the Garbage Squad

by Eric @ PRBU on Jan 14, 2011 1:19 PM CST

I had this on my own blog, which I quickly decided I didn't really have all that much time for. But it is an awesome topic because everyone will have an opinion. The red wings have obviously had great success the last twenty years so I thought it would be fun to pick the worst red wings in my lifetime (i.e., the last 27 years). You may think this would be hard with all of the awards this team has won but without further adieu...

(hopefully this "copy and pasted" correctly)

Left Wing
Marian Hossa (2008-2009)

Why he disgusts us: Marian Hossa played one spectacular regular season for the Detroit Red Wings. Unfortunately, there are still "missing person" flyers hanging on the lamp posts in Detroit from the 2009 post-season. He then jumped ship again to a division rival and won a Stanley cup with Blackhawks while posting one less goal in the playoffs than Valtteri Filppula and playing in twice as many games proving that he was well worth his contract.

Possibly redeeming: Devoted the next 10 years to destroying Chicago's cap situation. When he left, he took Tomas Kopecky with him.

Right Wing
Jason Williams (2000-2007, 2009-2010)

Why he disgusts us: While proving to be quite valuable as Igor Larionov's replacement (while Igor was injured) during the 2002 cup run, he has mainly been an utter disappointment. His wrist was supposedly unparalleled. During games his wrist shot was atrocious. He was credited with zero points in the 2010 playoffs, unless of course you count his assist on Patrick Marleau's overtime goal. Other than being lazy, unenthused, and untalented, he wasn't so bad.

Possibly redeeming: Was dealt for Kyle Calder in what was possibly the most evenly useless trade in NHL history.

Center
Tomas Kopecky (2005-2009)

I can't wait to be your second line center, Chicago

Why he disgusts us: Bolted from Detroit for the promised riches of the Blackhawks. Despite being 6'3" and over 200 pounds, he showed you can be useless even with an athletic body type. Our lasting memory of him will be the time he used his face to viscously attack Francois Beauchemin's fists.

Possibly redeeming: He and Marian Hossa are currently on a mission to destroy Chicago's chances of winning another Stanley cup by eating cap space.

Defense
Uwe Krupp (1998-2002)

Why he disgusts us: Signed a hefty contract and then proceeded to play less than 50 games in 4 years due to a back injury. Was then found on a dog racing excursion. Still managed to sneak into two playoff games in 2002 while posting a +/– of -5. Still got that cup though.

Possibly redeeming: Showed healthy backs aren't needed for dog sled racing.

Dmitri Mironov (1998)

Why he disgusts us: Was there any player for the wings over the last 20 years that was so forgettable? After arriving after the trade deadline in 1998, he showed up just in time to win a Stanley cup.

Possibly redeeming: Gave hope to hundreds of mediocre defensemen that they too could win a championship.

Goalie
Manny (Emmanuel) Legace (2000-2006)

Why he disgusts us: Arguably, the best back up goalie in NHL history. This apparently doesn't translate to starting goalie success. Despite being on a talent-loaded 2006 Red Wings team, he managed to screw it up and give up several weak goals to a vastly inferior Oilers team. He ruined Steve Yzerman's final year. Some may say that Curtis Joseph should belong here, but I disagree. Joseph couldn't be blamed for the loss to Calgary in 2004 and was only partially responsible for the 2003 debacle.

Possibly redeeming: Instead of throwing temper tantrums when he fails, he simply pouts and leaves us alone.

Backup Goalie:
Bob Essensa (1994): He was brought in via trade to solve the Red Wings goal tender issues. He played in two playoff games and won as many as the last 5 people to read this blog. Unless Manny Legace is a reader. Then he won two less.

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Comments

Looks good to me...

the list… not the players that is. My Wings history knowledge only goes back so far, but I think you hit the high points pretty well. Hossa… ugh! What a disappointment! So long as he stays there, Chicago will never be truly competitive.

by Josh Howard on Jan 14, 2011 1:42 PM CST reply actions

I like this

this is a fun idea, my pick would be Mathieu Dandenault (‘95-’04). We suffered through 9 years of hearing about how “once he develops his game, watch out” although not horrible. He did waste a roster spot for too long.

I wouldn’t mind seeing this as a continued discussion. and maybe another with the Wings wasted draft picks.

You just got Kronwalled!

by DeathtotheHawks on Jan 15, 2011 9:09 AM CST reply actions

how about this

Players that never panned out

1. Uwe Krupp – 30 games
2. Ulf Samuelsson – 4 games
3. Derian Hatcher – 15 games
4. Peter Klima – 13 games (2nd stint)
5. Kyle Calder – 19 games
6. Todd Bertuzzi – 8 games (1st stint)

You just got Kronwalled!

by DeathtotheHawks on Jan 15, 2011 9:29 AM CST reply actions

A few come to mind...

Sean Avery .was traded out of here pretty fast..Andreas Lilja always looked as if he was trying to skate in mudd. Doug Houda used to drive me insane watching him consistently pass the puck out in front of his own net. Tim Cheveldae and the way he’d challenge the shooter by comming out of his net 20 feet and giving up a massive rebound only to see it slammed in the net behind him. The Bob Essensa playoff experience. Wendel Clark how after he was traded here he just mailed it in and collected a paycheck…I’ll even nominate a coach for this crappy team.. Brian Murray

by Mike O'Neil on Jan 15, 2011 11:25 PM CST reply actions

Definitely should have included an "honorable mentions" list

Kyle Calder – Unnoticeable after the first 2 games he started playing in a Wings uni.
Ville Leino – Never fit the system, wanted a bigger role…sorry, that doesn’t work in Detroit. It works in Philly, apparently.
Derek Meech – Meh
Brett Lebda – All I have to say is last year.
Sean Avery – Feisty only works to a certain point. You are well beyond that point. Good luck, New York.
Dom Hasek post-2002 season – During the “ZOMG CUJO AND DOM ALL AT ONCE?!?” season (2004?). And being very injured and useless anyway, for all the drama associated with having you back on the team. And for crapping out in 2008 in the playoffs…though it ended up being a blessing in disguise that year, 99% of the time replacing your starting goalie in the playoffs is a kiss of death. Thanks for 2002, though, really I mean it. You still are one of the best the game will have ever seen, hands down. p.s. STAY IN THE NET HOLY CRAP WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!? AHHHH!!!

Definitely Bob Essensa and Tim Chevaldae…but I was a noob Wings fan at the time, so I can’t say too much about it other than…thanks for nothing.

by tehGOALIE on Jan 16, 2011 9:45 PM CST reply actions

Coach: Dave Lewis

You were an awesome assistant. But a first round sweep at the hands of an 8-seeded Anaheim team (coached by Mike babcock, btw), and a 2nd round loss to 6-seeded Calgary a year after doesn’t cut it in Detroit. Granted, both those teams made it to game 7 of the SCF…but it doesn’t matter, the WIngs were better than that and should have been better than that.

by tehGOALIE on Jan 16, 2011 9:51 PM CST up reply actions