NeverForgetMac25

The key is what you stated in your second paragraph, "the economy can't support the league." When the economy was flourishing, plenty of teams were able to pay those salaries. However, when the economy tanked like it has the past few years and when each team uses almost only corporate sponsorship cash to pay player salaries, something like this was bound to happen. Companies aren't in positions to make hefty corporate sponsorships like they were, hence Dynamo's financial debacle. Essentially, given that the league has zero vested interest in their clubs its Game, Set, Match (Schlosky Bishop Block) for Dynamo. Sucks for their fans.

Of all thoughts that have spun around my mind regarding Lidstrom retiring, "can't wait to see how it all turns out" was the furthest from one of them. While I don't see the Wings' style of play changing due his retirement, it'll still be a massive blow to this team. Of course those pairings don't look ideal but keep in mind if Lidstrom does retire, Kenny and Co. *will* bring in a talented replacement of atleast Kronwall-quality or better.

It's amazing how much playing time Q gives that guy. I hate to break it to you Joel, but just because he follows Hossa like a lap-dog doesn't mean he can score on anywhere near a regular basis.

QFT I can't imagine them destroying the integrity of the postseason in this way.

I'm not putting words in the OP's mouth, but I'd be willing to be bet he was referring to the fact that the Wings will take the next 2 in a row after they supposedly win tonight, making the third game of the potential best-of-3 not needed. That, or the OP's drunk and clicked the "t" instead of the "w" in the word "not."

And that's on/for DirecTV? How the hell have I never noticed that? Does the guide list the channel as anything out of the ordinary (I.E. NHL Schedule)?

I don't recall either way. I'll look for it though the next opportunity I get.

Yes, I've dealt with that as well. One thing I noticed a week-or-so ago is that I believe the visiting team is on the first channel (in this case 775) and the home team gets the second (776). I haven't tested this theory yet, but its worth another look next season.

Their playoff ads have been spot-on the past few years. The Cup-Raising one was incredible, and the ads this year are just as memorable. to whoever they hired!

Picks are due in a little more than 2 hours! If you want to play, get 'em in now. I assumed you wanted to go with all the favorites until I noticed you had a "4-0" series score for the Wings/Coyotes series. Please bold your winners.

SJS/COL: 4-1 CHI/NSH: 4-2 VAN/LAK: 4-3 PHX/DET: 4-1 WAS/MTL: 4-1 NJD/PHI: 4-1 BUF/BOS: 4-3 PIT/OTT: 4-2 WC Champion: Detroit EC Champion: Pittsburgh SCF Champion: Detroit

How is his plan working? If anything, this ridiculous article is only going to further push Wings fans to wear Red to the games.

^ Win

What? Phoenix's profit-sharing check will go down?

That is the dumbest plea I've ever heard in my life. It's like saying, "Hey, just forget your life-long allegiance to your team and cheer for ours instead...just this once (like that makes it any better)." How would this guy react if someone requested the same type of treatment *against* his Coyotes? What a dumbass thing to write about.

He'll be snatched up quite quickly by a team eyeing the playoffs.

No worries....it was just a joke anyway. Thanks for changing it though.

Well, then I suppose its a damn good thing the Wings have the experience, leadership, and mental-toughness to bridge the gap.

^ You non-template-using bastard!

You're already picking which teams make it out of each round.....that's the whole point of the game. The teams that come out of each conference and the SC Champion was a new addition last year to add a little "something extra" to the game.

Once again, thanks Aussie (and Dan Bylsma) for running this game! Most appreciated.

QFT Not only is it nice to lock up the 5th seed, but its extra sweet given that we prevented Chicago from winning the conference. Seeing the Blackhawks fans uber-pissed and looking like they wanted to cry made my Sunday. Great grind-it-out win. The Wings got outplayed, but you have to win those games here and there to be a successful team. Sidenote: Given the implications of this win, I'm fairly confident the "Detroit Sucks" chants at the United Center will continue for years to come.

What essentially looks like the equivalent of a mini series to make the playoffs takes place between PHI and NYR tonight and Sunday. The current standings are as follows: PHI: 80GP, 40W 34 L 6 OTL 86 Points NYR: 80GP, 37W 33 L 10 OTL 84 Points The scenario (Given 1 win each by BOS & MTL): the Rangers have to win both games, atleast 1 of which in regulation to grab 4 points and take the 8th and final spot. If PHI can take NYR atleast to OT in both games, the final result of the final game on Sunday will be moot. Essentially what you have here is a Game 6 with NYR trailing PHI 3 games to 2. Should be a lot of fun following these games tonight and Sunday. Personally, I can see NYR pulling it off given the goaltending situation in Philly. Thoughts?

Before I forget, a huge thanks to Aussie and Dan Bylsma for your hard work keeping this game going. I know how much work it takes and it doesn't go unappreciated. Cheers!

Friday: Philadelphia @ NY Rangers Atlanta @ Washington Detroit @ Columbus Anaheim @ St Louis Chicago @ Colorado Saturday: Carolina @ Boston Edmonton @ Los Angeles Toronto @ Montreal Buffalo @ Ottawa NY Islanders @ New Jersey Pittsburgh @ Atlanta x2 Florida @ Tampa Bay St Louis @ Nashville Dallas @ Minnesota Calgary @ Vancouver Phoenix @ San Jose Sunday: Boston @ Washington NY Rangers @ Philadelphia Detroit @ Chicago Los Angeles @ Colorado Buffalo @ New Jersey Pittsburgh @ NY Islanders Tampa Bay @ Florida Edmonton @ Anaheim