DogBolter

This is why there are seven games in a series. Go Wings.

I'm not sure if they are playing down to the opposition (which the Dogs are good enough to play up to), if they are tired from playing hard to secure a playoff spot, or if they are tired from 19 straight years in the playoff and are happy they made it in and are looking for an early exit to enjoy a long summer rest (subconsciously). I've been watching the Kings and Nucks and that is a fast, wide open, game. Lots of speed and action. Reminds me of the Wings a few seasons back. Go Wings.

Who is Justin? And why did his .TV site just go offline? It was cool while it was working.

They drop Versus, I get to drop a tier. The only reason I pay for the higher tier is to get Versus. This could save me money.

Just win the home games. Bring it for 60.

A friend of mine bought a signed Wings Jersey back in 2003 with three signatures. There is no number on the jersey, just the Winged Wheel. Anyone recognize the signatures?

Thanks for the thoughts. Sounds reasonable to me.

Here is a signature on the back side.

Go Wings. Wrap it up on the road.

Win the Odds! Take the Evens. Sprint to four. Go Wings.

Funny ref moment: If you have the Avs/Wings game from 15 Feb. on DVR, 5:52 into the second period (14:08 left), O'Halloran calls a high stick penalty on Foote. As Foote skates by, O'Halloran exaggerates the call and makes one goofy face at Foote. Well worth looking at. If anyone can post the clip it would be worth sharing. We replayed it over 20 times. Very funny.

Looking at the program guide for Direct Tv on channel 604 (Versus/Golf HD) it shows LPGA golf. The Wings game is listed on the SD channel. If correct, that sucks.

Had a chance to watch tonights game, 1st of the season for me. It was a great game. Well played and fast paced. Helm's speed is amazing. Ken Holland did an extended interview durnig the 2nd period and discussed the challenge of getting under the salary cap. He's going to move a defense man, just not sure who. And with Cheli getting hurting tonight, it may make the decision easier or more difficult. Either way the guys looked good. Just couldn't bury the biscuit during their 5 on 3.

Growing up in a small northern Michigan town we didn't have cable (3 channels), no local hockey, and no interest. When I left the state in 1988 to join the Marines I started tracking all Michigan sports team as it was a way to stay close to home. I started watching hockey full time during the playoffs of the 92-93 season. I was pulling for the Kings, but no go. I've been hooked since then. Any game on TV I get, I can watch. The speed, the love of the game the players demonstrate, only one time out, fast action. You can't beat it. I can't wait till the season starts!

Forsberg - if he doesn't retire. And agree on waiting for the season to start.

The problem for Ray is he is way beyond platitudes. I always hate to see someone with so much talent piss it away because of poor personal choices. Hopefully he has the right people with him now and he'll rise to a level higher than what he attained in Ottawa. We'll know the answer in about four months.

I'm for bringing Cheli back. The guy is a specimen of physical health. If you want to limit his play fine, but he'll be cheap insurance if someone gets hurt and a resource for the younger defense men.

Thorne may be an exciting (or excitable) announcer, but I agree he was brutal when doing Wings games. I don't expect a homer on a national broadcast, but with Thorne and Clement if the Wings were losing, their commentary made the experience even worse. Let him stay at ESPN. Don't look to the past - there has to be new talent out there waiting for a chance to add thier voice to the game.

For those of you with XM accounts, you can now listen to NHL Home Ice (Channel 204) on XM Online. The streaming channel was added yesterday. Works great. Listening right now at work. Perfect.

If you use Vista and the Windows Side Bar, the XM Online Radio Gadget works great.

If he'll sign, I'd like him back on the team. He is a machine.

Ozzie is a great goalie. I've always liked his attitude and presence. However, this season (the prior seasons) have made be believe that his strength is playing 40 games not 60. I think the split play with Hasek complemented his style and stamina (it benefited Hasek also). I would perfer to see Ozzie and Howard split the duties during the coming year. If Howard does not progress as desired, then acquire another that can split the duties with Ozzie. State publicly that Ozzie is the number 1 goalie with the goal being another cup.

Personally I like the new rule changes. In my opinion the changes enhance the flow of the game without creating an overbearing official presence.

If you can touch them, they're not fake.