Matt

Bulls***. Pittsburgh was reeling the entire third period and got a goal with the extra man. They're without Gonchar, their best defenseman. While disappointing, I don't think there's even a hint of let-up from the Red Wings at the start of overtime. They're buzzing and I think that'll follow through in the extra session.

I'm strangely unconcerned. Wings win this early in overtime.

I wouldn't. I like rotating Cleary up on that top line -- it adds some speed there since Holmstrom doesn't bring that. Cleary made a nice centering play in the 2nd that resulted in a scoring chance, probably the 2nd one of the period outside of Fleury's nucking-futs save on Sameulsson.

Wings were better than they were in the 1st, but they've still been guilty of some horrendeous giveaways. A lot, a LOT of nerves in this game. Great effort by Helm in this game -- he's been fantastic and it doesn't seem like he knows he's supposed to be nervous. Power play has looked HORRIBLE and they'll need it to win this game. Trying to do too many things as individuals. They need to SKATE, win the little battles, win FACEOFFS (come on Flip, losing to Malkin?) and adopt the K.I.S.S. philosphy: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Get the puck on net and good things will happen (i.e., Helm).

I QFP'd for a reason.

Nope, after 30 minutes it times you out. It'll keep you active 30 minutes from your last click on the forums.

The sweet isn't as sweet without the sour...

I'm trying not to put the carriage in front of the horse here, but I wanted to get the word out about something I'd like to try out. Obviously, a lot of the fans here are from all over the country -- and all over the world -- and I'd like to, in some way, symbolize a "worldwide celebration" of sorts. So, if the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup tonight and you're in the Joe, Royal Oak, any of the area bars, in your family room or sitting in your living room in Stockholm -- take a picture (or video). Use your cellphone, whatever. Capture that moment of celebration and e-mail it to me. As long as the photos are good I'll post them up -- no male genitalia please. E-mail them from your phone to: mattschwartz@gmail.com or mattschwartz@msn.com and be sure to put "Cup Celebration" or some derivative of that as the subject. I'll try to gather them all up and post them as soon as I can. Don't forget to let me know who/where/when the photos are coming from.

No account necessary, they're calculated by unique IP addresses.

All that's required is that you just visit the forums right after the game. No post required, just people have to show within a 30-minute span.

Zetterberg gets my vote.

They'll definitely be in Royal Oak. They'll have the helicopters and everything else out.

Stop living in the 80s. The rest of the Metro Detroit area did.

Yes.

You know what's funny? I take an ESPN The Magazine (since they're huge) and open it over the sink. Shave, fold it along the bind and then put in the toilet/trash/whatever. Works like a charm. I think I'm gonna have to break out the machete or a weed whacker to get this thing trimmed down a bit first, however.

Amen to that... I'm looking forward to happily shaving this thing off.

That's along the same vein that I used for the Conference Final bracket wallpaper this year and, IMO, sums up the Red Wings' run perfectly: "Attack rapidly, ruthlessly, viciously, without rest, however tired and hungry you may be, the enemy will be more tired, more hungry. Keep punching."

Hmmm... I could walk from my house to downtown RO....

This guy deserves a medal!

I think this is my favorite of all the ones I've done during this run... I couldn't stop laughing making it.

I've been hemming n' hawing on Osgood vs. Zetterberg but Hank's play on that 5-on-3 cemented it for me. If they win the Cup he'd get my vote. He may not be lighting up the scoreboard thus far in the Final, but is there a forward you'd rather have on the ice when it's do-or-die? He's been unbelievable EVERYWHERE.

I was on my knees praying in front of the TV, I'll tell you that.

I hate doing this (jinx fear), but I'm going to say Cleary.

Dare I say McCarty hasn't looked horrible in this game?