new a**hole anytime
April 23, 2008
11:02 p.m.
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avsfan71085 writes:
Holy god Lincicome you never stop. You're the BIGGEST idiot ever. "Loserville"? did you come up with that all alone? That is the most childish IDIOTIC article I have ever read. Do us all a favor and retire, all you do is spew ****!!!! GO AVS! I'll be at game 6 baby!!
April 24, 2008
12:33 a.m.
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AvsCanada writes:
A true homer article, oh well. Wings fans crack me up, yes your team is good but my niece's team could play .500 hockey in your division. Detroit's numbers have been inflated for years because of their piss poor division, I cannot wait to see if they move and miss out on those 7 or 8 games a season vs. Chicago, Columbus, etc. I think if the Avs and wings play like they did in the 1st round the Avs will win but both these teams can be Jekyl and Hyde (see game 7 2002). Hockeytown would be better if USA were added on the end, all the fans in Detroit who believe in this slogan need only take a short drive North to see the true home of the sport. Avs in 6.
April 24, 2008
1:39 a.m.
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Jbcohen writes:
AvsCanada, don't take the Central too lightly. The Wings had a rough time in their own division this year, and soon enough they won't be kings of their division. It'll be a Blackhawk division. All they need is a young goalie, which they can try to get by either signing (Ryan Miller perhaps), drafting, or trading with Ottawa for Emery. Not to say that the goalie spot is the answer to everything, but once Khabibulin retires, B-Hawks will need a goalie, and there are opportunities right now for this team. With Towes and Kane and the chance to add some more players, the Wings' chances of repeating as Central Division champions become slimmer.
April 24, 2008
5:38 a.m.
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Vshimp writes:
Pretty typical. Why is it all you Avs fans have such an inferiority complex when it comes to the Wings? Oh yeah, it's because we whip your a** everytime we play!
Remember last time the two met in the playoffs? Game 7 conference final, SEVEN-NOTHING! Get ready for more of the same losers.
April 24, 2008
8:53 a.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Yeah, we gave up Bob Kizla for Bernie. Worst trade ever! Even worse than getting rid of Chris Drury.
But then again, at least we don't live in Detroit.
April 24, 2008
10:23 a.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
And originalsix, that was a great episode of Family Guy from which you stole your post.
Or were you trying to pass that off as your own creation?
April 24, 2008
12:18 p.m.
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RedWings31 writes:
This is a hilarious article! I think it was supposed to be printed on 4/1/08 as a joke??? How did it end up in the sports section anyways? Hockeytown became Hockeytown for a number of reasons that have nothing to do with stock cars (never been to one of these races, not even sure what a stock car is and I have lived in Detroit for 27 years - don't you mean Nashville or something? We beat them Bernie! They are out! Time to get some new jokes!). I will give you a few reasons why Detroit is Hockeytown: Original 6 Team, Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuck, Steve Yzerman, Nick Lidstrom, Mike Modano, Doug Weight, College Hockey (Lake Surperior State, MSU (John Michael Liles???), U of M, Ferris State, Western Mich., Northern Mich., Michigan Tech.,), High School Hockey (please see Michigan Metro High School league and some of the players who have come out of it and gone on to play elsewhere...most recently Andy Greene - New Jersey Devils), all of our travel leagues, junior teams, and of course the Plymouth Whalers. Funny...in all of my years of playing competitive youth hockey, I have never seen any team from Denver anywhere near the finals. It's usually the same players: Toronto, Detroit, New York, Quebec, Massachusets, a few surprises from certain Ohio teams but never Denver. That's why you're not hockeytown. You are ski town. You have mountains and lots of snow. You're good at it so stick with it and stop pretending to be something you are not. The Avs owe just as much (if not more) to the city of Quebec than they do to Colorado for their success in the late 90's.
Hey Ashley...McCarty is a goon? Who has he fought since he has returned? What's that? Oh right...no one. Yet he is getting points and contributing defensely so yeah...maybe you should get back to your bunny hill and go sledding. Speaking of goons, ever hear of a guy named Claude Lemieux? One of the biggest goons in NHL history who intentionally hit a certain Red Wings player by the name of Draper from behind head first into the boards? Ahhh yes! You have seem to forgotten that your sacred Avs have a greater history for bringing in goons (criminals is more like it going along with the "Intent to Injure" theme that the NHL suspended him for) than the Wings do.
