Uncle Danny

As long as it isn't a Pronger jersey, you should be fine. There are violent, drunk douchebags in any arena, but folks at the Joe (in my experience) tend to appreciate someone who loves and understands their hockey more than causing trouble for opposing fans. If you're really afraid, strike up a friendly conversation with someone in a Wings jersey near your seats. Detroit fans, as a whole, know their stuff and love the game more than any logo. Three pieces of advice, though: 1) Don't mention the Ducks beating us in the playoffs. 2) Do not defend Chris Pronger under any circumstance. 3) Do not diss Steve Yzerman. * * This one is of particular importance. If you do otherwise, you will have shown that you know nothing about hockey, offended a local god, and have put your entirely family at risk. And their children. And their children's children. So my counter question is this: I'm a Detroit expat in SF these days. If the Wings pull the Ducks, I'm seriously considering a flight down to Anaheim. What can I expect? Any taboos there?

Gah! Seriously, people, what does Bettman have to do with the OP's intent? Please, for the love of Crosby, stay on target. This is getting as bad as hearing people still saying "wazzup" in 2007. As for the message sending, I honestly don't have a huge problem with it. I noticed that the Blues have been especially liberal with their use of scrums after the whistle, but teams lacking the talent to win on skill need to dig for every advantage they can find, no? This is, after all, playoff hockey. The intensity and violence associated are amped up several degrees, when done correctly. How many people here loved the reply Datsyuk sent to Vermette in response to his message? I know I did. Of course it's scary, as someone could get hurt. But if the playoffs aren't scary, are they really worth watching? I'd really rather watch the refs swallow their whistles this time of year than see them determine winners and losers in a prolonged battle of mettle, skill and will. Lettem scrum, I say. EDIT: typo

Shaved just before the drop of the first puck yesterday, same as last year. My wife is hoping for a quick exit by the Wings, as a result. I hope to appear a lumberjack in a couple months.

Why must Bettman and/or Crosby be bashed in every other thread here, regardless of their relevance to the subject matter? I grow weary.

That might be my favorite Datsyuk interview to date. "Are you my enemy?" LOL. Thanks for posting.

Bye bye, Mr. President.

That lil sunnuva gun!

Maybe not, if you think about it. We haven't many games left, and Pavel has hardly been the issue with out intensity problems of late. Getting Cleary (and his ilk) more ice time to get ramped up for the playoffs, while giving Dats an easy game minute wise to make sure he doesn't get hurt and is better rested seems to me to be a solid coaching decision in a relatively meaningless game for us (momentum excepted).

Nice of the crowd, chanting "Ozzie." Good to hear them supporting a solid effort.

At least they're playing to win in OT?

We're like K-Fed. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

motherf***er.

Anyone else catch them playing "I Hate Myself for Loving You" after that amazing Dats backpass to Flip?

OH MY FARKING GOD

Flip you, man. A post that like completely Rex our GDT. (shoot me)

Ozzie should've had that first shot... but I'll forgive given the rest of tonight's game.

Arnott's been a beast tonight.

Damn. Ozzie's glove is faster than anyone's I've seen. Always a joy to watch.

Oh how I hate April in the D commercials. This year's is only slightly less offensive than last.

I lol'ed

OZZIE! Great save!

Big E continues to impress. I love this kid.

Myooooooooool!

Man, Babcock is one intimidating looking individual. Those eyes can burn holes in concrete walls.