Turretin

I saw another quote where Babcock said: "It's up to Pavel . . . and the doctors." That changes the entire statement (to me). What that might really mean is "It is up to Pavel, once the doctor's tell Holland what the situation is, and that they will sign off; and Holland signs off." Holland is paid to think long term, so he would be more hesitant to risk long term injury.

Classier than Detroit booing Fedorov. He did way more for us than some rental.

Not buying. I see what you're doing, and certainly the Pens have more to be thankful for than they currently realize, BUT: in the first 2 games, the Wings have gotten a lion's share of great bounces. Luck is often a product of determination and will.

Invisible to whom? You? I would better all the money I can borrow that Datsyuk was NOT invisible to the opposing coach. No matter how much he wasn't producing, he is a player that the opposing coach is thinking about before and during the game. That is huge. Imagine him healthy right now. He hasn't scored since Columbus (fine). But, the question is "Will Datsyuk break out?" Now, Bylsma is worried about Zetterberg, Hossa, Franzen . . . AND Datsyuk. He's thinking "How do I get my guys away from him and him. How do I keep them in check. How do I avoid letting Datsyuk get hot and start killing us." Players are more than just their point production. All that "regular season" you seem to be discounting, means the opposing coach is up late at night, and taking tums during the games. That pays huge dividends freeing up other players, and screwing with the rythm of another teams substitutions.

Less of a chance for Tuesday with us up 2-0. I know Babcock talks about every game being crucial, but it is just sound coaching to let a player heal if you can, and get him at 90% for a must win, then to stunt him at 60% (or lose him for good). If Wings go up 3-0 and Dats is healthy enough, then I see Babcock maybe feeling more pressure to play him so that he gets some time in the Finals.

I am not sure of the legality of using online photos, so I took mine down minutes after posting.

It is BETTER for the Wings if the refs let thing go. We are grittier, smarter, and more controlled. Look at Chicago. We don't blow up; Pittsburgh will. The only guys that I worry about are Guerin and Kunitz (they get it when it comes to pushing the line).

Now that we're on intermission, just a comment about Pittsburgh's first goal: Although Ozzie would like to have that rebound back, that was NOT his fault. When the NHL's leading scoring gets to tee up on you from the circle, you worry about THAT guy and nothing else.

Where can I go to find good updates on our walking wounded? I would be confident if we didn't have so many darn guys out. I'm a little scared without Lids and Dats.

Jake Ryan: Try this: 2 years ago (when the Wings lost in the WCF to the Ducks) Holmstrom was one of the players carrying this team; you will remember that Cleary also had a very good post-season that year. Over the course of the last 2 years, Holmstrom seems to have slowed, and lost a bit of his nack for picking up rebounds and tossing them in. While he still serves a role as a screen, he is not the important asset he once was. Over the remainder of this season, and the course of next season, I believe the Wings should start using Holmstrom more sparingly. His deterioration is beginning to hamper his linemates during 5 on 5 play. We should think about putting Franzen up where Homer used to be. After next year, Homer should take a rather large percentage cut in pay to stay with the team. After all he has done for the team, he deserves our gratitude. That being said, it is time that his role on the team reflect his deterioration in skill (just like Chelios). All the best. See if something like that will get you more concensus; instead of throwing out vitriol.

1. Why does a player need to fight after a clean hit? 2. You have no clue whether Babcock ordered him NOT to fight? (weighing our past results, and his importance to the team, and Lilja being out, that is a distinct possibility) 3. He is paid to play hockey, not to box. I don't think it's gutless to not want to fight. 4. In the situation he was in, the fight only could have hurt the Wings, not helped them.

In the East, you are forced to choose defense (old NJ) or offense (Pitt, Car, Ott, Wash). The only team that looked halfway balanced was Boston. That is why they scared me more than the others.

Q's listening comprehension is very poor. Someone should ask him to repeat the question before he gives an answer. Some of those answers were pretty much non sequiters.

Rafalski likely to return in Game 6: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=422526 I thought such certain language deserved its own thread. Hooray. He's a stud. At very least, we can give him Meech's minutes.

I'm nervous about this too, but I think Babcock is careful not to have him out there during "goon" times.

I repeat: Put down the thread and step away slowly.

Series is NOT over. All this relaxed talk is making me nervous. All they have to do is win 1 at the Ponda and this is a single elimination playoff.

I know it's not a very descriptive thread title, but this is already being talked about here: http://www.letsgowings.com/forums/index.ph...60&start=60 Not complaining, just thought you might want to read the thoughts there if you wonder what people are thinking.

Gentlemen: Put this thread down, and slowly back away. It's for all of our sakes.

Is that the one where he flips the puck into his pants and then skates into the goal and drops it out?

Yeah, what is up with that guy? He has some highlight goals, but I couldn't find who had his rights. Is he just a trick shot sort of guy with not enough talent to take that to the NHL?

You're right. In my mind, that mentality ruins exciting hockey. They are right, however, that this is the strategy the Ducks should be following. It worked for them in 07, and it should be there strategy now. It is the same reason why I don't want the Wings to try to play Anaheim's physical/fighting style of game: THEY ARE BETTER AT IT. We are better at finesse hockey. Finally, the 07 Anaheim team had way more talent than this one, in my opinion. Is anyone else still nervous about this series? Game 5 is pivotal, but if they take Game 6, we are down to a 1 game playoff. I'll be a nervous wreck if we don't take it in their building.

Whether it was close or not, the whole league is going to hear about it. And you know what? Now some D-men are going to start thinking about it when he is behind the net, I guarantee you that. That will open a little bit of room for other plays. Also, I am NA and I love cheering for NA players, but it seems like Euros are much more inventive about what you can do with the puck. If Hudler's in front of the net, maybe there is more of an attempt by a Wing to bat that in. Cleary just kind of stood there. Finally, that was 5 on 5? That looked like a powerplay! I didn't get to watch the game either, but after watching that, I feel much better about Pavel not scoring.

Only if she is wearing super large sweatpants with an elastic band. It would be too crowded and tight otherwise.

Funniest comment on this thread. Insightful observation as to the "logic" of a certain camp, yet still funny. Well done Ovipositor.