VM1138

Osgood will be our "hot" goalie. He's our secret weapon and this series is going back to the Wings' favor. Not to mentino half of the shots against Ellis are from players like Filpulla and Samuellson who for some reason never have control of the puck when they shoot.

I hope the boys realize that they need to be serious about Nashville. I'm really afraid that not only does Nashville have momentum, but Arnott has woken up and we all know what a single player can do when he catches fire in a series. We need to score, score, score. We know that Hasek, as good as he is, let's in a weak goal or so a game. So we need to score early and often to to build up a lead. And this time, DON'T back off. Also, we know that if Nashville scores they will score again shortly after, so the Wings need to be extra careful and aware. I'm thinking Wings pull this off 4-3.

I agree, Filpulla has disappointed me this year. He plays amazing sometimes but he simply doesn't have the MENTAL strength. If he can work on that and become mentally tough, he'd be amazing.

They don't really NEED to change anything, though I think Hartigan has been useless. If they can put someone else in his place who might do better, then I say go for it. I'd also like to see someone better placed with Drake and McCarty. Maybe Draper? Cleary has to go up to the 2nd, and Sammy has to be bumped down, but I guess that doesn't really matter. Oh, and Dats and Z have to be put together. So what if Nashville matches them? We match their top line and then the game is a battle of the 2-4th lines, of which ours are MUCH better.

I don't know why Hartigan plays, but Sammy shoots the puck and has been playing pretty well. Downey isn't playing because Downey isn't a good hockey player. I love the guy, but we can't waste much needed roster space for a guy who will only "send messages." The Wings just sat back last night, simple as that. They'll learn. Babcock especially learns. We will adapt and win. I think Datsyuk and Zetterberg go back together. Our secondary scoring is workign whether they play together or not. Let them focus on ZDH and have our other 3 lines light it up.

Dom was fine. Nashville never should have had those opportunities. Nashville just won't go away and that bugs me. I really don't want to have to watch them for at least a Game 5. But oh well, hopefully the Wings can buckle down and cut Nashville down before they get too much momentum. Did Arnott crying bother anyone else? The guy has his mojo back and the Preds just got a lot better. Although I still think the Wings will win, it's just going to be harder for them.

A fight won't help at this point. If anything it would get Nashville going. The Wings are ahead and controlling, but the game could easily slip to Nashville's favor. BEst thing for the Wings to do is keep playing steady hockey, and if Nashville takes an liberties hit back.

What's the story behind the catfish anyways? Is it just a lame attempt to mimic Detroit's octopi or is there some sort of meaning behind throwing a catfish on the ice?

I just need to say something about Hasek. I've had my doubts all season, but man! The guy was born for playoffs. Even in years that he lost, has he ever performed poorly in the playoffs? I'm so glad we have him. The guy has natural talent and he just gets better the more important the game.

Quick series is best I think. Especially if our Round 2 opponent has a 6 or 7 game series. Sure, the other team might have the edge in the 2nd Round to begin with, but they will be easier to wear down. The Wings have shown they can seemingly turn on their talent at will. So I think maybe we lose Game 1 of Round 2 (assuming we beat Nashville, that is, and I'm not getting ahead of myself) but they would be in better shape later in Round 2.

Tonight is crucial. This could be a series-changer (though I hope not). Nashville has played good so far, and they're at home now. The Wings can't let up. If they keep shooting, keep controlling the play, even a couple bad goals by Nashville can be overcome. It won't be easy. I expect it to be just like the first two games: Detroit takes the lead, Nashville ties it and it stays that way until late in the third. Let's just hope the Wings can be the oens to score that late, game winning goal.

The game being that late is the only way I'll be able to catch the last period, so I'm happy.

You know, it's funny, but I'm glad avery isn't on the Wings. What a donkey's rear end.

At first I felt bad about putting McCarty in over Downey, but already McCarty has been more productive than Downey.

Wow, they put the numbers on the shins? Someone's got the priorities wrong. If the NHL ever goes the way of the Euro leagues, I'll stop watching. I mean it.

Michigan is a Deep South state stuck in the great white north. Fact. But it's age old tradition in sports to ridicule the other team's fans!

Yeah, Dallas has long been the exception to the "Southern Hockey Teams" rule. They know the game, they support their team and the sport, and if you look through their boards they're a lot like us. Got nothing but respect for them and their team.

It's best to have a loud mouthed instigator (McCarty) and a tough player with great timing and humility (Downey). I like them both and think they both contribute a lot to this team. McCarty riles the other team up, and Downey doesn't take bad-timed penalties.

I have a feeling this year is the year for the Wings, but I'm still nervous. Nashville gave us a run for our money and they're not giong to go away quietly. Add in the return of Legwand, and a player returning in mid-series is usually a boost for that team. Nashville is going to play a lot harder so I hope the Wings do, too. Don't lift your foot off the accelerator!

I'm not concerned about Ellis. He's not playing fantastic or anything. All those near-goals were crazy luck of the draw bounces, not any magnificent goaltending. That one he kicked could've easily gone at an inward angle.

This seems to be one of those games where it'll happene ventually. They are getting WAY too close to keep not scoring.

Finally a call! That would haev been such a great play.

These guys are the heart and soul of this team. Without a doubt.

But I don't see giant BK logos or SanDisk signs all over Ford Field (the grass/turf). There's no point in putting ads ont he ice. It won't lure any new fans, so it has nothign to do with marketing. Only people already watching will even see the ads. I'm fine with ads along the boards. It's tacky, but it's acceptable. On the jerseys and ice? No. Games are an escape for many people. They should be kept separate from profiteering.

It seems toward the end of the season we saw flashes of great things. I think they will all be able to turn the playoff mode button on. I expect Drake to be a good, solid player, with a goal or two even.