VM1138

Welcome to Ducks-Detroit hockey. I think we're the only team that gets penalized when playing against the Ducks. It seems we always get the bulk of the calls against us, including a huge share of unfair ones, yet Anaheim when playing any other team gets called for everything.

Anyone else think Hiller looks like a meth addict?

Homer? Interference? Unheard of!

What the hell is wrong with you? Pathetic? I guess they could take it up a notch, but they're far from pathetic. At worst this is an evenly matched game, which we all expected.

This series is going to be intense. Wings look like they're gradually getting back into form. Just gotta get those rebounds.

I love how Ericcson grabs Perry and won't let him go. Perry tries to escape and Ericcson just holds on to him and continues to hit. No escape for the Fairy! Yes!

It only takes once.

Even Melrose admitted that Detroit had "huge" players. Just because the team isn't stacked with goons doesn't mean they can't handle themselves in a gritty game.

McClellan is great, and he did wonders for San Jose. However, they still bombed in the playoffs. Not his fault, but I think that should coutn against him. Then again, they vote on this before the playoffs, so it won't matter, he'll win.

I honestly can't remember. I want to say no, because Hasek signed in the summer, BUT for some reason I have this feeling in the back of my memory like Ozzie was there until just before the season started for some reason.

When did San Jose ever play their best in the playoffs?

Is it just me or did it seem like Anaheim wasn't taking him seriousyl? I know they said "he must be good if he's playing with Lidstrom" but to me it sounded almost snide, like we're "forced" to use Ericcson. Man, how awesome would it be to have Ericcson lay Pronger out with a hit?

Anaheim is tough. They are a quality team. HOWEVER, Burke says we should fear them beacuse of two hall of fame defensemen , a hot goalie and a "couple" of studs up front. Well, we have moer than two hall of fame defensemen, a hot goalie, and a lot more than a "couple" studs up front. He seems to have forgotten this.

No, he's not. Not even close. But seriously, losing Rafalski is a HUGE blow. Color me a little worried about tonight without our Number 2 D-man, plus over a week of rust.

Can't wait for tonight. First game I get to see in the playoffs!

Don't give them ideas!

Well, we do live in a world where we're supposed to be ashamed for being successful.

Some people have already hit on this but it's worth repeating: What is the one constant in all the "rebuilding" attempts on the Sharks? They've always maintained the core. The peripheral players have changed and the outcome and performance is always the same. Therefore, you know what will happen if the periphery changes. Clearly you get rid of the core. No use building around a rotting core (Thornton, Marleau). Get rid of them for what you can. I would imagine Thornton could bring in two quality players (make one a scorer and one a playmaker). Marleau...I don't know, you could get a draft pick maybe.

I think it's Californy speak.

Carlyle is right. He totally "gets away with it." The man gets a penalty if he comes within 10 feet of the goalie. I wouldn't be surprised if they called "Intent to Interfere" as soon as he steps on the ice.

Why anyone would take seriously a list that ranks Franzen in the TOp 50 but not Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Hossa is beyond me.

Agreed. After missing the whole first round due to work, I'll actually get to watch a good portion of this series.

None of them have gone to Mexico recently, have they?

"Your average dumb penalty, when taken against this Red Wings power play, is approximately 57% dumber." Love it!

Forty+ shots a game? Seriously? Wow.