…but he is just trying to give his Blackhawks an advantage. Make things interesting. Dig it:
Chris Chelios, Detroit Red Wings
The outspoken NHLer charged that an anti-American bias from Detroit coach Mike Babcock is keeping 25-year veteran defenceman Chris Chelios out of the Red Wings lineup.
“The coach just doesn’t like him,” Roenick said. “I think he’s got a grudge against American players. If you knew some of the things that Babcock says to Chris, it would make your stomach churn.
“Just total disrespect for not just one of the best Americans, but one of the best defencemen to ever play the game.”
Jeremy Roenick and 'Ronnie Doggiewood McFiddlestickz'
Roenick and Chelios were teammates in Chicago from 1990-96, and have played together numerous times on Team USA during international competitions.
Both Chelios and Babcock scoffed at Roenick’s comments.
“I don’t know what J.R. is talking about,” Chelios said. “[Show host] Mike North and J.R. are buddies, so they’re trying to dig up something against the Red Wings.
“I’ll call J.R. and ask him what he said, but he probably won’t even remember.”
Laughed at notion
Babcock laughed at the notion he’s got something against Americans.
“Two of my kids are American, so I think that kind of takes out the hating Americans,” Babcock said. “Plus, I’ve made my living down here for 16 years and kind of enjoy it. The people in Michigan treat me real good.
“As far as Cheli goes, I actually think Cheli and I have got a pretty good relationship. I don’t think there’s one player I ever coached that wasn’t in the lineup who was thrilled about it. I bet you Cheli’s the same.”
Chelios has no points and is minus-1 in four playoff games during the Wings’ run this year.
Adding motivation to get into the lineup, as if he needed any, is the fact that Chelios is returning to his hometown for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference final.
The 47-year-old Chicago native spent nine seasons with the Blackhawks before his trade to the Wings in 1999.
And thanks to the move, he’s one of the rare few who has seen the heated rivalry from both sides. Continued…
