55fan

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&am...rticleid=280438 There it is. The cup gets engraved in Sept, according to the nhl.com article. Too bad. I guess we can only hope she has an intellectual interlude and engraves "Osgood" after the Chris instead of Pronger. Yeah, Pronger had the cup on one of those late-night shows. It was on at the bar with the volume muted due to the band playing. They showed the hit on McAmmond, and Pronger was laughing afterwards. Does anyone know what he said? I was so irate! On the upside, the bartender did give me a free drink if I promised to calm down and stop flipping the bird at the tv.

Lang is looking for a job. Maybe they could get together with Brind'Amour and open Fischer's Rods and Bobbers.

Oh, man. My dad inherited some money last year and since he never spends wildly, he decided to have some fun and bought a Lang gameworn jersey. He gave me his Wings sweater. I hope he doesn't want it back. My hamster (Niklas Mathieu Daniel Robert) will miss him too. I'll miss the doo-lang, doo-lang song. But for the money, I have to agree that we need to re-sign Schneider and Bert and Dom before we would have needed Lang. I wish him the best.

Two old ladies are waiting for a bus and it starts raining. "Oh, no" says the first lady, "now our cigarettes will get wet." "Here," says the second lady, "try this." She reaches in her purse, pulls out 2 condoms and a manicure scissors. She cuts the ends off the condoms, and unrolls them over the cigs. "Now we just roll them up as we smoke and our cigarettes stay dry." "These are wonderful" says the first lady. "Where did you get them?" "At the pharmacy. They're called condoms." Two weeks later, the first lady is waiting for a bus and it starts raining. She goes into the drug store and asks the pharmasist if they have any condoms. He asks if there is any particular type she needs. "I don't think so," she replies, "Just so long as it fits on a camel."

As an arthritic middle-aged out-of-shape poor woman who will never own a team, I have to say that if I had the chance, I'd touch the cup. How's this for a compromise? I'll only touch it if the Wings have won it that season. I'd also like to echo the comments appreciating the Duck fans here. I know if I were to join a board for a team that was competing against my team I'd be kicked off for trolling in no time. Thanks to the nice Duck fans for being better people than I. I took a bit of comfort that Selanne got to win it. He was up in my neck of the woods when he played with Winnepeg, so he still had fans here. Thanks for sharing the pic.

YARGH! Didn't see the top line until I had voted. Drat- make that Keep Ozz and have Howard back him up. Ozzie can still do it. Howard needs experience. Build for the future, whilst keeping the proven ones around.

SH! Don't mention pink slips in conjunction with uniforms anywhere a ninny like Bettman might be reading. Bert would have to shave his legs. (Sarcasm not directed at you, GoWings1905, it was just a funny mental pic I got until I read it correctly.)

I don't know if they still do it (didn't see it this year, but may have missed it due to overconsumption), but during the Superbowl, they used to have a commercial spot that had the message "tomorrow, we're all undefeated". Some years there were guys singing "the Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow", but we don't have to get that carried away, unless you think it would help. So look at it this way, Zion: Today is the beginning of the next season. Today we are undefeated. Today the players are getting over their injuries, re-energizing, revitalizing, and spending time with their loved ones, all so that they can come out in the '07-'08 season and win us that Cup! Before I rediscovered hockey, I used to get a severe depression every year after the Superbowl, but now I have the Wings to see me through that. Before you know it, they'll be headed off to training camp, and the sun will shine over Michigan again. Do I sound like a corny Pollyanna? You bet! But I've been a Lions fan for over 40 years, and I still hope every fall. Believing in the Wings is SO much easier. All together now: Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya, Tomorrow! You're only a daaaaaaaaaay aaaaaaaaaaaaawaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

I have to admit that I'm revenge-driven. My fave moments were "Franzen's revenge" against the Flames and Homer coming back for an assist after getting hit by Chris "I can't control my own elbows" Pronger.

