Game 1: Red Wings 3 Penguins 1

Well, I'm definitely pumped that we were able to take Game 1 of the series, but I'm a little skeptical as to how Game 2 is gonna go. Ozzie was brilliant, but he had to be a little too brilliant at times. Pittsburgh looked like they were taking it to the Wings for a great deal of the second period.

I don't buy the "bounce of the boards being lucky" business, however. Everyone knows that the Joe has some active boards, and Fleury was way to slow to react on the first two goals. He definitely got outplayed by Ozzie tonight. Pittsburgh let that first goal happen by failing to clear the puck out of the zone twice in a few seconds, then the Wings capitalized.

How about Abdelkader stepping up and making a big play in the third! The depth continues to amaze me. It will have to keep shining if we are going to let Pittsburgh get 30 shots on us. We'll see how tomorrow goes on a back to back night. Should be interesting.

STANLEY CUP FINAL THOUGHTS

And it's time for you to prove why you used it wisely, Hossa. With #13 banged up and #96 not contributing offensively as usual, this is your time. You showed life in the second half of the Chicago series, and I'm expecting 3+ goals from you in this series. Make it happen!

As for the matchup, I think it's going to be a great series. The Wings and Pens looked very evenly matched last year from Game 3 on, as the Pens were a little star struck and inexperienced to start the series at the Joe.

I expect the teams to be tied 1-1 going into Pittsburgh after Sunday (SHAME ON THE NHL FOR HAVING BACK TO BACK GAMES TO START THE SERIES BY THE WAY). It sounds like #5 and #52 will be in for the Wings in Game 1 and Datsyuk is a game time decision.

So you have the Wings, whose depth is showing to be the best in recent playoff history against the Pens, who are relying primarily on #71 and #87 to put the puck in the net for them. If, all other things remaining the same, the Pens' depth steps up, they win the series. If, all other things remaining the same, #81 #13 put the puck in the net, the Wings win the series.

Prediction: Someone in 7



Oh, I meant the Wings. Home ice matters!

Game 5: Red Wings 2 Blackhawks 1 (OT)

Just like in 1995, we oust the Blackhawks in OT in Game 5! Our depth showed its skill even more tonight, with Ericsson's name being added to the many who were unable to play. If Cleary keeps it up and the Wings end up winning the cup, #11's name could be in the running for the Conn Smythe (getting a bit ahead of myself here). Osgood and Huet both played outstanding in this game. In fact, Ozzie was a huge difference in the first half of the game. So here we are, back in the finals again. I wonder how many of our players are going to be back by Saturday's Game 1 and how that is going to affect the continuity of the team. You have the Wings, who's depth has carried them through the playoffs agains the Pens, who's star players are carrying them without much help from the 3rd and 4th liners. It's gonna be a dandy.

Game 4: Red Wings 6 Blackhawks 1

The Blackhawks absolutely embarrassed themselves in this game from the moment the puck dropped. I have never seen a team so distracted by sending a message as opposed to focusing on winning a crucial Stanley Cup playoff game. It was hilarious, especially considering we were without Datsyuk and Lidstrom. Hossa finally reminds us that the Wings signed him last summer; let's hope he keeps going with that. Not to get too ahead of myself here, but it's getting really close to a Red Wings/Penguins rematch. That would be just amazing to watch. Finish it up on Wednesday, guys.

Game 3: Blackhawks 4 Red Wings 3 (OT)

That's I'll I have to say about that game

A Little Behind

Need to catch up on the blogging here. Away from my computer for the weekend.

Game 2: Red Wings 3 Blackhawks 2 (OT)

WHAT A GREAT GAME!

If i was a Blackhawks fan I'd be pretty pissed right now. Ozzie kept the Wings in the game in the 1st period and Brian Campbell just keeps handing the puck to the Wings. Also, it's time to show appreciation for and officially end all ripping on Mikael Samuelsson by me. He is one of the main reasons (along with Cleary, Flip, Ozzie and Franzen) that the Wings are still playing right now. If 1 of those 4 players doesn't show up in Pavel and Hossa's absence, we might be watching the Ducks/Hawks or at least be in a 1-1 or 0-2 series right now.

On to Chicago. It's gonna be a riot....

Game 1: Red Wings 5 Blackhawks 2

Wow, what great end to end action in this game! This is going to be a good series if the Hawks end up winning one of the next two. Khabibulin was on fire until the Wings broke him down in the 3rd, and Ozzie continues to play phenomenal. Chicago had a lot of good chances that they could have easily scored on in this game, so we shouldn't chalk up a series victory just yet.