The only reason you survived Round 1 was because Jose played out of his mind. And once again, he will be the only shot you have to win this round.
April 24, 2008
1:25 p.m.
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CaptainObvious writes:
Wow. You Wings fans are sure devoted. Then again, as a friend of mine who moved from Detroit just told me, there's not a lot else to be a fan of in Detroit, so let them have their hockey team. And now that I think about it, there sure are a lot of people from Michigan here in Denver. Why is that?
Now, back to the term "Hockeytown." You do realize that is says "TOWN" right? Even though, in tripping all over yourselves to explain the title, you mention palces from all over your state. The title uses the word town. Well, nevermind, geography might be beyond you. Hey, if embracing an advertising slogan made up for the 1996 season makes you feel better about living in Detroit, then by all means, embrace it. And if it keeps a few more of you from moving to Denver, then even better!
April 24, 2008
2:12 p.m.
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deezybaby writes:
Yeah Captain obvious!!! YEAH!!!! You showed him! Way to knock that guys argument RIGHT out of the water...How'd you do it? By over-analyzing the phrase Hockeytown. Frankly, anyone who is from the Detroit or the Metro-Detroit area knows that this is not the case...You can still find empty seats at the Joe for tonight's game right now if you wish. This town cares more about its Pistons and Tigers, than its Wings, at least from an attendance standpoint. But why slander a city for no reason at all? Detroit has no reason to engage in a pi$$ing contest with Denver, so why incite one. What the hell is Denver known for, skiing? mountains? John Elway? Sweet. And you say "there sure are a lot of people from Michigan here in Denver"..Well allow me to grace you with a little geography reminder...Michigan isn't a TOWN either. And they're there probably because they landed a better job than what was available here...Our economy is terrible, we know that, it has nothing to do with sports. Bare bones, this is a sport column, and if you do the research throughout history Denver teams, as a whole, don't hold a candle to the tradition and success we've had here in the Motor City. Nuggets and Avs, golfing by next week...
April 24, 2008
2:20 p.m.
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CaptainObvious writes:
Thanks for proving my point! All the chest-pounding Wings fan who are so proud of their city would move here in a heart beat. Enjoy those 10 Stanley Cups. You still live in Detroit.
April 24, 2008
2:41 p.m.
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deezybaby writes:
Maybe you missed the part where I said Detroit doesn't need to get into a pi$$ing contest with Denver. It's not easy to prosper in this city, but it's possible. Say what you will about my city, by all means, you don't think we've heard similar knocks before. You are in no way original or being insightful by putting down Motown. You're just a sheep. Detroit Sucks-Baaa! Kwame Haha-Baaa. Fires, riots BAAAA! Fall in line with the rest of the herd... Spend all the time you want looking down your nose at us, way up in your Mile High City...it doesn't change the fact that proud Detroiters exist, and are in larger numbers than you think.
April 24, 2008
3:08 p.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Personally, I think it's pretty entertaining to see some good natured smack talking! And, Detroit fans, no offense, but it's good to see the left-wingers and right-wingers of Denver finally have a chance to unite and square off against a common foe. They've been locked in a verbal knife fight on these blogs for months!
But I need some education, deezy. Who is Kwame? (No sarcasm, just curiosity--I've seen that name in a few posts, and I don't know who that is.)
April 24, 2008
3:16 p.m.
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deezybaby writes:
Shaupeen- Kwame Kilpatrick is our mayor here in Detroit. He's been widely viewed as corrupt, as he allegedly spent city money on his own personal expenses, and recently was charged with perjury,and obstruction of justice. The guy's a genius in my book...he gets the city to buy into his ideas, graces us with a few ballparks and casinos, and all the while, skims off the top. Not an ideal leader, but he sure played a smart hand for a while there.
April 24, 2008
3:36 p.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Gotcha. Thanks Deezy. We had a Parks and Rec supervisor like that here. I guess somethings ARE the same no matter where you go.
