Does This Feel Different?

[seeinred 1,488]

I've been discussing this with some people on another board, and I want to know if I'm the only one that feels this way.

I don't have the same level of anxiousness and concern about this series that I usually do. I think deep down inside, I feel like this should be a cakewalk for the Wings, even though I know it won't. The lack of concern for me is actually making me very worried about the series, if that makes any sense. I just feel like that on a basic level on paper, the Wings are better than last year and the Pens are worse. I'm not overly confident and expecting the Wings to sweep by 4 blowouts, but I honestly just can't see the Wings losing. I don't have that same nervous energy that I've had before every other series ever, and I hate it.

I understand this is probably convoluted and doesn't make a lot of sense most likely, but does anyone get what I'm saying?

[OsGOD 3]

it is different than last year. NHL and everyother new outlet talked up this malkin and Crosby SOOOOooo much... what were we to think?? they way they were talking not that Malkin would pass out on the ice out of gas and crosby just whined the whole time to get his way.

we all know history repeats and knowning how we shut them out in back to back games last year... shut down the Mighty combo that DOMINATES the (East)... its a quite nice feeling going into this series. Where were their Ducks to face?? the Washington Capitals... Oh nos they are TOUGH!!!

Pretty soon the Penguins will fall back as a cellar dweller so they can retool on their #1 draft picks like a vicious cycle. Good to know that we haven't had a #1 pick in a long long time and we are annually successfull

Edited May 29, 2009 by OsGOD

[hankzet40 233]

I feel like the Pens have a better chance this time so I am more nervous. I also have this sick feeling that Hossa will get owned two years in a row.

[egroen 384]

I tell you - these last two victories against Chicago have me brimming with confidence right now.

Chicago is by no means a bad team, and has given the Wings a lot of trouble over the past couple years.

The Wings were simply decimated by injuries, and still made Chicago look like a vastly inferior team, even with a goalie playing out of his mind in Game 5.

They want this, and I am not sure anything is going to stop them this year.

[Datsyerberger 279]

I've been discussing this with some people on another board, and I want to know if I'm the only one that feels this way.

I don't have the same level of anxiousness and concern about this series that I usually do. I think deep down inside, I feel like this should be a cakewalk for the Wings, even though I know it won't. The lack of concern for me is actually making me very worried about the series, if that makes any sense. I just feel like that on a basic level on paper, the Wings are better than last year and the Pens are worse. I'm not overly confident and expecting the Wings to sweep by 4 blowouts, but I honestly just can't see the Wings losing. I don't have that same nervous energy that I've had before every other series ever, and I hate it.

I understand this is probably convoluted and doesn't make a lot of sense most likely, but does anyone get what I'm saying?

I've got pretty much the same feeling. The Pens are a worse team on paper, and I'm feeling almost complacent.. just hoping the Wings aren't feeling the same way.

[BowHuntingFool 0]

I'm not worried one bit, we got this! We got Lids back and he is rested, which is good. Same thing with Pavs, he'll be back and well rested. Hossa will be a beast, he has something to prove! I'm very confident in our Defense, a few big hits and we'll have em' worried bout that #55 freight train every time he on the ice! We got OZZIE in the net playing spectacular! Our young guns...... We got this.

[3chrisosgood0 7]

im nervously confident about this series tho that may make little sense

a lot of people feel the penguins big advantage is hunger

well thro all the people saying Detroit is NOT good enough to repeat

all the people saying ozzie is the worst goalie blah blah blah

isnt that adding a hunger level to the wings?

i believe both teams want it equally bad

espcailly with us being the underdog the guys have to feed off that so they can say yes we are that good to do it again respect us or not we won it twice kinda thing

either way it should be an exciting series

[dat's sick 1,002]

I've been discussing this with some people on another board, and I want to know if I'm the only one that feels this way.

I don't have the same level of anxiousness and concern about this series that I usually do. I think deep down inside, I feel like this should be a cakewalk for the Wings, even though I know it won't. The lack of concern for me is actually making me very worried about the series, if that makes any sense. I just feel like that on a basic level on paper, the Wings are better than last year and the Pens are worse. I'm not overly confident and expecting the Wings to sweep by 4 blowouts, but I honestly just can't see the Wings losing. I don't have that same nervous energy that I've had before every other series ever, and I hate it.

