Dabura

Next in line: Peter Forsberg.

I do expect a few calls to go their way. I also expect the PK-fail-streak to continue. But we have to remember: the 'hawks are coming off one of the most unhinged, undisciplined performances in recent postseason history. I think Bill will have an eye out for that stuff, so the Wings should own at least one of his eyes. And seeing as how he only has two eyes (the freak), I think he'll call a pretty even game like he normally does.

Holy s***. I didn't know Keith Moon played for the Caps.

An igloo up in the mountains.

Rafalski over Gonchar ten times out of ten. He's not only pound-for-pound better than Gonchar, but also far better suited for this system. Seeing him QB the umbrella on the PP gives me chills sometimes. His passes, the way he sees the ice -- it's pretty incredible. Plus, he knows what it takes to win. And with different clubs.

Hallelujah! I haven't read or heard anything that suggests they're dealing with majorly debilitating ailments, so no one should be doom & glooming over this. I'm fairly certain Dats and Nick are, more than anything else, recharging their batteries and staying out of the 'hawks' blood-red crosshairs. The Wings proved they can destroy the 'hawks without them. The 'hawks also proved they're more than willing to "play chippy." So, honestly, I'm perfectly fine with them sitting, especially if it means they'll have that all-important "extra jump" come the next round -- which would be all the more fortuitous should the finals start early. What we're seeing is the game within the game.

We should set up webcams for Fanarchy.

Touching the 'pus is far worse.

I've decided this is all an experiment to get Hossa going like a madman.

Touché, good sir.

That was a damn good read. Thanks!

He ODed on Awesome.

McStache is just about the only official I respect. So I'm not overly worried.

He plays a tiny man's game. He's one of the reasons I laugh when people get on Mule's case for being "soft." Also, I'm 6'4. So just about everyone's tiny to me.

I'd take Kronwall or Stuart over him in a heartbeat. He's a tiny forward who plays defense.

YOUR GRANDPARENTS WERE 'ROIDING??? jk

Wouldn't play for us; doesn't know how to play defense.

The Pens were better last year. I've been watching them all season and all through the postseason, so I'm not just blowing smoke. I think their stars are hungrier this season, but on a pound-for-pound basis, last year's Pens were much more formidable -- intangibles and all. Also, I wouldn't say the Wings are hobbling into the finals. I think at this point they're being more cautious than anything else (in terms of giving players some rest). You don't see the Pens sitting Crosby or Malkin or Gonchar because they can't afford to do it; all of their hopes and dreams rest on the shoulders of about four players. The Wings, on the other hand, can go without their #1 defenseman, one of their top-three forwards and a key checker and still rout the opposition like they just did. The depth of this team is absolutely absurd.

Wait, so people honestly believe this Pens team is better than last year's? I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this. I feel like the "experience" card is being way overplayed.

I can assure you, the "fun" factor had and has very little to do with any of those guys' throwdown efforts. We're talking 97% "Do it for the team," 3% "Oh, this'll be loads of fun!" Again, this isn't peewee. This is guys who train with boxing gloves and take them off for the real deal. That's how fast and hard those punches are coming. Unless we're talking about a hugfest. Yeah, sure, those are fun, seeing as how you're not risking permanently destroying your face.

Key word.

This is, what, his first time going deep into the postseason with regular minutes? And as a defenseman, no less. I'd say he's doing pretty damn well considering.

I doubt it'll get that bad. But the Pens do have cap concerns.

This. I don't deny that a Wings-Pens rematch will be great for the league, great for hockey. But personally, I was hoping for a Wings-Bruins/Rangers matchup. I don't know, maybe I'd feel different if this Pens team wasn't just a diluted version of its 07-08 incarnation. And if they weren't the NHL and national media's lovechild.

So's your "This conspiracy s*** is way overdone" s***.