HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted May 29, 2009 It's not that I'm not nervous, I am. It's just that, after beating the Ducks... nothing terrifies me like they did. My nervousness about this series is nothing compared to the gut wrentching, vomit-inducing, hair-pulling horror that I felt when I realized we were going to face the Ducks. This right here. My thoughts exactly. It's not over confidence or anything, I'm just honestly not that nervous. I picked the Wings to win in 5 and that's not being cocky, that's just my gut feeling. So I see where the OP is getting at with this thread cause I feel the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted May 29, 2009 My biggest thought on this series? Comparing Pittsburgh to Chicago: FORWARDS: While Chicago didn't have the superstar players, they did have some damn good top forwards who were playing very well, and had better depth and much better defensive play, as well as physical play, than Pittsburgh will bring. DEFENSEMEN: Chicago has Duncan Keith, one of the top five or six defensemen in the league. They also have Brian Campbell and Brent Seabrook, as well as a solid supporting cast. Pittsburgh has, well, Sergei Gonchar; who is like Campbell only with less speed, and worse physical and defensive play. Brooks Orpik is a decent defensive defenseman who blocks shots well and is a good skater. The rest of Pittsburgh's defense could be described as a collection of third-pairing defensemen who might make the second pair in Grand Rapids now that Ericsson has been called up. Chicago has a HUGE advantage here. GOALTENDING: Marc-Andre Fleury has played well in the playoffs...but he is probably the third-best goaltender in this discussion as far as playoff play is concerned. Unless Corey Crawford were to end up in net, Chicago would be playing a better goaltender than Pittsburgh if Chicago had beaten Detroit. Detroit wins in 5 games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted May 29, 2009 (edited) Pittsburgh has, well, Sergei Gonchar; who is like Campbell only with less speed, and worse physical and defensive play. I scarcely believe this to be possible. Edited May 29, 2009 by Heroes of Hockeytown Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10 Minute Misconduct 104 Report post Posted May 29, 2009 It's also tough because there might be some factor that we haven't seen that can come out of the woodwork. Who on here thought Cleary or Sammy would be so clutch? Who on here thought that Kunitz and Guerin would be so valuable? We're only basing our opinions on what we've seen so far but this DET v PIT match up will bring a whole new dynamic that will undoubtedly make us adjust our perceptions and opinions. Kunitz has one goal in the playoffs. No doubt in my mind Guerin will be shut down just like he was on 07' with San Jose. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Motown4013 350 Report post Posted May 29, 2009 This feels very different to me than it did last year.... I predicted that Osgood would start after Hasek blew in the Nashville series last year and once we rebounded from the Preds it seemed like everything clicked. I totally believed that we would win the cup and facing the Pens didn't worry me (although I was outnumbered as a fan because everyone was dished out the manlove to Cindy). With that being said, this year I took a lot of stock in the regular season. I was leary of our defensive play. I was doubtful that Osgood would be able to "flip a switch" and become the goalie he was last year. I feared Mason and Columbus...but Osgood was AMAZING and my confidence in my beloved Wings grew. Do I think we can beat the Pens? Absolutely. Do I think it will be a harder road this year? Absolutely. The Pens have a good team and even though I LOATHE s***tsburg, you have to respect them. The young guns are older and Malkin is a total presense this year. I actually think that Bylsma may work in our favor. He has never coached at this level and he has had time to think...OMG, I could win a Stanley Cup". Babs will outcoach him...and at the end of the day, our blueline is better than theirs...and Defense wins Cups! Go Wings! Wings in SIX!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
87to71 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 New Pens fans here on the board just wanted to come on here and talk about this series with all the Wings fans...This year's Pens team is definitely more ready for the cup than last year's that's for sure. A lot of guys just flat out didn't show up. Malone was too worn out, did nothing but get hit in the cup. Ruutu didn't rattle anyone on the Wings. Letang was so inexperienced that we had to sit him after game 2, replaced with Sydor. There were plenty of things wrong. And that happens because of the lack of experience. So now the guys that are still on the team from last year, have that experience..and the guys we picked up thru FA also have it, that is the key difference. Also another thing to keep in mind is Bylsma > Therrien. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Konnan511 1,736 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 New Pens fans here on the board just wanted to come on here and talk about this series with all the Wings fans...This year's Pens team is definitely more ready for the cup than last year's that's for sure. A lot of guys just flat out didn't show up. Malone was too worn out, did nothing but get hit in the cup. Ruutu didn't rattle anyone on the Wings. Letang was so inexperienced that we had to sit him after game 2, replaced with Sydor. There were plenty of things wrong. And that happens because of the lack of experience. So now the guys that are still on the team from last year, have that experience..and the guys we picked up thru FA also have it, that is the key difference. Also another thing to keep in mind is Bylsma > Therrien. I agree with this. Word to the wise, welcome! and also if you have a long post, break it up into paragraphs, makes it easier to read Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Konnan511 1,736 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 My biggest thought on this series? Detroit wins in 5 games. I never agree with you on anything, but I want to agree with you sooo bad on this one!!!!!!!!!! I will never doubt you again if the Wings win 4 games to 1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
