SDavis35

Maybe I'm crazy... but I think they have played better games than that even... not that I don't appreciate the effort they put down tonight!! I just think the Hawks will have another level, and we have another level. This should be a fun series no doubt.

CBC was replaying the "should've been called" highlights several times, and Zetterberg was rough on Toews, but nothing that deserves a playoff penalty (probably not even a regualr season call). It's a part of the game, Holmstrom made a career off taking far worse clobberings.

9 (or more?) Stanley cups, coached the Candiens' team and the Wings team that hold the regular season records for wins and points I believe?

Stoll did get injured though... he did not return to the game and is reportedly missing tonight's game. From TSN http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=423358 Also probably the only one who sees it this way, but I think Torres may have left his feet prior to the hit; top of the shoulder looked like it was in line with the head and Torres should have had time to ease off on the hit seeing as Stoll was bent over when Torres set up for the hit. I can understand this one, Torres may have got off easy though.

The thing that scares me the most with the Hawks is their timely goal scoring. All season, when they needed a goal to tie the game they got it. Sure, they lost a few games and we played them tight, but they looked determined vs. Minnesota.

Claude Julien described them as a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" type of team. Similar to how some describe the Wings in recent years.

Assuming Pens get better goaltending than last round, Pens make it. If the goaltending is still an issue, then not a chance. Pens in 6 is my prediction though.

Haha, not only did we beat the Ducks tonight, we also beat the NHL!

What happened to Price? I heard injury but didn't hear any details yet.

2008 is the only year I would say he played great (statistically speaking) 2009 he played well from what I can remember as well. Other than that, he's been mediocre at best.

I really think that if Filpulla gets going, we win this series without a doubt. He hasn't been good, but if last night was the beginning of something good for him, I would be quite happy.

07 lost though!

When I voted it was 87-13 for Dats... and that was around 4-5pm.

Wow! From 1-0 Leafs to 2-0 Bruins! Look out for Boston, they have some mad skills.

Don't count on that one... the way the refs were calling penalties tonight it's anybody's guess when they'll make the call. We got away with several, Ducks got bad calls, Wings could've had a couple more PPs and the penalties that were missed were atrocious! Then they call little ones as if they're trying to please the fans... make the right call the first time! It's elementary my dear (Brad) Watson! As for the way we played... sloppy all around. I like the third line still and don't want to screw with that, but Filpulla needs to show up. Howard did okay, he wasn't really tested a whole lot until late game. He also didn't look like last week's goaltender. Z and Dats were totally neutralized, but I expect them to bounce back (as I do with Howard). If not for the really bad penalties, I think we could have squeaked out a win, the teams showed they're equals, the difference was the momentum killing Tootoo trip and Kindl's delay of game.

The best thing I heard was last night during the TSN playoff preview. One of the guys on their panel said "What? Did I miss something? Are they getting Lidstrom back? And Stuart and Rafalski? The Red Wings don't have the defence, and the Ducks are going to pick that defence apart!" Here's hoping that guy was wrong!

This is the only series this year that I expect to be a sweep. Islanders just have no chance. They're outclassed at every position. The only position Pittsburgh might be weak is with Fleury who seems to be unpredictable with his goaltending.

Well I for one will be hoping against that! Of course, I'll be busy cheering for the Wings!

While there were some big saves by Howard, I don't think Phoenix looked all that great. We still need some even strength scoring though, so it could have been very different if not for the PP being near perfect tonight.

Can we take care of the Kings first please?

If my math is right, 7 points will clinch it for us. (Dallas can only get 6 more, Columbus can get 4 more plus their 3 pt lead, but we have tie break)

I messed up the date and hit April 24th, apparently there was a major UFO sighting that day!

If you're just naming players, I would add Backes to that list of "edgy". He's got a good solid skill set and gives players and opposing fans fits. As far as non-wings players go, he's among my favourites. What I think we need as far as "edge" goes is working harder to get to the centre of the ice, less fancy plays and just get it on net, too many of our shots seem to go wide, or low and hit the goalie's pads. There have been rebounds available but we're never there. If we were better at getting into those dirty areas, I think our scoring would be up by about 3 tenths of a goal/game. In the off-season it's important in my opinion that our players get stronger and tougher. We have a lot of young guys and I think it would be great for them to work in that area.

How are those two statements related? If we aren't scoring, then when we win games it is because of Howard! We don't stand a chance with our current goal production. In the history of goaltending in the NHL there have been no more than 10 goals scored by goalies, so don't expect Howard to get a shutout every game. It's not possible, and all three goals tonight were because of bad puck luck. He made bad plays yes, but he also had bad luck. Wings need to score more than 2 goals a game if they're going to get into the playoffs, plain and simple. No other goalie in the world is going to be able to win more than Howard has if the team doesn't score more than 2 goals.

This is one that will have a lot of debate I think. MacLean has done a spectacular job with his team, but so have Therrien, Babcock, Boudreau and if you really want throw in Quenneville as well.