Pens fan here...first post. NO SMACK!

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I was thinking more of the Media and the like. People picked the avs to win in 6, should seem that they'd expect the pens to take the series in 2 1/2 games.

The majority of the media at this point, I would think would favor the Wings.

[LeftWinger 5,153]

It's not about age. Yserman was a more level headed mature player from day one. I'n not even saying it's Sid's fault. Who on this planet could be put on a pedestal by the NHL and the press and not have it go to their head. Maybe he's a better leader in the locker room than on the ice, but what we see as spectators isn't all that impressive in the leadership department. The fact that you even brought up Yserman amazes me. As if there was any comparison whatsoever.

Them's fignt'n words there! I hope you ACCIDENTLY mispelled his name and didn't do it on purpose to slight him...

[LeftWinger 5,153]

The majority of the media at this point, I would think would favor the Wings.

...no...no...no...If the Wings and Pens meet in the finals, we are gonna hear SOOOO much Crosby knob-gobbling you'll think Patrick Roy was playing in one of those Game 7's that he never, ever lost...

...and that'll be from BOTH VS./NBC and CBC...

[WingsZR2 1]

I'm sure that comes off as excessively arrogant, but there has been something special coming together for this Red Wings team over the last couple of weeks and who am I to stand back and not be a believer?

No arrogance, I believe with the exception of 95-96 this is the most complete team I’ve seen in my 28+ years. They’ve got that bond, the swagger, and the discipline.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

...no...no...no...If the Wings and Pens meet in the finals, we are gonna hear SOOOO much Crosby knob-gobbling you'll think Patrick Roy was playing in one of those Game 7's that he never, ever lost...

...and that'll be from BOTH VS./NBC and CBC...

I disagree. Pierre doesn't know a damn thing about hockey, but the ones that do will favor the Wings in this series simply based on the stats and the level of execution the Wings are playing with.

[Graybeard 0]

I didn't read all the previous posts, but I'm guessing some LGW folks are saying that Sid can't lead....well, that's BS. His team has come this far under his watch, so that is a fraudulent argument, and Wings fans should look at the history of their own franchise to know that the age someone is given the "C" is irrelevant.

It's not about age. Yzerman was a more level headed mature player from day one. I'n not even saying it's Sid's fault. Who on this planet could be put on a pedestal by the NHL and the press and not have it go to their head. Maybe he's a better leader in the locker room than on the ice, but what we see as spectators isn't all that impressive in the leadership department. The fact that you even brought up Yzerman amazes me. As if there was any comparison whatsoever.

Edited to repair my blasphemous misspellings.

[discohadestwo 0]

Sidney Crosby + Evgeni Malkin < Nicklas Lidstrom

[Graybeard 0]

Starting the 1st period of the Rangers series down 3-0 was "some form" of adversity. So were the regular season key injuries, but you make a very valid point. Again, the Wings should win a 7 game series and will have to be the ones handling that pressure. I think you'll be surprised by the Pens composure though. Call it "youthful ignorance," but it's working. The Rags and Flyers tried to draw them into a knife fight and they didn't bite. The Wings will come at them with superior talent they'll need to deal with the initial "shock and awe." But I wouldn't underestimate them just because they are young.

And sorry I hurt your feelings regarding JLA.

The real question is, how bad is your D to get down 3-0 to those geriatrics in the first place?

[discohadestwo 0]

The majority of the media at this point, I would think would favor the Wings.

You'd be surprised. I listen to 3 different podcasts & they all picked the AVs. 2 Picked the Stars, which is still possible, but they picked Stars in 6. I'm pretty sure AT LEAST 2 are going to pick against us if we make it to the finals.

That's fine.

[LeftWinger 5,153]

I disagree. Pierre doesn't know a damn thing about hockey, but the ones that do will favor the Wings in this series simply based on the stats and the level of execution the Wings are playing with.

...that's all fine and dandy, there's no doubt who their money will be going on, personally, but on a national level, who is the "POSTER BOY" of the NHL? Who is the NHL already blowing every chance it gets? The fact that Crosby was given to the Pens (yes I said it, lottery was fixed) they can be classified as a Bettman team, so who will the media be blowing all series long? CBC is simple, they are gonna blow the Canadian boy over the Euro's, that is a no-brainer...

...NBC/VS. will have to promote Crosby every chance they get, so the annoucers will have no choice BUT to nob-gob on Sid...

[Matt 1,049]

I love how this thread has Matt all fired up...

Seriously though -- for the fans here that have the Red Wings' "Celebration of Champions" DVD Set, I'd suggest that you pop-in the DVD that has games from the 1997 run. Watch that team play.

In 2002 the Red Wings won the Cup because they had a Hall of Fame roster. I'm not saying they didn't work to get there, but it's easier with Hall of Famers on your 4th line.

Not since 1997 have I seen a team play a postseason like this 2008 team. In fact, today, as it stands right now -- I feel they're playing at a higher level than that 1997 team. It's seems blasphemous to say something like that, but I honestly believe it right now.

