The phrase is one that is embedded in the mind of Detroit Red Wing fans everywhere: “The tie goes to the veteran.” It was one that made sense in a bygone era, one where older legs could skate until their late 30’s or early 40’s (Heck, Steve Yzerman was basically on one leg when he was 41). It was also the phrase that Ken Holland and Mike Babcock tied their fortunes to–until it ended up being one of the biggest causes of the current setup. Both men saw its flaws in the sleeker, speedier, and younger league. But they couldn’t shake their reliance on veterans–who would not be able to produce like they once could in this new league.
Babcock left. Holland tried to rebuild on the fly which turned into sputtering on the fly. It wasn’t intentional. It was stubbornness–and possibly pressure from ownership to keep that streak going. When the Joe closed, so too did an era.
Rebuilds aren’t fun. After what is now the fourth year in the “actual” rebuild phase (2016-17 was the realization of things as they were being over), the fan base is getting antsy. On one side organization there are budding, blue chip prospects very close to being ready to contribute. On the other side, we see the faces of teams past, ones that harken to a time where there was that hope of a championship followed by a descent into mediocrity.
Yzerman had to “ice a team” and he did it admirably with cheap, short term deals. Now it’s time for another change: handing the ice time out to the right players in crucial moments. I played sports and I was in locker rooms, and dugouts. I understand there is a human element that can’t be measured by numbers and agree with that. But this is also a moment to test the kids and embrace the future.
In what felt like a “play to not lose” game against Dallas yesterday, players who pushed the action were left sitting while the veterans were out there playing chip and chase hockey. Enough already. Take chances. Do something different. Let Michael Rasmussen, Givani Smith, and Taro Hirose have three to four minutes more of ice time. They have to be in those moments to understand how to respond.
There was a time where those older vets drove the play, and scored goals. That era is gone. It’s time to truly let the best players have the ice time that goes with it.