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Rev-O · May 8, 2008, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by OldManMac

It was a good one, wasn't it? Who is this Chris Wasgood, that a previous poster in this thread was talking about?

There are only a handful of teams truly starved for goaltending that would start Wasgood in goal by choice. I hardly think Detroit players, coaches, or fans thought "Thank God we have Chris Osgood in net!" The Wings resorted to Wasgood, and they will win the cup in spite of him, as they have done previously.

scottiB · May 9, 2008, 09:45 AM

While I'll concede that Osgood (and Hasek and CuJo--when a Wing) benefitted from the Wings' defensive system and he hardly ever stands on his head and steals a game, Osgood rarely gives up a spirit-crushing bad goal.

And with Detroit's system, that's all you need, usually.

olePigeon · May 9, 2008, 12:32 PM

Sharks. Number 1 Playoff choke team.

Quadruple overtime. Geeze.

scottiB · May 9, 2008, 01:16 PM

I'd say Detroit. While they have won three Cups in the past eleven years (though none in the past five), if you consider regular season points against playoff success, I think they've failed to reach expectations more.

Ottawa could be there, too: cruise during the season, swoon in the playoffs.

ironknee · May 9, 2008, 02:09 PM

go flyers!

villalobos · May 9, 2008, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by scottiB

I'd say Detroit. While they have won three Cups in the past eleven years (though none in the past five), if you consider regular season points against playoff success, I think they've failed to reach expectations more.

Ottawa could be there, too: cruise during the season, swoon in the playoffs.

Ottawa by a long margin. Sharks are getting there. But Ottawa especially. I mean really.

klb5090 · May 9, 2008, 11:44 PM

i'm sorry philly fans, the battle of PA is going to be a quick one

iLikebeer · May 10, 2008, 07:34 AM

Cindy doesn't have what it takes to beat Detroit unless Malkin stands up. Flyers are the only team that can take down the wings. This year's red wings could win with me in goal...as long as they keep up there system and no one throws a suicidal 2 man forecheck at them, that's their only weakness.

Rev-O · May 10, 2008, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by scottiB

While I'll concede that Osgood (and Hasek and CuJo--when a Wing) benefitted from the Wings' defensive system and he hardly ever stands on his head and steals a game, Osgood rarely gives up a spirit-crushing bad goal.

And with Detroit's system, that's all you need, usually.

That's all I was sayin'

Detroit's solid defensive scheme makes it so that the goalie isn't needed to carry the team, and their offensive firepower allows them to get back the soft blueline slappers that Osgood has a tendency (over his career) to let in. This has typically been the secret to Detroit's success and any hockey fan would have to admit that detroit has had a bunch of success over the past 15 years!

Rev-O · May 10, 2008, 01:54 PM

Not play-off related, but at least Hockey related:

So the Avs have parted ways with Quenneville. As soon as it was announced the Denver rumor mill picked Patty roy as the heir apparent (and I see SI has picked up on this as well).
Gah. I'm not sold on Patty being an NHL coach. Sure he was a great goalie and has had some success in the juniors but he is also egotistical, tempermental, and a prima donna.

I'd rather see Granato get a chance again. He did some good coaching during his brief stint with the Avs as head coach and with a few years seasoning under Quenneville I think he may be ready to take the helm. If nothing else, he has more experience than Patty Roy.

Ugh. Just the thought of Patty becoming the Avs next head coach makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

villalobos · May 10, 2008, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by Rev-O

Not play-off related, but at least Hockey related:

So the Avs have parted ways with Quenneville. As soon as it was announced the Denver rumor mill picked Patty roy as the heir apparent (and I see SI has picked up on this as well).
Gah. I'm not sold on Patty being an NHL coach. Sure he was a great goalie and has had some success in the juniors but he is also egotistical, tempermental, and a prima donna.

I'd rather see Granato get a chance again. He did some good coaching during his brief stint with the Avs as head coach and with a few years seasoning under Quenneville I think he may be ready to take the helm. If nothing else, he has more experience than Patty Roy.

Ugh. Just the thought of Patty becoming the Avs next head coach makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

Well as a Wings fan, I can only agree with you on Roy becoming the Avs coach. But then, as a hockey fan in general, I think that would be a terrible mistake. I am sure you guys have seen that little "incident" involving Roy as coach, and his son as a player.

YouTube - Jonathan & Patrick Roy SUCK!

Not to miss, Roy signal to his son at 1:10...

villalobos · May 10, 2008, 10:11 PM

2-0 for the Wings. Game 3 should be interesting. We'll see how the Stars deal with being down. The Wings are impressive. Very impressive.

Oh yeah, and that Datsyuk goal shoulda counted.

