Dabura

I loathe all things ESPN, but Burnside tends to be pretty sharp and level-headed. And pro-Wings. Kind of sad to see him jumping on the Pens bandwagon with this preview, but oh well.

Unless there's some serious disinformation swirling around, Mule should be back for Game 1. Game 2 at the latest. Bad news for the Pens.

My one question is this: Where is this notion of comparable blue lines coming from? Not to be a homer, but the Wings' top 4 -- and, for that matter, commitment to overall team defense -- is far superior to the Pens'.

kbai

Burnside already has his preview up: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2008...mp;lid=tab1pos1 EDIT: Guess the Wings are the underdogs...? Funny how that works.

Yes. This team is, ostensibly, built to win the Cup year in and year out.

Franzen should be back, which makes me so happy I could cry. Which is strange because I haven't had much to drink. ZDH Mule - Flip - Cleary Maltby - Draper - Sammy Helm - Hudler - Drake I thought Lilja did alright today--erm, yesterday. I say keep him for now, yank him if he self-destructs. His big body could come in handy.

Nice. But you forgot: Sammy: "Where am I?"

Wings' Advantages - Puck-possession system (Preds, Avs, Stars knew what to expect. How will the Pens respond?) - Two-way game (e.g., two biggest offensive threats are also up for the Selke) - Transition game (i.e., puck-moving D) - Team D - Hank and Dats (each a more complete player than any player on the Pens) - The Homer (and Mule *knock on wood*) factor (i.e., havoc in front of the net) - The best top 4 in the league - Experience - Playing in the West (which, I'm sorry, is tougher than the East) - Osgood (experience, playing the best hockey of his career, can more than hold his own against Fleury) Pens' Advantages - Crosby and Malkin (arguably more explosive than Hank and Dats) - Offensive depth (I think ZDH is the best line on hockey, but I'm willing to concede the Pens' top 6 is scarier than the Wings') - Power play (see "Offensive depth." Wings can't afford to go down a man as often as they did this past game, zebra conspiracy or not) - No key injuries - Enforcers I'm liking the Wings in 5. The Wings just need to play their game, get early leads, and STAY OUT OF THE BOX. Getting Mule back would also help. Can't wait for Saturday!

My brother and I both noticed that. I doubt anything harsh was said. Marty was probably just being pissy.

Bah, my favorite bar is "closed." And tonight's "House" was a major buzzkill. le sigh

What you cited was a consistent problem the entire series. I think that's indicative of an "institutional problem." But that's just me. I'm off to get wasted! Cheers folks! SCF!!!!!!!

Hate to say it, but that's basically a conspiracy.

Agreed.

Yes. Wings keep playing this way, the Pens will need all the support they can get.

HERE WE COME PENS

That was great. I had thought he went to the bench, but no -- Dats comes out of nowhere, kicks the puck. Pure awesome.

I feel pretty good about it, personally.

Hello late whistle.

Sammy should have, at the very least, hit the net.

God does Sammy ever suck.

Enjoy it, Stars. Your season's over in 17 and a half minutes.

Danke. Weak, weak call on Kronner.

Touche. But seriously, for the postseason.

Any idea what our PK % is at now?