I understand this is probably convoluted and doesn't make a lot of sense most likely, but does anyone get what I'm saying?

I feel the same way. Honestly I felt the same way about Chicago too. After Anaheim no other team really scares me.

If the Wings can get healthy I have a hard time seeing them lose this.. all we need to do is not let Malkin and Crosby score at will and our depth will take over.

Of course we'll see in Game 1 if we have underestimated the Pens or not.

[Vladifan 680]

I'm hyped positively for this series with the Pens but I'd be almost ecstatic to have a well-rested Lidstrom and a healed Datsyuk back.

[stactum 4]

For some reason I am probably the only one who is completely confident in Wings this time. I don't even have nervousness deep inside, however I clearly understand that everything could happen (bad calls, bad goals, bad games, etc.).

The way I look at it - PIT is got to be happy to be in the SCF and gotta thank CAR for doing all the job, otherwise we would be talking BOS or NJD.

PIT is a two man show so if we could take care of it we'll be fine.

So far I'm thinking this series isn't going longer than 5 games.

GO WINGS!

[Red4wings4life 0]

I am feeling the same way,,, I just do not see how the Pens will win.... I just cannot see them beating the Wings in a 7 game series.... Sure I can see them winning a game or 2 but not 4.

We will see on Saturday but I thing the Wings want the cup just as much or more then the Pens. The Wings always do well when they have a player they are trying to win it for... IE Drake last year.... Vladdy a few years back...Hossa this year.

I think Hossa will be a monster in this series with everything in the world to prove to himself not to mention the Pens. Make no mistake about it, Hossa needs to prove to himself he made the right choice.

I do not think this will be an easy series but I just cannot help thinking that if Detroit comes out and smokes the Pens in Game 1 this will be a short series. (smoke = 5 or more to 1 or lower)

[Sargeslide 0]

Yah know, I love my Wings and I think they will pull this off, but not without a good fight from Pittsburg. I know everyone is talking depth and Pitts lack of it, but you never know what will happen until games are actually played. They may be in the East, may only have two stars, but they are a contender, they beat everyone else. They have a far better coach then last year, and the kids have some time under thier belts, I think we may see more than we thought. I still think it's Wings in six, but a tough six. Plus I always get worried when everyone is so over confident

GO WINGS

Edited May 29, 2009 by Sargeslide

[StevieY9802 6]

I have a weird feeling too. Different in this series than I have in any other round this year. I have no idea what to think though. the only thing about this quick turn around that I like is that I don't have to dwell on it too much longer.

[weGotTheCup89 41]

Actually, unlike most people on this thread, I actually felt supremely confident for our last 4 cups, but am now nervous of this series. We've always been eliminated in the past when we had this many injuries, and we're going to have 3 games played by Tuesday night. That said, I fully believe the Wings will win.

[xtrememachine1 795]

I actually couldn't be more nervous. My stomach has been in knots since Helm scored in OT and probably will be until the series is over. Maybe its because I live in Pittsburgh and all I hear is how the Pens are going "get their revenge on Hossa and hoist the Cup in front of him".

I would be BEYOND happy if the Wings win this in 4 or 5.

[T-Ruff 47]

I felt this way for the Chicago series, sort of for this series but no so much considering its such high stakes for me

[Peleshob 0]

I've had this feeling for the during of this post-season, actually. Ever since Ozzie showed he could play in the early parts, I've felt like the Wings can't lose four games out of seven. Maybe part of it has been, they won a cup last year, no need to be greedy. I'd be fine if the Wings didn't win. But then the series against Anaheim reminded me why I dislike them, and the fans of the Penguins reminded me why I don't like Pittsburgh. So really, while I'm not a big fan of wanting other teams to lose, I just want Detroit to win to shut everyone up. I guess I want other teams to lose, because they want us to lose so bad... sounds hypocritical, eh?

[T.Low 1,011]

I am really nervous. The Pens actually look like the better team.

