Dabura

lol

OK. I know we've got the new enemies thread and I've run my mouth in it quite a few times about this subject and yadda yadda yadda. But, seriously, how are we not more pumped about the move to the Eastern Conference? Less travel. More attractive to free agents (mostly because less travel). Earlier start times. The East sucks. Etc. I feel like I almost want to call Holland a genius now. Because if you think about it, all the complaints and stuff that we've been voicing for so long...are they as relevant now, given that the East sucks? Oh, sure, every team in the East likes to hit, and most carry at least one knuckledragger. But I find it weird that everyone, when talking about this Big Bad East thing, totally forgets that the West boasts the likes of the Ducks, Kings, and Blues. Oh, and hey, that reminds me: guess what! We don't have to play the Blackhawks 997 times a season! Think of all the points we might get back now. Or, here, think of it this way: say we only play the 'hawks roundabout twice last season. Do we still finish in seventh? NO. We don't. I know, I know, THE PENGUINS. Well, they're trending downwards. And they were never that good anyway. And I know, I know, THE BRUINS. The Bruins do not scare me at all. I mean, sure, they're probably going to give us problems here and there, more so than any other Eastern team. But, again, it's not like we haven't had the New Blackhawks (best team in hockey, though it pains me to say it) rammed down our collective throat the past few seasons. And, again: Ducks, Kings, Blues (I almost feel silly putting them on this list, but they're big and strong and grinding and nasty and their blue line is crazy and their goalies are good. They just can't score. Or win.) And the Sharks always beat us, at least in their building. And even the Flames, they always beat us, at least...no, wait, the just always beat us. And another thing. You know that whole "getting up for Detroit" thing? Where, like, the Preds and Jackets and all the lower-mid-to-bottom clubs play us extra hard every time they play us? I doubt we'll be seeing nearly as much of that in the East, at least not in the first several years or so. Maybe I'm being stupid. But I just think that this move suddenly makes us legitimate contenders. And I just think that's really, really awesome. (And that's saying nothing of our bright future, e.g. friggin' IMAGINE what our blue line will look like in five years ish.) We've been playing teams that know us inside-out, and, generally, have figured out what it takes to beat us. Not (as) true in the East! etc. etc. etc. etc. Agree with me. Be pumped, excited, incredibly psyched that we're in the East. Because it's gonna be awesome. (And don't get on me about destroying our karma or dooming us to finish in last place. I'm not the only one who feels this way. There just aren't enough people who feel this way. Which is the point.)

Typical Wings, turning it on with a minute left.

Holy God, Z was *this* close. I hate the Blackhawks.

Maybe tipped by Sheahan.

Has it been mentioned that Samuelsson on the point is a terrible idea? ERICSSON

Tatar > Brunner

I'd be interested to see how we do against a team that isn't the Penguins, Blackhawks, or Bruins.

Better get used to it, cuz he's the new Crosby.

We can't beat the 'hawks. We just can't.

McLennan suggesting MacTavish might have to acquire someone, re: the injury (or injuries, plural. Not totally sure) sustained in the game last night against the Canucks. (Nasty stuff, btw.) Possible "dance partner" for Holland?

Beating ourselves tonight, IMHO.

Softest call I've ever seen. We're experts at this by now.

We're dominating right now. Just not on the scoreboard.

Soooo many giveaways tonight.

The shinguard assassin strikes again!

Good game so far. Lots of chances for both sides. Good tempo.

Jimmy looks pretty solid tonight, no?

Z's not terribly pleased.

I think Z is drunk. Smith is terrible.

That goal's on Marchenko.

Holy crap, Svedberg is 6'9!

Totally agree, harold.

I'm sorry, but our first line...is awesome.

Nice block by Sheahan.