I want the Avs

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

The Avalanche should not be underestimated. They are a great team.

That said though, I feel very strongly the Wings can pull this off.

Go Wings!!!!!!

I disagree that the Avalanche are a "great" team. I think they have some great players - but their problem this season has not been playing well as a "team". Part of that has to do, yes, with all the injuries they had - and how long alot of those guys were out. Plus the F&Fs weren't here so they really haven't gelled as a group.

I went to a handful of Avs games this year (including both Wings victories ) and they were very unimpressive - including Theodore - who didn't really get the nod as the starter until late in the season. BUT, I have not been to a game since the trade deadline and seen the new Avs "look".

They will be a tough out for sure, but Babs can own Qville and if the Wings play vs. them like they did in all 4 reg season games we will win the series....

I am anticipating a huge hit by Kronner on Floppa maybe?

[Hockeytown Red Wings 245]

I disagree that the Avalanche are a "great" team. I think they have some great players - but their problem this season has not been playing well as a "team". Part of that has to do, yes, with all the injuries they had - and how long alot of those guys were out. Plus the F&Fs weren't here so they really haven't gelled as a group.

I went to a handful of Avs games this year (including both Wings victories ) and they were very unimpressive - including Theodore - who didn't really get the nod as the starter until late in the season. BUT, I have not been to a game since the trade deadline and seen the new Avs "look".

They will be a tough out for sure, but Babs can own Qville and if the Wings play vs. them like they did in all 4 reg season games we will win the series....

I am anticipating a huge hit by Kronner on Floppa maybe?

Some spies from the Avs boards were here last night. They did not like your post, and then some went on a tangent on Avs-hating Denverites. It was pretty strange.

[redwing711 0]

in his defense Hejduk was pretty much useless this year until Forsberg showed up

Hejduk with Forsberg on the other hand has a definite advantage, Foppa healthy is more of a setup guy than anyone but Gretzky(yes I'm exaggerating, but not that much)

So, it Kronner crushes Forsberg with one of his great open ice hits, the man made of glass breaks, their hopes of a Stanley Cup come crashing down to the ice and we advance to the conference finals.

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

Let's compare the seven Avs forwards to their most comparable Detroit counterpart.

Forsberg v. Datsyuk. Playmaking two way center, also capable of scoring some goals. Edge: Detroit

Sakic v. Zetterberg. Two-way center with a wicked shot and strong passing skills. Edge: Detroit

Stastny v. Filppula. Young all-around center. Edge: Colorado

Smyth v. Holmstrom. Garbage goal and deflection expert, PP specialist. Edge: Detroit

Hejduk v. Cleary. Small, quick, goal scoring winger. Edge: Detroit

Brunette v. Samuelsson. Big winger with good hands who probably should score more goals than he does. Edge: Colorado

Wolski v. Hudler. Young, promising scorer with loads of talent who has gotten inconsistent ice time this season. Edge: Even.

I'll even add one more.

Arnason v. Franzen. Youngish, two-way winger capable of amazing hot streaks or unbelievable cold streaks offensively. Edge: Detroit

I agree with your breakdown on a chunk of these, BUT

Sakic v. Zetterberg- regular season I'm with ya, but so far in the playoffs... Sakic with the 6pts vs Z's 4 gives Sakic the slight edge. I watched the majority of both series and Sakic was waaay more visible of the two.

Hejduk v. Cleary Cleary is coming back from an injury so I don't blame him for being nearly invisible, but with that being the case, I'd certainly give the edge to Hejduk. 4 points vs 1 point... again not a huge difference, but noticeable.

I see it as (based on 1st round performance)

Forsberg v. Datsyuk, Edge: Detroit

Sakic v. Zetterberg, Edge: Colorado

Stastny v. Filppula, Edge: Colorado

Smyth v. Holmstrom, Edge: Detroit

Hejduk v. Cleary, Edge: Colorado

Brunette v. Samuelsson, Edge: Colorado

Wolski v. Hudler, Even

Arnason v. Franzen, Edge Detroit

Overall, Slight Edge for CO.

Totally not concerned about a supposed 'advantage' the Avs have at forward. Detroit is clearly at very least on par with Colorado in the top 8. And after that, it's Guite/Laperriere/McLeod/Jones vs Draper/McCarty/Drake/Helm or Maltby, which favors Detroit greatly.

