9002070415
DETROIT FREE PRESS
901004
Thursday, October 04, 1990
METRO FINAL
2H
MITCH ALBOM, STEVE CROWE,
STAFF PICKS; NHL '90 ; SPECIAL SECTION
Copyright (c) 1990, Detroit Free Press
Mitch Albom
Even though the average age of the Wings this year is what, 13, I still think
they have enough talent to win the Norris Division. They won't, however,
because it will take one season for Bryan Murray to get used to everyone. And
vice versa.
Steve Crowe
Unlike Murray, the Wings have a lot to lose, such as their paychecks. If they
win, Murray will be perceived as savior, perhaps deservingly so. But if they
lose, fans will write off the season as the sour aftertaste of the
Devellano/Demers era. The paycheck theory -- call it the Wings Preservation
Act of 1990-91 -- will mean more wins, as should the addition of Sergei
Fedorov, a healthy Jimmy Carson and a rehabilitated Bob Probert, and the
subtraction of constant turmoil. The healthy dose of job insecurity will bring
third place, and one round of the playoffs.
Keith Gave
The Wings will be younger, faster, more creative, more disciplined and more
intimidating under Murray. They should be improved, but it's very difficult to
get younger and better at the same time. Inexperience will cost them some
points early, but they will be better for it in April. Pick 'em third, but
first or fourth wouldn't be a huge surprise either. And if you're a
season-ticket holder, put off your vacation until mid- May. You never know.
Corky Meinecke
The Wings will qualify for the playoffs, but they have neither the goalies nor
defensemen to make it past the first round. Because of all the changes, it's
really unfair to expect anything more.
George Puscas
Where's the power play, a right wing who can score, a goalie who can go the
distance? Those are year-old questions, and they remain today. So nothing's
really different. They have a new coach, but all the old weaknesses and
probably the same old last-place destiny remain.
Charlie Vincent
A healthy and clean Probert will help. So will Fedorov, who, with Steve
Yzerman and Carson, gives the Wings superb depth at center. Scoring might not
be a problem, but hockey, like every other sport, is ultimately won with
defense. The Wings will struggle until they find a legitimate stopper in the
goal.
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