Scottio

This just in. A man can love Darren Helm and still be straight.

A freak play was the only way that Caps-Rangers game would ever end. Talk about slow, plodding, no-chance hockey. I honestly thought I'd never get to see the Wings tonight the way that game was going.

That said, we have to be the worst team in pro hockey at filling the empty net. I mean, WTF?

Damn, I LOVE ME SOME WINGS!

This is just good solid lunchpail hockey. I feel I haven't seen this in years.

Hate to say it. But Pav hasn't gone anywhere near the net tonight. I think he knows this ain't the night to be a hero. Yotes are playing for pelts.

Tell you what. E hasn't had a great game. Or a great series. But on a night like tonight, he's just the Wings need: a huge body who can take some pounding and come out with the puck. The Yotes are absolutely bringing it. If I'm Tippett, I can't fault my team's effort. They've been good for all but the first 10 minutes of the game.

This Yotes penalty kills is incredibly aggressive. They REALLY pressure the points.

We need to win this in four, at worst five. There will be plenty of bruises coming out of this series.

Fil's played a helluva game. His best work largely goes unnoticed. He's been a warrior in our end, working his ass off along the boards.

How is that not interference?

Can't recall the last team that so effectively blocked all of Lids' shooting lanes.

Don't sweat it, Bryz. That shot was SICK.

Really glad to have the long change behind us. Let's keep this shifts short, boys.

I lived in Scottsdale last spring. Had to listen to Nash for all but one or two games of that seven-game series. He is, without a doubt, this worst color guy in the game. And a gigantic, shameless cheerleader. I nearly ground my teeth to nubs listening to him shine every Coyote pebble into a diamond. I'm in North Carolina now and thrilled to be free of him this time around (though it might be a little more fun given how this series has gone so far).

So I'm joining late here. A few thoughts, curious what the rest of the room thinks. 1. Great road game by the Wings. Physical, controlled, smart, opportunistic. This is the 2008 Wings. 2. Phoenix is playing a fantastic game for being down 3-1. 3. Is it me, or is Babs hiding Lids a bit? He's looked downright mortal at times. And I'm the staunchest defender of Lids you'll ever find. 4. Drew Miller is earning a contract for next year. Talk about a guy who gets it. Just works, battles, goes to the net, and makes big plays. 5. Howie's been very good. But the Wings have been just as good in front of him. Very heartening to see the crease getting cleared so efficiently.

I watched that last play again on my DVR. No penalty. Eaves just shoved the guy off the puck. Not sure why Tippett wanted a call there.

Did Tippett go tanning Sunday? Or is his blood pressure WAY high?

Helm is a BEAST.