Matt

No killer instinct through 40 minutes, some horrible turnovers, horrible line changes... It's cliche, but you can see it when the Wings are on defense: they're playing not to lose rather than to win. They're getting some good solid plays off from time to time and if you looked at the box score (outside of the scoring summary) you'd figure the Wings were winning this game. Going to have to dig deep in the third period, amp the pressure up to 11 and get a power play or two that they can finish on. Guys are getting a bit too cute out there and need to get shots on net and then crash the hell out of it. Attack! Attack!! ATTACK!!!

Babcock's words, not mine. I would think we'd have a little more leeway come Saturday.

That's my "no sleep and coffee hasn't kicked in yet" face... And yeah, that's edicus. I wasn't kidding when I said I had just taken it, lol.

A little late to the game, but here's mine as of a few minutes ago. (I usually have a light, trimmed beard but I completely shaved all facial hair off right before the start of Game 1 of the Nashville series.)

Of all people to post this, I'm amazed it's you... I don't think anyone's panicking in here, lol.

Actually, add Rafalski and McCarty to that list. Samuelsson, Rafalski and McCarty are my Goats of the Game. I can't wait until Franzen's able to get back into the lineup because McCarty just hasn't had it in this series when he's played. He's been horrible.

Ah, damnit. Samuelsson has been absolutely brutal in this game. BRUTAL.

See? And that was why I wasn't worried...

Meh. For some reason I'm not concerned about the Wings trailing in this game heading into the third. Ice started to shift late in the period a bit and funky bounce led to a goal. Game should be tied, anyway. I don't doubt the Wings will tie it in the third and still come away with a win here.

You can bet Detroit is, too. Time to bust out of the malaise of the first 30 minutes.

Simul-post FTW!

On a side note, we're now sure that we won't see O'Halloran ref a Stanley Cup Final game. Pathetic. Seeing what he wants to see and not what's actually there.

What a horrible ******* call. I'm not one to complain about refereeing, but 3 straight to the Red Wings and then a phantom impedment call? Horses***.

Seriously though -- for the fans here that have the Red Wings' "Celebration of Champions" DVD Set, I'd suggest that you pop-in the DVD that has games from the 1997 run. Watch that team play. In 2002 the Red Wings won the Cup because they had a Hall of Fame roster. I'm not saying they didn't work to get there, but it's easier with Hall of Famers on your 4th line. Not since 1997 have I seen a team play a postseason like this 2008 team. In fact, today, as it stands right now -- I feel they're playing at a higher level than that 1997 team. It's seems blasphemous to say something like that, but I honestly believe it right now. They are playing unbelievable hockey... I mentioned it in the Game 3 GDT after it was over, but it bears repeating: "Wow. Words simply can not desribe the level that this team is playing on right now. You run out of superlatives."

Haha, I know... I just wanted to expand on my point but I didn't want to do it in the original post because it would've spoiled the one-liner thunder.

Honestly, it would've been better for the Penguins to have had faced some form of adversity earlier in their playoff run, just so they know how -- as a team -- to respond to it. It's come all to easy so far for this team and it's going to be a harsh reality check in the final. I'm not making any predictions until the Conference Finals have officially concluded, but it's highly possible (probable) that the Final could be over before the Penguins realize what hit them. Starting on the road for the first time... potentially playing a team that hasn't lost there... actually in the Cup Final and the overwhelming experiece is when you're there for the first time.... then the first time trailing in a series... I'm sure that comes off as excessively arrogant, but there has been something special coming together for this Red Wings team over the last couple of weeks and who am I to stand back and not be a believer?

Just following his lead. It's amusing what people will spout off and then follow up with "uh, no offense" as some form a cover. Seriously though, this guy just slapped the fans here in the face (like the people that post here DON'T go to the games?) and expects nothing back? The first Penguins fans to filter in here have been pretty amusing so far. I understand they're all bubbly about their team and all -- and there has been plenty of reasons to be so during their first three series -- but, man... ...as I said earlier in the thread: School starts next week for the young Penguins. Don't forget your notepads!

If you believe that you're a ******* moron. (No offense.)

Fine by me. Take solace in having "two of the best three" players in the world while us Wings fans enjoy the two most complete hockey players on the planet, one of the top defensemen to ever play the game and, oh yeah... ... that shiny silver trophy. But hey, at least you've got Crosby and Malkin, right?

While I won't say the Penguins' defense is "crap" -- teams that get to the SCF don't get there without solid play on both sides of the puck -- but do you want to get taken up on that "surprised" bet? It's okay for now, though, you're bubbly, glowing and excited about your team being up 3-0 on a scrappy little Flyers club. School starts next week for your young Penguins.

Boy are you in for a surprise...

Good god -- that one is GOLD on so many levels.

Well, the point of this for me was just a reminder of "jesus people, calm the F down!" -- because back early in that series people were falling over themselves to play the role of Chicken Little while the more level-headed were, well... ...more level-headed.

Note the date. (This was from Game 3.)