I honestly think the depth is just about a draw too. Guite is getting better with every game I see, Laperrie does a pretty good job of his role and isn't aging like McCary/Drake. Maltby, is he healhty yet? Helm has impressed me a bit more than Jones/McLeod.

I think that if our secondary scoring can step up a bit we'll have no problem, overall.

Offense: Colorado

Defense: Detroit

Goaltending: Detroit

Special teams: slight edge Detroit (Strong PK)

Physcial Game: draw

I think it'll be a 6 game series, but Detroit should take it

Can't wait for tomorrow night!

[Opie 308]

Ok ok, let's just say that Avs and Wings rivality is dead. Yeah so? Let's bring it back. I mean, it's like Montreal and Toronto, they hate each other, but they forget and everytime they play each other, they remember how much the can't stand Tucker's face. Same thing here, only that there's other players. Let 'em into the feud. It'll be fun.

Did you seriously just compare the Det Col rivalry to an O6 rivalry!

Failure!!!

it's gonna be a fast paced series, yet another team peaking at the right time. The Wings should be worried...

Then hopefully Holland gets fired... (sorry had to sneak that in there.)

Hey how did your dream of Feds destroying the wings in the finals work out for you!

It looks like it worked out exactly the opposite of how you predicted, because I believe when you turned in your Red Wing card you claimed the Holland Detroit Red Wings would be eliminated in the first and the Fedorov Washington Capitals would go all the way!

Or am I misremembering!!

MR. Clemens is that you!

[Xitium 272]

The Avs will get bitten by the same bug that got Anaheim.

Karma.

I'm looking at you, Forsberg...

[Opie 308]

The Avs will get bitten by the same bug that got Anaheim.

Karma.

I'm looking at you, Forsberg...

I don't really have a problem with what Forsberg did, he wasn't sure he could play, so he worked his ass off to get in shape and then when he was in shape he was there for everyone to have. He had the luxury of being able to name his destination.

Selanne as well I have no problem with. He took his time to decide what he wanted to do, and all teams had a chance at him, again he had the luxury to name his team.

Neids on the other hand I have a distinct issue with, he was under contract. And even though most athletes don't see that as a commitment I do. I hate these prima dona athletes (Chad Johnson the latest of this breed) that don't live up to their contract. Neids should have had his contract voided, and lost the year. And if he wanted to come back next year fine, but all teams have a shot at him and the league should make a rule that he cannot make anything more than 3/4 of his last contract.

But that is my opinion and my opinion and that of highly paid pro athletes usually don't coincide, well unless their last name is Lidstrom or Yzerman!

If you sign a contract for fair market value, then you are stuck at that, I don't care if the next year you could have got twice the money. Not that, that applies to Neids just venting!

Edited April 23, 2008 by Opie

[Guest drwings1]

your not my buddy guy!

[falconski 0]

So, it Kronner crushes Forsberg with one of his great open ice hits, the man made of glass breaks, their hopes of a Stanley Cup come crashing down to the ice and we advance to the conference finals.

and that's why I didn't argue against Detroit having the advantage there... Forsberg is injury prone like none other

[kylee 727]

i dont know if either the Wings will just dominate the Avs, or if their scoring can get inside Ozzie's head - of course, thats yet to be seen simply because Osgood has given up one goal in two and a half games. i think they're remembering Osgood from 01 when they Forsberg scored and went off in game 6, but everyone knows that if you are only getting about 20 shots a game against ANY goalie - it's going to be tough to win.

of course im nervous because i dont know exactly what to expect, but i feel A LOT better with Osgood in net, and the way he's playing, theres no reason to doubt the Wings couldnt handle the Avs and head to the Conference Finals.

GO WINGS

[akustyk 84]

Let's compare the seven Avs forwards to their most comparable Detroit counterpart.

(...)

let us however first use our brains to think about actual match ups.

does Sakic compete head-to-head against Zetterberg? uh... no.

comparing rosters makes zero sense if you do it position by

position. it's about how forwards lines (and combinations of certain

players) match up against defensive pairs, etc. and how PP goes

against PK of the other team and vice versa.

spending hours on discussion whether Z is better than Joe or Dats

than Floppa makes absolutely zero sense. it's just dumb babbling.

let's better focus on discussion about our F against their D (and vice

versa, again). whom can they put against ZDH and against our PP,

and what defense pair do we put to stop their vets and their young

guns? what about our PK?

these are the right questions. it's not computer or card game to dwell

in stats.

we actually have the tools to stay out of the box and tame their scoring.

it is likely to not require wonders from Oz in the net. the question is here

how real is Theodore and if their D-men support him enough. and whether

our defense is able to hold position and stop Avs breaks and not commit

give aways.

