ESPN.com - NHL - Burnside: Wings' Cleary makes most of chance (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2730635)

The history of the NHL is rife with stories of talented players who, propelled by unfulfilled expectation and shattered confidence or a lack of desire or commitment, plunge headlong into the void. Poof. Gone without a trace.

Daniel Cleary came to that edge. Put his skate blade over, even. And stepped back.

Talk to Cleary in the Detroit Red Wings' dressing room and it's not so much the words he uses to describe the experience but the look on his face that tell this story of transformation. Beneath the various cuts and bruises and scrapes that are the hazards of the trade the way it is plied by Cleary, is etched a look of understanding that these kinds of chances -- second chances, last chances maybe -- are not to be squandered but cherished.
Nice puff piece on a Wing.

Where was he when we gave up those 9 goals?
Wings racking up wins real nice now. With only an ocassional stinker thrown in.

The Wings are finally playing playoff hockey as they go into the stretch drive. The last couple years, it was all puck possession, but a friend of mine who is a bit older and a die-hard Wing fan put it best,

He said that if Hasek can stay healthy, he'll be invaluable in the playoffs. Even if he doesn't play superb (which he has), the amount of confidence he gives the team is priceless. When Legace lost his nerve last year, the entire team dropped off in confidence. But with Hasek, you know that he might post one stinker and come back like a man possessed.

I really think Hasek is the best goalie I have seen in my lifetime. Better than Patrick Roy.

I won't say the G word injury. Rest him more.

I really think Hasek is the best goalie I have seen in my lifetime. Better than Patrick Roy.

Some of us old folks had the pleasure of watching Ken Dryden and Bernie Parent too. :nod: Before your time, I think.

Was that back when you rode a brontosaurus to school pops? :pound:

Was that back when you rode a brontosaurus to school pops? :pound:

We didn't have bronto's back then. They weren't born yet.
I had to walk ten miles uphill through snow and ice age conditions to get to school. I saw Bernie in his first game while I was crossing a glacier one day.:sssh:

You're a good sport Tater. Wow, did I just write that!? :cold: