rick zombo

Word. I giggle everytime I think about it. Good points. I definitely thought about both Cleary and Lang's tying goals against San Jose and Calgary respectively. They could easily be on that list.

Markov and Lilja have really been amazing. Of course Lidstrom and Chelios have been absolutely awesome too.

Lilja's play suprises me the most. But everyone has elevated their game.

I think he meant drop Datsyuk's goal on Nabokov's gaffe on the list. Not off the list.

sweet Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Homer Bertuzzi - Filpulla - Franzen Draper - Maltby - Cleary Sammuelson - Hudler - Grigorenko ?

Awesome thread. Again. Let's hope there's two more of these.

Wednesday night

Hasek coming out to play the puck, especially when he cut-off "dump ins" behind the net were a big reason Detroit had success against San Jose's forecheck.

I will be dissapointed if they don't go all the way, because for guys like Cheli, Hasek, and maybe even Lidstrom, this might be there last real good cahnce to win it again.

You did hear this. The TSN guys were speculating after Clagary got bumped by the Wings. It makes perfect sence. If you had to chose only one of Kipper and Iginla, you have to go with Kipper.

Great article. A little cocky with all the "this series is over" editorial opinions and what not, but still great.

You guys are silly. Anyway, in respose to the origial post and linked article: At least Detroit are doing their part.

Yzerman's ahead of Messier now

I can't see Markov or Schneider being back next year. 2007-08: Lidstrom - Sarich Kronwall - Lilja Chelios - Lebda Quincey 2008-09: Lidstrom - Kronwall Sarich - Lebda Quincey - Kindl Ericsson All I know is Detroit's defence needs a Markov/Sarich/Vishnevski type guy more than Schneider. A solid stay-at-home D-man is needed. Especially paired with Lidstrom, who's playoff play is much better this year with Markov than it was last year when he played with Lilja.

Howard's ready. He helped the 8th place Griffin's take the 1st place Moose to 7 games. His numbers? 1.93 GAA and .920 SV% At this stage in Ryan Miller's career he was ready to play 30 - 40 games with Buffalo. Start Howard and Osgood in tandem.

I agree that I'd want it to be Big Bert. But it will most likely be Hasek or Lidstrom. If anyone. Hopefully it won't be Big Joe. Excellent point. And it's not because San Jose are scared to be hit, but it seems when Detroit have played physical against the Sharks they are making a statement : "see, we want to win this bad". I think this intimidates San Jose. Not physically, but mentally. Like "we can't beat these guys, they want it more than us"

Kipper, Turco, and Hasek were/are all "hotter" than Backstrom. And Anaheim had the softest first round match-up BY FAR of any team that advanced to the 2nd round in the West. And they had the best match-up 2nd round too. (SJ, Det > Van) And here I thought the first place team was supposed to get rewarded, not the 2nd. edit for grammar.

You almost always have to face adversity in the first two rounds to win the cup. Anaheim has not had this. Buffalo, Detroit, and San Jose have. Anaheim will be well rested. This is good for them. But they haven't been forced to elevate their play yet (see: no adversity) This could hurt them. Edit to add: if they do make it to the finals they will be smoked by Ottawa anyway.

Except Marleau has been truly invisible both at home and on the road. Datsyuk is no Marleau in this series.

Smart move. Ellis is a very viable replacement for Calder if Babcock is shy about playing Hudler. It will be good, in general, for these guys to soak up some of the playoff atmosphere the Wings have got going on right now.

Zeterberg was 75% on face-offs last night. And he all but assisted on Homer's goal. Plus he did a lot of work to cause the Hannan turnover on Schneider's winner. Hard to criticize Hank. Pavel will come through on the road. Just like he's come through, in general in these playoofs, despite all doubters. I would like to add though, that I don't think either player has been bad enough on the road to warrant this thread. Not with all the other topical options this series brings. IMO

Screw Shanny. He floated around Detroit for the last 2 or 3 seasons, playing like Lang. Now all of a sudden he's "motivated" again. Bullsheet.

can I say "ugh" instead?

I truly believe the Wings will win on Wednesday. After that it is a best of three. It's up for grabs. Like I said before , get a split in San Jose and get home ice advantage back.

"Hanta Yo My Lord! Hanta Yo!" How's that?