The Reunited Russian Five
I know this is a day or two old, but it deserves a mention, because it is that damn cool. For the Winter Classic alumni game, Detroit has managed to convince 4 of the 5 members of the original (OG for the kids) Russian Five to play. The Red Wings announced this afternoon that Sergei Fedorov, Slava Fetisov, Igor Larionov and Vladimir Konstantinov will take part in the festivities that will be part of the Red Wings alumni game against the Toronto Maple Leafs Dec. 31 at Comerica Park.
That includes everyone other than Kozlov, who is undecided so far because he is still playing in the KHL. I'm freaking ecstatic that they were able to pull this off. After the falling out between the Wings brass and Fedorov, I'm impressed with both sides ability to put the past behind them and realize that they both meant something special to each other.A few people are worried about boos. Don't be. I mean, the guy made this commerical while with Detroit.
How could you boo that?
Hit the jump for some more players who will be taking part.
The list of former players doesn't end with the Soviets. Take a look at this:
Other Red Wings alumni who will take part in the Winter Classic include Mickey Redmond, John Ogrodnick, Luc Robitaille, Dino Ciccarelli, Chris Chelios, Larry Murphy, Mark Howe, Kris Draper, Darren McCarty, Kirk Maltby, Joe Kocur, Mike Vernon, Ted Lindsay and Alex Delvecchio.
One thing notable is that CuJo, not surprisingly, has decided to play for the Leafs rather than Detroit. Can't blame him for that one.Anyways, seeing this reunion is going to be something special.
Does anyone know how Konstantinov is going to participate? If he's able to skate at all it would be huge beyond belief...can you imagine seeing him out on the ice on skates in his jersey?
I don't blame people wanting to boo, 91, heck I understand completely. But in this circumstance it's not really appropriate. I mean if he's playing for another team or against the wings sure, but in this game there's no need. It's just for fun. You don't need to cheer him, just don't boo, it's not classy.
I think anyone who will boo at this game is a clomplete jerk. NONE of these guys are obligated to come and play in this game - well maybe the guys currently employed by their former teams are - but the guys volunteering should be cheered for. I don't care what your disposition is on the player leaving the team - if the team reached out to get them to play in this, then as fans we should accept the fact and treat it any wrong-doings as water under the bridge. If call yourself a Wings' fan, you better not boo #91
I swear to God if anyone boos him, I will find them and murder them in their sleep. His number should be hanging up in the arena, damn it!
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@marti783 He was a bit of a traitor tbh, he thought he was bigger than the team. Great player, but such a shame what he turned out to be in the end.
@Reddy @marti783 Traitor is a bit harsh. But the real question is are you okay with people booing him, both in the past and more importantly now.
As a self-proclaimed Russophile, you have no idea how excited I am. I HOPE Kozlov can get away and my old jersey will have relevance for a little while to all of these baby fans who only know 13 for Datsyuk and have no players in mind associated with #16. Yes, I'm aware that I'm quite young but referred to people as babies lol.
