The Wings play in Edmonton Friday night

from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

In an interview with the Free Press, Holland said he roots for the Wings, and is glad to get both games against them out of the way this month. Here are highlights from the interview.

How closely do you follow the Wings?

They were a massive part of my life. I’ve watched most of those players from the draft table to the NHL. I’ve got relationships in that locker room. I follow their scores more closely than any other team in the league. I’ve only gotten to see them once or twice, but I do follow their fortunes.

Do you root for them except when they play the Oilers?

Absolutely. I put on an Adirondack Red Wings jersey when I was 27 and I’m now 63. I am happy they are in the East and they are in the West, so other than the two times we play, I’m rooting for them. I’m rooting for them, I’m rooting for Steve, rooting for them to surprise. Every year there are two or three or more teams that the oddsmakers thought were not going to be in the playoffs. I’m hoping the Wings are going to be one of those surprises.

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