BlueMonk

Maybe. I think Markov and Bertuzzi's presence will be missed. People can talk about Bert not contributing much, but I think the definitive moment of the playoffs belonged to him; when he body slammed Phaneuf into the ice and symbolically announced, "We're not taking any sh** off you motherf**kers." They'll need a signature moment or two like that along the way if they're going to get to the SCF this year. I'm just not sure who it's going to come from. Being physical in the playoffs is essential. You gotta stand up to stuff to go deep.

I have a hard time rooting for the Wings to lose, but Chicago is my dream 1st round opponent. I kind of hope it works out that way.

I just realized I've missed like 2 months worth of posts on this thread. All caught up now. Biggest disappointment for me (I think Lou said the same thing) was Brashear-Chara; that had the makings of a dream fight, but it was over before it began.

I opened this and wondered if LNAH was included, but I see it's not. If it was, the entire league would have to shut down!

He does some stuff on CBC for Hockey Night In Canada, too. I've seen him do the instructional segments on the ice with Ron McLean.

The funny thing is, in the movie, old-time hockey is a reference to "clean" hockey, without the goonery.

I'm a big fan of Grapes, but yeah, that was insane.

I hope his f**king groin falls off.

Check it out. One of the best columns I've seen in a while.

I never get tired of watching the Blues melt down because they're losing to the Red Wings. I just love it. They can't take it. Awesome.

This morning, I ate two large bran muffins and drank a cup of strong coffee. Then I sh** a better goal scorer than Jiri Hudler. Bitter right now, BlueMonk

Sure, losing the defensemen is huge. But can we get a forward who will go to the freakin' net, please?

I think it's unlikely, but it's certainly not impossible. The Wings could use a little help. It would be nice if a favorable playoff seeding fell into their lap. If a team like Dallas could beat Anaheim, I'd like Detroit's chances against the Stars better than the Ducks; stuff like that. I don't think the Red Wings can get past Anaheim. That's the only team I'm really sure they're going to have problems with. That team is extremely talented, very big, very tough and they have a monster goaltender who plays his best in the playoffs. The Wings lack size up the middle and their goaltending is questionable. But hey, crazier things have happened. I wouldn't be shocked if Detroit goes all the way. But I wouldn't bet any money on it.

If you line up all 16 teams in both conferences in order of which team has the best odds of winning the Stanley Cup, I would probably rank Dallas 16th. I consider them the least dangerous playoff team in the NHL. There will probably be several teams that don't make the playoffs that are better equipped for a playoff run.

You guys make a good point about the similar reputation Datsyuk had before last year. I just question whether Hossa is the kind of player who is going to respond when a team like the Ducks are trying to beat the crap out of him and get him off his game.

I haven't really read any of this thread, but I'm lukewarm about Hossa. They could use the regular season scoring, but the guy has like 4 points in 1,261 playoff games. Dunno if he'd be worth giving up what they'd have to give up.

I was talking with a fan from Calgary and she says they continue to report Lidstrom will be out 6 weeks to 3 months. Like, just now during their pre-game show. What kind of irresponsible reporting is that? I mean, maybe 3 weeks is a bit speculative or optimistic; I don't know. But to just make something up like 6 weeks to 3 months is ridiculous.

As long as I don't have to hear about this motherf**ker riding the fence about whether or not he's going to play anymore, I'm happy. He makes Brett Favre look decisive.

It's hilarious watching even knowledgeable hockey fans here cite hit stats to illustrate that the Wings are matching up physically with other teams. For one thing, the hit stats the league keeps are kind of a joke to begin with. The home team's scorekeeper records them, so they're not much better than the 3 stars of the game. And the point of hitting isn't just to separate the player from the puck, it's to wear down your opponent. Your points ring true, GST.

Enough with the Peter Forsberg sh** already. Second straight year he's holding the sports media hostage with this whole "will he or won't he play this season?" act. F**k you, Floppa. Take your blue eyes and your uneven legs and retire to Sweden once and for all so I don't have to watch this tired drama queen bit next year.

This is a Joel Quenneville Special: Get swept by Detroit, start the cheap shots in the last meeting of the regular season and let the sparks fly between the coaching staff. Only difference is, he let his assistant coach do the honors this time. With St. Louis, he spent 2 minutes s***ting his pants trying not to look at Joey Kocur.

I missed it. Can someone recap?

I'm no doctor, but I didn't think Lidstrom's injury looked all that serious. I hope I'm right. I'm glad Laperriere got his lunch fed to him, but I thought the hit was clean, and I give him credit for answering the bell when Downey challenged him.

Exactly. The 6 game losing streak is meaningless right now.

Clear win, Downey! Attaboy, Aaron!