Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 33

XT' It's time to talk turkey For super flocks, head to Oscoda Countv the Dclroit 4frcc Vxt FRIDAY, April 23, 1993 Sports: 222-6660 unquestioned cobbler canital r- in the state. CI Outdoors, 12D 4 SPORTS IS I 1 rob Jg PARKER hiW 1' .,.1. 'v. 'i 4'J 1 1 'V Hard time in press box for two veteran Wings Reprinted from Thursday's late editions. Fighting is the sticking point Wings prefer fists to Leafs 'lumber By Keith Gave Free Press Sports Writer TORONTO In the first two Stanley Cup playoff games between the Red Wings and Toronto, there were nine high-sticking penalties, six cross-checking, 11 roughing, two each for slashing, boarding and elbowing, one game misconduct penalty, six 10-minute misconducts and the typical garden variety of hooking, holding and tripping calls.

But none for fighting. And with the anti-fighting folks having their way these days, putting pressure on linesmen to quickly intervene in each confrontation, there's a slim chance of fisticuffs here tonight in Game 3, though the Leafs are expected to play braver than in their two losses in Detroit. Stick work should prevail, however, said Wings forward Keith Primeau, who tried in vain to exchange punches with Toronto's Mike Foligno in Game 2. "Every time we were getting ready to do it, the linesmen jumped in," he said after Thursday's skate at Joe Louis Arena. The team left a few hours later for Toronto.

Primeau is frustrated. It's not that he revels in fighting, but he agrees with the many, such as coach and general manager Bryan ike a Sunday school tie around the neck of an 8-year-old, the press box doesn't fit Brad McCrimmon well. Or John Ogrodnick. I But both veteran Red Wings are forced to 1 wear it for now. McCrimmon and Ogrodnick are two of the four Wings (with Jim Hiller and Steve Konroyd) scratched for the second straight playoff game, a 6-2 victory over Toronto at Joe Louis Arena on Wednesday night.

It's tough for McCrimmon and Ogrodnick to i watch from high above the ice, sitting on leather MARY SCHROEDERDetrort Free Press Keith Primeau, having words with the Toronto bench Wednesday night, couldn't get into it with the Leafs' Mike Foligno because linesmen stepped in quickly. Murray, who say it goes a long way toward reducing the stick infractions. "I think so," Primeau said. "As it is now, guys on both See RED WINGS, Page 4D stools, eating popcorn and (lrinking Coca-Cola. It might have been a bit easier for them if they were born to carry a notepad, pen and computer.

But hi I'M -If, 'if' I AMY KILPATRICKSpecial to the Free Press The Lions would like to draft Alabama defensive end Eric Curry (80), but if he's not available, they might trade for New Orleans' Pat Swilling. Lions ready to pick or trade Might swing deal for Swilling BY CURT SYLVESTER Free Press Sports Writer ne year after they struck out in a bid to sign Pro Bowl linebacker Pat Swilling as a free agent, the Lions might have a chance to get the New Orleans linebacker Sunday in a draft-day trade. The deal apparently depends on how the draft picks fall in the first round. If the Lions can't get the pass rusher they want possibly de i ft they weren t. Both McCrimmon and Ogrodnick were born to skate.

Compete. And sweat. Five months ago, neither probably imagined he would be up in the press box at this time of year, rubbing elbows with Oscar Madison types rather than mixing it up with the Maple Leafs. "Everybody wants to play in the playoffs," said Ogrodnick, 33. "It's an exciting part of the season and you want to be out there.

"But you can't sit there and constantly dwell on it. By doing so, you just get frustrated and disappointed, and there's no sense feeling that way. So you just try to enjoy yourself and accept the situation you're in." That's no doubt easier said than done for the two. After all, both have had distinguished NHL careers. Waiting in the wings McCrimmon, 34, played in his NHL game Dec.

11 against Philadelphia. Just 86 players have accomplished that feat, and only 26 defensemen. McCrimmon was with the Calgary Flames when they won the Stanley Cup in 1989. Ogrodnick became only the 42nd player with 400 goals when he scored March 20 in Boston. "Obviously, everyone likes to play," McCrimmon said.

