USA Today columnist Kevin Allen believes that one of the many reasons why the Detroit Red Wings can’t sellout is linked to the retirement of No. 19.

The Captain retired: Other than Gordie Howe, no other Red Wing in team history has been as popular as Steve Yzerman. He was the face of the team for two decades, and fans felt his absence dramatically last season. Some realized they had come to see the Yzerman-led Red Wings. Nick Lidstrom is a Hall of Fame-bound player, but the Lidstrom-led Red Wings don’t have the same esprit de corps. Clearly some of Yzerman’s fans have left the building.