According to Bob Duff at the Windsor Star, the retirement of captain Steve Yzerman is one of the reasons why the support for the Red Wings is waning in Detroit.

In the past couple of seasons, the Wings have bid adieu to some of the most colourful players to play for the team during its successful run that led to titles in 1996-97, 1997-98 and 2001-02. Leamington’s Darren McCarty and Brett Hull departed. Brendan Shanahan followed. Finally and most damaging, Steve Yzerman retired.

The captain was so beloved by fans of this team that they’d have packed the place to watch him chase the puck with the aid of a walker.

“I think when Stevie left, it was a factor,” agreed defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom, who replaced Yzerman as captain.