I'm a bit slow on technical stuff, but if one has Center Ice, would one be able to send a game out to one's daughter in another state, who could then watch it on her computer? (signed) A wondering daughter in another state.

Maybe out on a limb here, but what we should try targeting the NFL audience. Our schedules overlap for only a few months, so after January they are looking for something. Before I rediscovered hockey, I would go into a post-SB depression. Now I am fine until June. Here's my plan: Dump NBC and get a one-year contract with FOX. They already have Sunday afternoons blocked out for one or two NFL games, depending on your area of the country. Once our season starts, they could run a hockey game in the markets that would only get one football game per week (the hockey game would obviously be in the time slot that football is not in). During the NFL season (esp the palyoffs) FOX could promote the heck out of NHL. Then during the week between playoffs and SB, they could show hockey instead of birdwatching, or whatever they show. After the football season is over, it could be 2 NHL games/week. We might get some carryover, and start a new fanbase. I've kept up my Lions fanship for 40 years even though I only get to see them thrice a year. That kind of exposure, with that kind of marketing, would do wonders for the NHL.

This is more my gut than brain speaking here, so feel free to poke holes in my thoughts........ Where I live, game 3 was pre-empted by a telethon (sorry for the repetition to those who have heard me ***** in other threads). From what I understand, the station managerhad to schedule it in advance of knowing the actual dates and had scheduled the telethon for Saturday under the assumption that the game would probably be played on a Sunday. I would suggest that the NHL schedule the cup earlier. Sure, we don't know how long it will take for each best of 7, but by time we are down to 4 teams, let's just assume that it might take all 7 games and schedule the Final. The advertising could get out earlier, local stations would know not to schedule other things for those times, and fans that work odd hours (like me) could get our Waterfoul that shall remain nameless in a row. (misspelling intentional) The playoffs are an ideal time to hook new fans. The excitement level is cranked. If we're talking about marketing, scheduling is key. Advertising and a decent station don't hurt either, but others have already covered that. Just my opinion.

...all your friends who don't follow hockey hate Chris Pronger. ...you forward your girlfriends pics of Hank (any pic) and Kronwall (in swimwear) and Flip's older bro (bare chested) in hopes on converting them to hockey. ...everyone at your church now knows about 2006 since you wore your Tre Kronor sweater to the church picnic, and pointed out how many of that team are Red Wings. They also know that your local NBC pre-empted Game 3 of the SCF for a telethon. ...you can't look at any sort of waterfowl without thinking about what might have been. ...you practice the National Anthem in case Karen Newman loses her voice.

Feeling an odd urge to chime in here... Let's look at what he's done when he's healthy- World champ in 2006 (2 goals, 8 assists in 8 games) Olympic gold 2006 Eddie Shore award in 2004-5 (sure, it was AHL, but he led the team in points- 53 in 76 games- no small feat) I'd say he has potential. I'm just glad he's under contract long enough to prove himself. We have great talent on the D. We're very fortunate. I believe Kronwall will be big someday. Let's just hope he's still a Wing when it happens.

My hockey story is more about returning to my roots after a long absence. Dad was born in Detroit, so it was Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Wings in our house. When I was a three, we were living in Wolsely, Sask. I was mesmerized by watching the puck going back and forth across the ice, although I really didn't understand the game. I told dad that when I grew up, I wanted to be a professional hockey goalie. At that time, people thought it was so cute that a little girl wanted to play hockey. Dad started me in figure skating lessons. After we moved back to the States, there wasn't any place for me to skate, and I got out of it. Living in ND, it was all about football and baseball (on the pro level). Baseball bored me, but I grew up as a rabid Lions fan, which is almost anathema in Vikes country. A few years ago, my sister moved back to the area (SD) from the east coast, where she had gotten back into hockey. She got dish, and Center Ice. When I'd go to visit, I'd sit and watch the Wings games. I found that I was still mesmerized by watching the puck. The turning point for me was the Joey Harrington incident. When the Lions first got him, he was touted as the new saviour of the franchise. I watched the interview during the Thanksgiving game, and thought "they're setting up the next scape-goat". I continued to follow Joey's career, but soon noticed that my prediction came true. As any Lions fan knows, the Thanksgiving game is Football. When Joey and the Dolphins beat Detroit, I couldn't stand to watch. I could never root against my Lions, but my heart belonged to Joey. It was a dark day for me. Football had lost its hold on my heart. I went home, connected to nhl.com, and downloaded the rules. Side note- is it just me, or is it odd that they say "click here to download" and once you have downloaded it, they tell you that it is illegal to copy by any means including electronic? Anyway, soon I was talking hockey with Dad and little sister. I have watched old videos, spent countless hours online, and have taken to hockey with reckless abandon. I'll always be a Lions fan, but the Wings have taken over in my life. I truly feel like I have come home. ETA: The video of Vlad standing at the game, and getting the cup from The Captain set me into tears. I believe.

