Rafalski gets U.S. invitation
The Red Wings will be represented at the U.S. Olympic team orientation camp in Chicago on Aug. 17-19.
Brian Rafalski, who'll likely be on the final roster, is among the 34 players that have been invited to the camp.
Former Red Wing Chris Chelios wasn't on the list. Team USA general manager Brian Burke has told Chelios he wants Chelios to be part of the U.S. program, either in the front office or on the coaching staff.
Players with a local connection invited to the camp: Dallas center Mike Modano (Westland), Vancouver forward Ryan Kesler (Livonia), Florida forward David Booth (Utica, Michigan State), Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller (East Lansing, Michigan State), Boston goalie Tim Thomas (Flint), Carolina defenseman Tim Gleason (Clawson), Los Angeles defenseman Jack Johnson (U-M), and Montreal defenseman Mike Komisarek (U-M).
Salary cap for 2009-10
We now know the salary cap. The NHL and NHL Players Association just sent over a press release.
It's $56,8 million, or just $100,000 more than last season.
The Red Wings expected it to be in that range. No real surprises. But that won't make re-signing all of their free agents any easier.
Late night call from Chelios
Got a call from Chris Chelios late last night. He said he declined all interview requests Monday because he wanted to formulate his thoughts properly and express his thanks to the fans of Detroit the right way.
"I don't want to sound like a knucklehead," Chelios said.
Chelios, 47, will meet with the media, likely Wednesday, he said. He didn't sound angry or bitter. He knew this was going to be his final season with the Wings.
But, this wasn't the end of Chelios' playing career. Far from it. Chelios thinks he can still play. He knows he can. Chances are, some team will give him a chance. And knowing Chelios, he'll prove any doubters out there wrong.
He'll be fine.
Training camp cut short
If you're headed to Traverse City for training camp in September be forewarned - it's not going to be a long camp. Because of the two-week Olympic break in February - and the fact the Wings will be opening their season in Sweden - the 12th Red Wings camp at Centre ICE arena in Traverse City will take place Sept. 13-15. "It’s the shortest camp in our history," camp director Pete Correia said. "Many of the (NHL) teams have adjusted their camps and preseason schedules a bit this year with the Olympics moving everything up. Add the Red Wings’ trip to Europe to open the season, and it’s a unique scenario that gives them just three days on the ice up here." Fans can purchase tickets for training camp during the first in-person ticket sale, scheduled for June 27 at Centre ICE arena from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If any tickets remain, a by-fax sale will begin on July 20.
The first day of summer
It was quiet in the locker room today as the Red Wings cleaned out their stuff, signed a few autographs, and said goodbye for the summer. The rest of the photo gallery can be found here: http://multimedia.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/sportsgallery/wings_locker_cleanout_06152009/
Category: Wings-Penguins, Stanley Cup Finals
Posted by Dana Wakiji (The Detroit News) on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 10:34 PMThe Wings will be back
DETROIT -- This game was not a beauty by the Wings' high standards at all. They fought valiantly at the end but it just wasn't enough. Maybe the injuries and the compressed schedule finally took their toll on them. It's hard to say. But you have to give the Penguins full marks for what they were able to do. They beat all the odds about losing the first two games and then coming back to win the series, not to mention winning a Game 7 on the road. Sure, they did it against Washington but this was not the Capitals and that wasn't the Stanley Cup Finals. Is this an end of an era or the beginning of one for the Penguins. Time will tell. But the Wings will be back. Ken Holland will see to it.
Category: Wings-Penguins, Stanley Cup Finals
Posted by Dana Wakiji (The Detroit News) on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 10:32 PM2-1 Penguins with 1:17 left in 3rd
DETROIT -- Chris Osgood will have to leave the net now that the Wings have a timeout. Have to win this faceoff and get some shots on net immediately.
Category: Wings-Penguins, Stanley Cup Finals
Posted by Dana Wakiji (The Detroit News) on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 10:26 PM2-1 Penguins at 16:37 of 3rd
DETROIT -- I don't think anyone has ever wanted overtime more than the Wings do right now. Marian Hossa, paging Marian Hossa! I'd love to see Pavel Datsyuk spring him on a breakaway (or anyone on a breakaway for that matter) and have him tie it up and send this to overtime.
Category: Wings-Penguins, Stanley Cup Finals
Posted by Dana Wakiji (The Detroit News) on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 10:24 PM2-1 Penguins at 13:53 of 3rd
DETROIT -- Could the Wings come back to tie this thing? Larry Murphy said he wanted 7 overtimes. I don't want that many but now I'd like to see one. Jonathan Ericsson gave the Wings hope with that first goal. But they need two more. I'd take one more.
Category: Wings-Penguins, Stanley Cup Finals
Posted by Dana Wakiji (The Detroit News) on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 10:18 PM2-0 Penguins at 11:19 of 3rd
DETROIT -- Sidney Crosby looks quite pained on the bench after he took a shift. But that is no consolation for what's happened in this game so far. There are a couple of loud Penguins fans in front of the press box and you can't blame them for cheering. The Wings fans did that last year in Pittsburgh.
