Hockey is back! Why isn't Larkin captain?? 🤔

The NHL preseason is underway! 😊

It's time to start planning your evenings around hockey schedules. That's always a double-edged sword in my household. I have a lot of things I should be doing instead of watching hockey, but oh well! Sorry kids! It will at least be on in the background of ... everything!

It's about time real, live hockey is back on TV, because I am getting so very tired of watching NHL Network recaps of previous seasons. If you don't get the NHL Network, don't worry: You're not missing that much. They love the Penguins, Islanders and Capitals. And Gretzky.

Here's a quick look at the Red Wings preseason schedule this week:

• Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019 -- 7:30 p.m. vs. Chicago
• Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 -- 8:30 p.m. @ Chicago
• Friday, Sept. 20, 2019 -- 7:30 p.m. vs. New York Islanders
• Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 -- 5 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh
• Monday, Sept. 23, 2019 -- 7 p.m. @ New York Islanders
• Sept. 25, 2019 -- 7 p.m. @ Pittsburgh
• Sept. 26, 2019 -- 7 p.m. vs. St. Louis
• Sept. 27, 2019 -- 7:30 p.m. vs. Toronto
• Sept. 28, 2019 -- 7 p.m. @ Toronto

I'm trying to go to at least one of those home games. I'd prefer the Toronto game, but perhaps I will settle for the Penguins on Sunday.

Why isn't Dylan Larkin captain? 🤔

Seriously -- what's the deal with the Red Wings captaincy? (Jerry Seinfeld voice) It's pretty shocking to me that Dylan Larkin won't be wearing the C this season. What is the organization waiting for? Are they worried that Larkin would not be able to handle the pressure of being the captain of a losing team?

Seems ridiculous to me. Steve Yzerman knows about this all-too-well, of course. He was a young captain on a losing team. But come on Stevie, you really think Larkin couldn't handle the pressure? He's a stud. He gets it. As far I am concerned, he is the captain of this squad, without the C. That's weird.

I think Red Wings fans deserve to have two things: A captain, and No. 91 hanging from the rafters. If you disagree, feel free to email me. But beware: I might yell at you through email. #Retire91

I thought only the Maple Leafs were guilty of this kind of confusing leadership mix-up. Oh just wait, they are about to name bed-sheets-boy John Tavares captain even though they gave all of their money to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner ... and William Nylander. Good luck with that.

I digress, and I repeat: Dylan Larkin is the Red Wings' captain without a C on his sweater. 😕

Newsletter naming saga continues

Thanks to everyone who has emailed/tweeted newsletter naming suggestions to me. I'm still not sure what I want yet, so let's keep them coming. Here's a couple I received from Diane Lowe (thank you!):

• Hockeytown Tidbits
• Hockeytown Buzz

Those aren't bad. But I am not sure I can use the name "Hockeytown," plus I am thinking we need to come up with our own brand here. Something like "Detroit Hockey Buzz" ... maybe?

Send me your ideas: dbartkowiak@wdiv.com | @DaveBartko

BTW -- Crosby, Ovechkin on 31 Thoughts podcast

Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin both spoke with Elliotte Friendman for his "31 Thoughts" podcast this week. I listened to the Crosby interview and enjoyed it very much. I know he's still a controversial subject for Red Wings fans (never forget '09), but I respect him. He's had such an amazing career since he was a teenager. The guy just finds ways to win. He has been described as a "1st line grinder," meaning he grinds it out like a 4th liner but has the skill of a superstar. He talked about this with Elliotte, and perhaps more interesting to Detroit hockey fans, he talked about how much he used to whine to the refs when he first came into the league, and how much he regrets doing that. 😲

In fact, Crosby said he thinks he owes a lot of refs an apology for being so immature in his younger years. Yeah, seriously, he was the worst when it came to arguing calls, earning the nickname Sidney "Crybaby." 😭

Give it a listen if podcasts are your thing. It's worth it. I can't wait to hear what Ovechkin has to say.