SDavis35

It's something the Oilers' goalie coach must teach... remember Salo?

I'm going to agree with you that Kipper is "that" good. He really is, though he isn't consistent as far as I've noticed. There's some stretches where he allows 2 or fewer goals/game, and other games where he doesn't seem to show up. The offence is definitely the issue though, Calgary has one of the lowest GAA in the West, but also hasn't broken 200 goals for like most of the league. I don't watch the flames, but what I do know about Iginla is that his heart and soul is in his team, he should be able to lead that team into the playoffs, but obviously is not being listened to. Not sure the issue, since that team should have had solid goal-scoring year round.

I like to partake in superstitions, but never fully believed in them. With the Wales trophy, it seems that only when the Penguins captain touches it do they win the Cup, so it's interesting how different things affect superstitions. For me though, it's currently in the form of my Wings hat. 7-0-1 since I started wearing it and a few other lucky events (like a class outside, great weather, apparent additional luck, etc.) Two years ago, we went on 9-game win streaks when I wore it too, but last year it would make us lose so I kept it on the shelf.

Looking at the standings, and how easily things could change. I'm curious as to what the ideal opening round would look like. (1)Sharks vs. (8)Preds (2)Hawks vs. (7)Kings (3)Canucks vs. (6)Avalanche (4)Coyotes vs. (5)Wings These would probably help most, Detroit would have other teams beating each other up every game, or a real long travel series if it goes deep. Also would be facing a fairly young/inexperienced playoff team. Would probably still go to 6 and be a tough matchup, but I think they would be fine heading into round 2. Cons - Chance to face Hawks in Round 2, Arizona is still a pretty rough distance, but at least there's a decent chance it'd be the furthest in the playoff run. Phoenix still has a shot at being a division winner, so could end up differently. Would be happy to hear other opinions on matchups.

IMO, i was fine with what you said earlier about Bruce, and he is a whiner, almost as bad as Therrien. Also might add Quenneville onto that list too... but as far as Crosby's whining? He doesn't hide under the "kid" cloak for me anymore, 5 years in the NHL and he's learned his way around it. He has good moments and bad moments, unfortunately the bad moments are what we tend to remember about the people we are not fans of. I'd rather see a coach like Babcock who never whines, but still finds a way to make it known that he doesn't agree with certain calls. Unfortunately there's an arrogance in the Capitals playing style, and it will bite back when they start playing better teams who play defence instead of resorting to their game (something I felt Pittsburgh did last year in that series). Capitals should find their way to a Cup final in the next few years, but no guarantees they'll win it unless they find that defensive game. Boudreau may not be the one to instill that type of game into them, he's been there too long to change it up all of a sudden.

Luongo can say he's won pressure games internationally now, that might be where they're coming from. But I don't see Lou as a playoff guy, I feel he's really streaky (post-olympics he didn't look good at all).

Osgood - Conklin shared time last season, so Ozzie still had the reigns. It's clear that Howard is the starter, and as far as I'm concerned should play against the Oilers to keep in rhythm. Maybe see Osgood against the Blue Jackets. Just the way Howard's been playing, it's tough to find the right game for giving him a break.

Toronto @ Calgary Would produce plenty of fanship, would be a boost to the Canadian crowd and markets who are perhaps the most popular of the teams who have not participated in an outdoor game. So no, Ovi vs. Crosby is over done as is, no need for a Winter Classic there. Washington is fine, but Pittsburgh was only 2 seasons ago, just seems a little extensive for drawing fans/making money.

3-3-1 is the worst record to maintain a playoff spot. Because of our OTLs being so high, we would have fewer wins giving Calgary the playoff spot.

My biggest worry about having a rookie goaltender as a starter in the playoffs is how he deals with pressure of any and all kinds... Howard has proven since the Olympic break, especially tonight, that he's the guy who can handle it. He's been awesome through our drive to the playoffs, and now we're all but in. Wasn't as exciting as some goalie duels, but both goalies - both teams - had great solid defensive games. If the Wings keep the attitude they've brought in the past week, they should definitely beat Edmonton (finally) on Tuesday. Go Wings!

Interesting... I haven't been keeping up with technology much, but I heard about Nintendo announcing their next handheld system with 3-D capabilities. If it is how you're talking about it, than I'll be happy to see the Nintendo 3-DS. Also mentioned was that Sony was doing the same thing with the next-gen of playstation. Could be real fun to see how it works first hand.

I feel like he used that one in January against the Wings... I wouldn't really even consider it the best I've seen from Crosby. (Though I may be impartial to the shot he took against the Swiss) It's a good move, and it works for him, but I'd still choose 50% Datsyuk over 40% Crosby.

November 28 - 4-3 Shootout win (easy to forget, with all the shootouts we've lost )

My vote/opinion too. It's great that he seems to be getting better with the more ice time, but I'm still shocked everytime he scores. Hopefully he keeps improving and turns out to be another first-liner forward playing on our 2nd line (the Z-Fil thing is working just fine right now)

I'm real confused right now... I seem to recall, probably as late as Friday, Ericsson was the worse of the two since we were winning with Lebda in the lineup... now we're back to hating on Lebda? Tough to keep up with these things.

Even the scoreless ties were great to watch! As for the Standings shift in the OP... it feels as though there's not much difference when it comes to the playoff races. Still fairly close, anything can happen. Either the original W-L-T or the International/Euro W-OTW-OTL-L would be nice. Problem is... might be a little difficult for the mathematicians at the NHL

What about Kings and Avalanche? Kings are only two up on us i think i saw. Only 4 points separate 5-8.

woo! goal! on a side note... Power plays please?

I think we can win this if we actually win a faceoff... sometime... maybe?

I'm with you on this one, the weather just feels like April. I've even started wearing my Wings hat in hopes of a strong finish. Little bit of superstition, but whatever makes me feel like a part of the team I guess.

Exactly what we need! get as many points as possible. If Ozzy starts Saturday... well I'll be happy with that. But the next two weeks are busy ones, so he should pick up a start soon.

we're in position to make the playoffs now, so we won't have much time after the season

Holmstrom was huge last night, and has been one of our most consistent players. Good to see him having a 20 goal season, wouldn't ask for anything more.

Ahh, THOSE are the Wings I fell in love with 8 years ago! No panic, keep pressing and dominated most of the game. I liked that win, a little too nervous watching it though. Glad Franzen took the shot, perfect Holmstrom tip.

This would be interesting... I'm thinking send Ozzie in against the Oilers (if he loses to them, well... no need fore playoffs, our dignity is gone) Although, Howard's worst games seem to come against the Canucks... at least those I remember (5-4 W and 6-3L) so maybe try the near guarantee win with him in on Friday, send Ozzie to strut his stuff on Saturday.