What is your pick for the series? I say Avs in 6.
And best guesses for which player (from either team) will get:
First goal?
First fight?
First ejection?
April 24, 2008
3:55 p.m.
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deezybaby writes:
You know Shaupeen, I don't really watch hockey, but since the Tigers had an afternoon game, and the Pistons are enjoying a travel day, I'll probably meet up with my buddies who are die hard Wing fans and catch the game. I've got to say, based on what I saw in the Nashville series, Osgood's going to give us a better chance to win in net than would Hasek. As for the series, well based on the regular season it's easy to say Wings in 5...but playoff disappointment looms large come this time of year out of our hockey club, I'll still say Wings in 6. Much of the bad blood has been washed away with the new salary cap. Not to mention, the teams haven't met in the postseason in six seasons, after seemingly meeting every year with the winner inevitably representing the Western conference in the finals. I don't expect the fireworks of years passed, just two teams that have the same goal, and have a formal arch-nemesis standing in the way. I like Franzen to score the first goal of the series, and if there's going to be a fight, look for it to come from one of the young bucks trying to give their team an edge rather than two of the old school guys getting into it for tradition's sake.
April 24, 2008
5 p.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Oh, I know what you mean about playoff disappointments. A couple of WCF game 7s against Dallas are still chiseling away at my heart. What happened with Hasek? Did he go that cold that fast? What happened? If I remember Osgood, he's got an OK playoff record, but we lit him up a few games. Hasek must have had something go wrong. I like Zetterberg for the first goal. But I think it might be some experienced players mixing knuckles--I like Ian Laperrier for that. And, daresay, D-Mac on your team? Has he been fighting since he's back? And save 'em all on both teams if a blow out happens in any of these games. Our game 5 against the Wild was ugly--we got up 5 - 0 and they just went sniper on us. Forsberg didn't even play in the 3rd period--not one shift. No one would let him!
Anyway, enjoy the series. That's what's great about sports--doesn't matter where you live, after a day at work, it's always good to crack open a cold one and watch a really good game. And a really good series is even better. Cheers!
April 24, 2008
5:22 p.m.
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deezybaby writes:
Ozzie took over after the collapse in game 3 against Nashville. Ozzie had better numbers *albeit by a fraction* in the regular season. I'd love to see some physical play, but since rejoining the team, McCarty has been very well-mannered, only notching 2 PIM, including the playoffs. But playoff hockey is playoff hockey. We shall see. Cheers...I guess its Miller Lite tonight, as Coors light just doesn't seem quite as appetizing this time of year!!! Cheers Avs fans!
April 24, 2008
5:33 p.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Forsberg out?
SH!T
April 24, 2008
5:42 p.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
It's Anchor Steam here.
GAME ON!
April 24, 2008
11:54 p.m.
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zykomonkey writes:
hahahaha
wow, you've lost your mind, bernie
the wings are going to win this series and there's very little these avs can do about it.
April 30, 2008
8:05 a.m.
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Diezel11 writes:
Wings in 4! See ya, bye bye, jacka$$!!
May 1, 2008
9:54 p.m.
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zykomonkey writes:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHHA
this was just too good.
as we speak, it's something like 7-1 at the 2nd intermission of game 4 of what has become, without any doubts, an inevitable sweep.
see what happens when you do too much talking?
May 1, 2008
9:58 p.m.
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jwoolfall writes:
Wow.
Nice prediction.
Better luck next year. Jack ass.
May 1, 2008
11:08 p.m.
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HeyHeyHockeytown writes:
I can fully understand your "school spirit" attitude, but who's in Loserville now. That sure looked like a sweep to me, and of the most embarrasing sort in that final game. Our boys broke more sweat at a practice I attended a few weeks ago than they did tonight. They were just playing with the Avs and that last goal the Avs made was a gimme. I sincerely hope this wasn't Sakic's last game with the Avs...he's a good player and an asset to the NHL. We don't consider "Hockeytown" to be a joke around here, we eat, live, sleep, and play hockey. Everyone in my family from my 2 year old kid to my 43 year old husband plays hockey. Nowhere else in the United States is hockey taken as seriously as it is here. I'm PROUD to be called "Hockeytown." Sure beats the "Mile-High-Loserville" title. See ya next season...have fun golfing. I'd rather be playing hockey.
