stactum

He did not cover it actually, he tried to roll over Ozzie to the other side. I watched the replay a couple times to figure that out.

I have to agree. I kinda like Bylsma. He is a Michigan native. Probably not so upset that Wings won game 1

Let's kick some Pens asses in Game 2! Go Wings!

For some reason I am probably the only one who is completely confident in Wings this time. I don't even have nervousness deep inside, however I clearly understand that everything could happen (bad calls, bad goals, bad games, etc.). The way I look at it - PIT is got to be happy to be in the SCF and gotta thank CAR for doing all the job, otherwise we would be talking BOS or NJD. PIT is a two man show so if we could take care of it we'll be fine. So far I'm thinking this series isn't going longer than 5 games. GO WINGS!

I think PIT with their "underrated" or "team" defense are in for another big surprise in the series This time school starts Saturday for PIT

Well, I think it is huge for Penguins. Even if wings drop game 1 or 2 (like in case with Anaheim) they will still have enough confedence to go to PIT and take a game or to over there. However, if on Monday we're talking Wings 2-0 in the series - it's pretty much the end for Pens.

That is what I've seen from '09 PIT. It will be interesting to see whether they'll have plan B since they haven't faced yet the team who possesses the puck as the Red Wings

That is true, the only note here - when East won they played 8th seed from the West at least 3 times in recent history (05-06 Edmonton Oilers, 03-04 Calgary Flames, 02-03 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim)!

The last week or so I was thinking about what if NHL went back to old play-offs format where 16 teams are seeded based on point totals and 1st plays 16th, 2nd - 15th, etc. Does anybody know why this system was switched for conference format? The only reason I can think of is travel. But another reason in today's nhl would be that probably teams from East would not be able to make top 4.

Well, PIT will be taken to school again that is the way I see it all falling together

On NHL on XM radio they said that he is out per Babcock after press conf.

Before game 7 against Ducks one guy who somehow in my friends list posted on Facebook that he hopes that Wings lose because they're soft and whole thread kept up with this thought (NYR, PHI fans). On my comment that we soundly outhit Anaheim 155-210 after 6 games he explained that by saying "soft" he meant "Wings don't fight". Most fighters are golfing by now.

How many times your hear about Ovi complaining to the refs? And "reasonable hockey minds" tell you that Crosby is "being a *****."

I have to agree, I've noticed it in the passing game as well. They'll get it going in game 2.

I honestly doubt that Boston will take this series. They still are in somewhat fluke situation (same as Montreal last year) and I think it will end pretty soon. Carolina is experienced team that may take it to them.

I want to win: WAS and CAR I think will win: WAS and NJD

I think it got to start from Thornton and Co. Unfortunately Sharks doesn't have continuation, even they brought some stanley cup winners (Boyle, Blake) but they can't teach Joe how to win, there is got to be a better process how veterans can teach young players how to win (example: Detroit).

Sunday @2 for game 2 sounds perfect for me since we're coming from Wisconsin for that game!

I assume Franzen played less games than Crosby so technically he suppose to be higher in the standings. Ohh, I see there is a simple logic implemented in their stats engine: if (name="Cindy Crybaby") addGoal(+1,setType="EN") standingSet(+1) else (setLowerSeed)

And sure thing, they won't broadcast a game here in US. Or will they? Will probably be some some online streams available. here is an official WC web site: http://www.iihf.com/ and forum: http://ihwcforums.5.forumer.com/ Actually, they've had better site and forum in the past.

I don't understand why people are too concerned about Vancouver, do not forget they beat St.Louis freakin Blues with no defense and no offense. Our next opponent won't be sugar in any case but they all beatable and I am pretty sure that this rest that Van is going to get won't do them any good. Anaheim on the other side I hope will be beat up and it won't be a huge problem. What concerns me though is that other team will get an easier matchup in the second round whether it's VAN playing CAL/CHI or SJS playing CAL/CHI.

caps, flames and habs my picks for tonight.

Not that I am defending Sharks or anything, but they've managed to shoot 44 times and got only 2 goals, Ducks got 3 from 26. I have only two comments about that: 1. You have to have guys like Holmstrom and Franzen who can stick their butt in goalie face. 2. Even if you have them doing that you are not protected of being 0-4 in the series (Detroit 2003 vs Ducks)

Pretty good article in The Wall Street Journal why the Red Wings don't fight and hockey fights in general. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123975292278718827.html

I would also throw Marleau in the mix of non-performers. Look at this guy, every playoffs he disappears. He had a decent season this year, had 38 goals 71 pts but when it comes to play your ass off in the playoffs he's not there.