Big game tonight in Toronto and Detroit
George Malik over at MLIVE has done a great job linking to a number of articles from the Toronto press. This is a big game due more to the history between the two teams than the 2 points that are at stake. If you followed the Wings in the 1980s the Leafs were arguably Detroit’s biggest rival. Due to scheduling the teams seldom face one another. It’s too bad as a rivalry clearly generates interest amongst the fanbase. Here is what Red Wings general manager Ken Holland had to say about the game:
Toronto Sun - Rarity makes visit “special”
“There is an extra buzz here about (tonight’s) game. It’s against the Leafs. It’s Hockey Night in Canada. It’s Saturday night. It’s special.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a decent number of Leaf fans at the Joe. In past years it has been difficult to get tickets, but with the amount of empty seats that have been evident in most of the games the Toronto faithful could help fill up the arena. Or the season ticket holders could show up in full force due to the game being against an opponent that generates fan interest. If that is the case it could help make the argument that the league needs to reconsider its current approach to scheduling.
Wings fans like to complain about Joe Louis Arena and with it being one of the oldest buildings in the league there are certain aspects of the building that are antiquated. However age - and being a building dedicated solely to hockey in general and the Wings in particular - has its benefits.
Toronto Sun - Joe Louis Impresses
…to say the Red Wings wear their success on the organization’s sleeve would be an understatement. The halls leading to the dressing room are vivid reminders of the 10 Stanley Cups the club has won, with pictures and other bits of memorabilia. In the dressing room, there are three empty lockers, but they have the names of Wings legends (Gordie) Howe, (Alex) Delvecchio and (Ted) Lindsay over them.
Dominik Hasek will almost certainly get the start in net for Detroit. It will be interesting to see who the Leafs go with in goal. Andrew Raycroft has given up an average of just over 4 goals per game over the past 4 games. Jean-Sebastien Aubin made the last start in net for Toronto and held the Bruins scoreless for two periods before Boston netted 3 goals to register a 3-1 win.
Andrew Raycroft Dominik Hasek Jean Sebastien Aubin Red Wings Toronto Maple Leafs1 Comment(s)
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[…] Unfortunately, I overslept this morning (I needed it, believe me - rough week) and I’m supposed to be studying for a final with a friend in five minutes. So, this will be brief. Real brief. Tonight’s the only game between these teams this season. They haven’t faced each other in the regular season since December 6th, 2003 in Toronto, a 5-2 Leafs win. So, it’s kind of a big deal and I wish I had the time to write more about it. Maybe later in the day I’ll be able to say more. George Malik has a good roundup of the relevant Detroit and Toronto media pieces. Just scroll down. (via Gorilla Crouch). […]