They are playing unbelievable hockey... I mentioned it in the Game 3 GDT after it was over, but it bears repeating:

"Wow.

Words simply can not desribe the level that this team is playing on right now. You run out of superlatives."

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

You'd be surprised. I listen to 3 different podcasts & they all picked the AVs. 2 Picked the Stars, which is still possible, but they picked Stars in 6. I'm pretty sure AT LEAST 2 are going to pick against us if we make it to the finals.

That's fine.

...that's all fine and dandy, there's no doubt who their money will be going on, personally, but on a national level, who is the "POSTER BOY" of the NHL? Who is the NHL already blowing every chance it gets? The fact that Crosby was given to the Pens (yes I said it, lottery was fixed) they can be classified as a Bettman team, so who will the media be blowing all series long? CBC is simple, they are gonna blow the Canadian boy over the Euro's, that is a no-brainer...

...NBC/VS. will have to promote Crosby every chance they get, so the annoucers will have no choice BUT to nob-gob on Sid...

This applies to both of you. Experts only pick against teams for so long before they hop on the bandwagon. After the way the Wings have played (especially in this series), if they move on they'll be picked by the majority.

Sidenote: The bolded comment is just flat-out ridiculous and invalidates your entire response.

Edited May 14, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[discohadestwo 0]

...that's all fine and dandy, there's no doubt who their money will be going on, personally, but on a national level, who is the "POSTER BOY" of the NHL? Who is the NHL already blowing every chance it gets? The fact that Crosby was given to the Pens (yes I said it, lottery was fixed) they can be classified as a Bettman team, so who will the media be blowing all series long? CBC is simple, they are gonna blow the Canadian boy over the Euro's, that is a no-brainer...

...NBC/VS. will have to promote Crosby every chance they get, so the annoucers will have no choice BUT to nob-gob on Sid...

To sum it up, when the Wings are being sweet, we'll have to hear, "What can Crosby & the Pens do?" Instead of hearing about how sweet we are. That's just the way it is.

Edited May 14, 2008 by discohadestwo

[LeftWinger 5,153]

To sum it up, when the Wings are being sweet, we'll have to hear, "What can Crosby & the Pens do?" Instead of hearing about how sweet we are. That's just the way it is.

...exactly, just like in this Dallas series as well as the Colorado one, it's not that the Wings are tearing them up, it's that Dallas is making mistakes, Colorado made mistakes, vould it be that Detroit is CAUSING them to make mistakes? Of course not...

...and when this Dallas series is over (hopefullt tonight) it'll still be that Dallas beat themselves and Turco STILL has the adantage in goal over Osgood... As a matter of fact, I think they are still saying Theodore and (who was Nashville's goaler?) still the the adavantage over Osgood...

[Swede40 0]

Wings won't be favored.

Yes they will.

[Swede40 0]

Seriously though -- for the fans here that have the Red Wings' "Celebration of Champions" DVD Set, I'd suggest that you pop-in the DVD that has games from the 1997 run. Watch that team play.

In 2002 the Red Wings won the Cup because they had a Hall of Fame roster. I'm not saying they didn't work to get there, but it's easier with Hall of Famers on your 4th line.

Not since 1997 have I seen a team play a postseason like this 2008 team. In fact, today, as it stands right now -- I feel they're playing at a higher level than that 1997 team. It's seems blasphemous to say something like that, but I honestly believe it right now.

They are playing unbelievable hockey... I mentioned it in the Game 3 GDT after it was over, but it bears repeating:

"Wow.

Words simply can not desribe the level that this team is playing on right now. You run out of superlatives."

Spent a good part of the day watching the 5 full games on there.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Spent a good part of the day watching the 5 full games on there.

Sometimes I wish I was back in college......or unemployed.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Look, as GREAT as the Penguin players are, they are not as AWESOME of a team as the Red Wings. The Wings are the best TEAM in the NHL and have been all season. The Pens have Crosby, Malkin, and Hossa... but that is it. Once they are shut down by the team-defense that the Wings play, who is left to score the 5 goals that will be needed to beat the Wings 4 TIMES!?!?

Wings in 5, just so we win at home.

Yeah, I'm cocky and I have a reason to be.

[hockeysattva 8]

Seriously though -- for the fans here that have the Red Wings' "Celebration of Champions" DVD Set, I'd suggest that you pop-in the DVD that has games from the 1997 run. Watch that team play.

In 2002 the Red Wings won the Cup because they had a Hall of Fame roster. I'm not saying they didn't work to get there, but it's easier with Hall of Famers on your 4th line.

Not since 1997 have I seen a team play a postseason like this 2008 team. In fact, today, as it stands right now -- I feel they're playing at a higher level than that 1997 team. It's seems blasphemous to say something like that, but I honestly believe it right now.

They are playing unbelievable hockey... I mentioned it in the Game 3 GDT after it was over, but it bears repeating:

"Wow.

Words simply can not desribe the level that this team is playing on right now. You run out of superlatives."

