Matt 1,048 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Looking back at how this season has went to this point, it's hard to imagine a tougher road than what the Red Wings have taken to advance to the WCF... I know this goes back to A LOT of members here -- myself included -- that didn't think the club could be successful in the playoffs. Heck, prior to the start of the season I deemed this year a "transition" one where I'd be satisfied with just winning the first round. Oh, how wrong I've been. If someone told me in January that this team would physically handle Calgary and San Jose, I would've laughed at you. If there were three teams I would've preferred the Red Wings avoid in the postseason, they would've been Calgary, San Jose and Anaheim. Yet here we are, on the cusp of the improbable, fans of a team that I think even the Barnes Brothers could love. Consider me a believer. Go Wings! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Well said. And where are the Barnes Brothers? This team has shown so much grit and heart, those guys should be here giving some props. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueMonk 102 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Where are any of the guys who complained about this team not being able to handle a playoff grind? Seriously, have you seen any of them around? I mean, other than me. I thought they were doomed. I'm pleasantly surprised so far. I'm with Matt, I said there were three teams the Wings needed to avoid in the playoffs if possible: The three they're playing so far. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 I'll be one of the first to admit, I didn't think we'd make it past Calgary...and then we did. Next, San Jose comes along and I'm certain we're sunk at that point (especially after Game 1)...and then we won. Now comes Anaheim, the team that started the Wings' recent string of early playoff exits with an embarassing sweep against the defending champs. In all honesty, I don't see us getting past them...but look how well that worked out for us in the first two rounds. At this point, anything is possible. We have just as good a chance of moving on to the Finals as Anaheim, no matter what all the pundits say. Where are any of the guys I mean, other than me. I thought they were doomed. I'm pleasantly surprised so far. I'm with Matt, I said there were three teams the Wings needed to avoid in the playoffs if possible: The three they're playing so far. I just love the fact that we're finally going right up against adversity and facing it with composure. It's like a "Exorcise The Demons Of Postseasons Past" tour at this point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladdy16 2,154 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Agreed, Matt. I also thought that if the Wings made it to the second round, I would consider the season a success. If they made it to the WCF, I could die happy. So if I get hit by a bus today, it's all good! What a great surprise this season has been all the way around. GO WINGS!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sojourn 0 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Where are any of the guys who complained about this team not being able to handle a playoff grind? Seriously, have you seen any of them around? I mean, other than me. I thought they were doomed. I'm pleasantly surprised so far. I'm with Matt, I said there were three teams the Wings needed to avoid in the playoffs if possible: The three they're playing so far. At least you would feel like your team beat the best to get the job done. How often have we seen it where the team that wins the Cup seems to get the good draws, and never really faces off against the best? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Great analysis Matt. I would completely agree with you in regards to the teams I was the most concerned about. What's interesting to me, is all the fears I had (regarding the Wings physicality) throughout the first two rounds has greatly diminished heading into the ANA series. This team is strong enough, and has the heart, desire and skill to be successful in these playoffs. If they play the way the have these past two rounds, they got as good of a shot as anybody to win it all. Consider me a believer too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anomalously 0 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 How often have we seen it where the team that wins the Cup seems to get the good draws, and never really faces off against the best? Most of the time it means an Eastern Conference team has won. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covenant 0 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 I was leary of Calgary, until I saw the glaring lack of offense they had.. then I was REALLY leary of San Jose.. but after we came back from those defecits I had a great feeling. The Ducks? I'm not so sure I'm as leary of them. Yes, their defense without question is amazing, and they have balanced scoring for sure.. but, I dunno.. it's the physicality I'm not so worried about now. We have quite a few forwards that love to scrum it up as well. Combine that with darling Euro's on line one, and I think it'll be a tough-tight-checking series that will eventually come down to timely goal scoring, the powerplay, and Dats and Zetts and Homer absolutely dominating. