Nightwing

Are you looking with the same eyes that saw a Detroit team that couldn't beat Colorado, Dallas, and Pittsburgh? Or have you gotten your vision checked yet? I don't think he embellished; just because he reacted late doesn't mean it didn't hurt. You certainly see it enough with things like pucks, where the guy hasn't had enough time to fully process everything before he feels it. Plus, it doesn't make it any less classless to punch a guy whose had concussion symptoms. I also forgot to mention Talbot's kick to the back of Frazen's leg. You can't possibly defend that crap. No it was an act. He didn't need to stay down as long as he did, and could have done a bit better on the fall as well. Yeah, sure. And Pittsburgh's defense is having such a better time holding off Detroit's offense, right? I can accept criticisms of Osgood; he embellished what happened. But I don't see much embellishment in the guy with concussion symptoms taking a punch to the head going down. Just because he didn't react instantly doesn't mean that it didn't hurt, nor does it mean that it wasn't a cheap shot. Nksie: There's a certain level of cheap-shotting I'll sort of accept as "part of the game". I mean, this isn't someone giving a slap to someone's knee with their stick every now and then. This is someone just punching someone else outside of the play. At the very least, they could at least try to be a little less obvious and insulting about it. And it still doesn't make it any less of a goon act.

Are you looking with the same eyes that saw a Detroit team that couldn't beat Colorado, Dallas, and Pittsburgh? Or have you gotten your vision checked yet? I don't think he embellished; just because he reacted late doesn't mean it didn't hurt. You certainly see it enough with things like pucks, where the guy hasn't had enough time to fully process everything before he feels it. Plus, it doesn't make it any less classless to punch a guy whose had concussion symptoms. I also forgot to mention Talbot's kick to the back of Frazen's leg. You can't possibly defend that crap.

Nice game. I'm sure people will cry about the goalie interference call that I think was against Malone, but if anything that's the only consistent way to go. Sure, Osgood sold it a little, but he was about two feet into the crease. Holmstrom got called for less in the first game. The end of the game thing, I'm not torn much about, either. Osgood embellished (Yes, he definitely did. It's quite obvious), but that wasn't the Riberio incident. Not by a long shot. Sykora (or was it Sydor? God, I can never remember the Pens...) gave him something like a foot and a half of clearance while he's skating around. I wouldn't normally suspect anything from him if not for the Pens completely gooning it up on Franzen and other guys. Seriously, punching and BUTT-ending Frazen, the guy with a possible concussion? Nice class, guys.

LIDSTROM. NO "N". Christ, that always pisses me off. "Not as immobile as Philli?" Do you even watch Red Wings games? If you do, then you wouldn't be giving such a backhanded compliment. They are incredibly mobile! We've seen Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, and Lebda join the rush numerous times. I don't see how Pittsburgh is "faster"... younger, yes, but I don't see the incredible difference there. Unless you are just basing this one Chelios (Which it seems everyone wants to do, especially when they call the Wings "old and slow"). Crosby or Malkin line? If you split them up, I think you honestly decrease their value. The reason the Hossa-Crosby-Malkin (in no particular order, there) is so damn effective is because they are together, and they've gelled pretty well. Taking them away, in my opinion, will only make it easier for Detroit because it goes from one "Super" line to two "Great" lines, and I think Detroit easily has the depth and the system to handle them broken up. You are seriously overlooking Kronwall and Stuart, who have been a fantastic pairing this year. And are you kidding? Detroit rolls four lines, can switch them up, and still be productive. Look at Franzen, Hudler, Sameulsson, and Filppula. Even Drake, McCarty, Helm and Draper produce chances and can push defenses back. All of them have been great during the playoffs (The only under-performer on Detroit is probably Cleary). Gonchar and Whitney might stop the Euro Twins... but they don't have anything to stop the second, third, and fourth lines. The Pittsburgh defense hasn't faced anything even close to this in their walk to the finals, and their rookies are going to be hard-pressed to keep up with a deep, veteran lineup that will pass around them all day.

I was going to say that Hull and (especially) Bourque were the guys I was thinking of who should have gone earlier. Hull might not be a first-rounder (You could probably debate the merits of taking him vs. not), but Bourque was definitely a guy I thought was going to go earlier. At the very least, earlier than Potvin. No shot against Potvin, but I though Bourque was better. There's also a sleeper pick in a goalie that I haven't seen yet. Hopefully someone will get him.

