Dabura

Bert's so close to netting one...I can feel it....

Yeah, I think the Franzen call was the only truly terrible one in the period. That was just absolute garbage.

No underpants?

Penalties were the story of the period. I think all but one of the call against us were deserved -- the big thing is non-calls against the Ducks. You know if that had been Homer inside J.S.'s net he would've been called right away.

Engblom: "A lot of penalties in that period, some by each team. I like what Andy did, getting in there and roughing up Hasek."

Oh s***, Mess on Versus.

The ground rules have been set: - Hasek's a beast - Our D's more than capable - They're not going to outmuscle us Kill 'em in the second, boys.

If I had to pick one guy, I'd say Bertuzzi. It sounds cliche at this point, but he's this series' X factor; he has the potential to disrupt all of the Ducks' advantages. He doesn't even have to score all that much -- if he can just drive Pronger bats*** crazy, he will have earned his pay.

I hope we destroy them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2007...&id=2866816

Chelios: If it were any other 45-year-old I'd say take a walk. Chelly -- he's earned tenure. What a beast. Hasek: I can see him coming back if we don't go all the way. That said, Cup = Retirement, IMO.

I never said he isn't important to our future. I'm just saying it's pretty easy to see why Selanne is getting more attention right now.

Just out of curiosity, how long have you been following hockey?

Putting Lang in the doghouse was a good move.

Sad part is, Bert probably knows the difference between 'to" and "too."

You've got to look at in context, though. - The major networks need to make a story out of this matchup in order to the garner attention. Frankly, "Teams evenly-matched. Could go either way" isn't going to sell as well as "Rugged Ducks have advantage over those buncha softies that we love to hate" will. - The Ducks fans are going to vehemently support their team because that's what fans do, and when you mix in the strange California hockey culture and a lack of serious history behind the franchise...well, you get the idea. - The Ducks themselves know that if they're going to beat the Wings, they're going to have to get them off their game and wear them down physically. Regardless of how well the Wings have done thus far, that is the way to beat them. The Wings themselves would tell you that.

The Wings will look to Bertuzzi to wear people down, no doubt, but I think that duty falls mostly on the collective shoulders of our checking line (as it always does). I have a feeling that Malts, Drapes, and Cleary are going to be the difference-makers in this series.

Selanne is a proven commodity who knows how to get the job done and consistently finds a way to do so (not counting his stint with the Avs). Hank has been, at least to the casual observer, quiet this postseason, and he's not at 100% because of his injury. Also, you have to consider marketing: Every team needs a flagship forward that the major networks can bandy about, and, like it or not, our guy is Dats.

o_O Just...be sure to wear protection.

Don't worry, Grigs makes an appearance in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Is there a realistic scenario in which we could have both? Not that I'm gung-ho about Smyth, mind you. Just curious.

Nick's our leading candidate right now (surprise, surprise), although if Dom keeps playing at his current level, he could give the captain a run for his money. Hank? No way.

You're out of your mind. I'd give Backstrom a look if Dom retires.

Personally, I have a lot of trouble imagining him donning a 'nucks uniform again. I think he genuinely wants to put that stage in his life behind him, and what better team to do that with than the Wings?

I'm an out-of-state fan, so I'm excused. But seriously -- this debate is so stale. Really, there is no debate.