va Winger

IMHO......secondary scoring and great defence and physical play will be the determiners in this series.............seems Saturday is a long way off...I'm going through withdraw !

I like the play of Lebda as well. He can potentially cause allot of problems with his speed. D-Mac? I have watched his play since his original tenure bagan with the Wings. I am dissappointed so far, he is missing that spark (and tenacity) that always seemed to be his trademark. I would love to see him get his groove back in this series, Would be perfect timing. We could use the Mule , hope he comes back. I think the rest of the team made it clear that they are "in it to win it" in game 6 against Dallas.....just need to keep it up !

Melrose is a fair weather fan..............prevents Egg on the face !

Back to the topic of the post. Burnside = ESPN.....that says it all. for someone who used to frequent The ESPN media circus........i have certainly seen the light in recent years, especially in regards to Hockey. If your a Poker fan (i'm not) tune in.get the inside scoop on the odds of pulling a royal flush. When it comes to Hockey, I think very few truly dedicated, fair people report it. Hey, He has to pick someone to win................Why not the Pens. They are certainly Cinderella with there young talented forwards and dynamic run thus far..............besides everyone loves to hate the Wings and conversely picks the opponent. I don't pay much attention to all these self proclaimed experts..........We all know the battle for the cup will be a great one (no pun intended WG) and I for one can't wait to see these two offensive powerhouses slug it out in hopes of claiming the most coveted trophy in all of Sports ! Talk is cheap....................Let the players decide who deserves their name embossed on Lord Stanleys CUP !

This thread isn't worth commenting on. Everyone knows the difficulties Pitt has overcome to get where they are now. A few years back they were close to being moved elsewhere. I think their story is a great one ! and I hope they will be competitive for years to come...............this thread is DEAD !

Boys will play men !..........remedy Sid "Put a little milk on it and let the cat lick it off "

Certainly, anyone who predicted his/her team to sweep in the Stanley Cup finals would be perceived as "overconfident". Realistically, I think this will be a great series, and I can't wait for it to get underway. When I stated sweep, I was simply stating the extreme in retort to the west sucks comment. Very difficult to judge a team you haven't played. Also remember that the Wings pretty much dominated those Western teams too............... Clean slate - Hopes for a great series and may the Best team win!! ( I am biased and proud to be !)

economy ? Maybe in reference to the Detroit area? Possibly referring to my educational level ? I don't live there currently, but have many family members who do. This is a game , and that situation is a stark reality. I won't comment on that one. I will say, however, I look forward to the Finals and may the best, most prepared team be victorious ! Red Wings fan for life !!!

You may have owned some of the West, but not the Wings. I encourage confidence, but their is such a thing as over-confidence too. I think maybe someone is looking at a wings team that they see as vulnerable. I would be very careful about taking this RW team for granted. I can guarantee you one thing...The Pens have yet to play a better, more experienced, more defensive , more hungry team this season. The names on your roster make no difference.......Your boys need to get ready......It's time for a schooling.................Wings in a sweep !

Not worth the time to comment !

Nervous as a cat in a Chinese restaurant !

Who ever shows up early and hungry will win this game. I thought we had it wrapped, but the Stars have shown some resiliance, and that coupled with a dismal offensive display by the Wings has left room for doubt. I have every confidence that we are the better team, we just need to feel it and show it...........................I know one thing, I am tired of losing to Dallas. Two is enough ! I keep hearing the questions from friends and family who ask " What happened to your boys, they had them on the ropes" To which I reply " It's all about desire " as I really don't know what the answer is. I think Game 4 was a mild awakening, game 5 was the reality check. Game 6 will be a Desperate Wings team pulling out all the stops........ The team that wants it most and plays with that in mind will be victorious ! Being a diehard RW fan, My team will still be my team regardless of the outcome of this game and even this series.I would hate for an amazing run to end , especially to the likes of the Stars and Turco............. I'll go out on a limb here and pick a score : 4-2 Wings ( I would rather see a score comparable to game 4 of the Colorado series) We score first and set the tone. McCarty gives Ott his come upings !

The O sucked ! The timing was off ! We need to play our game , when that happens we can't lose ! Damn Damn ! I'm not sure what team that was out there, but it wasn't the one I've been watching !

I see a VICTORY, Wings 5 to 2. Holmstrom on pp assist Lids. Cleary Flip Pav and an empty netter from Hank. Sammy 2 assists. Turco and Ott holding each other and crying after the loss. Morrow out in the 1st with an undisclosed injury, Hope it's not his Right shoulder so as not to screw up his golf game !! WINGS WN ! WINGS WIN ! WINGS WIN !

