clutchngrab

I didn't want to be the first to say that Ozzie did not play that well.

Ericckson made that hard not to call.

I don't really care about the goals. Dats was the best defensive forward we had 'til he went down. Maybe we can can win 1 out of 2 in Pit w/out him...we'll see.

Maybe the most important point is that the Wings have yet to play anywhere near as well as against Chicago and Anaheim. I'm a firm believer that the path to the finals is as important as anything, and in my mind the best teams are in the west. Really, the key series was Anaheim Detroit. Can you imagine Anaheim agains the pens? OMG that would have been an ass-kicking too, except that the NHL would not have let that happen playing the same way the Ducks played the Wings...

As a wing fan and forum poster I appologize for this ass.

Maybe, but the universe certainly likes goaltenders that are playing better than the opponents. That hasn't always been the case, but is now.

I see some merit to your concern, but overall I think you re being a Nervous Nellie. Frankly, I think the series has been pretty even where one team seems to take it to the other in stretches. So far the wings have had more luck than the penguins, and better goaltending, but that can turn on a dime. There are, however, a few points that stand out in the wings favor: 1. Defensive depth. Our D core is deeper than the 6 the pens play. The reason we are dumping and chasing so much is that Babcock wants the slower bigger guys like Orpick and Gill to turn and fetch. I think it is a good strategy and they will wear out - much like they did towards the end of game 2. 2. Forward depth. Our 3rd and 4th lines are flat-out better than the pens comparable units. This makes a difference when the checking is tight. 3. Goaltending. I never thought I would be posting this, but Osgood is flat out better than Fleury, who in my opinion is one of the most overrated goalies in the league. 4. The whine factor. Until the pens (and their fans) sprout some balls and quit bitching, they'll always allow themselves a built-in excuse for failure. 5. The wings have yet to play a good game in the finals, whereas I don't think the pens have another notch. I think the day off will help the wings immensely. 6. Pavs. If he makes it back this series around game 5,6 or 7 he will be the defensive difference. 7. Hossa. This guy will be super motivated to not only win the cup, but to beat Pittsburgh in doing so for all the obvious reasons.

If Yzerman was the heart of the Wings, then Feds was the soul. No single player helped to establish the skill and high level at which the red wings have become known for than Sergei.

Look around - its not just the wings. Many hockey fans don't like him and it has nothing to do with his ability, but the falseness or maybe ineptitude of the NHL marketing which pisses people off. You really don't get that?

I suspect there is a significant segment of the NHL fan base that finds the NBA style of marketing somewhat distasteful in the sport of hockey which is - and always has been - about team play first (for better or worse). The perception from many fans of Crosby is that he is the Canadien version of the spoiled whining NBA player that is self-centered and ego-centric.

Whats that sport they play in a cage?

Wrong. Dats out hurts because he has been playing fantastic on the defensive side of the puck. No forward has been better.

You know, I've never been an Osgood fan and I figured there was a reason Holland dumped him in the first place. But after reading this post I am a convert. Chris Osgood....underdog...rocks!

No disrespect or anything, but find me a series in the last 10 years where osgood was in net and we won where we were outshot and the goalie was the difference. No, the wings dynasty has been all about not making it about the goaltender - and that's why Ozzie won't get props. That plus sucking in the regular season.

Look, he made his own bed by playing like s*** during the regular season. I know he's underpaid so that's OK. Just don't ***** about it, eh?

I want a W and at least one goal out of Dats, Hossa or Homer. We can't win a cup w/out them.

Wings lose this one 4-3 only because they have a "Cold Duck" hangover.

Getz is on par. Maybe I'm biased because I won w/ him in my fantasy league last year.

If I'm a GM looking for the best *playoff* forward out there to start a team my #1 choice is Getzlaf followed by Zets. Oh yes, and if I could do straight up w/ pavs I would do it in a heart-beat.

If its a run and gun game then Detroit in 6 or 7 - however I think the beauty of the wings is that they can play different styles of games and be successful. If I were Mike, I would try to slow the tempo of the game ala' the ducks series and limit the chances. I just think if the Wings play physical and win the neutral ice, they will win in 5.

5 it is. Chicago wins the first because of the inevitable mental let-down, but then Wings take 4 straight.

The Ducks have a very good strategy that involves intimidating the s***ty refs as much as possible and practicing playing on the edge for the majority of the season in preparation for the playoffs. Then when the playoffs roll around they are masterful at all the thuggery, obstruction, etc. that they have practiced all season for "playoff hockey". The NHL is horribly officiated and until it figures it out will all ways be a 2nd tier (or worse) sport.

I think this kid could be a diamond in the rough. He's got some puck skills to go along with the speed and hitting ability to be more than Draper in his prime.

I was a huge doubter this season and freely admit it. I didn't think we could get past the 2nd round with Osgood in net. All I can say is that the reg. season really doesn't matter and that it is interesting who shows up and who doesn't in the post season. I'm not a big faith guy, and in this case I was wrong despite the reg. season evidence. So my apologies for all those anti-Osgood posts.

Spped KIIILLLS!!!! Awesome!