wingsfan4795

I normally hate mike johnson. He picked the coyotes to beat the wings in '11... He also seems to always rely on stats when judging players or teams. I was happy to see him recognize Deke for his abilities even though he doesn't and likely wont ever stand out on the stat sheet. I also found it odd that they questioned Detroit's depth without giving any mention to our third and fourth lines. They were good on the stat sheet this past week, but even when they weren't scoring, the third line was possessing the puck and annoying opponents and the fourth line was grinding and agitating. I thought the exact same thing when they were talking about Chicago's depth right after botching the analysis on Detroit's depth I agree that it's stupid for everyone to think Chicago and Pittsburgh will have a cakewalk to the finals. Besides the kings last year (and they were underdogs in every series) no team has just walked through the playoffs with no opposition in a long time. I agree that Chicago probably wont make the finals, but I would have a hard time betting against the penguins in the east. Every team is either not near their skill level, or playing terribly coming in to the playoffs. The only teams I can really see beating them are the Rangers or the Capitals, and one of those teams will be out in the first round.

Unless you consider last year "history"

On NHL network, mike Johnson said dekeyser would.be the unsung hero of the first round for the whole western conference. Ej hradek said Howard would be the MVP of the first round in the west.

2 years ago, I remember missing the whole first period of game 4 (the series clinching game) against the coyotes because a capitals rangers game went into overtime

Wow!

Datsyuk seems to know how to get into their heads

It seems like fans on every team think he will be their teams steal. I don't know much about him but perhaps be is a bit underrated.

I think the ducks are more prone to penalties than we are. I don't think any of our forwards have shown any signs of fatigue, and I don't see that being an issue in the first round.We may benefit from their goaltending controversy. Boudreau still hasn't named a starting goalie. While its nice to have 2 good goalies (see blues), it can also easily backfire (see canucks)

Talk about backing into the playoffs. A month ago, Boston looked like the team to beat, now I wouldn't be surprised if the leafs bounced them in the first round

The team that showed up this week wouldn't be stopped by anyone, not even the Blackhawks. If anything, it was more impressive that they beat teams like Phoenix and LA, because they both had something to play for. Phoenix desperately wanted to make the playoffs, and LA desperately wanted home ice. Thanks to Detroit, neither team got their wish

Ok, but the point is that he let in 1 goal against Vancouver (and then one in the shootout), 0 goals against Phoenix, 1 against LA, 2 against Nashville and 0 against Dallas. Of course it wasn't ONLY him. If it was only him he would have to score the goals too, but he was our most valuable player down the stretch. (followed closely by Z and Dats) I'm sorry for focusing more on Howard in the thread that is specifically about Howard, but I think you probably got my point. Regardless, if Howard continues to play the way he has been, we'll be in for some exciting upsets! LGW!

That was one of the worst write-ups I've read in a long time. It seems like he wrote the whole story based on stats, and paid no attention to which players/ teams are hot right now. I understand why they would pick the Ducks, since they are the favorites, but at least come up with legitimate reasons to back up your opinions! After watching the video, these guys lost all credibility in my eyes when they agreed that there are only 5 legitimate cup contenders... I would say there are 16. The only team I would maybe call a non-contender is Minnesota because they have been playing so poorly of late, but even they could be contenders if they snap out of their funk. Thumbs down.

Kind of off topic, but its probably good for the Griffens that the wild made the playoffs. They play the wolf's ahl team. They would have little chance if that had to compete against granlund and brodin

They didn't back then, but would you agree that they seem to fit that mold now?

I hope they let it ride at least until they lose a game

You are encouraged to join the Photoshop "war". That way it can actually be a war

???? When Howard plays poorly, people can use his regular season stats as proof that he is "average", but when he puts the team on his back and carries them into the playoffs, the regular season doesn't matter????I've noticed something while reading through old posts in this thread. That tripod dude is only active on on LGW when something goes wrong for the wings... Is he just a much more patient CentCougar?

Hey Murph, are these really only a dollar? I'll have 2 more!

Shows how great this organization is: Paul MacLean- great coach for Ottawa Todd mclellan- great coach for SJ Stevie Y- gm for Tampa Jim Nill- possibly gm for stars Am I missing anyone?

West is set! Chicago vs. Minnesota Anaheim vs. DETROIT Vancouver vs. San Jose St. Louis vs. Los Angeles I see Chicago and Detroit winning. The other series' are harder to tell. I'll go with san Jose and LA

Best news of all: no shootouts in the playoffs! This series won't be as physically taxing as Ducks series in the past have been. The ducks just aren't as physical as they once were. I see our skill guys matching up well against theirs. The way franzen has been playing, I see him being more of a factor than Ryan for them. The ducks won a lot of games this year, but I really don't think they are as good as people think they are... In fact, I don't think there's anyone who the wings can't compete with. Should be a good series. Wings in 6! LGW!!!!

Love this!

It's his thing. Don't question it when its working! Go Jimmy!

They should salute the fans here at AA center

SOUTH DETROIT! Oh this is Dallas? Sorry it looks like a home game