1. Detroit is tired from 7 game Duck series. That took a lot out of them and the pace of the Chi series hasn't let them recover. Detroit has been getting more injured and more tired as the playoffs have gone on while Pittsburgh has been gaining momentum and getting stronger and more confident. Now they get a measely two days off to face a young, totally amped, and fresh Pittsburgh, with a back to back, then a travel day, then game three. Holy heck!

2. Crosby and Malkin both have grown and drank the frikin Hulk juice since last year. We can stimey them all game then watch as they bust out 3 goals in 5 minutes to erase a 2-0 lead.

3. Since their new coach has arrived they have won 30 out of 42 games.

4. They know that if they win game one, they get a very tired Detroit team in a rockin crazy builidng in Pittsburgh for two games. They will come out like a bat outta hell, and our vets will come out after being injured and need to get used to the pace again. They will have to weather the first onslaught. Even with Ozzie standing on his head, it will be 2-0 before Detroit knows what hit them. Then a Pitt power play and its a very deep hole to climb out of for the entire series.

5. Detroit WILL NOT GET THE CALLS IN THIS SERIES. Even the guys on the Team 1040 in Vancouver have said that.

I'm preparing for an onslaught, and going down in defeat in 6 games. I'm sick to my stomache, and am going to be a mess...unless...

[BlakKy 58]

I actually feel Pittsburgh is better. Not to be one more voice hyping the Crosby-Malkin combo but come on... those guys are scary. They are bigger and smarter (maybe not Malkin, look at that guy) than last year. They've been here before. And this Hossa motivation works two ways... as much as Detroit wants to win for Hossa, or Hossa wants to win for himself the Pens want Hossa to eat it just as badly.

That being said....

From the London Free Press (Ontario)

By BRUCE GARRIOCH

DETROIT -- Here we go again.

For the second straight year, the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins are going back to the NHL's big dance as the Stanley Cup final begins tomorrow at Joe Louis Arena.This time the series could be much different.

While Detroit captured the 11th Stanley Cup in franchise history last spring with a six-game victory over the Penguins, the Red Wings are going to find that Pittsburgh has matured since the teams tangled a year ago.

"I really believe that Pittsburgh has a chance this time," said a Western Conference coach. "They've grown up a lot. They've got a new coach, a new outlook and they've got maturity.

"It's not just about Sidney Crosby this year. It's about Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

"(Malkin) has taken his game to another level. People were quick to jump on him last spring. They might not have that opportunity this time. Maturity and Malkin are going to be the biggest factor for the Penguins."

With those thoughts in mind, here's how the coach breaks down the Stanley Cup final:

FORWARDS: Essentially, this is going to come down to Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk vs. Crosby and Malkin. That will depend on Datsyuk's health, of course, after he missed part of the West final against the Blackhawks with a lower-body injury. "If he's not 100%, then this changes dramatically, but it's going to be Detroit's top forwards against Pittsburgh's top forwards," said the coach. "Everybody feeds off these guys. If they're going, then the whole team is going. But I really think the Wings have their hands full this time around. Lots of people talked about Crosby vs. (Alex) Ovechkin in the second round. That was a good battle, but Malkin is a franchise player all by himself. He has really grown up and he's hungry.

While the Wings forwards have plenty of experience, the Penguins have shown they can learn pretty quickly. "There isn't a lot to choose from after the top four guys. Marian Hossa is playing against his former team, but just being in the Cup final should be motivation enough.

EDGE: Even.

DEFENCE: The Wings have the top blueliner in the world, Nicklas Lidstrom.

Enough said? His health is a concern after missing the final two games of the series against the 'Hawks. "Well, he's not only the best defenceman in the game, he might be the best ever," said the coach. "At this stage, there might be nobody who can touch this guy. What he has done is amazing. He means so much to that team. He could be the difference in this series and he's got a big challenge with the Penguins."

Pittsburgh's defence isn't nearly as flashy or mobile as the Wings'. Detroit has got guys who can skate and move the puck. Other than Sergei Gonchar, who's been playing with a heavily braced right knee, Pittsburgh just doesn't bring that option. The Penguins don't have much mobility. "The Wings have guys who can move the puck, the Penguins have guys like Hal Gill that just aren't mobile.

