Nightfall

Just to think when Osgood was waived, a majority of Wings fans were saying that he wasn't the guy who would be able to take them to another cup. Which is why when Hasek was available, he was brought forward to lead a superstar studded team. Not Osgood. As a goalie, I have been there before as well in the rec leagues. When you play for a team for a while and have great success, all good things must come to an end eventually. When the team starts to struggle, I know a lot of teams that are fast to replace players. Especially for those who are proven winners or good players. To Osgood's credit, he reinvented his goalie style which is more than 98% of all goalies can do, and is showing he has the skills to be the #1 in Detroit. I am glad to see him get recognition for everything he has accomplished. I admit that I was one of those people who thought Osgood's time was gone. I wasn't calling for his head, but I was glad to see Hasek come into the fold to lead that all star lineup. It wasn't until this season when I saw him play that I can say that my faith was renewed in his abilities. For that, I have to say, "Osgood, I apologize". If the Wings do win the cup this year, you can bet that I will be starting a thread on this board called "I apologize". Hockey fans on forums across the board are very fickle and opinionated. A player like Osgood deserves a lot of credit, and I know there were people on this board who could stand up and admit the same thing.

Well, Therien wasn't AS negative in his press conference tonight. Still, that link is worth watching a few times. Only former Lake Superior State coach Frank Azalone (sp) made a press conference more interesting. I know cause I interviewed him at least 2-4 times a season when I did work for USCHO.

Uh, that video was taken at Melon Arena. Look at the backdrop. In short, that wasn't the press conference tonight.

Meh, the same could be said if you are a Pens fan. I have a friend who is a pens fan who pointed out a couple interference situations that should have been called. Fans of a team will always see the game differently and want more calls for their team they are rooting for.

Babcock is on the NHL Network now. His replay from the podium if anyone wants to watch.

Well, on a closing note.... I am very impressed with what I saw from the Wings tonight. The second and third lines really kicked it into high gear. They accounted for 3 of the 4 goals which is promising to see. Cleary's play was impressive to see. He looked like a new man without that jaw brace on, and as a hockey player, I can understand why he probably was playing tenative with that device on. I really didn't rag on Samuelson too much, but I have to say, "I apologize". Good to see him come up big in game 1. Both sides had chances in this game. For as much as the analysts said that this could have been a 8-0 Detroit win, the Pens hit posts and had close calls as well. A few bounces go their way and the game could have been tied late. The Wings capitalized on their chances, the Pens didn't. Wings win. Every game is important, but Detroit has a chance to take a leg out from under the Pens if they win the next game. The refereeing was good as well. As a goalie, I can understand why that goal was waived off. If I was trying to go down in butterfly, and a forward has his stick in my five hole or interfering with me, I would be bent. As a Wings fan, I thought the call was weak, but I can't fault the refs for making that call. Great game! Lets hope for another strong effort on Monday night!

The team and the fans of the team that wins the game doesn't complain about the refereeing 98% of the time. The team and the fans of the team that loses the game complains about the refereeing 98% of the time.

If I am not mistaken, they got a couple calls like that, one of them against Lindstrom when Malone was interfered with in the offensive zone.

Well, in unrelated news, the Pistons played like crap and lost at home. Celtics just got home court back. Blah!

IMHO, the refs called a good game tonight. I guess I must be in the minority.

In the meantime, the Pistons are getting their asses handed to them.

Well, Lemieux looks like he is having fun..... Not. Nice goal by Zets.

Wow! The second and third lines are scoring. Great news! 3-0! I guess getting rid of that jaw protector really helped.

Heh, only a true Wings fan would take a totally blatant interference call thats so obvious and debate it.

Once again.... Will all the Samuelson apologizers please stand up. 2-0

Will the Samuelson apologizers please stand up. Nice goal.

Neither can the pens. This game is all going to depend on which team can capitalize on those breaks.

Penguins had 4 power plays to my count, which is 8 minutes shorthanded for the wings. Crazy.

Common misconception. The goalie is not "fair game" outside the crease. Read the rulebook sometime.

Well, as a goalie, I like that call because that kind of thing has happened to me before in games and its a toss up if it gets called in the rec leagues. As a wings fan, its crap.

I like the Wings pressure so far. Fleury is sharp, so they will need to hit the net with their shots as often as possible. They are missing the net on a lot of shots so far.

Christ, he hit him in the head with his stick. You have to be in control of your stick at all times. It was a legit call.

I say remove his name from the list after he makes a few well thought out posts. So far, all I have seen are bashes on our economy and intelligence level. Until he proves himself otherwise, he is a troll IMHO. Otherwise, to the other Pens fans, welcome!

Quoted for truth my friend. The schedule the last few years has been crap. I hate playing 32 games against teams in your own division. I am glad that is getting paired down. At the same time though, the finals this year will be interesting because both teams have not played each other since exhibition. I bet both sides are wondering what the heck is going to happen because its uncharted territory thats for sure.

It is said here because 90% of the teams we play against are in the west. Its easier to look at teams that are tougher when you play against them all the time. This is why I am glad the schedule is getting changed next season. I would love to see more of the east teams more often.