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Derek Lalonde said they’re still unsure as to whether Patrick Kane will be in the lineup Wednesday, They’ll know more tomorrow after practice. Lalonde added that Kane won’t play unless he’s 100%, but he’s really close. #LGRW
— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) January 29, 2024
Update - Ansar Khan has stated that Detroit has ruled out Patrick Kane being in the lineup tomorrow. This is probably the best course of action, the team is playing well and no need to rush one of the greatest American players to ever “lace them up…. A quick note I keep forgetting. Mark Calloway (The Undertaker in WWE) did a series called “The Last Ride…. In either the first or second episode they show the 6’8… superstar go in for a hip resurfacing. You can actually watch a bit of the surgery, including watching the Dr. drill into the ball joint along with a glimpse at what the repaired joint receives in terms of hardware. Fascinating, but not for the squeamish.
Detroit is still weighing the options on whether or not Kane will play in the final game before the All Star Break. The future hall of fame winger would be a welcome addition, but it still seems that prudence should rule the day on this one. If it’s anywhere close to a 50/50 decision, let him rest and rehab through the break. Personal opinion of course. Detroit is holding on to the wild card spot with 5 points separating them from the Isles. The last couple of wins were big (to be fair, Vegas was down a few key pieces). A win against Ottawa before the break would put Detroit do well to keep the momentum going.
As we approach the All Star Break, each year it seems to be less of a “must see… event. Part of that is just how skilled players coming into the league are. Nightly highlights just continue to get better. Ever since the shootout was made part of the regular season (along with 3 on 3 in overtime) we’ve had plenty of those available as well. The final piece is the new tracking technology.
There are “enhanced… ways to view the game, but even without those there are instances where the play by play and color announcer will let us know the speed of a shot and how fast a player was skating. Two more events that are now available on an almost nightly basis. So, what’s left? The obstacle course? We see bits of that in training and even in a Chipotle commercial. Accuracy shooting? At least twice this season Larkin has scored from what seems to be an impossible angle right at (or even slightly below) the goal line. It feels far more impressive to see these things happen in game than in the format of a game show.
There is still a big winner for the All Star Game. That is the city where it is presented. Fans can go to the red carpet and get autographs, participate in some cool and interactive stations and just be close to a high end roster of some of the NHL’s best. The last All Star game in Detroit may well have had Gordie Howe suiting up for the Whalers.
Let me know your thoughts. Is this must see TV, or do you give this event a pass now? It’s always interesting to get feedback on something like this. Regardless, tomorrow is another opportunity for Detroit to try and move toward solidifying a post season appearance.