Yzerman's goal with 1.7 seconds left wins opener

October 10, 2003

BY MITCH ALBOM
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST

Now that's how you start a season -- with a perfect finish. The final rush, game tied and a surging Steve Yzerman, in the first game of what is likely his final year, takes a sweet backhand pass from his newest teammate, Ray Whitney, and zaps it past the L.A. goalie for the victory. He slaps the ice with his stick, shakes both fists toward the heavens, and smiles with every inch of the white mouth guard that protects his teeth, looking up, in amazement, at the frozen digits on the scoreboard: 1.7 seconds.

For one night, anyhow, the Captain beat back time.

'Is that the happiest you've been in a while over a goal?' someone asked Yzerman, after his game-winner gave the Red Wings a 3-2 opening night victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

'Well, it's been a good 18 months since I did something like that,' he said, grinning.

His only shot of the night? The last shot of the game? In the net? Game over? It is the reason Yzerman, 38, captures the imagination of every sports fan in this city, and the reason why no one gives up on him as long as he doesn't give up on himself.

During the exhibition season, he felt 'slow.' His surgically repaired right knee was not bouncing back the way he wanted it to. Scoring wasn't his concern. Skating was. Before Thursday night's game, he received a tremendous ovation form the fans.

'What did you think of that?' someone asked.

He shook his head and chuckled. 'I was just hoping it didn't turn to boos by the third period.'

Not a chance. He beat the goalie. He beat the clock. He beat his own self-doubt.

That's a finish.

And that's a start.