Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks having similar internal issues

We talk about who our three favorite players or anyone involved with hockey in any capacity we would like to share an evening with if we had the chance.  Check out my answers on Pucks of a Feather.  One is certainly obvious; the other two may come as a surprise.

Bob Heyrman: If you could hang out and pick the brain of any three NHL/hockey minds over an evening who would they be?

Ciara Durant: I grew up hearing stories about Mario Lemieux, and although I am not a Pens fan, I am a huge fan of his. I am an avid watcher of documentaries, and when my interest in hockey first started growing, I watched a documentary about his story, and I cried for about an hour, mainly because I’m a sucker for a good story. Nevertheless, he inspires me, and I believe he has one of the best comeback stories in NHL history. Besides, who wouldn’t want to have dinner with a two-time cup winner, three-time Hart recipient, two time Conn Smythe recipient, six-time Art Ross recipient, and four-time Ted Lindsay recipient. His career is something to be admired, and I would love to hear his story first hand.

More from Octopus Thrower

• Detroit Red Wings forward Carter Mazur injured in Prospect Tournament
• Detroit Red Wings: What does Klim Kostin’s role look like in 2023-24?
• Detroit Red Wings: 3 players who will make biggest impact in first year
• The Detroit Red Wings need Andrew Copp to start fast in 2023-24
• Detroit Red Wings had a busy off-season; but was it enough?

Of course, I have to choose a Duck! How could I not? I’d probably choose Corey Perry. While Cam Fowler is the reason I listened to my first Ducks game, Perry is a huge reason I became a Ducks fan. I really just want to sit down with him to thank him. Long story short, I in a very tough place when I discovered the wonderful world of hockey. I remember turning on the radio, we didn’t have cable, so it was the next best thing, and I believe the Ducks were playing the Blackhawks. Corey Perry scored the game-winning goal. From that moment on, I was hooked, and hockey became like a therapy for me, like it probably is for many of you. When I couldn’t cheer for myself, I had the Ducks to cheer for. I listened to every game after that and used google to look up terms I didn’t understand. He has received a lot of criticism over the past few seasons for his lack of production, but I am a firm believer that he is still a good hockey player, and I’m really excited for him to come back.

While I’d love to pick the brain of many other hockey players, the last one I’d likely choose is probably Sergei Fedorov (I understand, he was a Duck too, but I always consider him a Red Wing first and foremost.) I’ve been working on a piece over at Pucks of a Feather, that Bob has been helping me with, about Fedorov and I really want to ask him why he left Detroit. He had such a promising career with the Detroit Red Wings, and up to this point, everything I’ve heard has been purely speculation. There are many more questions I have for him, but the list is so long I figure I’d better spare you!

Bonus Question: 

Bob Heyrman: Something fun here, when I say Detroit Red Wings, who is the first player that comes to mind?

Ciara Durant:  I am a Ducks fan through and through, that much is true. However, my dad has a lot of health issues so most of the time if we want to spend quality time together we sit and throw around our favorite hockey stories. I remember I was driving from Washington State to Arizona during my move earlier this year and we spent about an hour on the phone and the entire time he talked about Gordie Howe. Maybe this is a cliche answer?

While I know that there are many different players I could associate with the Detroit Red Wings organization, I think of him when I think of the Red Wings because of all the stories I’ve heard about him. I mean, he played for the organization for 25 years. That is the epitome of dedication. From 18 to 42, he gave his all for the Detroit Red Wings, and that’s something to be admired. Plus, not many players have a 103 point season in their 40’s. By that time, most are already retired.

Bob Heyrman:  That is a great way to end it, Gordie Howe the greatest Detroit Red Wings player of all-time.  Ciara, that’s what I call a “walk-off.”

I would like to thank our friend again for donating her time to us; we are not worthy.  Be sure to check out the fantastic Ducks coverage at Pucks of a Feather before our matchup and whenever you may be wondering what is going on in Anaheim.