BewareThePenguin

wow, and you guys talk about OTHERS' lack of rules knowledge? It's called body position -- the Pens player had it when he went THROUGH Hossa. I've already called out things on Malkin, sorry your straw man argument won't cut it. Heck, I wanted Malkin sitting out this game -- how's THAT for objectivity, chum? Difference is, I admit things -- haven't heard a single instance of a Wings fan here admitting their team ever committed a rules infraction. Hmmm.

No, pot NOT meet kettle. I'm not the one blaming the refs for any loss, even if I point out things that should've been called (see post above). I'm not the one setting up some excuse in an advance to whine about in case the other guys win. That from fans complaining about PENS FANS whining -- now there's your pot and kettle, chumley. I haven't blamed the refs for a single loss. Unlike a whole load of fans here who are getting their excuse caps ready for tonight -- in advance. Whining in advance. Now THERE'S a new twist! Ha ha, have to chuckle.

Well I see as an all-knowing Wings fan you want to rules test me. Fine. My problem is Detroit's plays where the Wings player-- now listen carefully -- hasn't established body position and blocks a player who's not possessing the puck. Still think I'm brainwashed? That was exactly what happened Sunday Night with Samuellson, who picked Malkin off the draw and prevented him from going over to block the Detroit shooter's shot. The result was an illegal (by rule) free shooting lane that resulted in a goal. Specific enough for ya, junior? (This isn't the first time I've noticed it during the series, either.) And if some yahoo like me caught it, you can bet the league did too, and threw a holy fit inside the offices. That's one of the reasons the officiating will be tighter. Not some wack-o "conspiracy" to help the Pens.

Sorry to disagree chum, but uh... no. Whatever the Pens are getting away with, it's not the same. The interference isn't even close. That's Detroit's style, not the Pens. Obviously. If the league does have a problem, I'd be interested in hearing the specifics. What calls were missed, or made in error? Would any of Zetterberg's touches be part of this? And yes, I realize some of the things may be on the Pens, but I'd be curious to hear.

Call it whatever you want, there are rules against it. Sunday night Detroit got away with a big one at one of the game's key moments. I only bring it up now because we're having a discussion about the officiating. I don't claim the Pens are "entitled" to anything -- and don't go crying because the league has these rules in place. And try to ignore the fact.

In other news, the Detroit Red Wings also announced the signing of Benedict Arnold.

I'm as curious as you guys to see how this goes tonight. Mainly to see Malkin and Crosby get to play when they're not so obstructed. You know, the way Gretzky and Lemieux said the game should be played.

You need to start understanding my point. All I'm saying is that IF there was some conspiracy, then they WOULD have busted on Zetterberg -- that was one of the most ref-interpretable situations around. They EASILY could have nailed him for it, right or wrong. Get it? And we're talking interference now -- which Detroit's gotten away with. I'm not saying it's the reason the Pens lost, just that they have gotten away it. There were definite things that could've been called, that didn't get called -- more proof that there isn't some conspiracy.

I'm with you all the way. The problem I have is the people here already setting up an excuse in case the Pens win tonight: "see I told you the league would jump in on their side!" Would you also have a problem with anyone here pulling this stunt? Just wondering.

On second thought, maybe that Nazi comparison does apply...

The Wings have gotten away with a ton of subtle interference and obstruction. Before you go throwing hissy fits, don't take my word for it. Listen to the announcers from Sunday Night's game, or do a little look-see at some other fans (besides the Pens) sites, where they're saying the same thing. People have noticed. I'd expect the officials to start calling more of those. That might include some on the Pens by the way. And again, please... with the conspiracy talk. If there was some conspiracy, they'd have definitely busted Zetterberg, right or wrong. The Pens won't win or lose due to the refs. Neither will the Wings.

Yes, the top poster stated an opinion using rational facts and reasoned thoughts to state his case. Oh how DARE he! C'mon, break out the troll signs...

I've already stated Malkin's guilt. Watch the replay from Game 2, and tell me Zetterberg didn't swipe at the puck with his hand after Crosby hit the post. Zetterberg's gotten away with borderline puck infractions both games.

Don't leave out the Wings whose forwards even play goalie, making superior glove saves in the crease. Talk about your 2-way threats!