87to71 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) Kunitz has one goal in the playoffs. No doubt in my mind Guerin will be shut down just like he was on 07' with San Jose. There is another guy the Wings might have to worry about and that is Fedotenko. The guy has had a knack for scoring big goals in big playoff games, and is playing very well right now with Malkin and finishing a lot of chances. The Pens are 6-0 in the playoffs when he scores a goal this post season. Keep in mind as well this is the same guy that scored 2 goals in Game 7 of the 2004 Finals for Tampa Bay when they beat Calgary. You dont score 2 huge goals like that in your career without having some kind of confidence when the puck comes off your stick which Fedotenko must certainly still does. While Guerin and Kunitz have played well with Crosby and Guerin is putting some pucks in the net and creating a lot of chances, Id be more worried about a guy like Fedotenko burning the Wings over a guy like Guerin. Edited May 30, 2009 by 87to71 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovin Jiri Fischer 147 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Last year my feeling was just about how sweet it would be for the team to win the Cup. This year I am thinking about the individuals rather than just the Red Wings. We tend to think of them as one team, but really they are individuals with lives too. This is Hossa's battle to prove that he was a genius and not an idiot. This is Ozzie's battle to silence the haters. This is Lidstrom's battle to prove that he is still Norris-worthy in spite of recent talk that he won't win this year. This is Pavel's battle to prove that he is up there with the big dogs like Malkin, Ovie, and Crosby and that he deserves that Hart nomination. This is Sammy's, Hudler's, and Filppula's battle to prove that they belong on this team next year just as much as Hossa. This is Franzen's battle to contend for the Conn Smythe because he was the obvious choice until his injury last year. This is Hank's battle to keep his Conn Smythe. And on top of that, this is also for the people who live in Detroit. Last year, it was nice. But this year the people of this area need it more. With the auto industry the way it is and putting up with all this crap from people dissing our city, this is our time. The boys know that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
87to71 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) Last year my feeling was just about how sweet it would be for the team to win the Cup. This year I am thinking about the individuals rather than just the Red Wings. We tend to think of them as one team, but really they are individuals with lives too. This is Hossa's battle to prove that he was a genius and not an idiot. This is Ozzie's battle to silence the haters. This is Lidstrom's battle to prove that he is still Norris-worthy in spite of recent talk that he won't win this year. This is Pavel's battle to prove that he is up there with the big dogs like Malkin, Ovie, and Crosby and that he deserves that Hart nomination. This is Sammy's, Hudler's, and Filppula's battle to prove that they belong on this team next year just as much as Hossa. This is Franzen's battle to contend for the Conn Smythe because he was the obvious choice until his injury last year. This is Hank's battle to keep his Conn Smythe. And on top of that, this is also for the people who live in Detroit. Last year, it was nice. But this year the people of this area need it more. With the auto industry the way it is and putting up with all this crap from people dissing our city, this is our time. The boys know that. We heard the samething about the economy as to why Michigan State was going to beat North Carolina in the National Championship game and how did that turn out?? Another example was during 9/11 in 2001 when the Yankees played the Diamondbacks in the World Series everybody said the Yankess are suppose to win and will win because of the people and lives lost in New York City because it's meant to be and suppose to happen that way. How did that turn out?? The Yankees lost that series to the DBacks in 7 games... My point is while it's nice to think about these little things and add them into the equation it's going to have nothing to do with the outcome of this series. Just like who touches what trophies dont matter and this other BS that people read into. The Penguins especially Crosby are chomping at the bit after last season to hoist that Cup. And it's going to take a lot more then the Wings needing motivation for the economy in Detroit being a mess along with the auto industry to beat the Penguins in this series... Edited May 30, 2009 by 87to71 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) There is another guy the Wings might have to worry about and that is Fedotenko. The guy has had a knack for scoring big goals in big playoff games, and is playing very well right now with Malkin and finishing a lot of chances. The Pens are 6-0 in the playoffs when he scores a goal this post season. Keep in mind as well this is the same guy that scored 2 goals in Game 7 of the 2004 Finals for Tampa Bay when they beat Calgary. You dont score 2 huge goals like that in your career without having some kind of confidence when the puck comes off your stick which Fedotenko must certainly still does. While Guerin and Kunitz have played well with Crosby and Guerin is putting some pucks in the net and creating a lot of chances, Id be more worried about a guy like Fedotenko burning the Wings over a guy like Guerin. I'm pretty sure you just described Mikael Samuelsson to a T. Edited May 30, 2009 by YoungGuns1340 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 We heard the samething about the economy as to why Michigan State was going to beat North Carolina in the National Championship game and how did that turn out?? Another example was during 9/11 in 2001 when the Yankees played the Diamondbacks in the World Series everybody said the Yankess are suppose to win and will win because of the people and lives lost in New York City because it's meant to be and suppose to happen that way. How did that turn out?? The Yankees lost that series to the DBacks in 7 games... My point is while it's nice to think about these little things and add them into the equation it's going to have nothing to do with the outcome of this series. Just like who touches what trophies dont matter and this other BS that people read into. The Penguins especially Crosby are chomping at the bit after last season to