I'm going to disagree, CG. Seriously, Pittsburgh is fast, but Detroit is certainly not slow. While I might believe Chelios getting tired (Of course, he's the #5 Defenseman and he still has that ridiculous conditioning routine), Lidstrom's positioning and general hockey intelligence often prevents him from needing to chase people. I mean, that's the primary reason why he can play so many minutes despite his age, and why he might beat Bobby Orr's Norris Trophy record. While Pittsburgh is fast, they don't control the puck nearly as well (and I'm willing to bet in this series, as often) as Detroit does, and I doubt they'll have the chance to "wear out" Lidstrom, let alone guys like Rafalski, Kronwall, Stuart, and Lebda. You are also discounting Detroit's superior (yes, superior) team defense, and the fact that just about everyone on that team is defensively sound. On the flip side, the Penguins have Gonchar and... Whitney (Of course, he bears the infamous "Offensive Defenseman" title...)? Gill? Letang? I'd be a lot more worried about Pittsburgh's defense against a team that also rolls four lines all the time (I don't see how Pittsburgh does it any better than Detroit does). Saying Crosby-Hossa-Malkin is going to tire out the deepest lineup in the league while ignoring the lack of depth against a rolling Detroit team is a serious flaw in the "Pens have better Defense" argument you guys are putting up.

If they actually learn to play good team defense, they could be a serious threat. They definitely have the youth to stick around for a while.

I'm not a part of this, but I was wondering, since this hasn't been clarified: Are you looking at full careers, or would you take people whose careers was cut short? In particular, I was thinking Mike Bossy. Just wondering if you are doing it all on career numbers or just actual talent achieved. And a few quick observations: - I'm surprised that Orr wasn't taken in the Top 3. - I think max made an absolute steal with his two picks. I thought more defensemen would go quickly, since there are (in my opinion) fewer big game defensemen in comparison to the plethora of forwards one could find. Along with Hasek, and he has one hell of a start. Bravo. - I didn't think Messier would go as high as he did... or maybe that's because he went higher than Orr. *Shrugs*. Also, I could think of at least one person I might pick over Jean Beliveau, though his leadership qualities probably make Beliveau more valuable. Can't wait to see the rest of the next round.

I agree with Angle on the "Whole Package" argument. Sure, they don't get as many points, but in part that's because of their incredibly solid defensive play. It should also be noted that Zetterberg and Datsyuk have played against better teams overall in comparison to the Pens (Dallas should be enough to make that argument). Looking at this, I almost want to say Detroit in 5, though my realistic bet is in 6. I think that the Pens have had one of the easiest paths to the Cup in recent years, with timely injuries along with absolute collapses in two series helping out. They have yet to play against a truly complete team (Ottawa was a wreck, the Ranger's offense was abysmal, and Philly's injuries killed their defense), something you could argue Detroit did with Dallas. I think Detroit's team defense will be able to keep the Crosby-Malkin-Hossa line from running away with games and keep secondary scoring down, while Detroit's offense should be more than enough to overwhelm the Pen's overperforming defense (Which has yet to really be tested). So I guess Detroit in 6. Too much polish with the Wings to just be overwhelmed with talent.

I meant to post this a few days ago, but I got sidetracked with other things. Apparently, Detroit may have been looking at someone else during the whole Brunnstrom Sweepstakes, or at least this may have been one of the reasons that Ken Holland didn't seem too concerned with letting the Swede get away. Meet Ville Leino. Of course, he's not perfect, either, but the Wings know how to develop talent, especially European talent. Makes you feel good about the future of the franchise.

I'm not a big fan of dunks like most other people are. But blocks like Tayshaun seems to pull out in the clutch... yeah, those are the NBA highlights I like to see. And I personally hate the "Superstar Hype Machine". I don't mind LeBron, because he handles himself pretty well, but overall the hype that most sports tend to focus on a few superstars (the NBA is probably the most guilty of this, but every sport does it) tends to irk me. I find myself rooting against those guys just because I don't like being told who to watch.

A very decisive victory there. Congrats to Pavs on his first hat-trick. But the real story? Zetterberg. A force unto himself in this game.

God, I wish I could get that Fury picture without the other characters as a desktop. That pose and outfit looks badass.

What's dirty about it? It's something all goalies do. Mind you, most of the time guys don't get whacked by it, but putting out your goalie stick like that is a common thing to slow guys down. It's not a dirty play as much as it's a common play gone wrong. I don't think it's nearly as dirty as a two-handed slash to the chest-protector, nor as malicious. And I want to ask you directly: How do you feel about the Flyers coming home tomorrow night? Both their losses were a lot closer than they probably should be considering your depleted Defensive corps and being in the Igloo, so do you think the Flyers are going to get a game or two? I'm thinking they can put Pittsburgh on their ass with a Philly crowd.

There'll be no suspension. 1) That was obviously a lot of acting by Ozzie. Even moreso than Franzen's last year. 2) Riberio is a player that actually means something, unlike a career backup goalie. The NHL is typically gutless on these sorts of situations unless there's is just irrefutable evidence of an out-of-nowhere malicious attack. Riberio overreacted (He was not happy before that, as he raised his stick to one of the refs near the end of the game), but he didn't initiate what happened. Overall, a good game, but the Wings are taking way too many penalties. Part of it is obviously the refs, who seem to switch how they ref from night to night, but they can't take penalties against a team that has an explosive power play like Dallas right now. It's like playing with a loaded gun, and it might cost them the next game, as Dallas is going to be REALLY fired up after Ozzie's tap to the face.