NHLNied27 · May 11, 2008, 12:16 PM

It does not matter how the Stars respond being back at home. That series is done. The Stars may pick up a game but the Wings have been dominant. In the East, the Timonen injury is too much for the Flyers to handle and the Pens will take them out easily. Lets prepare for a Wings Pens Finals.

OldManMac · May 11, 2008, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by NHLNied27

Lets prepare for a Wings Pens Finals.

And another Stanley Cup for Detroit.

klb5090 · May 12, 2008, 12:06 AM

2-0 Pens... to philly we go

villalobos · May 12, 2008, 10:36 PM

I don't think anybody can beat the Wings right now. It was a clinic today. The best I have seen them play in the 13 years I have been following them.
What an immense pleasure!

villalobos · May 12, 2008, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by OldManMac

And another Stanley Cup for Detroit.

I'd hate to jinx them, but yeah I think it's a done deal.

OldManMac · May 12, 2008, 10:39 PM

Detroit 5, Dallas 2. Series 3-zip, Detroit. Bye, bye, Dallas! Datsyuk gets first hat trick of career! Did I already say bye bye, Dallas?

scottiB · May 12, 2008, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by villalobos

The best I have seen them play in the 13 years I have been following them.
What an immense pleasure!

I agree. Even with the Russian 5, I've never seen a more skilled Wings team.

villalobos · May 14, 2008, 10:50 PM

Alright, that was the most entertaining game of the series : did not end the way I was looking for, but it's just a question of time.
Good job Stars. See you saturday for game 5.

OldManMac · May 14, 2008, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by villalobos

Alright, that was the most entertaining game of the series : did not end the way I was looking for, but it's just a question of time.
Good job Stars. See you saturday for game 5.

Most entertaining, as the Stars played like their asses were on fire, although IMHO Datsyuk was cheated out of one. As you said, however, it's just a matter of time.

villalobos · May 18, 2008, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by OldManMac

Most entertaining, as the Stars played like their asses were on fire, although IMHO Datsyuk was cheated out of one. As you said, however, it's just a matter of time.

Well, The wings (and Turco) reminded me today while I should never be too confident with them finishing a series!! Turco was good, very good. His puck playing ability is the best of the NHL for goalies. Two bad changes for the Wings, two heads-up play from Turco, two goals. As simple as that.
What now?

OldManMac · May 18, 2008, 09:55 AM

I missed the game, due to work, but I have to concede that Turco is pretty damn good. I still think the Wings are going to take it, but it could go to seven games.

klb5090 · 06:40 PM

Prince of Whales Trophy
Pittsburgh Penguins 2008

Sourbook · May 18, 2008, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by klb5090

Prince of Whales Trophy
Pittsburgh Penguins 2008

Congratulations Penguins. We'll kick your ass for kicking our ass at some point in the distant future.

In the meantime, you have my blessing to win the Stanley Cup.

OldManMac · May 19, 2008, 10:37 PM

It's the Wings vs. the Penguins!! Detroit finished Dallas 4 -1!!

villalobos · May 19, 2008, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by OldManMac

It's the Wings vs. the Penguins!! Detroit finished Dallas 4 -1!!

Yeaaah. That's (OS)gooooooood.

klb5090 · May 19, 2008, 11:57 PM

This will be an awesome Stanley Cup finals. Some very intense hockey to come for sure, its going to be a chess match between goalies with all the offense between the two clubs

villalobos · May 24, 2008, 09:39 PM

All right, I dont see Malkin and Crosby that often, but I am not impressed by any of them tonight.
Anyhow, 1-0 Wings. Nice play from samuelsson.

villalobos · May 24, 2008, 10:47 PM

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!
Team playing > skilled individualities.

OldManMac · May 24, 2008, 11:22 PM

One down, 3 to go!

klb5090 · May 24, 2008, 11:27 PM

great team game by the wings tonight for sure, i expect the pens to come with some more pressure in game 2 (and if osgood doesn't stand on his head again i also expect a pens victory). I have a feeling it will be a long series

OldManMac · May 24, 2008, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by klb5090

I have a feeling it will be a long series

I don't.

iLikebeer · May 25, 2008, 02:56 AM

There are going to be lots of octopi flying in Pittsburgh next Saturday. And brooms.
As much as I hate the wings, theyre amazing to watch.

Rev-O · May 25, 2008, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by villalobos

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!
Team playing > skilled individualities.

Yes yes yes.
Just not fair that the Wings have skilled individuals and team play!
Except Osgood. Seems a shame that such a mediocre goalie as Osgood is on the verge of getting his name on the cup again (Hey, I've got to bash the only weakness the Wings have. I'm an Avs fan!)