To me, the Wings have a huge advantage here," said the coach. EDGE: Detroit.

GOALTENDING: Chris Osgood has three Stanley Cup rings -- one as a backup -- but still gets no respect. He didn't have a strong regular season, but he has been one of the top goaltenders in the post-season. "He has gotten the job done at the time of year when it means the most," said the coach.

"That's all that matters. People like to dump on Osgood, but all he does is win. I heard a discussion the other day about his eligibility for the Hall of Fame. Osgood has better numbers than some of those guys who are in there already," said the coach. As for Marc-Andre Fleury, he has a lot to prove after going to the final last year.

"He's had a great playoff, but he's like Ed Belfour and Dominik Hasek, he has to win his first to make a name for himself," said the coach. Osgood has the pedigree. EDGE: Detroit.

COACHING: Dan Bylsma has guided the Penguins to the promised land. Now, he has to make sure they perform. Not bad for a guy who was coaching the club's AHL affiliate at the start of the season.

Detroit's Mike Babcock has been here before. He knows what it takes and he's got one Cup win under his belt.

"I don't really think there's any comparison here," said the coach. "Bylsma is still trying to earn his way. Babcock has done it already. He has nothing to prove. Watch the Wings, they never change the way they play. They can be up 5-1 or down 5-1, they don't do anything differently. They just play the same way and have success. He's got them disciplined." EDGE: Detroit

INTANGIBLES: The Wings have the experience. "It means everything," said the coach. There isn't going to be any pressure on the Wings to repeat.

"The only pressure will be internal. They will want to get this done themselves. They won't care what anybody outside is saying. That's what has made them such a successful organization," said the coach.

"I have a feeling this is going to be a great series. The Wings will win, but they're going to have to work for it." EDGE: Detroit

THE COACH SAYS: Detroit in 7

Lets do it Wings.

[Red4wings4life 0]

I am really nervous. The Pens actually look like the better team.

1. Detroit is tired from 7 game Duck series. That took a lot out of them and the pace of the Chi series hasn't let them recover. Detroit has been getting more injured and more tired as the playoffs have gone on while Pittsburgh has been gaining momentum and getting stronger and more confident. Now they get a measely two days off to face a young, totally amped, and fresh Pittsburgh, with a back to back, then a travel day, then game three. Holy heck!

2. Crosby and Malkin both have grown and drank the frikin Hulk juice since last year. We can stimey them all game then watch as they bust out 3 goals in 5 minutes to erase a 2-0 lead.

3. Since their new coach has arrived they have won 30 out of 42 games.

4. They know that if they win game one, they get a very tired Detroit team in a rockin crazy builidng in Pittsburgh for two games. They will come out like a bat outta hell, and our vets will come out after being injured and need to get used to the pace again. They will have to weather the first onslaught. Even with Ozzie standing on his head, it will be 2-0 before Detroit knows what hit them. Then a Pitt power play and its a very deep hole to climb out of for the entire series.

5. Detroit WILL NOT GET THE CALLS IN THIS SERIES. Even the guys on the Team 1040 in Vancouver have said that.

I'm preparing for an onslaught, and going down in defeat in 6 games. I'm sick to my stomache, and am going to be a mess...unless...

Okay Mr. The cup is half empty. The Wings are deep, we have enough young guys to keep up with the Pens.... In fact Helm will be the fastest guy on the ice again in this series and is playing like he wants to earn an MVP award.

I just do not believe that the Pens can beat us 4 games out of 7.... I just cannot see that happening,,, maybe I am wearing my red tinted glasses but I just do not see it.

The Pens are good, Crosby and Malkin are great players BUT the Wings have proven they can shut down anyone in the playoffs.

And Ozzie, well Ozzie will prove yet again that he is an elite goalie and should be in the Hall of Fame.

[xtrememachine1 795]

while I'm not a big fan of wanting other teams to lose, I just want Detroit to win to shut everyone up. I guess I want other teams to lose, because they want us to lose so bad... sounds hypocritical, eh?

