It’s hockey season in Detroit again. Time to put up with another 82-game grind.
In our self-ascribed “Hockeytown,” it’s considered par, not impolite, to look past the months of October through March, so we can worry instead about playoff matchups.
The 82-game regular season is something we tolerate. It’s a longer opening act than a bad comedian.
We actually had to pay attention, a little, to the regular season two years ago, when the calendar turned to 2010. At that time, the Red Wings were still monkeying around, trying to secure a playoff spot.
But that drama was short-lived and by the end of February, order was restored as the Red Wings distanced themselves from the bottom feeders.
It’s never a matter of if the Red Wings will make the playoffs. It’s only, “How far will they go?”
The 2011-12 season is just underway, but I submit that this campaign might, just might, provide a legitimate sidebar.
Mike Babcock, the steel-jawed, facially scarred coach, is into his seventh season leading the Red Wings.
Yes, seventh.
That’ ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Greg Eno
Detroit Red Wings: Will the 7-Year Itch Strike With Coach Mike Babcock?
October 22nd, 2011 by Greg Eno Leave a reply »
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