Detroit Red Wings: 1990-99 All-Decade Team
By Mike Rizzo
Third Line
Center – Keith Primeau: Another underrated player for the Red Wings. Primeau never won a Stanley Cup as he was part of the trade that got the Red Wings Brendan Shanahan. Primeau was entering his prime when he was dealt to Hartford. The big knock on Primeau among Red Wings fans was his struggles in the playoffs. That is one of the reasons why fans don’t think too highly of Primeau, but he was a very good player.
Right Wing – Darren McCarty: Believe it or not, in the 90s McCarty was not just a grinder but he could chip in with the occasional. He led the Red Wings in that memorable March 26th, 1997 game against the Avalanche as he beat Claude Lemieux to a pulp. Timely goals, sticking up for his teammates, and a good leader. What’s not to like about D-Mac? Nothing, unless you’re the opposing team.
Left Wing – Bob Probert: The late, great Probert was a nightmare for opposing players to deal with as he protected the superstars like Yzerman and Fedorov in a era where guys were still allowed to stand up for their teammates. Even though Probert’s job wasn’t to score goals he still scored 10 or more goals in five of his nine seasons with the Red Wings. His main job was protecting his teammates. He had a very memorable rivalry with Toronto Maple Leafs player Tie Domi. He and McCarty together caused nightmares for many opposing players.
Next: Fourth Line