246 replies to this topic

[hockeyone]

Wings in 5

Be Positive

[Never_Retire_Steve]

This is the first year EVER that I think that Detroit will lose a playoff series

[Rice]

This is the first year EVER that I think that Detroit will lose a playoff series

So this means you thought we would win in 2003, '04, and '06, right?

Edited by ARice89, 09 April 2007 - 09:33 PM.

[BlueMonk]

Im also going Calgary in 6. However, im not nearly as confident in this pick as i was in 04 or wouldve been last season had they met. The Flames havent been the same physically this year, and they'll need to dial that back up. Im saying they will, and after the series people will be pointing alot of fingers at Schneider and Chelios as being significant reasons for the loss.

I'm not as confident, either. I'm giving the Flames a lot of credit for being able to turn it up when they need to. But they kind of did need to during this past few weeks as the Avalanche made their run, and the Flames didn't look like they had another gear. But hey, they made it to the dance, so they obviously did enough.

I do think the dependence on a really old defense corps, as good as they may be, will be an achilles heel for the Red Wings. Calgary's forwards will forecheck and just try to punish those guys and grind them down over the course of the series. So I can't argue with your choices for series scapegoats, either.

[clutchngrab]

You expect these playoffs to be any different than the last?

Think of the last 10 games of the year.

Cut the calls by 1/3, get the picture?

They should rename the playoffs, WWF on Ice.

that's what i am afraid of. The amount of interference and obstruction that has crept back into the game is disappointing, while still calling ticky-tack hooking penalties. NHL officiating is a complete joke, but that's a diff thread.

[Hatchet Barry]

With all of these predictions for this series, one would think they were at a Flames forum. I mean shouldn't all Red Wings fans believe that they are going to win? What's the point in watching if you assume they are going to lose? I know recent history should give us all doubts about these playoffs, but let's have some faith in this team. I respect everyone's own personal predictions, but it doesn't seem right to ever pick against the Red Wings. Stanley Cup #11 is coming to Hockeytown, Believe!

Well said I couldn't agree with you more!!!!! You gotta believe in this team. They are totaly driven this year!! LETS GO RED WINGS!!!! LETS GO RED WINGS!!!!! LETS GO RED WINGS!!!!!

[ShanahanMan]

come on guys. Be optimistic!

[Jiggy_12]

The flames forum , I rember when Colorado was hot on your tail and all flames fans jsut gave up , Well theres always next year , I hope joe sakic breaks his toe , STOP WINNING AVS !!

Is it that negative over there now too ?

I should say that when I said flames forum, I of course meant www.calgarypuck.com. The other "official" site is nothing but a joke.

But no, its not as negative as it was a while ago...its better. But you'll find pessemism anywhere it seems.

[Detroit # 1 Fan]

I should say that when I said flames forum, I of course meant www.calgarypuck.com. The other "official" site is nothing but a joke.

But no, its not as negative as it was a while ago...its better. But you'll find pessemism anywhere it seems.

Hah , the official site is a laugh , They all like the flames , but they think so lowly of them.

Sorta like most of the wings fans on this site lately

[kermitology]

Them Flames is missing one key ingredient. Heart. When you have no heart you can't go too far.

Red Wings in 6.

Calgary is far too flip-floppy about their play and I can't see any way they win in Joe Louis.

[Heroes of Hockeytown]

I like this article. We've known all along Hasek came aboard to solidify our goaltending for the playoffs, but to see him talk about it is reassuring. He's had his highs and lows this season, but it's been plain to see these last few weeks he's been tooling up for the playoffs. This guy is gonna be a beast; a healthy and motivated Hasek is the biggest difference between this and last year's team.

And if the Wings do make a deep run, I have this feeling that Franzen is gonna be a big part of it. I like this guy as a playoff performer.

[BeeRYCE]

Okay boys, I know this is doubtful, but if, and I mean IF Detroit loses the first game (even second), just remember... 2002!

[flames23]

Wings take the first game as they pepper kipper for the duration of the first. Shots are around 15-5, and the score is 2-0. Flames doggedly try to change the momentum and score one on the PP. The wings answer the reply with a PPG of their own and head into the 2nd int. up 3-1. Stellar defence from the wings in the third is the difference, we get one late which sets up for a great last few mins but the wings hit the yawning cage (sans kipper ) and the final is 4-2.

