Rice

It's better to be on the lucky side than the losing side, even if you're outplayed. The Wings haven't been so fortunate in that respect in recent years.

Hasek's already been playing great so I'm going to say Bertuzzi and Chelios. Bertuzzi needs to get under Pronger's skin. He needs to nail Pronger every time there is a loose puck in the Ducks' end and make him pay for all the ice time he gets. Bertuzzi also needs to start scoring because secondary scoring is going to be a key in this series. The Ducks shut down line will probably limit the first line's chances. Chelios needs to play as well as he has been with Schneider's absence. He can't let his age show and he needs to bring back his offensive game for the powerplay.

Maybe because the games are played on the ice and not on paper? I believe Giguere's new-born son (or daughter?) had medical problems during the first few games of the Minnesota series. Giguere elected to stay with his family and Bryzgalov started. Keep in mind the Wings have played 12 games while the Ducks have only played 10. You can't only go by stats.

Here are the experts' picks from TSN. I know they don't mean anything, but: Bob Mckenzie (10-2): Anaheim Darren Dreger (11-1): Detroit Darren Pang (11-1): Detroit James Duthie (10-2): Anaheim Listed in parentheses are each of their records so far. It appears we have a tie -- but wait: Maggie (7-5): Detroit

It's not a "BIG MISTAKE" but I wouldn't call it a great move either. The price and term are fine it's just the roster spot that is concerning.

Irish Blues is a global mod at Hockey's Future and he has a source within the league apparently. He generally has contract details before they are released. Grigorenko has been signed to a one year deal paying him $858,800 for the 07/08 season. This should come out soon. If this isn't credible enough to be in GD it can go to the rumor mill. I'm excited to see what this guy can do!

He's also faced the least amount of shots of the goalies still in it, which would make sense considering he's played the least games and they were against the offensive powerhouses Vancouver and Minnesota.

Thanks, Matt. One problem though: Buffalo only lost one game to the Islanders.

Here's confirmation from Holland. By the way, for everyone wondering about the two-way deal: He can go back to Russia if he doesn't crack the roster.

I'm guessing LGKrinkrat is from LetsGoKings and he's just bitter that his team is the Detroit Lions of the NHL.

Here's the link. It's from August of '06 but has he really fallen off that much since then?

I was under the impression that the Wings didn't want him to play on the national team. Am I just making that up?

Mayweather is a dick. I was hoping De La Hoya would whoop his ass.

Grigorenko was an elite prospect before the accident. Now they say he is 85% of what he was. He could still end up being a very good top six guy.

That's not a zinger, it's a fact.

I think he meant the Ducks have two phenomenal defensemen while the Wings only have one. He didn't mean Pronger is extra phenomenal.

Cleary and Franzen weren't a surprise to me. Cleary scored 20 goals this year and him and Franzen are each very hard workers. Franzen has a lot of offensive upside too. Hard work is a recipe for success in the post-season. Lilja, on the other hand, has been the unsung hero for the Wings. I can't believe his play. He's come out of nowhere to lead the league in hits. He's been smart and has only taken one penalty through two rounds. Outstanding play from a guy most of us couldn't wait to be rid of.

Most likely it's a two-way deal. I think the Wings want to start him off in the AHL with the Griffins.

I was going to make a post about this. There has been almost no mention of Markov from the media or even the fans. He's been great, IMO. The guy brings it in the playoffs. Hopefully we get to see him flatten Selanne at center ice next round.

Yup, alright.

Holland said he might be able to play in the Finals, assuming we make it, and even that is optimistic.

Ding ding ding. Hasek may not be the best at handling the puck but it's a big part of the Wings success so far.

What's that? A couple of your boys hugging as Christy supervises? Alright. Ottawa?! What about Buffalo?! Great story-lines either way if we end up getting past Anaheim.

Doubtful. The Ducks are a completely and utterly different team than they were with Babcock behind the bench. He may know what Kunitz's favorite movie is but I don't know if that's much of an advantage.