Ultimate Playoff Matchup Thread - Who Ya Want?

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

I don't care who we get , because you got to beat the best to get your hands on the cup. But if i was forced to pick, it would probably be minnesota. Just for the same reason as professorlidstrom5 stated we've owned them in the regular season.

[akustyk 84]

I really can't pick.

I don't like Flames. we can win a fair series against them, but when a Canadian team gets to playoffs refs forget about fair whistling

I don't like any Californian team for the similar reason. the league wants their success so badly, that all questionable calls will go their way

and I most certainly don't think Minnesota is the easiest team to face. they are playoff inexperienced, but their goalie and tight defense can make this team a hell to beat. thanks a lot, I skip on that

[mk13 0]

I know we've been talking about potential first round matchups for a while now.

But it's time to air it out.

Who do you want the Wings to play?

I don't want Calgary at all. After them, no San Jose.

I want Minnesota, after them, I take Dallas.

I AGREE

[Elshupacabra 0]

My picks for the first round are: Minnesota, Dallas, Calgary, San Jose... in that order

[Vincanni 1]

Who do I want? Nashville

[Kp-Wings 3]

In a perfect world, I'd take the Phoenix Coyotes. Even if they were good, with Whine Gretzky behind the bench they'll never be successful.

In reality, I'd take anyone but Calgary. I'd even take San Jose. I know San Jose has it in for us this season, but with the additions of Bert and Calder, not to mention Markov, Franzen, and Cleary, I feel we can match their toughness. Their goaltending is good, but if Zetterberg get's on his game, he can beat them.

[Vincanni 1]

My picks for the first round are: Minnesota, Dallas, Calgary, San Jose... in that order

Can't go wrong with these picks, I concur.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

I am not understanding the fear of the Flames? They are nowhere near the team they were in 2004 when they ousted the Wings, and even then it's not like the series was THAT much of an edge to the Flames. I think most people forget that the series in 04 was actually a pretty close one, even with the Wings lacking toughness/grit. Every game was close, one goal games that could of gone either way. Difference was the Wings were not scoring..at all. Had they got their lines rolling and their stars showing up I bet they would of beat the Flames. Now everyones still scared of them? Why? Because their so physical? Because they have one line that can score? Puhleeease! They don't scare me. At all. In fact, I'd like the Wings to face them to get some revenge on them. Sure they have great goaltending in Kipper, but so do we in Dom. Plus, the Wings have gotten MUCH more physical and tough this year than they have in the past five. They BARELY beat us in '04 and thats when the Wings were a bunch of wusses. I'd dare them to try again with the Wings when they get their four lines rolling, and have guys such as Bert, Calder, Franzen, Homer, Markov, Cleary, Maltby..etc.. taking it to them. I really believe each and every Wing will step up in their physical play and if they do that they can beat these 'tough' teams becase we all know aside from that when it comes to offense the Wings have it in the bag...that's if they play like we all know they can.

Edited April 2, 2007 by hockeycrazy3033

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

I am not understanding the fear of the Flames? They are nowhere near the team they were in 2004 when they ousted the Wings, and even then it's not like the series was THAT much of an edge to the Flames. I think most people forget that the series in 04 was actually a pretty close one, even with the Wings lacking toughness/grit. Every game was close, one goal games that could of gone either way. Difference was the Wings were not scoring..at all. Had they got their lines rolling and their stars showing up I bet they would of beat the Flames. Now everyones still scared of them? Why? Because their so physical? Because they have one line that can score? Puhleeease! They don't scare me. At all. In fact, I'd like the Wings to face them to get some revenge on them. Sure they have great goaltending in Kipper, but so do we in Dom. Plus, the Wings have gotten MUCH more physical and tough this year than they have in the past five. They BARELY beat us in '04 and thats when the Wings were a bunch of wusses. I'd dare them to try again with the Wings when they get their four lines rolling, and have guys such as Bert, Calder, Franzen, Homer, Maltby..etc.. taking it to them. I really believe each and every Wing will step up in their physical play and if they do that they can beat these 'tough' teams becase we all know aside from that when it comes to offense the Wings have it in the bag...that's if they play like we all know they can.

