Kaner is still "showtime"

Submitted by 907_UM Nanook on February 25th, 2024 at 10:00 PM

On the night the hawks put Chelios jersey in the rafters, and Kane's first game back in Chicago with the Wings, you gotta watch the whole thing to truly appreciate the moment. Maybe go lookup the video tribute to Kaner & Chelios speech. Stars were in the building - just magical ending. LGRW

https://youtu.be/JMqQF1_AFCw?si=J70nNLf1SGpKxJX9

smotheringD

February 25th, 2024 at 10:19 PM ^

Yup, one of the signs of a good team is when you still win even when you're not playing your best.

They certainly are playing well enough to get into the playoffs.  But it's shaping up to be a tough first-round draw against Boston, Florida, or the Rangers.  It will be interesting to see if Stevie can make a move before the deadline, without giving too much up.  We're a good team, solid, but probably need a couple of pieces to compete with the top teams for a Cup.

Blueisgood

February 26th, 2024 at 1:15 AM ^

I highly doubt they will find a top tier goalie even though the price to pickup a goalie usually isn't that high. He won't trade for a rental either. I'd like to see an upgrade at D. A top 3/4 dman would be fantastic. Rumors are that they are listening to offers on some of the current dman. I believe Berggren has a good possibility to be moved too. He supposedly rejected a contract offer from the Wings, so it wouldn't surprise me to see him moved for a non rental piece.

softshoes

February 25th, 2024 at 10:12 PM ^

When Kane is on a break-away do not bet the goalie.

This team is ready for the playoffs. Don't know how far they can get but a chip and a chair. All you can ask for.

AlbanyBlue

February 25th, 2024 at 10:54 PM ^

In the last couple weeks, the Wings have shown several hallmarks of solid, playoff-bound, could-make-some-noise teams.

  • Solid road wins -- especially in Seattle.
  • A game where the goalie comes up big to keep the team in it -- Colorado.
  • Beating a team you're supposed to in sound fashion -- St. Louis.
  • Gutting out a victory in a game where the team does not play its best -- Chicago.

We have the Panthers on Saturday. We'll know more then. But right now? We look like we can at least be competitive in a first-round series. If we can add a piece and the goaltending stays hot, maybe we win our first playoff series in a long time.....

Hab

February 25th, 2024 at 11:04 PM ^

Lots of Backhawks/Red Wings crossovers in this one.  And (I can't believe I'm typing this), it looks like some Hawks fans had the good grace to cheer Kane for the OT winner.

kdhoffma

February 26th, 2024 at 9:31 AM ^

Oh they absolutely were… they love him that much as they should.  Never before has a red wing been cheered like that in Chicago… hell even Chelios was booed whenever he returned and he was fucking born there.  Showtime gave a victory salute to the crowd after everyone left the ice, it was just a storybook ending.

Navy Wolverine

February 25th, 2024 at 11:26 PM ^

Wings were lucky to get into OT tonight with Debrincat banking a shot off of Mrazak’s leg from behind the goal line to tie it late in the 3rd. They sure took advantage though. That entire break away play was a thing of beauty. Kane is a wizard. All the smart Blackhawks players eventually come to Detroit. Congrats to Cheli. Wings now at 93.8% probability to make the playoffs.

smotheringD

February 26th, 2024 at 6:21 AM ^

This pic shows the target Cat was shooting at, that little triangle between the goalie's catching glove, his leg pad, and the post.  Cat's stick is flexed and he's probably pretty close to the release point, the puck coming off his stick.  Edit:  I just noticed that other stick almost blocking the shot.  These pros are something else.

Nice snipe!

1VaBlue1

February 26th, 2024 at 8:53 AM ^

Yeah, luck was involved - but that was an intentional target!  It's amazing what these guys can do with the puck...

Could I hit that shot if I were all alone?  Maybe, about a hundred thousand years from now.  At some point luck will prevail, but I'm not putting money on it!

BTW, I'll echo XM - this is a GREAT photo catch!

SeaWolv

February 27th, 2024 at 8:59 AM ^

Luck plays a part in a high percentage of goals in the NHL. How many times have we seen pucks hit a goalie, disappear and then trickle over the goal line? Weird caroms off the dasher, timely penalty box exits for break aways, bad puck hops negating a prime scoring chances or weak penalty calls. That slashing call against Raymond in the second that lead to the go ahead goal for Chicago was weak AF.

mrlmichael

February 25th, 2024 at 11:40 PM ^

This team has been fun to watch and I do think they'll get into the playoffs, but I wouldn't expect any big moves that could knock them off course from the long term plan, which is fine.

After some really dark years, Detroit sports are seemingly on a comeback trail. No Detroit team had advanced in the playoffs since the Tigers went to the ALCS in 2013, with most teams going on extended playoff appearance droughts during this same span, it's been brutal.

But the Lions ended that by advancing to the NFC Championship, the Wings look poised to end their playoff drought, and not a lot of people are talking about it but I think the Tigers have had a quietly really solid offseason to compliment a nice group of young players finally hitting their stride in the majors and could make some noise in a weak central.

The Pistons.... well they exist I suppose. But for everyone else it feels like the dark days are coming to a close.

Sambojangles

February 26th, 2024 at 7:34 AM ^

I'm happy to jump back on the Red Wings bandwagon. I haven't really paid them much attention since the playoff streak ended and the guys I loved from the 08 team all retired or left.

My last memory of Patrick Kane was hatred from his Chicago days, particularly that 2013 playoff series Detroit had no business being in but still should have won. It still feels weird to have him in Detroit.

Can't wait for the playoffs, nothing gets the juices flowing like playoff hockey.