I don't see Wings losing this series if they keep composure and put enough

effort. question marks are in goal whether Oz and Theodore keep their

hot streaks. a lot of the series depends on this

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

While I agree that it is more practical to analyze the matchups, breaking it down in categories isn't as foolish as you seem to portray it. Just looking at things a different way. Discussing who has more depth or more talented offense is valid.... to a point.

[akustyk 84]

While I agree that it is more practical to analyze the matchups, breaking it down in categories isn't as foolish as you seem to portray it. Just looking at things a different way. Discussing who has more depth or more talented offense is valid.... to a point.

depth means usually s*** when it comes to playoffs.

skill-wise Sharks were head and shoulders above Flames but it took them

7 games to advance in what should be at most 5 games long.

Ducks didn't exactly look worse than Stars, and on the defense they were

actually head and shoulders above. so what?

I'm not even gonna mention 2006 Wings and Oilers. not a number of other

series where deeper teams were prematurely sent golfing

go figure!

[zata40 3]

your not my buddy guy!

I love that show.

As for the avs I don't think we should not be afraid of them. but we should not underestimate them, they are a good team.

[chiefness 0]

Let's compare the seven Avs forwards to their most comparable Detroit counterpart.

Forsberg v. Datsyuk. Playmaking two way center, also capable of scoring some goals. Edge: Detroit

Sakic v. Zetterberg. Two-way center with a wicked shot and strong passing skills. Edge: Detroit

Stastny v. Filppula. Young all-around center. Edge: Colorado

Smyth v. Holmstrom. Garbage goal and deflection expert, PP specialist. Edge: Detroit

Hejduk v. Cleary. Small, quick, goal scoring winger. Edge: Detroit

Brunette v. Samuelsson. Big winger with good hands who probably should score more goals than he does. Edge: Colorado

Wolski v. Hudler. Young, promising scorer with loads of talent who has gotten inconsistent ice time this season. Edge: Even.

I'll even add one more.

Arnason v. Franzen. Youngish, two-way winger capable of amazing hot streaks or unbelievable cold streaks offensively. Edge: Detroit

Totally not concerned about a supposed 'advantage' the Avs have at forward. Detroit is clearly at very least on par with Colorado in the top 8. And after that, it's Guite/Laperriere/McLeod/Jones vs Draper/McCarty/Drake/Helm or Maltby, which favors Detroit greatly.

....wow. That was the worst comparison i have ever seen.

[akustyk 84]

Let's compare the seven Avs forwards to their most comparable Detroit counterpart.

let's go then

Forsberg v. Datsyuk. Playmaking two way center, also capable of scoring some goals. Edge: Detroit

what about power forward capable of scoring goals with his sheer will

and having the body to go into the net. also excellent in selling penalties

(thanks to refs) and unfortunately also extremely efficient in playoffs?

edge: tie. because of Floppa's age and health

Sakic v. Zetterberg. Two-way center with a wicked shot and strong passing skills. Edge: Detroit

what about year long captain who delivers leadership and scores timely,

very timely goals?

edge: it's still Zet but only if we're talking about personal skills not team incentives

Stastny v. Filppula. Young all-around center. Edge: Colorado

not to take anything from Flip but there's no discussion here.

Stastny is huge talent

Smyth v. Holmstrom. Garbage goal and deflection expert, PP specialist. Edge: Detroit

Smyth also brings leadership. and unfortunately for Homer he's been too

known for what he does and refs are having eyes on him making Tomas

less efficient.

it's tie unless Homer becomes really efficient this time

Hejduk v. Cleary. Small, quick, goal scoring winger. Edge: Detroit

oh puhlease.... that's ridiculous at best. Hejduk is not entirely his old self

but we're talking about a guy who put 50+ goals a season and has excellent

hands. this is by far the biggest edge for Dives in your comparison. edge Cleary?

wake up... pull the red glasses off

Brunette v. Samuelsson. Big winger with good hands who probably should score more goals than he does. Edge: Colorado

don't know about Brunette's effort but Sammy is brutally invisible. he simply

puts no effort into the game. Void Deveraux wins competition with him

Wolski v. Hudler. Young, promising scorer with loads of talent who has gotten inconsistent ice time this season. Edge: Even.

