This is a quote from a Detroit Free Press article, and I think it shows a lot about the Red Wings style of play. Having played soccer for quite awhile and hockey as well, but not as well, I can see a lot of soccer in the way the Wings play.
And when they aren't on the ice, they have heated soccer battles.
"The rivalry between Sweden and Finland is still going on, with two-touch," Zetterberg said. "And every time, Sweden beats Finland. Basically, the Finns want to become Swedes -- that's what the rivalry is all about."
Most reporters say they play a “puck possession” style of play, that’s just natural soccer that you see. The only difference being the offside is determined by a line rather than the second to last defender or when the ball is played or the ball. To put it simply, the Wings take advantage of the strategy of soccer and the offside rule of hockey.
Watch when the Wings get possession of the puck in their own end, they have lanes and positions that they are at and everyone knows right where each other will be and should be. They don’t even have to look to pass and often pass as soon as they get it, holding on to the puck only when necessary and when they have space or time or also to create space or time for teammates.
Everyone on the team moves very well without the puck, finding space or going to passing lanes for teammates. Another sure tale sign of soccer influence. You can see triangles form for passing, influence of soccer.
The last thing is that everyone plays defense. The first person to play defense is the guy that loses the puck. Just like soccer, it’s easier to run/skate 3 steps/strides rather than going all the way back to your own defensive end.
The main thing that differentiates the Wings hockey play from soccer is the pure hitting and finishing of checks. That’s got the origins of hockey all over it, so until they start slide tackling, I’m not worried about them quitting they’re day jobs.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Cops and cell phones
There are states that are thinking of and some cities have already banned the use of cell phones. You can use hands free devices, but don’t dare put that cell phone up to your ear! Well, if you’re a policeman, this rule doesn’t apply to you.
Have you ever noticed that when you see cops on the road, they are always talking on their phones! First off, don’t they have cool CB radios? Who are they talking to all the time? I’m pretty sure they call each other and just make fun of the general public playing pranks on us. Stuff like lighting up the lights and sounding the sirens after you drive by, then just whip right past you.
Who is paying the bills for their usage?! If I ever find out it’s the general public I’m going to be pissed, although not that surprised. Talk about budget cuts! I think they could single handedly get Social Security back to where it needs to be!
Whatever happened to citizen’s arrest anyway? Can we pull them over for all the bone head things they do or call them on their own crap? Of course not, instead whenever a state policeman is driving on the highway, people all of a sudden slam on the brakes and drive 5 mph below the speed limit?! I for one am usually one of the few that feels free to pass them when they are driving slower than the posted speed limit.
It doesn’t make sense, which is why it’s happening right now. People in general just don’t make sense. Have you talked to them recently? People are the worst!
Have you ever noticed that when you see cops on the road, they are always talking on their phones! First off, don’t they have cool CB radios? Who are they talking to all the time? I’m pretty sure they call each other and just make fun of the general public playing pranks on us. Stuff like lighting up the lights and sounding the sirens after you drive by, then just whip right past you.
Who is paying the bills for their usage?! If I ever find out it’s the general public I’m going to be pissed, although not that surprised. Talk about budget cuts! I think they could single handedly get Social Security back to where it needs to be!
Whatever happened to citizen’s arrest anyway? Can we pull them over for all the bone head things they do or call them on their own crap? Of course not, instead whenever a state policeman is driving on the highway, people all of a sudden slam on the brakes and drive 5 mph below the speed limit?! I for one am usually one of the few that feels free to pass them when they are driving slower than the posted speed limit.
It doesn’t make sense, which is why it’s happening right now. People in general just don’t make sense. Have you talked to them recently? People are the worst!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A few comments on a dynasty
First, in this day in age, I think this Red Wings team can be called a dynasty. First off, because of the salary cap and free agency it's hard to keep any group of talent together for any length of time. Second, this is the third conference finals in a row. Winning it all last year and well on their way again this year, another fact I've heard is that they have been to the conference finals 8 times in the last 14 years. Lastly, the Stanely Cup playoffs is the hardest post-season to go through in all of sports, no arguments, period.
Last time the Blackhawks played the Wings in the Conference finals, the Wings still had a very young Lidstrom, Draper and Maltby. Chelios was playing for the Hawks and was considering retirement shortly after that year too I think. Anyway, the Wings have plenty of great players come up through their ranks and make huge contributions. Take Ericsson for instance, he was the final draft pick in the 9th round, 291st!!! Since football is always talked about, you can almost compare the Wings drafting to that of the New England Patriots. The Pats always seem to find gems and system players as well, but nothing compares to the Wings system.
Most of the credit goes to the Wings system, the front office of Nill and Holland is second to none. The European scouting is by far the best and I have no idea why other teams don't try and offer the Wings top guys more money since their money doesn't count towards the salary cap. Anyway, the Wings don't rush their young talent into playing in the NHL. First, for most of their European players they play them in the AHL to get used to the longer seasons and the different sized rinks. It always seems to work and Holland has a knack for patience.
When the Wings do need to get free agents, they don't do it like they used to anymore. They go out and get players that will fit with the team, like Stuart. Most teams would just try and get a big name rather than the right player. Kind of like what the Avs always seem to do and why they're in the toilet right now. Then other free agents like Hossa come along and want to take a huge pay cut just to play with the Wings for one year. Everything I've been reading is that he'll take another pay cut to remain a Wing, that much remains to be seen though.
In the end, I'm just loving watching these Wings kick so much butt and take names. The Canadiens and Leafs may have more or the same amount of Cups to their names but the last time either of them won anything was in 92-93. Neither of those teams are going to be winning it anytime soon either. The Wings are here and they're here to stay for a long time granted their system stays in place.
Go Wings Go!!
Last time the Blackhawks played the Wings in the Conference finals, the Wings still had a very young Lidstrom, Draper and Maltby. Chelios was playing for the Hawks and was considering retirement shortly after that year too I think. Anyway, the Wings have plenty of great players come up through their ranks and make huge contributions. Take Ericsson for instance, he was the final draft pick in the 9th round, 291st!!! Since football is always talked about, you can almost compare the Wings drafting to that of the New England Patriots. The Pats always seem to find gems and system players as well, but nothing compares to the Wings system.
Most of the credit goes to the Wings system, the front office of Nill and Holland is second to none. The European scouting is by far the best and I have no idea why other teams don't try and offer the Wings top guys more money since their money doesn't count towards the salary cap. Anyway, the Wings don't rush their young talent into playing in the NHL. First, for most of their European players they play them in the AHL to get used to the longer seasons and the different sized rinks. It always seems to work and Holland has a knack for patience.
When the Wings do need to get free agents, they don't do it like they used to anymore. They go out and get players that will fit with the team, like Stuart. Most teams would just try and get a big name rather than the right player. Kind of like what the Avs always seem to do and why they're in the toilet right now. Then other free agents like Hossa come along and want to take a huge pay cut just to play with the Wings for one year. Everything I've been reading is that he'll take another pay cut to remain a Wing, that much remains to be seen though.
In the end, I'm just loving watching these Wings kick so much butt and take names. The Canadiens and Leafs may have more or the same amount of Cups to their names but the last time either of them won anything was in 92-93. Neither of those teams are going to be winning it anytime soon either. The Wings are here and they're here to stay for a long time granted their system stays in place.
Go Wings Go!!
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