Quote:
Originally Posted by MHockeyFan
Well I say "rescued the franchise" b/c he kept the fans coming AND gave Illitch someone to build a team around (similar in some ways to the Pens). True, the Wings were not a great team in his early years but at least he gave the fans a reason for hope. I remember them taking on the Oilers in the playoffs and realistically there was no way they were going to beat the Oilers but everyone was at least interested in the series to see if Stevie could work some magic against the Great One. Without others, no way they go on later to win the Cup but without Stevie there might have been another 5 years or more of missing the playoffs entirely.
|
Fair enough.
I think we both agree that Illitch built a great franchise
around Steve. Obviously, Yzerman was a huge component to their success.