Wolski is by far more talented than Hudler and has better frame.

this is actually another Dives edge

although I still find such comparison useless. without any practical meaning

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

I think this series has more importance than any series we've played since 2002. Losing to any team in the playoffs is deflating, but losing to this team woud just be downright humiliating and awful to have to get over because of how much I hate them. Even losing to the Ducks last year wasn't as bad as this would be. I'm sure they feel the same way on the other side, so I'm saying that all the chips are on the line for this one.

[Xitium 272]

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

depth means usually s*** when it comes to playoffs.

skill-wise Sharks were head and shoulders above Flames but it took them

7 games to advance in what should be at most 5 games long.

Ducks didn't exactly look worse than Stars, and on the defense they were

actually head and shoulders above. so what?

I'm not even gonna mention 2006 Wings and Oilers. not a number of other

series where deeper teams were prematurely sent golfing

go figure!

Depth definitely can play a part in the playoffs. For starters it's a war of attrition, people are gonna get injured, and having depth to adequately fill the gaps can make all the difference. Or winning games on the road. One line teams get shut down, having depth can save your ass when your top guys are stuck against their checking line.

But don't get me wrong, playoff series are obviously not won and lost on internet message boards. Talking about who looks better on paper is pretty pointless, but to me fun, cuz I love talking hockey.

Upsets, or drawn out series happen every year, for a number of reasons.

*edit for bad spelling and I probably didn't catch it all haha.

Oh and back on topic, I still think the Wings win in 6, and this series will definitely get chippy

Edited April 24, 2008 by Wings_Fan_In_Exile

[betterREDthandead 58]

depth means usually s*** when it comes to playoffs.

skill-wise Sharks were head and shoulders above Flames but it took them

7 games to advance in what should be at most 5 games long.

Ducks didn't exactly look worse than Stars, and on the defense they were

actually head and shoulders above. so what?

I'm not even gonna mention 2006 Wings and Oilers. not a number of other

series where deeper teams were prematurely sent golfing

go figure!

Depth isn't as important if you only look at one series. It's all about the matchups. Depth is supremely important in a playoff run if you're going to win it all. You've gotta get contributions from everyone. Your bums in one series may be your stars in the next.

I can kinda see if you want to make the argument that depth isn't real important in one series. Goaltending can turn everything upside down, as it did against the Oilers in 2006. But to say it means s*** for the whole playoffs? That's just ignorant.

[tommingthepuck96 1]

Sorry im a huge wings fan but colorado has the clear edge in forward skill, depth energy and speed wise. How ever that doesnt mean their all going to perform what their expected to, i.e statsiny getting 1 point in the series against the wild? GL getting them against a team like detroit.

Playing a red wings defence who works as a 5 man unit who allowed the fewest shots against in reg season and fewest in the playoffs and i think who has the best coaching in the league is a whole different competion than what the avs faced against the wild.

That being said i don't think the avs can rely only on their forwards to score goals against the best defence in the league. Also the fact that colorado has to put sakic on their blue line due to their lack of skilled defensmen is a huge advantage for the wings and i wouldn't be suprised if datsyuk or zetterberg pick up some short handers..

Edited April 24, 2008 by tommingthepuck96

[Nero 20]

I am really worried about it.. I hope that Detroit comes out with a stellar performance tomorrow and sets the precedence for the rest of the series. Let's go Red Wings!

[akustyk 84]

Depth isn't as important if you only look at one series. It's all about the matchups. Depth is supremely important in a playoff run if you're going to win it all. You've gotta get contributions from everyone. Your bums in one series may be your stars in the next.

I can kinda see if you want to make the argument that depth isn't real important in one series. Goaltending can turn everything upside down, as it did against the Oilers in 2006. But to say it means s*** for the whole playoffs? That's just ignorant.

that's obviously right and I'm not even gonna recall last year WCF

to justify the argument.

I should actually have been more specific, because I was refering to the

depth in terms of skills not in terms of number of healthy and contributing

players. in this definition depth is not so important for a single playoff

series but obviously becomes important as you advance into further

rounds.

[58Miles2Joe 12]

gawd, that was great.

[Xitium 272]

gawd, that was great.

Still the greatest 1st period of a game 7, ever.