puckloo39

They're not asleep. I don't believe they need a wakeup call. The Wings are too good for that. Something else is messing with their heads and they're goign to figure it out. I believe the Wings are going to play 60 minutes of great hockey tonight, and I believe they will win. It is what they need to do, and I have faith they will do it.

I think the Wings are awake. They don't need a wake-up call. They are under-achieving by Red Wings standards, and it's slightly embarrassing to me sometimes when they get beat over and over for the puck. If it's embarrassing for me as a lowly fan, I can only imagine how chagrined they are about their own efforts, some nights. Anyway, I would call this game a barometer game, not really a measuring stick. Q: How much more pressure could the Wings put on opponents if they wanted to? A: Tons more! They just haven't acted like they cared most games, until the last period and the last ten minutes. As a former teacher, I would put this comment on their report cards: "The Red Wings are very skilled and work and play well together. However, they need to apply themselves and do their best to not coast and play half-speed, when the opposing team is driving to the net and out-skating them." :xmas: Go, Wings!!! Win it tonight!

I hope you're right. Good post!

it's on Center Ice. No score yet, time 9:15 remaining in the first I have to go to a party, so you guys watch 'em for me. Hope Columbus skates them into the ground, and wears them out for us!

So, if Bedard is so bad, wonder why the Red Wings have retained his services all these years? I saw clips of Ozzie last season working with Bedard in practices. I am really not sure how Bedard has been instrumental in ruining Oz's game this season. All I am saying is that nothing of consequence (according to a lot of posters here) has changed in the make up of the team, from last season to this one. If you think Dom contributed nothing to the win last season, I would have to respectfully disagree. There is clearly something missing from the equation. I am not saying it's Ozzie's fault. You don't need to launch personal attacks and post page-long rants to make a point, just because I don't agree with you. I'm really not worth it. edit: You say the 43 year old Hasek was past his prime before last season? The 42 year old Hasek consistently lead the league in sv%age and GAA the previous season, give or take a week or so. He got the Wings to the finals for the first time since 2002, when he left. I guess if a player like Dom can completely lose it over a summer, it's possible anyone could. However, to have a direct comparison, you'd have find another goalie who's still playing in the number 1 spot at 43.

You just bring out the best in me, what can I say??

All of that from one little statement? Amazing. You really are amazing. I stopped reading about half-way through this latest diatribe. Wow. edit: I am sure I will be sorry for asking, but who's Ozzie's coach this year? I refer to your statement: Ozzie hires a DIFFERENT goaltending coach last Season, and has what many consider to be his best ever Season, playing the best hockey of his career. AND he just happens to lead the Wings to the Cup. Ozzie doesn't even resemble the same goalie we last saw in June. Can we get that coach back, maybe? The only difference in the team this season vs last season is the absence of Hasek.

so, buy me a new camera for Christmas!

that's quite common in my case, if you ask some around here. Thanks for the linky. I love the amazon.com projected shipping date of "one to two months" As opposed to rolling into the Joe and just buying it right now, and at a 25% discount. edit: score! My friend is going to the game on Thursday and said she will try to get me a copy. Yay! Thanks, K!!!

Jim Bedard, the best in the business. The current situation in goal isn't something he can solve.

this is too cute for words! I would love a copy of this book, but assume it's only for sale at the Joe.

Edi, you are and always will be adorable. It's your curse. Lucky for you all, my camera bit the dust and I have no funds to purchase a new one. Use your imaginations... it's better than reality in my case, anyway.

I hate to say this, but that first Avs goal only a minute into the game seemed to take the life out of the Wings. I didn't see any real effort until the last ten minutes tonight.

at least there's nt enough time left for an empty netter for Colorado.

Hoss, you are the man!! OK, two more now.

it happened all last season, as well.

who? Lilja? Anybody here think the Wings have at least three goals left in 'em this period?

Raycroft for Vezina

ugh. nice one for Leopold, scored on his first NHL penalty shot. Cripes. 3-1 Colorado, in case you can't see this.

don't say that too loud.

to The Person Above the Person Above me: I have been to Fargo, ND when the wind chill was -48 and it was snowing sideways so hard you couldn't see 2 feet ahead of you - literally. Ack. to the Person above me: hang on, things have to get better. In the meanwhile, all the best! You just have to have faith at times like this. to answer the question: I don't hate this year's holiday season any more than usual. I have no family, so the media conspiracy to make us long-time orphans/third wheels feel like losers gets a little old. But other than that, I like the festivies and the music. And the food! TPBM is going somewhere really fun for Christmas. Your parents' house doesn't count, even if that is going to be fun. I mean a neat-o destination type fun.

^^^ You actually make some good points. Avery was a pup with training wheels when he was a Wing in 2002, and I am sure hasn't changed all that much over time. But I am willing to bet that the vets like Shanny and Stevie, not to mention Scotty, saw to it that he stayed in line. I tend to agree with you that the Stars saw an opportunity to dump Avery, with "good reasons" on their sides. That said, if he was a locker room cancer and out of control, they might have had good reasons. I suspect (JMO) that the reason Avery ever came to Dallas was 100% Brett Hull's doing. He should have stood up for his buddy, if that's the case. I notice he didn't. I never have thought all that highly of Hull as a person, anyway -- but who knows if he was even involved in all of this. It sure seems like the Stars took out their frustration at being a bottom feeder (not all their fault, lots of injuries, etc.) on Avery, however. Let's see if they magically get better without him.

I wish. nooooo, I had to come to work. Of course, I am messin' around in here, instead of working. But that's not the point. It's cold outside. TPBM has seen Wall-E and loved it.

Toro snowblowers... Ya'll are SO bad!! At least their goalie has worse stat than ours. Go, offense!! I hope the real Wings show up for this former rivalry. We win by one goal, I say. So what else is new? Hossa with the GWG.

Stars boot Avery, game over wow.