rick zombo

I hope it goes 7 games as well. And Dallas wins. On a sidenote: only one overtime in 8 games so far in the playoffs. What's up with that? edit: Grammar, to make Zion happy.

The thing that pissed me off was it was about 8:20 before James Duthie came on and said that the game could be viewd on TSN's alternate feed. Question?: Why not tell us this at 8:00????????

OK. Blown call. Neutralized by about 4 blatant interference and roughing calls that should have been made against the Preds (Zidlicky punching Franzen in the face after he lost his stick, Lilja getting smoked at the blueline miles away from the puck, Draper getting punched in the face, Smithson leaving his feet to hit Draper, Datsyuk getting tripped full stride in the neutral zone, and so much more) Basically, the Refs decided to "let them play" last night. If this continues, it works in Nashvilles favour. So Barry, be greatful. Don't whine about one play when Detroit could have produced the winning goal on 1 of 4 or 5 PP they didn't have.

I thought Nashville got away with alot this game. Tackling Z and Pavs all the time. Zidlicky losing his stick and pumching Franzen in the face, knocking him down. A hit on Lilja when the puck was nowhere to be found. That trip on Datsyuk in the 2nd period. Draper was punched in the face after he gave a clean hit. Basically it was nice to see Kronwall drop the bomb. And it was hilarious to see Trotz and co. get all worked up on Zetterberg's goal because they felt Z tripped up the Nashville player to help create the odd man rush. Give me a break. Good hard fought win for Detroit.

Little nevrous about tonight's game....

Well, he definitely made Nabakov look human on May 5th and 7th of 2007.

One of Abdelkader or Downey should be in the line-up. Sammuelson = another finesse guy who's not even healthy Abdelkader/Downey = a physical forechecking presence with energy who is healthy. IF Sammy was healthy, then great, play him. He came up big in last year's post-season. But, unlike Draper or Holmstrom, what he brings to the team is not enough to warrant scratching a healthy player to squeeze him into the line-up. IMO.

Maybe the reason Bowman was looking so sheepish was because he's about to take over as head honch for the Maple Leafs, and they are going to sign Campbell

Kipper's too low on that list.

What was the infraction? I missed it I think.

I actually like that 4th line. But that checking line isn't good enough.

If Nashville can take away passing lanes, pressure Detroit's defence, cause turnovers, has their young defence play real physical against Hank and Pavel, and Dom suffers a total meltdown, then yes. I have a feeling this series may go 7 games. But I just can't see this particular Wings team losing. Unless they have some god-aweful luck (and I'd like to hope they have already experienced their quota of that for this season)

Good point, and I agree. But Downey's a good team guy and for the most part has proven he can play an effective role on this team. This is my rational for who plays: MaCarty = X factor like someone stated. Too much potential to pass up. Hartigan = semi-hot lately. might chip in a goal. Downey = At least for game 1. Nashville's PP was terrible in the regular season. So a bad penalty shouldn't be a concern. Drake = Obvious choice. I'd love to see Abdelkader or Helm play, because I like the idea of a young guy emptying the tank all over Nashville's defence. But I can't see either of them starting the series. But who knows.

I hate to break it to you but neither does Hartigan, Helm or Abdelkader. Basically, one or two guys with very little playoff experience will be playing Thursday.

Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Homer Filpulla - Franzen - Hudler Cleary - Draper - Drake McCarty - Hartigan - Downey/Abdelkader

Pure speculation: Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Homer Filpulla - Franzen - Hudler Cleary - Draper - Drake McCarty - Hartigan - Downey Slip Cleary in on the second line if needed. For the first few games, and quite possibly for the entire first round, you're looking at a short bench folks.

Looks like Stuart may sit http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/04/of..._ready_for.html

So between TSN and NBC we'll see the first 3 games up here in Canada for sure. It looks like Wednesday's game 4 might not be shown or game 5 on Friday. But we'll see.

Alllllllright. Although the TSN schedule is in need of some some serious editing, things are looking up. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=684

Normally my ritual consists of me and my brother going to my folks place to watch the game with Dad. But thanks to TSN, Center Ice, etc. that won't be happening for most of the Nashville series.

For those of us that live in Canada, we will not see any Red Wings hockey in the first round other than what NBC broadcasts. Center Ice does not cover the playoffs in Canada. I am so pissed. What's the point of getting Center Ice, watching your team all year, only to not be able to watch them in the playoffs.

A repeat performance of last years playoffs for Pavel (with a few more points on the road) and the Wings will be in good shape.

When Stuart returns, I think you'll see these pairings: Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Chelios - Lilja

Detroit needs to concentrate on what they do best. Limit Nashville's scoring chances, get the PP and PK going, and send lots of shots and traffic at Ellis. I don't like the idea of Detroit running around chasing Tootoo. If they can rub him out early then fine. But don't let him be a distraction and don't turn it in to a sideshow.