The New York Times article
January 13, 1988
by Joe LaPointe

When he discusses the notable contributions of Steve Yzerman to the Detroit Red Wings this season, Jacques Demers, the coach, acknowledges them in the context of the split personality of professional hockey.

On one side, Demers sees and extols the grace of Yzerman’s game: his slap, wrist and backhand shots, his intensity, his vision of the ice, his willingness to pass to teammates and his ability to accelerate and weave between brawny defensemen for another thrust toward the net.

On the other side, Demers sees the more base aspect of the sport: the need to protect Yzerman (pronounced EYE-zer-man) from hockey ruffians so he can do artistic and subtle things.

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