I didn't actually get to SEE it, since the NBC station here had a telethon going. <glare at station manager for poor scheduling> I was listening to the Ottawa station, and boy did they have some words for Pronger. I totally agree with scotvm- except I'd say if a time out doesn't work, get out the belt. This kid needs a woodshedding and now. If the league won't do it, I hope Ottawa will. Not original on my part, but I must echo whomever said it: Puck Fronger!

Sorry, I have no idea. My beef was that the one and only channel I get that carries hockey is NBC. No ESPN, CBC, VS, or any other combination of the alphabet out there. I was just suggesting that they put it on regular (non-pay) TV, so that those of us who can't afford it can watch. I mean, look at the NFL, they're huge out here, and they're on the regular networks. Everywhere you go, you see someone in a Vikes, Broncos, Packers....jersey. I'm the one in Honolulu Blue. We are in Wild country, but half of the people out here have no idea that Minnesota (neighbouring state) has a hockey team. UND Fighting Sioux are huge. High school hockey is very big. NHL? A few people vaguely remember the Jets and North Stars, but that's it. There's no reason the NFL should be bigger around here except that we can see the games each week. If the NHL did the same, I think it would catch on. On the other hand, when you walk around in your Red Wings attire, you always meet another fan. Even people who favour other teams will chat forever, just because they are so thrilled to run into a NHL fan. TV could do it for us.

past- Mr. Hockey, and Vlad is a true Hero. present- Kronwall (or did the 55fan give that away?) I'm looking at what he has done in other places when not injured (Sweden 2006, GR during the lockout) and I think the guy has great potential. Also love Cheli, Dats and anyone whose mother probably has a recipe for lingenberry jam. Flip is growing on me. Love to watch Malts, Cleary, and Draper together. Dad's fave is Lang. Hope they keep him or dad will want his Wings shirt back in place of his Lang one. Non wings- I LOVE Peter Budaj, for no reason other than the fact that my little sister thinks Jose is "dreamy" and goes bezerk when I say I LOVE Peter Budaj.

They really need to get hockey on where more people can see it. I live out in the boondocks and can't afford cable. Wny can't NBC simply replay an earlier game from that day before they go off the air for the night? Have the cleaning staff shut off the equipment. Then those of us who have to listen to the games would get to see them, and those who are up at night with nothing to do might just get into the sport, which would mean better ratings during the day, which would translate into more games on prime time. We all win. Just a thought. They probably won't do it, but re-alligning my rabbit ears just in case.

Maybe Zetterberg and Holmstrom could spend the summer hanging out at Twins' games selling Homer Hankies.

if your initial reaction to this post was to wonder what Darren had to do with that, and then realize it didn't say "McCartyian". also...if you can't remember your locker combination at work without reciting Malts, Kopecky, Lebda

...you have a hamster named Niklas Mathieu Daniel Robert and your dearly departed hamster was named Henrik Pavel Tomas Nicklas Dominik. (may he rest in peace)

It must have been Homer. Who else would be sending an NHL goalie a message saying "you haven't seen the last of my butt"?