I totally agree with everything you said the flames ain't what they where in 04. And the wings are ALOT tougher than what they where. I just hope we can get and stay healthy for the run in.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

I am not understanding the fear of the Flames? They are nowhere near the team they were in 2004 when they ousted the Wings

Earlier in the year, I'd agree with you. I don't know what happened up in Alberta recently, but they've got those guys playing Flames hockey again and that's pretty scary. Their big thing this year was they couldn't win on the road, OK, until they pulled off three consecutive road wins, two against Minnesota and then beating the hell out of Vancouver on HNIC (I know you saw that one).

Aggressive forecheck, rough and tumble style, great goaltending. Those have been Wings killer the last three years, and the Flames are the embodiment of that. They're only 12 points off of the Wings too, so it's not like they've played like crap all year, and they're just now hitting their stride (sound familiar?)

So there's something to be afraid of if you ask me. Can the Wings beat those guys? Hell yes, they can. But saying that they only barely lost to them two seasons ago doesn't exactly inspire confidence; if we roll those guys (very good chance we will) it's going to be a close one, a nail-biter for sure.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

So there's something to be afraid of if you ask me. Can the Wings beat those guys? Hell yes, they can. But saying that they only barely lost to them two seasons ago doesn't exactly inspire confidence; if we roll those guys (very good chance we will) it's going to be a close one, a nail-biter for sure.

Well barely lost to them as in lots of people were making it seem as if the Flames downright owned the Wings in the series which I don't buy at all. I think it was a pretty close series, had the Wings stars' actually showed up the series could of been different, ya know? But yeah I understand that it would be a nerve wrecking series, but im still for it and they still don't scare me. But that's just me I guess!

[Pskov Wings Fan 71]

I disagree. The Wild are not good, I have to watch them all the time. Gaborik is having a terrible year and their top scorer Demitra is ancient. Give us the Wild in a heartbeat. There's no point in the trap if your team can only score a goal or two a game. Now Calgary, they could be as bad as the Wild, but if Kip stands on his head like last time. We're screwed.

If you take into account that Gaborik missed half of the season he is having a great year. His goal per game average is second to Lecavalier. And Demitra is almost point-per-game player this season (it is an achievement if you are playing for Wild). And their goaltending is quite good even without any big names.

They were pretty bad last week (after winning 9 in a row) but I don't think it means they would play as bad once playoff starts.

I don't know if Wild would be a good or bad matchup for Wings. They did not see each other since last year.

I would not want them to play each other in the first round just because I want them both to advance

[Kp-Wings 3]

Earlier in the year, I'd agree with you. I don't know what happened up in Alberta recently, but they've got those guys playing Flames hockey again and that's pretty scary. Their big thing this year was they couldn't win on the road, OK, until they pulled off three consecutive road wins, two against Minnesota and then beating the hell out of Vancouver on HNIC (I know you saw that one).

Aggressive forecheck, rough and tumble style, great goaltending. Those have been Wings killer the last three years, and the Flames are the embodiment of that. They're only 12 points off of the Wings too, so it's not like they've played like crap all year, and they're just now hitting their stride (sound familer?)

So there's something to be afraid of if you ask me. Can the Wings beat those guys? Hell yes, they can. But saying that they only barely lost to them two seasons ago doesn't exactly inspire confidence; if we roll those guys (very good chance we will) it's going to be a close one, a nail-biter for sure.

Please don't bring up last year. It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I don't even want to think about something like that happening this year.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

I WANT THE SABRES!!! Sabres, you can't hide from me forever! You may have got a lucky shot in last time, but you KNOW I own you in a seven game series! You are overrated Sabres! You got no heart Sabres! I am going to eat your children! My offense is impetuous! My defense is impregnable! Anytime, anyplace Sabres! Bring it on Sabres!

I WILL SEE YOU IN JUNE!!!

[Elshupacabra 0]

I WANT THE SABRES!!! Sabres, you can't hide from me forever! You may have got a lucky shot in last time, but you KNOW I own you in a seven game series! You are overrated Sabres! You got no heart Sabres! I am going to eat your children! My offense is impetuous! My defense is impregnable! Anytime, anyplace Sabres! Bring it on Sabres!

I WILL SEE YOU IN JUNE!!!

damn!

