Third Man In

The Ducks really had no business being in this game. 5 shots in period two and two goals to show for it. Anaheim needs to play *much* tighter defensively or they are done. Teemu is really carrying the team right now. Scotty Niedermayer looks fairly brutal right now--he's making poor passes and getting caught out of position routinely.

That was clear from your post. I'm just being nit-picky of the scoreboard operators b/c the pictures that were supposed to be for Detroit were on the same side as the Predators' score. But thanks for posting them, and hope you had fun at the game!

Anyone else notice on Osgod's post that they put the pictures on the wrong side of the scoreboard? Oh well, it's the thought that counts

That late goal could be a back breaker for the Bs. They played their best period of the series so far and still come out of it behind. They are in trouble and need to respond in a big way in the second.

If only I weren't consuming so much electricity watching hockey on TV, on the computer, and participating on internet hockey forums.

Explain these 'other aspects of life'

Agreed. Not sure why Dallas matches up so well with Anaheim, and I expect a tight game, but I will be shocked if the Ducks don't have a much better and much more disciplined effort tonight. Going to the game again Duck Guy?

Those annoying Stanley Cup Playoff logos on the ice take up even more space in French.

I don't think so--after the year this team had (including the off season) no one even expected them to be in the playoffs. Trotz is safe. Trotz has always struck me as a good guy, but this whining has to stop. He's succeded in making 'breaks' the story of the series so far in the AP/CP. Yes, the Preds have had some bad breaks, but so have the Wings (Dom's 'holding the stick' with his leg changing the momentum and leading to 2 quick goals come to mind). But breaks even out over the course of the series. Detroit has outshot Nashville by 31 shots this series and has outscored them 6-3 plus an empty net goal. Sounds about right. Good teams find a way to win games this time of year. Teams that go home complain about goaltending, officiating, and/or bad breaks. Let's hope Trotz really believes these are why his team is down 2-0, because if so they'll be home soon enough.

How about it for the crowd today? Two playoff sellouts in a row (yes, I realise we've got a ways to go if this is still an issue) and they were very loud. The Ellll-iiisssss chants and 'Lets go Red Wings' came through especially loud and clear on NBC. Home ice advantage is back. Way to go!!! Even Pierre McGuire had to admit it in the third: "And that's why they call this Hockeytown!" Edit: spelling

Hey Drake: by the second period it was more than a goal--he's been in the face of the Preds the whole series. Mac, Lils, Stuart, and Franzen aren't having any of it from these guys.

I hate these two-hour gaps between games... I expect the Ducks to bounce back and the Habs to continue to dominate. That being said, I'm pulling for Stars and Bs!

My two cents on Dom, and then I'm gonna let it drop: All you ask for your goalie is to outplay the other team's goalie. Dom made a ton of big saves, while Ellis continues to give up massive rebounds that the Wings started to pounce on. We're up 2-0 people, and Dom's let in 3 goals in 2 games. If Dom has a 1.50 GAA for the playoffs, I really like the Wings' chances. Don't you?

This team really showed me something by coming back after that *awful* 'penalty' on Dom those two quick goals. This looks like a team that really wants it.

Two years in a row taking care of business at home in the first round. Excellent job, boys! At least one of two in Nashville and we're in outstanding shape! Great job shutting it down the rest of the way after the timeout. Babs should get a star for that one. TMI's statement of the obvious: If Tootoo continues to be the Preds' leading scorer for the series, Detroit's gonna take this no problem.

Huddles needs to use his small size to his advantage, just as big players like Mule need you use their big size.

This team's confidence is growing as the game progresses. Suter is self-destructing. A goal or 2 more minutes off the clock, boys! :octo:

Z's a beaut! Keep that puck on your stick and skate around for 7 more minutes!

Well, McGuire's hockey credentials are impeccable, after all. Especially compared to Dom's.

ZDH and Flip, Mule, and Dano really stepped it up in the second

For all you who complained that the Minny-Avs series and the Caps-Flyers series were more exciting: you have your wish. But I'd take a nice shutdown 4rd from the Wings at this point!

The Wings are doing a much better job getting to Ellis' massive rebounds this game than in game 1

TEACHES YOU TO TAUNT DOM, ZANON YOU PRICK!

I dunno. Neither team finished its chances, and we can't expect Dom to keep playing like that. The Preds can keep playing like that if the Wings let them. Let's shut them down for the next two periods!

Ok, second period to-do list: 1. Slow it down a bit 2. Dom: Keep it up. You're doing great! 3. Pain Train: eat Too-Too 4. TMI: Throw octopus (can't believe I forgot before the game!) :octo: Let's Go Red Wings!!!