I Owe Patrick Eaves an Apology

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 30, 2010 9:48 AM CST

Patrick, if you're reading this (and I know you are), I owe you an apology. Earlier in the season, when talking about the Red Wings' depth, I mentioned that several players, including you, were basically interchangeable parts in the bigger machine that is the Red Wings. I even went so far as to utter the horrible phrase "Dime-a-dozen" on The Production Hour podcast when discussing what you bring to the lineup.

It is with great humility and had held firmly in hand that I offer you an apology.

You have played yourself to the level far beyond "plugger", "depth guy", or "serviceable forward". Yes sir, you are far more than merely "serviceable"; I'd dare to go as far to say that you're integral. Sometimes fans forget how important guys like Patrick Eaves, Kris Draper, Kirk Maltby, or Darren McCarty are to the lineup of a successful team. Sometimes we're so blinded by the flashy guys at the top of the lineup that we forget to honor the contributions of the people whose work ethic and dedication gives those men the ability to shine. I humbly submit that I am guilty of allowing myself to forget how to see the forest through the trees. I merely hope that, in your wisdom, you see fit to accept my apology and my newly confirmed commitment to giving you your proper credit, even on days when you don't earn me and my fellow fans free curly fries.

Keep up the great work, Patrick.

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The next Cleary?

Ban Devorskis from officiating Wings games.

2010 Big Ten Champs- On Wisconsin!

by Mardiros Efendi on Dec 30, 2010 12:58 PM CST reply actions

More Speed than Cleary...

I think he’s a combination between Draper and Maltby. Speed like Drapes, but can score a bit like Malts. And yes, can go on the PK just like those two and Danny boy. He’s not an instigator like Maltby was, and Mickey won’t talk about him scoring 50 in juniors (maybe 20 goals with Carolina), but he can score, and Babs wants him to shoot more – which says something.

Very classy JJ, very classy indeed.

Kendal

by Kendal on Dec 30, 2010 4:27 PM CST up reply actions

Good points - and Eaves has been doing splendidly

I actually have been a huge Eaves fan – i don’t know quite why but i’ve always liked his grit and ‘motor’. When we first got him i likened him to a Cleary and now that he has been seeing more minutes/ power play time i think its showing. I’m pretty sure he was a former 1st round pick? That being said he’s showing (some) of his value and the Wings should be lucky to keep him long term at an affordable rate

"A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day." ~ Calvin (C & H)

by Igorzba on Dec 30, 2010 4:31 PM CST reply actions

yep, Graham's got it in the wrap from yesterdays game I think.

he was a former 1st rounder – Ottawa, and potted 20 goals for Carolina, I think when they won the Cup. Probably got lost in the different coaches / systems when they changed too much in Carolina and last year, he’s a Wing.

Young, fast, hard worker, can score. Our kind of guy.

Kendal

by Kendal on Dec 30, 2010 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

They could use his right handed shot on the power play. Just not at the point like Samuelsson used to play. Playing with the guys on the power play will create space for him to set up his wicked shot.

by dewman8810 on Dec 31, 2010 9:45 AM CST reply actions

Im just so happy the guy is finally getting the credit he deserves....

Since day one when he came to Detroit I have been frustrated with his lack of ice time, and our organization seemed kinda of unaware of his past success and potential. Since then I have argued with many Fellow wings fans that Patty deserves the upper-hand over guys like Miller, and that he deserves a better chance on the team. Last year when we had injuries, Miller was moved to the PP and second line, and did very little whereas someone like eaves would had flourished. I knew the day would come where everyone would suddenly start givin eaves credit and lovin the guy for his work ethic. I honestly don’t notice any red wing more than eaves when I watch the games (I watch everygame), aside from Datsyuk, and it is because he works so hard and does so many little things right. Even last year he played great, but got almost no credit…He had 3 less goals than bertuzzi, while bertuzzi played all 82 games on the second and first lines, as well as PP…but somehow Eaves managed to almost match bert’s numbers playing in only 56 games, and one the fourth and third lines. Not to mention he played on the PP with afflreddson and heatly his rookie year and flourished.
Also a very good teamate and person off the ice… red wings material.
…. I traded for patrick eaves in my nhl 09 video game a couple years ago, a week later the wings signed him as free agent, So in a funny way I have always considered him one of my “prospects” lol.

by Fiend on Jan 3, 2011 2:37 PM CST reply actions

What can you say, that son of a coach! I liked Eaves all along too. There was a reason he was signed before Miller this off season. I like Miller too, just not like I like Patty Cakes.

by rrasco on Jan 10, 2011 4:38 PM CST reply actions