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

I WANT THE SABRES!!! Sabres, you can't hide from me forever! You may have got a lucky shot in last time, but you KNOW I own you in a seven game series! You are overrated Sabres! You got no heart Sabres! I am going to eat your children! My offense is impetuous! My defense is impregnable! Anytime, anyplace Sabres! Bring it on Sabres!

I WILL SEE YOU IN JUNE!!!

DUDE! How many children you ate before, ball park figures? and is this exclusively sabres kids?

[Elshupacabra 0]

DUDE! How many children you ate before, ball park figures? and is this exclusively sabres kids?

YOU DIDN'T EAT HASEKS KIDS DID YOU? Cuz he is going to be pissed if he finds out that was you!

[Shockwave180 0]

I WANT THE SABRES!!! Sabres, you can't hide from me forever! You may have got a lucky shot in last time, but you KNOW I own you in a seven game series! You are overrated Sabres! You got no heart Sabres! I am going to eat your children! My offense is impetuous! My defense is impregnable! Anytime, anyplace Sabres! Bring it on Sabres!

I WILL SEE YOU IN JUNE!!!

Hello, Mike Tyson. Didn't know you were a hockey fan.

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

YOU DIDN'T EAT HASEKS KIDS DID YOU? Cuz he is going to be pissed if he finds out that was you!

s*** ! I forgot dom was a Sabre, please tell me you didn't ?

[Draper4$1 0]

Earlier in the year, I'd agree with you. I don't know what happened up in Alberta recently, but they've got those guys playing Flames hockey again and that's pretty scary. Their big thing this year was they couldn't win on the road, OK, until they pulled off three consecutive road wins, two against Minnesota and then beating the hell out of Vancouver on HNIC (I know you saw that one).

Aggressive forecheck, rough and tumble style, great goaltending. Those have been Wings killer the last three years, and the Flames are the embodiment of that. They're only 12 points off of the Wings too, so it's not like they've played like crap all year, and they're just now hitting their stride (sound familiar?)

So there's something to be afraid of if you ask me. Can the Wings beat those guys? Hell yes, they can. But saying that they only barely lost to them two seasons ago doesn't exactly inspire confidence; if we roll those guys (very good chance we will) it's going to be a close one, a nail-biter for sure.

Couldn't agree with you more. They are playing unbelievable right now, and all signs point to them being just as tough this year as they were in 2004. And with the goaltending they're getting, coupled with the Wings lack of secondary scoring lately (excluding Saturday afternoon) I'll be VERY VERY worried if we see them in the first round.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

So , after reading some of these posts , it seems we wont be going anywhere this postseason.

Minny - Take out Gaborik and Demitra , get past Backstrom , NOT THAT HARD.

Dallas - Get past Turco. Easy

Calgary - We could beat them and oh yes , we could out play them , beating Kipper isnt hard with the Likes of Zetterberg , Homer , Bertuzzi , Cleary , Calder , Hudler , Datsyuk etc.

San Jose - Cant beat us at home , we get the Home ice advantage and theres an advantage. Play them hard and we win.

I Cant beleive some of the thiungs I've read here. We could take any team in the west , stop being so negative , If you dont believe the wings can beat these teams , dont watch.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

IMO, the biggest thing we have over the Flames that we didnt have over them in 2004 is the REFFING.

Call me crazy, but the Flames were so slow and goony in 2004, that if the new way of calling the game had been implemented then, we probably wouldve won.

Unfortunately, the Flames are faster, just as physical, and have found their scoring touch. Detroit matches up just fine with Dallas, Minnesota and Nashville. Hell, I think we match up with Anaheim (IMO, they arent as meat and potatoes physical as they are willing to drop the gloves) and even with Vancouver. But Calgary and San Jose have something on Detroit and the Wings know that too.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

But Calgary and San Jose have something on Detroit and the Wings know that too.

Well then great for the Wings to know that! That'll only push em more. They are capable of taking them out. They just have to up their physical play. Maybe play a little dump and chase type of hockey against teams like them instead of trying to be pretty all the time with the puck.

[Wings_Rule_1010 4]

There is no weak team in the Western Playoffs, so I'll take the one with the least travel.

Minnesota, please.

Dallas would be my next choice.

I totally agree with that.

[Mighty Wings 0]

I'll mention one thing about calgary. A lot of the players on the team now were still around when cgy beat them 3 yrs ago. There could be a "Revenge" factor in those players after being knocked out by those guys.