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akustyk 84 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 yep, gotta agree I wasn't overly confident about or chances before the season started. though, I saw this team growing better during the season and had them able to go further than Round 1 in playoffs. in all honesty, I did not see Flames having much chances against us, but Sharks've been my big concern all the season. they certainly underperformed against Wings, but it's still a scary team to face. as for Ducks... with our injuries I can see them taking the series, but that's not to say Wings are far worse. we have shown some huge teamwork, heart and desire to win. if we continue to play on this level and remain healthy we stand a fair chance of reaching SCF. yep, I'm believer, too. actually, from the Game 1 of Flames series when I saw inspired Wings my though was: these are winners. and I hope they continue this trend and even if we fail, it's gonna be because of better opposing team not the lack of trying Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jiri the man 0 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 I was leary of Calgary, until I saw the glaring lack of offense they had.. then I was REALLY leary of San Jose.. but after we came back from those defecits I had a great feeling. The Ducks? I'm not so sure I'm as leary of them. Yes, their defense without question is amazing, and they have balanced scoring for sure.. but, I dunno.. it's the physicality I'm not so worried about now. We have quite a few forwards that love to scrum it up as well. Combine that with darling Euro's on line one, and I think it'll be a tough-tight-checking series that will eventually come down to timely goal scoring, the powerplay, and Dats and Zetts and Homer absolutely dominating. It sounds as if we all had the same feelings going into the playoffs.Not me though,I alway's knew the Wings would make it this far well maybe.I do believe now and the Ducks are just one more team that is supposed to be better,we'll see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt 1,048 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Honestly, if (*knock on wood*) the Red Wings complete the improbable and win the Stanley Cup it'll feel like the most rewarding one since 1997. The 2002 team was *expected* to win the Stanley Cup and would've been a monstrous failure if it didn't. This year, this team -- all expectations have been left at the door... And oh, what memories from the first two rounds! Cleary pancaking Phaneuf and setting up a goal, the "never say die" attitude of the San Jose series, Lidstrom's diving stick save, Lilja playing out of his gord, the youngsters making an impact, Datsyuk proving the past is just that... I could go on and on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Apart from some huge brain farts in their playing style... this seasons wings have proven they have what it takes to get the job done.... The team really gelled while Zeta missed the last month or so of the regular season. While it was unfortuante, that was almost what the team needed. They now know they aren't a team that relies on one star player to succeed. They all play their roles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gowingsgo 3 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Anaheim will be a big test with Pronger back there playing 30 minutes a game. We need to play with the lead v playing from behind this series and we'll be ok. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Winged Scooter 0 Report post Posted May 9, 2007 Honestly, if (*knock on wood*) the Red Wings complete the improbable and win the Stanley Cup it'll feel like the most rewarding one since 1997. The 2002 team was *expected* to win the Stanley Cup and would've been a monstrous failure if it didn't. This year, this team -- all expectations have been left at the door... And oh, what memories from the first two rounds! Cleary pancaking Phaneuf and setting up a goal, the "never say die" attitude of the San Jose series, Lidstrom's diving stick save, Lilja playing out of his gord, the youngsters making an impact, Datsyuk proving the past is just that... I could go on and on. Don't forget Bertuzzi hitting Brown so hard he didn't know where he was.. It has been so nice to leave my red Wings flag hanging on the front of the house well into the month of May ( my poor Tigers and Piston flags feel neglected ). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted May 10, 2007 And where are the Barnes Brothers? This team has shown so much grit and heart, those guys should be here giving some props. And how about Lou? Haven't heard a word out of him in a couple weeks. It's OK to come back and love your team, man! I'll tell you what, I'm just happy that the Wings are in the conference finals, but I know they sure aren't. They'll give it 100% against another big, bad team. And you never know what can happen when they do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akustyk 84 Report post Posted May 10, 2007 And how about Lou? Haven't heard a word out of him in a couple weeks. It's OK to come back and love your team, man! you mean puckloo? who was a gal in fact Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueMonk 102 Report post Posted May 10, 2007 you mean puckloo? who was a gal in fact I think he means Lou_Siffer. Who is, in fact, a guy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akustyk 84 Report post Posted May 10, 2007 I think he means Lou_Siffer. Who is, in fact, a guy. that sums it up signed: akustyk, being in fact, a guy, too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