The 97 team played better, but 2002 was unstoppable IMO this team seems to have the best of both worlds.

Where in 2002 I said anyone could have backstopped a Wings Cup I say this time is more like the 97 team with Osgood being an important factor, but with the offensive production of 2002.

I think the Pens are going to test the Wings more than they have been given credit for, but I don't think its possible for them to get enough bounces and take advantage of "enough bad days" for them to steal the series.

I am just looking forward to watching some good hockey.

[RedFX 48]

So yeah...The last time I checked each team only won three games. As far as I'm concerned, until we get win number 4 the other team is still in the series. Im more concerned about tonights matchup than the Finals at this point.

[motorcitykid 42]

Hey, i'm all for a little trash talk. But on a serious note, anyone watching these playoffs .. actually following more than just their team, would be hard pressed to find 2 more DOMINANT players than Zetterberg and Datsyuk. I love Malkin. I like Crosby, although I hate his penchant for crying and complaining about every little thing done to him. Shuddup and play the game. This ain't junior where everyone is quick to kiss his ass, cause he's "the guy".

At least Evgeni takes his licks or throws a few punches when he's pissed off. That, of course, might have to do with his weak English.

On paper, or any other way you slice it, the Pens simply CANNOT match Detroit's depth up front.

Defense? The odds again are NOT in Pittsburgh favor. You know the names.

As for the goalies, i've been a Fleury fan back when every other person said he was going to burn out, plain out be a bust or couldn't be a cornerstone for that franchise. Fleury has been good. Some may even say great. He's gaining confidence with a deep playoff run and will undoubtedly grow into an even better player with all of what he's seeing this year. But, again, edge Detroit.

You simply CANNOT discount what Osgood has done this season. On top of that, it's truly remarkable to watch him re-invent himself at this stage in his career. Almost every game, you sit and say "how in the hell ...??" when he makes such difficult saves look routine. Over and over and over again. This being the same Chris Osgood who Wings fans know gave up that routine weak goal every game. I'm in awe of him and what he's done this season.

The Penguins look good. They are the sexy pick. Although they beat Ottawa, the Rangers and likely Philly - these ain't powerhouses by any means.

The Wings took a well-coached team in Nashville and frustrated them [Crosby take note], they walked all over Colorado, i'm saying right here, ONLY PARTLY because of their injuries. Dallas, who everyone now seems to quickly scream out "SUCKS!", have been close to the best coached, hardest working, and best prepared teams all playoff. I don't give a rat's ass that all the TV guys are now jumping on our bandwagon and practically laughing at Dallas. Get off. No thanks.

Detroit won't beat Pittsburgh in 4. But this Red Wing machine is fast approaching the finish line, and looks to be too damn strong to lose even another game or two.

Go Wings!!

Edited May 14, 2008 by motorcitykid

[Shaman 713]

Offense is equal they may have Malkin and Crosby but we have something they gave up... Sammy, hes worth 4 malkins and a dozen crosbys, with his blind passes, low precentage passes and his Lang-like work ethic, he makes the wings the team they are.

[T.Low 1,011]

...exactly, just like in this Dallas series as well as the Colorado one, it's not that the Wings are tearing them up, it's that Dallas is making mistakes, Colorado made mistakes, vould it be that Detroit is CAUSING them to make mistakes? Of course not...

...and when this Dallas series is over (hopefullt tonight) it'll still be that Dallas beat themselves and Turco STILL has the adantage in goal over Osgood... As a matter of fact, I think they are still saying Theodore and (who was Nashville's goaler?) still the the adavantage over Osgood...

Exactly.

And finally today, on Vancouver's Team 1040 sports radio, Ray Ferraro hears the guys say that Dallas isn't getting any chances and when they finally do get a chance they miss the net.

Ferraro responds agressively with "Detroit is so fast and skates so well and they all play defense, so they are swarming all over Dallas, so Dallas can't get any shots. And when they finally do have a shot , they know they need to let it fly before it gets poke checked, or somebody jumps into the shooting lane, so they hurry it and don't come close. Thats called defensive pressure by Detroit".

I almost shouted outloud "Finally!" when I heard that.

[BlueMonk 102]

I'm not sure if you guys realize this, but I have a reputation for being the high priest of powers of sports superstition because of my ability to put a jinx on teams. I won't even bother listing my accomplishments, but let me assure you, I have an impressive resume. My powers are limited in that I can't just will my own team to win, but I can impact the fortunes of teams I don't have a rooting interest in with remarkable consistency.

But even though I can't just make the Wings win a Cup, I can definitely ruin their chances if I do the wrong thing. Among those things is prematurely analyzing the next round matchup before this round is over.

So, no comment from me at this time.

[daniel1 32]

Well...if you go win the Cup....you will do so stopping 2 of the 3 best players in the world. Crosby-Malkin and Ovechkin..you mix up who goes where.

Allow me to "mix up who goes where." Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Ovechkin, . There, I fixed your spelling and grammatical errors for you.