May 2, 2008
12:42 a.m.
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Jbcohen writes:
Hey Lincy, suck it.
May 2, 2008
12:53 a.m.
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LETSGOREDWINGSLETSGO writes:
Hey Bernie L
YOU SUCK and who is in LOSERVILLE now?
Whoever hired you should be fired!
May 2, 2008
12:55 a.m.
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LETSGOREDWINGSLETSGO writes:
let's go red wings let's go!
May 2, 2008
1:01 a.m.
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awould writes:
Bernie, Hockeytown came from when the Wings, the Wolverines, and the old Detroit IHL team all held their championships at the same time. Figured a big hockey fan like you wouldn't need to be educated, but then I remembered you're from Colorado so your hockey knowledge only goes back so far.
Also, the Windy City in Chicago came from the hot air of the politicians.
So, the crux of your entire article just shows your ignorance, much like the point of your article after the indisputable shellacking your team of has-been Avs just suffered.
I guess you're a fine sportswriter for Denver though. Go Homers! Whatever to appeal to Denver fans without knowing anything about sports! They'll never notice anyways since our sports history goes all the way back to the 80s! You suck.
Have a nice summer, think about all the ways you can falsely overhype the Avs next year to keep your dumb fans plunking down 50-cents to buy a paper and keep you employed so you can afford your efficiency in downtown Denver and lift ticket to some sweet ski slope (hey, not all of Colorado is bad).
May 2, 2008
12:07 p.m.
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RedWingGirl02 writes:
Alright I dont know who you are but I was told to read this article, if you can call it that, by some of my friends here in HOCKEYTOWN. After reading this lame excuse for news, I ve come to the same conclusion many others have , that you obviously never played hockey and must of come by this job by accident.
Its called Hockeytown because we are Hockeytown this city lives and dies with its team, and right know we are living pretty high, how about you?! It might also have something to do with the 10 Stanley Cups or the 16 or so straight post season apperances, but maybe not! I could be wrong.
Avs in 6? Yea okay if you say so, if you want to fly back to HOCKEYTOWN we'll play you again, ofcourse we will be a tad bit busy taking care of a little thing called the western confrence finals, but we might be able to fit you in, just dont forget the octopie! A little hint though,you might want to give your "starting goalie" some pepto before the game, would hate to see him pulled AGAIN because of a little thing called the "FLU". If you dont show its okay we will understand, you've been embarrassed enough for one year, anything more would just be cruel, kind of like game 4 was but worse. You my dear "sports writer" may want to reconsider you job out look while on the golf course this summer, and your boss might want to as well. You both should be fired, and I would be embarassed if I was a Colorado fan, and its not because of the team.
May 2, 2008
2:40 p.m.
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willee writes:
Sucks to be you, Bernard...Sucks to be you.
Sincerely,
Detroit (Hockeytown USA)
May 2, 2008
5:58 p.m.
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dangler13 writes:
Been trying to type this for a bit, but I keep laughing too hard to type. That's some crack analysis there! Really? The Avs were supposed to win because their goaltending was good and ours was bad?
Sorry laughing too hard again...
Ok, I'm back, wait no laughing again, ok now I'm back. Lets see, Theo pulled THREE times (and don't say it was the flu, he didn't have it in all 4 games). We even treated Budaj like a rented Mule in game 4...Mule oh yeah, and speaking of the Mule, he scored as many goals as your WHOLE TEAM. Oh, and Ozzie has the second best Save Percentage and top GAA among goaltenders that are still in the playoffs.
How a goalie can even be pulled 3 times is beyond me, why was he still starting???
Even if the Avs had their entire roster healthy we still have won this series due to your pathetic goaltending (and coaching).
Have a fun summer in LOSERVILLE, we will enjoy the Stanley Cup parade in HOCKEYTOWN.
Get a new profession, you obviously suck at this one.
June 6, 2008
2:22 p.m.
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wingsin6 writes:
Well, I wonder what they are doing in "Loserville" today. Oh, it looks like there is a parade going on!