This article is laughable. It could also be written about any other team in the playoffs to date. The only difference being any other team doesn't have : The best defense in the league, the best 1st line in the league, the hottest goalie in the playoffs, the best coaching in the league, 2 Selke finalists, a likely conn Smyth winner, best coach nominee, award for best tandem @ goalie, the presidents trophy...........need I continue. This ia a special team and emphasis on team. Not every player is a 1st liner , not every player is an award winner. I believe THE TEAM is was wins Stanley Cups................ I have been watching This team for some 30 years and in my opinion, it is one of the most talented, most patient, skilled all around effective and dedicated bunch of guys I have ever seen............period ! So Macleod, One loss doesn't add up to your theme.................I beg to differ, for me and potential opponents "All is great in Hockeytown". KEEP your educated "OPINIONS" out of my game.............and STOP trying to PISS in my Cornflakes !!

No smack ? I don't see anyone in the East giving The Wings any challenge at all.........................Pens included........Lets just say the magic number for us is 5 including tomorrows game.........I would be a little careful about ruling out the Flyers just yet too , if I were you. Word has it key people will be back from injury by Sunday !

I don't mind Emrick, but I have a significant distaste for Olcyk. NBC games do have a different feel, but I don't buy in to the conspiracy theory. What, NBC paid off a few players to insure a game 5. Come on, the interest in the NHL in the USA isn't that great anyway. I think the exposure for the NHL is good, but I don't see scads of people suddenly jumping on the Hockey bandwagon...........................Notably here in the southern states, most would rather watch Horses or cars racing........even golf has an edge ! They just don't know what they are missing, Nothing sports wise can hold a candle to SC Playoff Hockey, especially with The Boys in the FRAY ! Go WINGS !!

I think the League will look at the officiating for this game. I am hopeful that someone will be accountable, not to change outcome so far , but to insure the game is called as it should be............I said already, to much @ stake to have an outcome dependent on a couple of calls..............Hat's off to these guys on the ref crews, I would think it a very ,very difficult job. We can't base our opinions of them or the entire series on last night............. We can only hope that the remaining game(s) are decided by play.

I totally agree, especially with the last portion of your post. everyone who watches Hockey knows how huge momentum is..............simple for me. Goal counts = different complexion of the whole game. Not to say we would have Won, just a different game. I hate the fact that a 'blown" call could have been one of the deciding factors. Not to mention the penalties Not called in this game. To me it was almost like..OK Dallas, you are playing for your playoff life, it's OK to HOLD, Interfere with, rough etc...........Had the REfs been consistent, as they have been for most of this series.....many more RW PP's and a differnt outcome as well. I am a firm believer that sometimes a loss (not that I like it) can be a great motivator) and like you, I think this will cause us to refocus and remember what it took to get this far........... Not to mention the fact that " I too would much rather see it now than later, when it may be at a much more critical point in this or the SCF series....................I think Dallas is in big trouble for game 5............I would not want to be in their shoes..................I BELIEVE they will suffer the wrath of a true champion...................!

Was wondering if anyone has an update on Franzens condition ?

The Stars season, that is !

I thought I was the only one that noticed that. I was hoping he would just give up the stick and then maybe the ref would make the call......didn't happen though............. and that run on Pav after the whistle could easily have been 2 as well................. lucky we won or I would really be bitchin' ! I still think someone needs to jack Ott up before the season ends !

Richards schooled By Hank !!! PRICELESS !!

Yeah, I'm thinkin' the same thing. "If it ain't broke don't fix it". Lines are put together based on other than points and + or - . I think allot has to do with chemistry. Granted Sams may not have the numbers, but I for one, was impressed with his play last game............ I like Sams and though I think he is capable of much better 0, he is doing enough where he is ! IMHO of course.

I haven't counted the Flyers out yet. I like watching the Pens play, and it's a really good story with the team in shambles a few years back and super Marios actions preventing losing the team all together. I have been a diehard Wings fan for 30+ years, and though very biased, I don't see any team in any league disrupting our plans for a cup this season............The more we play and win the more confident we become and the more difficult it becomes for every other team (including Pitt). I do respect your team and think you have a great future in the next few years, just not this year. Welcome to our Blog. It's nice to here from the possible competition in a friendly Hockey sense kinda way ! Good Luck with the Flyers.