I was very impressed with Cleary, Helm, Samuelsson and Flip yesterday. They are continuing to shine in the offensive absence of Datsyuk and Hossa. Pavel played a strong defensive game, so I'm good with that (even though he is going to have to score eventually!). Something seems terribly wrong with Hossa though. Can't wait for Game 2!

THE BLACKHAWKS

BRING 'EM ON!!!

WINGS IN 6

Game 7: Red Wings 4 Ducks 3

A little late on this post (been busy), but WHAT A MEMORABLE GAME AND VICTORY!!!!!! If I remember correctly, we were on the wrong end of the last few game 7s at home when we did not shut out the opponent (San Jose and Toronto...yes I still remember those clearly). This game was very frustrating to watch until the end, as the Ducks got a break from a loose stick and another goal after an awful penalty call (Pronger pushes Hudler in the net and Hudler gets interference?). But, as Babcock said, the "Hockey Gods" were on our side. It's great to move on and not get eliminated by the Ducks again.

What really speaks to the Wings' depth is that they got through this stuff series with dismal performances from Hossa and Datsyuk, two of their best players! They won't be able to get away with this again, so 81 and 13 better show up in the Western Finals.

Game 6: Ducks 2 Red Wings 1

MISSING


Anyone else care to show up alongside Franzen? Where is the HART TROPHY CANDIDATE Pavel Datsyuk? Anyway, the Wings are in full control of whether or not they come out of this series on top. If they convert on their chances, come to play from the get go, and their best players (Datsyuk?) show up, then expect a win on Thursday. Otherwise, this will be a tough one to swallow.

Game 5: Red Wings 4 Ducks 1

Despite the fact that the Wings dominated this game, the Ducks were one chance away from tying the game, and perhaps changing the series. And, on that note, hats off to Ozzie for making that HUGE SAVE in the second period on Christensen! The Wings took the Ducks completely out of their game from the puck drop, and if they would have converted on all of those posts, the score would have been even more lopsided. It will be interesting to see how the Ducks respond at home after being worked the last two games. The Wings ARE overdue for a seven game series. Let's avoid that and wrap it up on the road AGAIN!

Game 4: Red Wings 6 Ducks 3

Way to step it up boys! Now the momentum and home ice (for whatever it's worth) are back in our hands. Still waiting for Pavel to arrive to the series offensively, but he had a strong game yesterday. Is Getzlaf injured? Flip bumped his knee and then he had only 3 minutes of ice time in the 3rd period. Anyway, not only do I feel real good about the win, but about the fact that they forced Hiller out of the game and know could be in his head.

Game 3: Ducks 2 Red Wings 1

While everyone will be talking about the whistle at the end of the period (which was AWFUL), it still needs to be realized that if the Wings CAME TO PLAY IN THE FIRST PERIOD, which has been the problem ALL YEAR, the whistle at the end of the game would not have mattered. That being said, I think if they play like they did in the 2nd and 3rd for the rest of the series, pucks will start going into the net. In the 1st period, the Ducks were tougher and more alert, and the Wings were playing like their skill was going to win them the game. Unfortunately you need grit and hustle to go with that skill. How about 60 minutes of that on Thursday?

#81 and #13

We need you to step up your game tonight and get some points. Make it happen!

Game 2: Ducks 4 Red Wings 3 (3OT)

Jonas Hiller is proving to be quite a piece of work. It was tough to lose that one after watching the Wings control the pace from midway through the 1st until the end of the game. Solid game from Osgood, but he made one less huge save than Hiller did. I think the Wings need to be ready to weather a 1st period storm on Tuesday. The Ducks play with so much more energy at home than we saw in the first 2 games. It's gonna be fun to watch.

Correction

I just watched that hit in slow motion. Forget what I said in the last post. Suspend his ass.

Game 1: Red Wings 3 Ducks 2

CRASH THE NET!!!

Great game tonight. This is definitely going to be a good series. As for the hit on Hudler, I have mixed feelings. I really don't think there was intent to injure on the play. Maybe a double minor for charging might have been the best call. More importantly, Nick Lidstrom is the man. What great patience waiting for Hiller to make the first move on his second goal, and a great play by Zetterberg to gain entry into the zone to set it up.

Rafalski Out Tonight

and Chelios is in....great.....