Not so much ridiculous predictions for the rest of the series but this is how i see it going down.

Game 2 OT, flames take it 4-3 with a spirited effort spearheaded by our ferocious captain.

Game 3-4 Split at the dome

Game 5 The flames energy led by Matt Lombardi sets up a 2nd int lead. Flames finish strong with another win at the JOe (yes i'm reaching but feel the flames will give detroit fits on the forecheck.....i hope

Game 6 Energy at the 'Dome is deafening, and the flames and wings play an incredibly chippy, emotion-fueled game.
A higher intensity is felt by all in the arena, and the wings take a 2-1 advantage into the 2nd int. after some ridiculous goaltending by Hasek.

Go Flames Go!!!! chants fill the Saddledome in the 3rd and sloppy defensive coverage by the wings results in a 5-3 powerplay. Dion Phaneuf fakes the bomb from the point and sets up a wide open Alex Tanguay for the tying goal on a beautiful feed for the one-timer.

The game goes into double overtime and both teams are labouring, but adrenaline levels are still high. Chippy Saddledome ice leads to the series winning goal by Kristian Huselius who turns a fortuitous bounce off the center ice boards into a partial breakaway, shelving a snap shot over Hasek's glove.


............ a man can dream can't he?

This series will be awesome.

Enjoy it everyone

[reyalp]

Wings in 5. Take two at home, drop one on the road. Win it at home for me to see in person so I can finally throw an octopus on the ice.

[rick zombo]

My two main concerns:

1) Health
2) Officiating

The Flames are much healthier than Detroit.

And you know that playoff officiating will favour Calgary.

If Detroit can overcome these two disadvantages, they'll win in 6.

[eva unit zero]

Detroit in 5, and here's why:

Calgary's biggest advantages last time were skewed officiating and a ridiculous advantage in physical play.

The officiating should be much better with all the attention being paid to bad officiating the past couple years, and Calgary has lost physical presence while Detroit has gained it.

Calgary won't be able to manhandle Detroit, and that will result in Detroit running the table at home and taking a game in Calgary as well.

[Barrie]

I say Wings in 5. We're ready for the playoffs this year, and Calgary isn't going to surprise us this time around.

[unkempt]

Wings in 20.

Enough of early exits.

[stevie for president]

he says it better than any of us ever could.

[dicksmack]

Wings in 6

Well, let’s see… the last three times the Wings were eliminated from the playoffs went like this: our opponents employed the trap, played a physical game, kept them to the perimeter and had their goalie stand on his head. Basically, the word is out on how to beat the Wings in the playoffs. I don’t see why Calgary will want to alter that formula. Sure they have more big guns up front this year, but a run-and-gun approach is much riskier with a team like Detroit—especially if Zetterberg returns in typical form. They might want to mix up their attack some to keep the Wings guessing, but I don’t think they ‘ll stray much from the aforementioned playoff formula. The Flames can use those offensive weapons for quick counter-attacks: to pounce on (Lilja the turnstile’s) turnovers, I daresay.

Realistically, the Wings will likely face a one-two-two of some kind for a good chunk of the 1st round series. I think that Bertuzzi could be a factor in busting the trap. Having the big guy charged with retrieving the puck and pressuring—i.e. bearing down on---the defenseman going to get it, could finally give the wings a legitimate dump-and-chase option. Even for guys like Regehr and Phaneuf, having Bertuzzi coming at them in the corner might make them make a hastier pass. As well, having known puck stealers like Hank and Pavel on Bert’s coat tails could make it doubly difficult in their end. Hopefully, Bert is back and ready to bang ‘em come Game 1.

A lot depends on Babcock. If he can’t counter the trap, or, he has his point men fire pucks into shinpads all series again, were gonna struggle. He should be able to out-maneuvre Playfair though, you’d think.

The pressure on Pavel is unbelievable…but the way he’s played all year tell’s me he do great! It’s also up to his teammates to not squander his set –ups, because we know there’ll be plenty of those once again. The Wings have been concerned with preparing for the post-season all year, they’ll be ready.