hoist that Cup. And it's going to take a lot more then the Wings needing motivation for the economy in Detroit being a mess along with the auto industry to beat the Penguins in this series... Just a quick economical question, but you are aware that those aren't two different things, right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovin Jiri Fischer 147 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 We heard the samething about the economy as to why Michigan State was going to beat North Carolina in the National Championship game and how did that turn out?? Another example was during 9/11 in 2001 when the Yankees played the Diamondbacks in the World Series everybody said the Yankess are suppose to win and will win because of the people and lives lost in New York City because it's meant to be and suppose to happen that way. How did that turn out?? The Yankees lost that series to the DBacks in 7 games... My point is while it's nice to think about these little things and add them into the equation it's going to have nothing to do with the outcome of this series. Just like who touches what trophies dont matter and this other BS that people read into. The Penguins especially Crosby are chomping at the bit after last season to hoist that Cup. And it's going to take a lot more then the Wings needing motivation for the economy in Detroit being a mess along with the auto industry to beat the Penguins in this series... I never said that it had anything to do with the outcome. I said that it has to do with how I feel different this year compared to last year which was the whole point of this thread to begin with. Last year I felt that this was just about sports. This year I don't which is why I feel different about it. I will say this though. In 98 when Konstantinov was suffered a career-ending injury, the Wings had a mission. They were going to repeat as champions to honor their teammate. There were skeptics, but the Wings knew that the Cup that year would be worth much more than just a sports title. Guess what happened. I'm not saying this will affect the outcome, but I will say that the Red Wings know exactly how it feels to play for a championship when it means more this year than the year before. And we still have 6 players from that year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
87to71 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 I'm pretty sure you just described Mikael Samuelsson to a T. Fedotenko scored 2 goals in Game 7 that were the deciiding factor in the game and in the series that was the point I was trying to make...Samuelsson while he did score twice in Game 1 I believe last year and later on in the series didnt do what Fedotenko did. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Fedotenko scored 2 goals in Game 7 that were the deciiding factor in the game and in the series that was the point I was trying to make...Samuelsson while he did score twice in Game 1 I believe last year and later on in the series didnt do what Fedotenko did. I remember the goals, they were Sammy-esque, especially the GWG. Standing around like a dork in the high slot while Vinny Lecavalier deked everybody out of their pants and set him up perfectly. That's Sammy's career in a nutshell, but he's good at it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ben_usmc 253 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Wings in 5. Malkin and Crosby haven't gotten that much better, if they had they wouldn't have had to go to game 7 against the Craps. Last years Pens team was better, the reason M/C have higher numbers is they played more games. They have had good fortune of playing no teams with defense, and we are better offensively talented then D.C. The Canes 1st 2 games were very close, and then their luck finally ran out after 2 very tough series for them. Don't get me wrong Pitt is a very good team, but we are going to run them over! (I hope ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ben_usmc 253 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 We heard the samething about the economy as to why Michigan State was going to beat North Carolina in the National Championship game and how did that turn out?? Another example was during 9/11 in 2001 when the Yankees played the Diamondbacks in the World Series everybody said the Yankess are suppose to win and will win because of the people and lives lost in New York City because it's meant to be and suppose to happen that way. How did that turn out?? The Yankees lost that series to the DBacks in 7 games... My point is while it's nice to think about these little things and add them into the equation it's going to have nothing to do with the outcome of this series. Just like who touches what trophies dont matter and this other BS that people read into. The Penguins especially Crosby are chomping at the bit after last season to hoist that Cup. And it's going to take a lot more then the Wings needing motivation for the economy in Detroit being a mess along with the auto industry to beat the Penguins in this series... didn't realize then Wings won't give a s*** about winning it again. You don't think Hossa wants a cup either? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snazzy 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 We heard the samething about the economy as to why Michigan State was going to beat North Carolina in the National Championship game and how did that turn out?? Another example was during 9/11 in 2001 when the Yankees played the Diamondbacks in the World Series everybody said the Yankess are suppose to win and will win because of the people and lives lost in New York City because it's meant to be and suppose to happen that way. How did that turn out?? The Yankees lost that series to the DBacks in 7 games... My point is while it's nice to think about these little things and add them into the equation it's going to have nothing to do with the outcome of this series. Just like who touches what trophies dont matter and this other BS that people read into. The Penguins especially Crosby are chomping at the bit after last season to hoist that Cup. And it's going to take a lot more then the Wings needing motivation for the economy in Detroit being a mess along with the auto industry to beat the Penguins in this series... Red Wings just need to show up and play THEIR game. That's all they need to to win this series. Pretty simple, really. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
