WCSF Game 1 GDT: Red Wings 1 at Sharks 2 (OT)

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

Maybe Helm 2008 against Hawks series winner?

2009.

Figured that would happen.

[Nightfall 871]

Reffing aside, the Wings were not prepared for the Sharks tonight. The Sharks played better across the board. They had more shots, more scoring chances, and good puck luck tonight. Especially in the 2nd and 3rd periods. The refs didn't decide the game, the players did. The Wings only have themselves to blame for this loss. I suppose that Wings fans here will find the refs good targets to blame in a few embelleshed calls were the reason that the Sharks won that game. Look at the stats across the board first and you will see the truth.

Sharks led in shots 46-25 and had the puck in the offensive end for a bulk of the time in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Give the Sharks some credit. They came ready to play.

[Guest Crymson]

And yet again, CRYmson feels the need to be the forum troll and whine about it. Not Strange.

Is that really the best comeback you could muster? You ARE a total pessimist. You DID say that the Wings had little or no chance. What is it that you're up in arms about?

[Octopus's Garden 147]

And just like last year, we weren't the team scoring in the 3rd and in OT.

Winning the Cup is about overcoming adversity, and we weren't good enough to do it last year. Not good enough to do it tonight either.

They're just more clutch than the Wings right now. That needs to change.

In fact, we had our chances, but couldn't bury them like championship teams have to do. Two great chances in OT went to s***.

I don't disagree. Hell, Franzen almost won it on that redirection about a minute in. The 3-on-1 was the best chance Detroit had all game and they didn't get a shot on net, then wound up with a 4-minute penalty that led to the GWG. I have to believe there's too much offensive talent to struggle like this all series. Everything was just a touch off tonight ... Detroit is the better team.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Well, wait a minute. Is this about Abby or is this about the twins? And I care. Although his immaturity showed tonight, I think he outplays miller and eaves every night. Why is Abby singled out? (btw, still want an answer on the long team / short team about Abby, although i suspect the former)

I don't love or hate Abby.

I just don't want him to play for a while after that screwup, especially since I can envision better line combos overall where he wouldn't be missed. And I don't think he's outplayed Eaves or Miller.

It really doesn't matter what you suspect or not. This isn't a detective mystery.

[Nightfall 871]

And just like last year, we weren't the team scoring in the 3rd and in OT.

Winning the Cup is about overcoming adversity, and we weren't good enough to do it last year. Not good enough to do it tonight either.

They're just more clutch than the Wings right now. That needs to change.

In fact, we had our chances, but couldn't bury them like championship teams have to do. Two great chances in OT went to s***.

For the first time in the history of the LGW forum, we are in agreement.

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

Can't wait to see Babs' reaction.

[VM1138 1,921]

Don't forget Pavelski.

Wings defense hasn't been that great but consider that the Sharks can't score s*** on them even strength, just like the Coyotes.

Ironic how their regulation goal was a power play goal on a beautiful oscar-like sell by Pavelski turning around to see Bert coming then turning back to the boards to make sure he can sell the inevitable hit hockey players are taught to make.

Then of course the ironic 4 minute call and the goal that ensues just seconds after the power play expires.

Sharks aren't on par with the Wings even strength, despite being able to hold the zone quite often, which itself is nerve-wracking but the Sharks are decent offensively. The Wings can easily defend them, they just can't do that plus continuously kill penalties for bull s*** calls.

Just wanted to quote this because it's logical and makes sense. No need to call for Wings players heads, just the referees. Ironic, too, that they seemed to be letting the teams play in the first two periods, and then, like clockwork, start calling random s*** with 10 minutes to go against the winning team. Someone should research this and see how often it happens.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

For the first time in the history of the LGW forum, we are in agreement.

I get that a lot.

You want me to take a drink for this occasion?

[Vladifan 680]

We need the puck to get the breaks. Everyone needs to stop freaking out about the refs. The Sharks are selling everything and we have the luxury of slowmo replays. If we dove like the Nicks or Sharks we'd get more powerplays, but I'm glad we don't dive and win games with honor.

I agree with everything you have said earlier about this and this post too. However, the phrase "selling it/everything" just doesn't cut it. It doesn't define what's actually happening. Every time a player dives, he cheapens himself and not only loses our respect, he's got to be losing some self respect - even if he can't admit it at the time. What he's really saying is that he's not sure he can win fair and square so he cheats. He feigns. He pretends. This is not a ******* kids' playtime activity. This is a real game where everyone is supposed to play TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY. Meanwhile, the diver does NOT trust his own talent and creativity enough to play by the rules. It sickens me, and it pisses me off that the refs will not acknowledge what's actually happening out there. Did you see the bearded wonder sitting on the bench, laughing while he rubbed his chin?

