Detroit, Michigan- is a place of hard working people that can work through the roughest and best of times.  In  Detroit sports there are athletes that reach a status of being a fan favorite because of their determination that is part of their character; it is so reminiscent of the life that is part of the reputation of Detroit.  Everyone knows about Detroit's current economic downs.  The upside is not that far away.  And Detroit people do not give up.  Does that sound like America? I would say yes.  The city of Detroit has captured Steve Yzerman's mind.  Now Dan Cleary has found a home in Detroit and these two man and city are twins in some respects.

     Dan Cleary was picked by the Chicago Blackhawks and bumped around in Edmonton playing for the Oilers.  For that team he scored 13 goals and played hard and still did not get a chance for a job and long term consideration for his career.  Then a chance to work  in Traverse City with the Red Wings during training camp.  Seizing the opportunity Dan Cleary put on the winged wheel which would come to symbolize his career taking off with this team that likes to work hard and gritty for the wins.  And this city no wonder is the home of Dan Cleary.  As he earned the respect of the players he reached his regular roster spot through hard work and successfully getting the job done right.  Right now he is a regular on the Penalty Kill unit and is on the same line with Robert Lang and Jason Williams.  He has also earned himself the reputation of being looked at as a leader by his fellow Red Wings.  His determination and goal setting accomplishments are complimentary of Detroit.

   Tonight, Dan Cleary set a new career high in goals scored with a short handed score where he took a clearing pass from Manny Fernandez; able to be done because he pursued the puck with his skating to where the puck would be played, and then he went to one knee much in the same way that Brett Hull did and put the puck past the Wild goalie for his 14th goal this season and the most he has ever scored in his career.  He also an contract extension.  Twins, Dan Cleary needed a chance to get his career going and Detroit will get going again.  Dan Cleary is a gift for the Red Wings because he is the player that exemplifies every good characterisitic about the city, which loves to work and has fun doing it.  Nothing glittery about Detroit except the finished products of hard days work.  The same thing can be seen in the play and character of Dan Cleary, the twin of the city he calls home, Detroit, Michigan. 

The rumors are either empty or valid and the players fans would like to see in their team jersey is realistic or not.  So here is one rumor that has some validity to it.  The Red Wings are going to find a scoring winger.  I have not heard to much about the big names either for salary cap reasons and the fact the Red Wings do not need tinker with the lines much.  Excpet for the concern that the power play is not potent and everyone knows where the Wings used to make teams pay on the power play.

The Red Wings do not a big name to become potent on the power play.  They have Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg.  The Red Wings will locate someone who will move the puck and score on the powerplay.  Who it could be is a mystery I do know that Holland intends to do more this year in the way of acquisition before the All-Star break or at deadline day.

I will  not throw names aimlessly in this post I will mention that the Wings will address the issues of a scoring winger and the power play potential for getting better if the above mentioned names on the Wings special team unit already improve then maybe the Wings will not address the power play immediately.   History points however to Ken Holland making the move when the right player is available for the team.  He is not content to sit idly in his office during the business day and in the box during game time and not take notes and attention to his team and the opponent the Wings are playing.  One possible player making it Detroit in a matter of months is Glen Murray or someone like him in talent and leadership.  Who is waiting for that chance to have his name on the Cup.  There is still plenty of hockey to be played and issues to address for every team in the NHL.  As we wait for the exciting happenings of deadline day in the NHL do not forget to enjoy the game with friends.

10. The Great Lakes

9. Sleeping Bear Dunes

8. Palace of Auburn Hills

7. Ford Field

6. Gerald R. Ford Library & museum

5. Joe Louis Arena

4. Comerica Park

3.Spartan Stadium

2. The U P

1. The State Capital

The place to avoid is Ann Arfor and the big house.

  I would like to give thanks for the country, land and people of America.  There are so many things that are taking place that should not be.  And when we stop to think about the world are we thankful for it?  For the people of the Armed Force serving us.  Thank you for protecting our freedom. 

  The Detroit Tigers in the World  Series, Jim Leyland manager of the year, and Justin Verlander AL Rookie of the year; thank you for being the team that did what no one expected you to do.  The fans and the City of Detroit was so excited and jubilant we have no doubt about the success of the auto industry turning itself around and the same thing could be said of the Lions.

  Family, thanksgiving in Michigan centers around the Turkey and food on the table, the people gathered in silent thanks, and the laughter and fellowship of the table.  Then the television and the Detroit Lions.  We have a few doubts about the Lions and what can be done to bring around the Lions to be winning team. 

  Finally, to the people of Michigan thanks for being the hardest working people and the friendlisest on the face of the earth.  Yes I am not the governor of our peninsula state but I would have no problem serving you.  The citizens of Michigan know how to build, create, innovate and relax afterwards all in this order and our loss jobs is just a transition.  When I get up in the morning I know that millions of people are suffering economically like I am and yet the day begins for us whether we are at work or not.  And we work hard to make the best of it. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and be sure to watch the Lions today and the Red Wings next week.

  Buying tickets for a team that is not finding ways to win is hard, when tickets are so readily available no one wants them.  The Boston Bruins have a new coach, Zdeno Chara, and real loyal fans.   I have watched some Bruins games on TV and the fans are in to it and they want wins.  That is what any loyal fan would want.  When the Bruins cannot there are going to be rumors being circulated and Peter Chiarelli, the General Manager will be on telephone looking for the best fit for his team via trade or farm system prospect; young player in the minor league affiliate of the Bruins who is waitng for the chance to prove that he can help the team win.  The possible scenarios are not conjecture or fiction as we all know that anything is possible and it is with the best of intentions to see the Bruins win and the fans to remain loyal while the Bruins team and management find the right scenario to bring games to the standings in terms of the win and total points columns.

   Winning recently against the Washington Captials during overtime  is a good start.  Le'ts look at what's  brewin' in Boston before season's end.  The possible scenarios are trading a player,  like Glen Murray who has not found the way to be profductive after Joe Thornton was traded last year.  Trading Glen Murray for a scoring winger like Daniel Briere would not happen probably but if it did Daniel Briere would be that player that the Bruins are looking for; to lead, score and pass the puck to others who can score and Marco Sturm on a line with Briere would be a great beginning, and help the team gain some momentum before the end of the season.  The trade of Murray/Briere would not be very likely, but this type of scenario would be exactly what the Bruins need if Chiarelli were to pose a trade on the telephone, make it a good one. 

  Goalkeeping is the obvious answer to what's needed in Boston.   Not saying that the keepers are not already in Boston they need to step it up and just play better.  The other scenario would be to trade for a goalie and there are  a few still on the market if the Bruins were to make an offer no one could refuse.

  The other scenario, just stay patient and wait as the Bruins are in the middle of the rebuilding process.  One mistake that is a carry over from last year is trading Joe Thornton. While the Bruins will keep playing this season and try to get in playoff seeding look for something to be brewin' Boston hockey fans.