Bring back Claude Lemieux!!!

The Wings took the salary cap, aging roster, etc. and found a way to not only survive but THRIVE in the new NHL. The Avs, Stars, etc. failed miserably- so is it envy? Well, yeah, to an extent. The Avs front office made a mess of things, and it doesn’t look to be improving much right now (see: Elliott, Brian).

For me, personally, it’s that I spent years sitting with friends, watching some of the fiercest and best hockey I’ve ever watched between two genuinely furious teams, and I don’t have anything like that anymore. The rivalry is dead- but a look at that winged wheel logo brings me back ten years or so to better times. I got raised as a Broncos fan as well, and no matter what, I got raised to know that the Chiefs and Raiders, no matter how good they are this year, were the big games to watch and root for the good guys in.

Meh, rambling due to lack of caffeine. Point is, it’s nostalgia and learned behavior for me to dislike the Wings- but the rivalry days are gone, and with it that sheer joyful hatred you could once revel in.

I was a Bruins fan before the Avs came around though, so Montreal… well, THOSE guys, let me tell you…

Ericcson on the other hand – - – started coming into his own during the Shark series. Big young kid who is starting to realize his size and strength. Rarely to you see a player who can ‘check’ one handed. The kid ‘put and pinned’ opposers into the boards with an open palm while moving the puck with his stick hand.

That’s going to get scarey good.

I live in Denver and my observation is that its become more of a blind ‘tradition’.
I’m ok with being hated, but at least provide a solid reason, eh?

Are Avs fans are more concerned with hating the Red Wings than how far they’ve fallen and can’t get up? Maybe that’s part of the hatred???

Looking forward to seeing the Avs fix what’s been broken for far TOO long. Pierre got too comfortable in that front office, and Giguere was a poor and ‘passive’ GM. They made it tough to rebuild and seem happier filling the seats than producing a Stanley Cup Champ. No urgency at all

We enjoy going to the games at Pepsi Center and seeing it about 50% Red, but that’s common in most opposing venues.

Let’s Go RED WINGS!…………Let’s Go AVS, please make it a rivalry again…SOOOOOON.

Detroit and the extended Hockeytown family offer our great thanks and respect!

Ah, if only the Wings could land a young stud defenseman. As you mention, Shea Weber ain’t going anywhere, no matter how much Wings fans plead and pray. On top of all the factors you mention, Weber would be leaving a team on the rise. It’s not going to happen. I’d be quite content, though, if we managed to sneak away with a Keith Yandle. He’d replace Rafalski’s offense, if not his leadership and veteran savvy.

It will indeed be an interesting offseason in Hockeytown!