I know how you feel. When the Wings won a game during the series last year, nobody talked to me and I did no rubbing it in. I subscribe to the Steve Yzerman "Say little when you lose, say less when you win" idea. When the Pens won Game 3, I had people coming from EVERYWHERE "Hey how about those Wings huh?!" Wanting everyone else to shut up is a good reason for wanting your team to win.

[RedLightGoesOn 81]

5 Reasons why Detroit will win this series:

1. Depth. So Zetterberg isn't single handedly delivering us to the SCF. Thats a good thing. Different people on different nights produce for us (we miss you Dats) and this is good beause all 4 lines are dangerous. Helm's PK in Game 5 is another strong indication that depth is present.

2. Defense. It wins you championships. Wings focus heavily on Defense and build Offense on that

3. Pens aren't as good as last year. You have Crosby and Malkin that are on fire. Who else is producing for them? They take the full load and the Pens rely on them to score goals. They won't be doing much in the SCF thanks to our defense. Our four lines will put a lot of pressure on their other guys. Basically, the Pens don't have the key guys who stepped up against Detroit last year to make it a series. Argue with me on this one if you want, but time will tell. I personally think this Wings team is better overall than it was last year. I don't last years team could beat the Ducks. But I expect Hossa, Dats, and Z to step it up to further punish the Pens.

4. As far as this repeat crap goes, no comparison to the Oilers-Islanders matchup. There was a post earlier on these forums talking about the Oilers and Penguins and comparing the teams overall. Wings beat them last year, they know what to do to beat them this year. If anything, the Pens will do everything in their power to avoid the mistakes last year and that will really strain them. Their best bet is to play the series, which is how they will lose anyway.

5. Coaching. Pens like to do plays that Detroit is very strong at defending against. Assuming the Detroit remains disciplined on Defense, the Pens will have to come up with other ideas to score on Detroit. Plus, Babcock is a superior coach, and so is his staff and Kenny, etc.

I do feel nervous a little bit, but I say "We beat the Ducks". We can beat the Pens again. This might be a hell of a series, but I think depth is what will be the difference maker. I would like to add that Ozzie is another big reason why we are here. I would feel a little foolish for giving him a reason why the Wings will win, but Osgood wants this more than anyone I feel. Look for him to steal a game.

Sorry Pens fans. Detroit still is the most complete hockey team right now.

[T.Low 1,011]

Okay Mr. The cup is half empty. The Wings are deep, we have enough young guys to keep up with the Pens.... In fact Helm will be the fastest guy on the ice again in this series and is playing like he wants to earn an MVP award.

I just do not believe that the Pens can beat us 4 games out of 7.... I just cannot see that happening,,, maybe I am wearing my red tinted glasses but I just do not see it.

The Pens are good, Crosby and Malkin are great players BUT the Wings have proven they can shut down anyone in the playoffs.

And Ozzie, well Ozzie will prove yet again that he is an elite goalie and should be in the Hall of Fame.

I sure as hell hope you're right. I've NEVER felt this way about a series before. NEH-VER! I just see too fierce of a foe for our tired injured heroes to beat.

Luckily, I'm not in the room and won't be on the ice. There's a reason that I'm just goofing around on the internet when i should be working, and the Detroit Red Wings are World Champions. Here's to hoping!

[ilmickeyli 40]

After Anaheim no other team really scares me.

That's how I feel, too.. After winning game 7, i've felt a much more relaxed approach.. Is it unwise or uncalled for? Maybe. Will it bite us in the ass? Who knows.

Anaheim is built a certain way; and that certain way is the only way I felt threatened the wings losing 4 out of 7 games.

GO WINGS! BRING HOME THE CUP *again*!

[xtrememachine1 795]

I sure as hell hope you're right. I've NEVER felt this way about a series before. NEH-VER! I just see too fierce of a foe for our tired injured heroes to beat.

Let me try to help you feel better. The Pens looked very dominant against the Canes because... well because they're the Canes and they were coming off two long 7 game emotionally draining series. Before that, the Pens were pushed to the brink by a team that has no depth, a rookie goaltender, no defense and just one star in the Capitals. If the Caps can push the Pens to a 7 game series, we can beat them.

Edited May 29, 2009 by xtrememachine1