Forsberg did it early and often and I will never respect him again because of it. And he was one of the best players of his time.

I can only hope that karma will come back and bite them in their prat-falling asses.

[puertoricanWingsfan 5]

right after we finished killing the four minute power play (which was a terribly unlucky bad break). f***in pisses me off.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Can't wait to see Babs' reaction.

He's not whining as much as you guys are doing.

[King Crane 289]

I don't love or hate Abby.

I just don't want him to play for a while after that screwup, especially since I can envision better line combos overall where he wouldn't be missed. And I don't think he's outplayed Eaves or Miller.

It really doesn't matter what you suspect or not. This isn't a detective mystery.

Ok, I can respect this and I understand your reasoning. I've always had a soft spot for him, thanks for clarifying your perspective.

I think i'm still a little hot from the OT...

Makes it worse that howie didnt get a star and after the game says "It doesnt matter how I do. It only matters if we win or lose"

[Pat 44]

Here's how they win the next game:

• Watch Game Four of last years playoffs against San Jose
  
• More Shots
  
• More Puck Possession
  
• More Forechecking
  

Edited April 30, 2011 by Pat

[Nightfall 871]

He's not whining as much as you guys are doing.

No s*** to that.

[Guest Shoreline]

He's not whining as much as you guys are doing.

He gets fined for it. We don't.

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

That game was jokes.

Team played terrible. If we bow out in this round something needs to be done.

[Octopus's Garden 147]

This is a real game where everyone is supposed to play TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY. Meanwhile, the diver does NOT trust his own talent and creativity enough to play by the rules. It sickens me, and it pisses me off that the refs will not acknowledge what's actually happening out there. Did you see the bearded wonder sitting on the bench, laughing while he rubbed his chin?

The problem is that even when the Wings try to sell a call, nothing happens. Anyone remember Zetterberg getting clipped with a high stick in the first, throwing his head back and reaching for his face, but not getting a call? Or Helm getting nicked and laying out while on a rush a few minutes later? Neither was a call and both easily could have been. But rather than just putting the whistles away, the refs TAKE OVER in the final minutes. It's completely against the unwritten rules of the NHL ... let the players decide the game. Or if you're going to buy the bulls***, buy ALL of the bulls***. For some reason, San Jose's acting jobs get more respect.

[Ratbastrd 90]

Wow, seems not much changes around here. Team loses a game and the only possible excuse is officiating. If this is true, I would suggest the wings learn to flop better. Clearly that is the key to winning a series against the sharks.....LOL

To the rest who saw a fairly tight game, lets see what happens game 2, have a feeling the wings players are going to shake off the rust and come out firing. Have a feeling this is going to be a much tighter series then last year, wouldn't be surprised with low scoring and 7 games. Good luck guy's!

Edited April 30, 2011 by Ratbastrd

[matt198913 932]

Here's how they win the next game:

• Watch Game Four of last years playoffs against San Jose
  
• More Shots
  
• More Puck Possession
  
• More Forechecking
  

Have Homer embellish some calls

[zztop40 80]

What I'm saying you can't sit back with a 1-0 lead for 2 and 1/2 periods. Niemi isn't that great a goalie, we will have to get more than one damn goal; that said I think they will come out play with

some attitude next game. I hope anyway. See you all Sunday.

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

Really the only reason we're even debating what Abby did or the high-sticking call is because Howie stood on his head against a barrage of shots.

That has to continue.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Ok, I can respect this and I understand your reasoning. I've always had a soft spot for him, thanks for clarifying your perspective.

I think i'm still a little hot from the OT...

Makes it worse that howie didnt get a star and after the game says "It doesnt matter how I do. It only matters if we win or lose"

We're all hot from the OT, but I don't expect the Wings to win when it goes to overtime.

We haven't been a good OT team for a long time.

Starting to look like the Dave Lewis days, when we always lost in OT.

[vladdy16 2,154]

Have Homer embellish some calls

It can't be Homer - refs won't call anything short of decapitation for him.

[Octopus's Garden 147]

Wow, seems not much changes around here.

Yep. Sharks are still a bunch of divers. It's disgraceful.