So, what, four and done? That's what I'm thinking.

scottiB · May 25, 2008, 05:56 PM

Wings in 6. Fleury will steal one, and Sid will earn another.

villalobos · May 26, 2008, 04:31 PM

WIngs will win tonight. I think Pavel will show why he should be the Conn Smythe, IMHO.

villalobos · May 26, 2008, 09:58 PM

alright Pavel is not on fire as much as I thought tonight, but Fleury is certainly showing why he won't get the Conn Smythe...
One more period to get that 2nd win. Looking good so far.

villalobos · May 26, 2008, 10:49 PM

The Pens getting a little chippy at the end. Showing great class by targeting Franzen's head (an taking stupid penalties while at it). Roberts fighting Datsyuk too... Real nice. It'd be nice to see MC Carthy taking on Crosby or Malkin eh? Except the Wings dont do that.

2-0. To Pittsburgh we go.

OldManMac · May 26, 2008, 10:56 PM

Bye, bye, Penguins.

scottiB · May 27, 2008, 02:22 PM

That Filppula goal was crazy.

iLikebeer · May 27, 2008, 03:28 PM

I loved how they immediately put the camera on Syndey Crosby after every Detroit goal. The look on his face was priceless.
Datsyuk taking out Roberts was the icing on the cake.

The only question left is if Pittsburgh will even score a goal. It took a power play for them to even get their first shot on goal, 6 minutes into the 2nd period!

abbaZaba · May 27, 2008, 07:29 PM

I think this is gonna go 7 games. Detroit is like no team we've played so far in the playoffs. we're gonna have to win a game in Detroit at some point which worries me but I think they'll get their acts together in Game 3 in the Burgh.

scottiB · May 27, 2008, 08:02 PM

Some small cross-thread pollination:

Actress Kristen Bell pulling for Detroit

villalobos · May 28, 2008, 05:52 PM

My prediction for tonight. The Pens will probably score, given the Wings won't be able to line match as well. But the Wings will score more now that their focus won't be so much on line matching, and given that the Pens have at best a mediocre defense and goalie.
So i can see a 5-2 for the Wings, kinda like game 3 against Dallas.

olePigeon · May 28, 2008, 06:05 PM

At least Dallas didn't make it. F*ck Dallas, I hate their cheating asses.

villalobos · May 28, 2008, 10:56 PM

As usual, I can throw my predictions away. But man, what a game. The third period was epic. Saturday should be interesting and exciting!

OldManMac · May 28, 2008, 10:58 PM

Well, that didn't turn out like I wanted, but I have to hand it to Pittsburgh; they came to play. Oh well, it isn't going to change the final result.

scottiB · May 29, 2008, 10:31 AM

Good game by the Pens. Having the late change kept the Zett/Dats line away from Crosby, but Pittsburgh needs to shut opponents down with the lead: being outshot 16-5 will not keep leads often.

Saturday will be fun. I'm glad the games are on NBC. My cable provider doesn't offer VS in HD.

freudling · May 29, 2008, 11:00 AM

The Penguins need to congest the neutral zone more, and shut down Detroit's offence. This is exactly what Detroit is doing against Pittsburgh. That means the Pens need to rely on their two defencemen should Detroit's offence break the neutral zone, because if you congest up the neutral zone, you commit to the puck and have little chance of back-checking in a timely fashion. If you watch the highlights, you can see that the Pens are not congesting the neutral zone properly. With Detroit's speed, toughness and experience, it gets precarious when they are allowed to rush through the neutral zone.

But Detroit's defence are tops, and Osgood is exceptional, as much as he annoys me. The Penguins defence are weaker. Time and time again Detroit is beating the Penguin's defence wide. This latter should rarely if ever happen. A good defencemen punishes any forward trying to beat him wide. But, to the Penguin's defencemen's credit, since the forwards are not in proper position on the back-check, both defencemen have to crowd closer to the center of the ice to try and block the rest of the offence that the puck carrier is likely to pass to. To the Pens, stay on your man...

Detroit's checking pattern is more effective, and they are playing the classic trap where everyone is close but staggered. It makes it hard to move the puck through this close-knit "maze" of players: you have trouble seeing your players, and it is easy for your passes to get picked off. A couple things can be done. If Detroit is congesting like this, then the Pens' forwards need to stay a bit closer together. They can "train" up the center of the ice, back pass and then, when far enough, branch off from one another to set up a play once in Detroit's zone. Another thing is pressing straight up the center of the ice. This throws off your opponent... Crosby and Malkin should thus not be afraid to go end-to-end. It will confuse the team if you start to carry the puck more and pass less in the neutral zone.

But by all means though, if you can, be in position to receive a laser pass and then let it go or undress the defencemen or get closer to the goalie for a better shot.

With all this said, the Pens need to switch up strategies often to confuse Detroit. Rush for a few goals, and then get really defensive to shut down Detroit and frustrate them, then turn up the thrusters and play more offensively again. It is going to take some serious creativity for the Pens to beat Detroit, a team with significant depth.