Heroes of Hockeytown

Oh ******* man, Mason.

Our inaugural groooaaaan of the year.

Franzen was buzzing all period, alas, no goals.

Fourth liners, everywhere.

I see the fourth line is picking up where it left off.

Bert's looked sharp to kick things off.

Good puck control, I'm diggin' it.

The hockey season is starting, the Tigers are going to make the playoffs, Michigan will down Sparty, and the Lions will upset da Bears. It's going to be a great weekend to be a sports fan in Michigan.

I suspect he's still a little shy about shooting, but his preseason performance and chemistry with Leino have been very encouraging.

He also holds the dubious honor of being the only coach in NHL history to lose in Game 7 of the Finals with two different teams. Poor fella.

I need a fix cause I'm goin' down.

Not sure what kind of HOF class he's up against (he won't beat out Joe for the number one spot) but as long as it's not as strong as this year's he should get in. His NHL totals and international experience speak for themselves.

Tada.

Ha, I guess I will. Until the home run pass though he seemed to be losing the puck alot instead of just having it on a string as per usual, which is why I mentioned it. The top line seemed a little out of sync and the second line definitely was. Leino-Flip-Willy was the best looking unit to me. Overall though, they did a good job, they killed it on the PP and Jimmy looked great. Very cool witnessing that European atmosphere and those football-style chanting and singing in the stands.

Pavel has not had much mojo this afternoon.

Power play has totally killed it today. But Sweden strikes back!

The kids are alright.

Jimmy is playing lights out today.

He did, but it was a pretty simple shot through a screen. This is the first game he's played all preseason, he's a step behind right now.

Traaaaiiiiiiin

Oooh, nicely executed play off the bounce.

Clearly I meant [North] American.

f*** yeah Sam Roberts. Do they always play American tunes in Swedish rinks?

Rink PA: THE WORLD'S BEST HOCKEY LEAGUE, THE NHL!! Have a little humility guys, you're a guest in their house.

Can't play that one in American arenas. Think of the children! Aaaand Flipper.