"But like I stated before, the situation is such that and now all I can do is stay in shape and be ready." Ready for injuries, that is. McCrimmon and Ogrodnick are watching from above sections 211B-204B for one reason only. They are the insurance we all should have. Coach Bryan Murray must feel like one of the "Good Hands People." Unlike past years when the Red Wings had to summon help from the minors when they suffered injuries during the playoffs, they now have some solid veterans waiting in the wings. "It's a tough situation," said Ogrodnick, who had six goals and 12 points in 19 regular-season games.

"But it's something you have to accept. It's something you can't dwell on it, it's part of the game." 1 Despite knowing that they won't play unless there's an injury, both must keep themselves in playing shape. McCrimmon is one of the hardest workers on the team, often running up to five miles before coming to practice. McCrimmon who played in only six of the last 28 games and scored one goal and 15 points this season is also always willing to share his knowledge with teammates. "All I can do is stay in shape and be positive," McCrimmon said.

"If I can help any of the other guys out, I will. That's my situation right now and I have to deal with it." No cheering in the press box It's not easy, though. McCrimmon and Ogrodnick like to cheer and clap, practices which are no-nos in the press box. Unless the press box is in Chicago, that is. "You can cheer," McCrimmon said.

"Maybe not as outwardly as if you were down there. But you're still pulling up here. Don't worry. It's only natural." Ogrodnick is little more low-key: "I don't cheer. If we score a goal or something, I'll clap." Ogrodnick, wearing a neatly pressed white shirt and nice beige-based tie, looks more like a broadcaster or a scout than a sports writer.

But throughout the first period, he peered through binoculars. But he was not scouting. "They have a coaching staff here," Ogrodnick said. "So I really don't suggest too much to the players." McCrimmon dresses more like a sports writer, but he isn't interested in becoming one. "I don't think they want me punching on any keyboards up here," he said.

He did, however, take some time between periods to read over my shoulder. I told him that's not enough to warrant a double byline. My poor spelling wasn't the only thing McCrimmon observed from the press box. He said the game looks a lot different from up above. "You can see stuff up here you wish you could see down on the ice," McCrimmon see.

"The game is so much easier up here. "People don't realize how much easy it looks from this vantage point versus being down there. Any sport is a lot easier from the spectator's seat than doing the real thing." And seeing McCrimmon wearing a white shirt and an ugly tie during the second season instead of his familiar No. 2 jersey doesn't seem real, either. In fact, it just doesn't fit.

fensive end Eric Curry of Alabama it is believed they would be willing to trade their first-round pick and possibly more for Swilling. And the Saints, who are hoping to upgrade their offensive line, apparently would be willing to give up Swilling if they can draft the player they want. Both teams were reluctant to discuss the THE FACTS WHAT: NFL draft of college players. WHEN: Noon Sunday and 10 am. Monday, with four rounds each day.

WHERE: New York. TV: ESPN. PHONE UPDATES: Call the Free Press Plus draft line at 1-900-370-8040 for round-by-round updates (99 cents a minute). The Lions' hotline is 332-LION (free). BEING THERE: The Lions' annual draft day bash is noon to 5 p.m.

in the Main Event Sports Bay and Grill at the Silverdoma It's free, with TV coverage of the draft, prizes and appearances by Lions. LIONS PICK: Eighth In the first round. Details, Pages 10D-11D. possibility. "Really, I don't think you should bother printing anything," Lions chief operating officer Chuck Schmidt said Thursday.

"I don't think there's any possibility. We're prepared to go to the draft and use all of our choices. We're excited about it. "We've had some conversations with a lot of teams about pass rushers, but other than that, there's nothing to it." See NFL DRAFT, Page 10D CHIEFS fc CHIEFS CHIEFS fc EFS CHIEFS CHIEFS CHIEF! CHIEfi fr auEfi'Z, 3 chefs fcfTO KING OF KC All Kansas City, it seemed, hailed quarterback Joe Montana Thursday. He was besieged by autograph seekers, above, at Arrowhead Stadium, where he held a press conference, left, flanked by his wife, Jennifer, and Chiefs president Carl Peterson.

run r.L i- Quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe, 4 i' jr right, and Rick Mirer could 1 pick. Si-AjJ I the No. Chart, 11D. id. i I CLI6.

SCHIAPPAAssociated Press 1'. 1.