Hossa came along for the ride -- he's not needed in Detroit like he was in Pittsburgh -- he took a seat on the bus. Another rider, instead of being a driver. It's the easier way. There's not even any debate here.

yes, but as you say, still a jerk.

The Lightning? Stop it right there bud. No way you get away trying to sneak that one in. The Pens are a young team on the verge -- not some Tampa. The stars you mentioned eating all that cap money are exactly WHY they're not Tampa. No, staying with the Pens would be playing for a contender, a team on the verge that a player like Hossa might just push over the top. Even you Wings fans talked about how well he played against you last year. He's a difference maker for the Pens, just another cog in the wheel with the Wings. Gimme a break. Hossa chose the easier path. Join the vets, or stand and fight with the kids. He chose the vets. That's the easier route, the one with the odds more in your favor. Unless you think the Pens have a better shot at winning the Cup than the Wings. Hmmm?

And you make me chuckle supporting traitors like that. Guess you have a Hossa poster in your room, right next to the Benedict Arnold and Jane Fonda ones. Hey, if he wins, hope you yuk it up right along with him. Enjoy!

Let me give you a little refresher course in Hossa 101... Hossa didn't just leave. He took the longest amount of time to decide, and left the Pens hanging on as long as possible. By doing so, he left the Pens in limbo, even putting their plans to acquire a replacement on hold. At one point he acted like he was going to stay, then yanked it all away. Not exactly cool of him, but players come and go. But that wasn't enough -- on the way out he made sure he told the local Pittsburgh media WHY he was leaving -- he wanted to be on a team with a chance to win the Cup. (Gosh buddy, how popular would that make him if he did that in your town?). Had to add just that little slap, that little dig, on the way out. So yes -- what a jerk.

Let me add one more thing. Hossa IMHO has denied himself a chance at the greatest glory an athlete can have. Years ago I heard a story about a recruit who was being courted heavily by Notre Dame. At that time ND was still a powerhouse, dominating college football. The recruit was asked, why didn't you go to Notre Dame and get all the glory? He answered, because I want the even GREATER glory of feeling what it's like to BEAT Notre Dame. Watching the two teams this year, they're nowhere near as far apart as they were last year. Had Hossa stayed, he could've really help swing things in favor of the Pens -- remember, Hossa was their best player in the finals last year. Hossa could be a real difference maker -- moreso for the Pens than the Wings, who obviously could win it all with or without him. Should Detroit go on to win, yeah I'm sure it will be sweet for Hossa. But it will be NOTHING compared to how it would've felt not just to win the Cup -- but to bring down the mighty Red Wings to boot! Of course, there's the risk factor -- odds favor going to Detroit as a safer route to taking the Cup. But that's just the point -- "safe" is kind of lame in my book. The real man takes the risk, braves the odds, fights the fight. Hossa chose the safe route. He opted to play for Notre Dame. He chose to be less of a man. Tonight there will be 20,000 people reminding him of this fact.

Of course not, so unbunch your panties now. The commentary is about Hossa's actions. Not his team's character. Relax.

No, of course not -- it's kind of a manhood thing. What's more satisfying? Jumping over to the winners and taking the easier route, or digging in, fighting and helping your scrappy boys overcome the big bad enemy? One takes grit and courage and heart and hard work -- the other, not so much. Hossa's less of a man for doing this in my book.

Like the same thing wouldn't happen in Detroit if one of your players had acted like Hossa. C'mon. Hossa will get booed, cheered if he gets knocked on his keaster. The game will go on. What Hossa did is like a guy fighting for the Americans in World War II -- looks like the Germans are unbeatable at first, so he figures he has a better shot of winning the war if he goes to their side. Because, you know, he's never been on the side of the army that won the war. So instead of gritting it out, and working hard to enjoy the ultimate satisfaction of helping to beat that unbeatable army, he opts for the path of less resistance. The easier way to glory. You guys want to think that's no big deal, go for it. And wear your German Army uniforms with pride. I myself will stand with General Patton, and fight for the good ol' US of A. No matter how big the odds look against us right now. USA! USA!

You guys are the best... digging up anything you can point to as some slap, and getting oh so steamed about it! It's just so cute, makes me want to just pinch your cheeks or something. Oh it's so cute!

And this one's for you: Gosh, wherever do they play that trap btw? I don't think this guy's a Pens fan even. My tutorial bill will be arriving in the mail shortly... Professor Penguin, out.