Wing Across The Pond

I think this is the best thing I've ever seen.... seriously

Is it wrong that I seem to be the only one here who doesn't mind Pronger? Hell he's a good player and a lot of people here would suddenly find some love for him if he signed in Detroit. I've never hated him so I've never really hated the Ducks, they have a lot of players that I like still. That being said, I did hate them during the last few playoff runs but like all teams we've played in the playoffs, win or lose, I find myself hating them a little because they're playing against US. It's no secret that when the postseason comes around teams step it up and even less physical teams seem to throw hits left, right and centre and it gets the blood boiling. A few months ago I hated Shane Doan and the stupid Coyotes but now I couldn't care less. That being said, I do love to see when the Hawks and the Shark lose, especially after the Sharks beat us this year around.

Hey everyone! Me and girlfriend are leaving the rainy shores of England for three weeks in February to visit her grandparents in Tampa. My planning of dates had nothing to do with that being the only time The Wings were in Tampa this coming season (hehe) so my girlfriend is taking me to the game! It will be our first ever NHL game as it's pretty tough for us to get over from the UK a lot. This is one of the reasons that I was happy Stevie went there (not to mention Vinny is one of my favourite non-Wings players). Just wondering if anyone had been to see the Wings at Tampa and what the best arrangements were such as tickets (I don't really suspect it'll be a sellout and I've heard stories where people just walk up to rink side seats etc, if not I'll just buy them) and things such as where and when players arrive in case I can meet some of them (and of course Stevie Y although I fear he may not be easy to catch). It will be our early anniversary present (1 year!) so would love it to be a special treat for us both. She's even been in Germany and met a woman from Detroit whom she learnt about Bob Probert from! Both looking forward to it, and me especially as it will be my first trip to the USA. Thanks guys and girls! Gabriel

Ah thanks for the heads up! Will investigate further.

Thanks! It's going in the favourites. Yeah I have a clock for GMT and then a clock for EST. Have to have the right time for watching Wings games!

We actually have Greg Brady here in Britain. There's a radio show on BBC Radio called Fighting Talk, kind of a satirical sports quiz show and Brady is amazing. Really does have a great knowledge of a vast range of sports, mainly hockey and tennis. Funny, funny guy and can't fault a guy who gets into the office at 4am for a show he doesn't even have to do (Fighting Talk that is). Can you get this new show online? Will give it a listen if so!

Are there any good places that anyone knows of for the UK? NHL.com leaves something to be desired.

Kind of realise after that video how much Ovechkin leaves his feet when he hits. Not saying all the time, but quite a lot. Gives a little hop when he leads in. Kinda reminds me of this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rKP-ueUBrg&feature=related

Would argue the point that that's the same for Pit-Wash. Although it will be interesting to see the 'Top 2' go at it (Crosby/Ovie) but really, who cares about the outcome of the Pittsburgh - Washington rivalry other than their own fans? As has been stated, a lot of fans around the whole of North America don't particularly like them, so probably wouldn't care. But fair points too. Indoor game could work very well if Dallas played in the Astrodome. Now THAT would be something to watch. That way you could well get rink-side seats, the same way people like the WWE do.

Amen to that. Stamkos needs another season like last. My girlfriends grandparents live in Tampa (we live in England), so can't wait to see when the schedule for next year comes out. May well be 'visiting' when the Wings play in Tampa.

Very off topic, but in a weak Southern Market why not push Getzlaf? Always liked him so other people I imagine would as well. Ducks in the WC with Team Iceland... wait no... maybe the Kings. Just tough with their climate but then that raises the question of playing indoors or in the closest possible city climate wise? EDIT: The Ducks could wear a throwback Mighty Ducks jersey too. The Kings, one from the Gretzky Era.

Is there a Mighty Ducks theme going on here? I'd like him, but would probably be a little too much. Modano is the cheaper option, most likely (yet still to be seen).

Couldn't agree more with this. One thing it will help combat is players leaving for other leagues, as we saw Huds do last year. I know for a fact Rugby here in England has to compete with the open markets in Europe, with a lot of players leaving due to the cap (they have a maximum wage as well which I don't really agree with), and then soccer... well that's just soccer. I think give the teams some flexibility, so that they can keep the players they have drafted and helped nurture, so they don't chase the gravy train. With this in mind, you think it should just be a lottery? Teams chose a pick number at random? Would encourage GMs to actually build a decent team to compete instead of waiting a few years for well drafted players. Off topic I know but just caught my attention.

Conference Semi-Final for a team that, not only sports writers and fans, but their own staff, say are in a 'transition period' is amazing. It's why I know beyond all doubt we're one of the best sports organisations of all time. Greatly looking forward to next year when the transition (hopefully) will be complete! LETS GO WINGS

I was going to post something about this before the game last night. I watched a pre-game interview with Lids and Lilja was sitting in the back strapping his knee up in a brace. Only had it on the left though so wondering if this was partly the choice for the change. Sorry forgot to post this and then remembered during the game. http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=15&id=68465

Agreed with Williams. They leave him out because he's played awful so they bring him back at the first injury. Throw in one of the other minors for one game. They'll want it and have great speed and will want to hit to show their worth.

I don't think Howard lost us the game, it was stupid penalties and non-penalties that were stupidly called. But I don't see the harm in putting Ozzie in. Yeah he may have some rust but he knows how to get it done in the playoffs and its just if we go down one more game then it will be too late to bring in Ozzie - by then Howard may have lost some confidence (although I don't see why as he's been stellar) its just as someone who's played goaltender in soccer (I know very different but still) even if the team in front of you stinks, it still affects you and make you feel responsible when you lose. I say using Ozzie wouldn't be a bad idea but wouldn't be a solution either. Howard is tired, even if he isn't showing it. Give him a bit of a rest.

Bettman has finally found a way to beat us, after taking over an organisation didn't work

Just wondering people's rituals for the playoff beard, when to shave, trimming, etc. Personally I shaved every morning for the last two weeks (which I haven't done since working before University) just to prepare and shall shave tomorrow morning for the last time. But does anyone else have their own rituals? For example do some people shave after every loss? Or just wait until after the final game? Plus what are your views on trimming. I'm planning for two months of unkempt growth! I shall also wear my two jerseys every day, regardless of occasion. Plus ladies, let us know your rituals as I know in recent years the bracelets have worked well! Feel free to post periodical pictures of beards as well.

Lol at Markov in there.

I lol'd and my dad thought I was crazy. My girlfriend left me as I told her I was in love with Jimmy. Then I showed her the helmetless save, now I shall show her this one. She sees my angle now.

Lately he looks like he's been taking celebration advice from Patrick Eaves...

Yeah was just going to comment on that. Weird. I miss him. Such a nice guy.

Said it all year to my friend although never had the confidence to post it on here, but I'm finally coming out with it. I miss Sammy

Please settle me down here, I know it was a ghost but I could have sworn I saw Abdlekader sitting on the bench last night. Its probably as I was watching it at 5am here in good ol' England but hey.