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Scotty Bowman, who adapted his quirkiness through the league's evolution, has retired. So has Dominik Hasek, who got the career-ending championship he was seeking when he asked to be traded. And what's left? A team with more young talent than is generally recognized and that is capable of repeating; but one that has to overcome some trials of transition, health issues and the relentless rolling of odometers among core players.
Aching and aging: At 37, Steve Yzerman, the on-ice and spiritual leader, is at peace with himself. If he had played his last game, he also would go out a winner. As he goes through rehabilitation following his offseason knee surgery, it seems likely he will return at some point this season. But he also has made it clear that he will retire if it becomes obvious a return will be plagued by constant pain. Without him, the Red Wings' chances of repeating are greatly lessened. Chris Chelios had a surprisingly strong season and re-signed, but he has been cheating time for a couple of years and is unlikely to be as effective in 2002-03.
Hasek's replacement: Curtis Joseph was moved to tears in Toronto by his departure to Detroit, then was gleefully ecstatic when introduced in Detroit. That's really scrambling across the crease, isn't it? But if the Red Wings regress as a team in their transitional season, the challenge for Joseph will be more formidable than it was for Hasek last season. Hasek didn't lift the Wings as much as he won their confidence and provided an effective last line of defense. Joseph might have to do more than that.
Familiar face, new coach: As associate coach, Dave Lewis was instrumental in the Red Wings' success under Bowman. In that role, Lewis could play the role of good cop to Bowman's quirky cop, and was far more than a traditional in-the-background assistant. To be effective, Lewis has to adapt. That's going to be harder than a lot of folks seem to think.
Preseason schedule
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DATE
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OPPONENT
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TIME (ET)
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Fri., Sept. 20
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at Dallas
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8:30 p.m.
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Tue., Sept. 24
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Toronto
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7:30 p.m.
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Wed., Sept. 25
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at Columbus
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7 p.m.
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Fri., Sept. 27
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Dallas
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7:30 p.m.
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Sat., Sept. 28
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vs. Toronto at Hamilton, Ontario (Copps Coliseum)
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7:30 p.m.
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Sun., Sept. 29
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at Chicago
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8 p.m.
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Tue., Oct. 1
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St. Louis
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7:30 p.m.
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Thu., Oct. 3
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Buffalo
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7:30 p.m.
|
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Sat., Oct. 5
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Chicago
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7:30 p.m.
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