BigTex

We could always offer up someone who's on the books that we want to clear, like Sammy. Maybe get a draft pick out of them while we're at it. But yes, it really sucks he won't be on the market (Backstrom, that is). I would've loved to sign him and just trade Jimmy "I need another year again" Howard.

Everyone take up a collection to send his wife some gift cards to the spa so she'll stay happy for another 6 months and keep our Dominator out on the ice.

I think most every one agrees on the major points here, which is a surprising shift from the last few years. Let Lang and Calder go, sign most of our FA's and maybe get a guy on the cheap. If we can't resign all the rest of our FA's then use the extra money to upgrade the UFA we're bringing in. And I agree with Zombo, trade Sammy if we can. Maybe we could make him part of a deal to get Toskala. Howard is definately not ready yet and Ozzie is a very solid backup, not a very solid #1.

What the hell brought that on?

Howard needs at least one more year in GR before he'd be ready. But that makes me ask, if he's going to be so great why does he need so many freekin years in GR?!? 2 yrs in the minors is usually enough for a goalie that's going to be really good.

I'm going to ask Buccigross what to do with this roster and UFA's. Hopefully it'll make it in the mailbag next week. My opinion is this - we have a great group of players, but none of them are really big difference makers outside of Lidstrom, Zetts and Pavel. We have a bunch of really hard working and likeable players, whom I really got into cheering for. But especially with our forwards, we have a glut of average to slightly above average NHL players. I'd like to clear a few roster spots for the youngsters and bring in a really great player, prefereably a RW or LW. Someone who can raise our first two lines to the quality that the Euro Twins line had this year. We need two lines that can really light it up. The rest of our roster is stacked well.

Lang, I mean how else would he be lazy and sucking so much? Just kidding, I had to throw that in there.

I'm pulling for the Sens. I don't hate Anaheim, I like their team, but I like the Sens more. A Canadien team winning would be cool, especially since their networks will actually show the WHOLE game when it's on.

Best of luck in the SCF. It was great getting together with fans from other teams, hopefully some will stay on for the duration.

Come on guys. Let's enjoy the wings WIN tonight. And why bother with possible FA's, they've got until July 1 to resign with their teams. It could totally change by then.

NFM, thank you for this thread it will improve the quality of what goes on here significantly. And to the point about other boards, I haven't posted on any other boards either, but I have noticed how many fans of other teams are regulars on here. Leafs, Preds especially and they're some of our biggest rivals. We have a reputation to uphold. I'd like to add something to NFM's post as well. I'm not trying to go all PC on everyone, but it really did bother me to see so many references to ***, ***, HOMO, etc on the Photoshop Wars thread. I don't like Pronger either, but you guys are better than that, come on.

The fact that we're even having this thread is a good sign. No matter who they go with Ducks fans and the goalies will be second guessing whomever is in net rather than having a defined #1. Barring injury, having two capable #1 goalies on your roster can sometimes be a bad thing.

Whooooooooooh!!!!!!!! Hopefully this'll get the guys even more charged up. Going into their barn and playing them physical will really give them something to think about.

Glad to see some Ducks fans starting to post on here. Please encourage more to join, this has been one of the best threads ever. We've had one for every round and they just keep getting better.

To everyone that posted these pics, these are the funniest damn postings I've ever seen. I'm sure the Anaheim fans are like 'what the f?'. Given a few days to collect themselves I'm looking forward to their comebacks. But these are going to be pretty damn hard to top.

Calder needs to see the ice more against the ducks especially since they're such a physical team

Chances are he won't be 100% all post-season due to the long grind of the playoffs. He will need time off like this just to stay where he's at and not break down. It sure would've been nice if we could've gotten through with Calgary one game sooner. These rests are invaluable.

WOW. For all you that get this obscure reference, this is awesome.

Excellent article for one hell of a player

He should go down to GR for a series and maybe come back up in the second round IF he's got his game. He can't be sharp after being out this long, people. time to be realistic.

Thx for the link, all others are blocked.

That would be great if he were playing tonight. Or did I miss some last minute update? Sorry, double post. Clark, your sig is awesome, so that makes up for it all anyways.

Less than 5 hrs to go. I REALLY hate waiting around for the first playoff game to start. Go Wings!!

Wings will rock this game. The Joe will be rockin' as well. Octopie will hit the ice. Zetterberg is back. Enough said.

Wow, I jumped in on this topic late! Count me in!!!!! Living in Texas sure has been hard in that respect. I'm goign to apply for permission tonight to attend. If my 9 month old gets his nap in early maybe the whole family can attend. Legends is a great place to watch the wings, I've done it in years past and was very happy. So are we meeting for the Th or Sun game or both?