Might as well make one for a universe I'm more familiar with. The Big Three: So, with Johns, Morrison, and Simone basically righting the flagship books (With Buziek dulling me a bit and Dini writing perfectly-acceptable little detective stories) after a few bad moves (John's "Let's make a run on the Ultimates" delayed run with Donner, anything Wonder Woman before Simone, and a lackluster Ra's Crossover not living up to the hype), what do people think of the health of the DC Franchises? The Final Countdown: Countdown has improved enough to be a bit fun in the last month or so, and most of the irritatingly bad is out of the way (Arena, Multiverse Traveling stuff), but some good as come out of it. In particular, the Countdown to Mystery has a pretty great interpretation of the new magical world and the new Dr. Fate is pretty damn cool. Is this series too contaminated to pull off a good ending, or can it redeem itself for a lackluster midsection? Unsung Heroes: To me, DC has some of the best stuff that nobody seems to notice. Checkmate is probably the best political thriller out there, and can make just about any cameo fit (From Superman to Shadowpact). Speaking of the Shadowpact, this is a fun romp through the magical backwoods of the DC Universe. Other books, like All-New Atom and Blue Beetle, are also unnoticed books with good writing and fun characters. Opinions? Buddy Cop Feature: Mandatory Green Lantern/Green Lantern Corps topic. Any thoughts on the best tandem book out there?

Muir actually called it. Color me a bit surprised, though Dallas is definitely a good choice for the kid. Lot of opportunity for upward movement without too much of a fight, and they've traditionally been a solid franchise.

In all honesty, the place it's at right now would be ideal. That area of downtown is actually pretty impressive, and I don't mean "relative to Detroit". Everything good in Detroit really springs out of that area, and it'd be a shame if it weren't across from Hockeytown Cafe. My Eastern Predictions (And I'm glad I waited, because the Timonen announcement would have affected it)! Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh Philadelphia's Road to the Cup: Out of all the teams in the Conference finals, I feel like Philly is the only one that played a team that was actually ready to contend. San Jose and Anaheim were flat, Colorado and Ottawa collapsed in their series, and New York couldn't get a rhythm (or a break). Washington, on the other hand, came out firing and Philly really fought through that series. After that, Montreal couldn't generate anything and Philly got some luck to beat them 4-1. Pittsburgh's Road to the Cup: So far they've had one of the easiest routes through the playoffs. Ottawa was in danger of falling out of the playoffs and an utter wreck (my apologies to any Sens fans). Sweeping them is nothing impressive. New York was a decent show of force, but even in that series something just seemed to come over the Rangers and they couldn't get anything right. The rest doesn't look like it's hurt them, though. My Take: Before the Timonen injury, I had Philly as my pick. Both goalies in this series are lauded, but I'm not sold on either of them as game-stealing machines yet. Of the two, though, I think Biron is probably the most realistic one; I just don't think Fleury has been up against the same level of competition that Biron has been playing against, and Biron wasn't lights out against Washington, but he was hardly a liability. I still think Philly has a decent chance. I see a high-scoring affair, as I don't think the defenses here are up to stopping the offense these teams are going to generate. Of course, with Timonen out, I think Pittsburgh will have a lot more chances to score in comparison. In all honesty, these teams are a lot more evenly matched than they seem, despite Pittsburgh having all the big names. Critical Performances: Martin Biron. Basically the same thing I said about Turco. With that big piece of the Philly D being out, he's going to have to find another level to stop Pittsburgh's offense. If he can steal a game or two, Philly might be able to take this series. Sergei Gonchar. He's been great this post-season, and if he can shut down Philly's top line this series might be over in 5 or 4. If he can't handle them, I think Philly can exploit Fleury, who hasn't been able to face much in the way of offense this playoff season. My Pick: Pittsburgh in 6. I don't think that they can just blow past a team that's played pretty solid throughout the playoffs against teams that were really trying. But without Timonen, I can't pick Philly to win it all.

Regular season, they are relatively close to the league average. Unfortunately, that's relatively expensive in comparison to other sports, and the Joe (As much as I love it) really needs to be replaced. Being between Ford Field and Comerica Park doesn't help that perception. Playoff prices are, from what I read, somewhere in the range of $40-$50 higher than the league average, which also blows hard. With the Pistons coming close to GIVING away their tickets (Seriously, I can pick up a ticket for like, $10 without much problem gameday for them) and baseball tickets relatively cheaper for a better facility, it's not hard to see why money-strapped people will watch the Wings on T.V. and catch a Basketball game. It's just economics. Much fewer than Buffalo, but there are a lot of fans in Windsor. Off the top of my head, I'd say maybe 10%? And that's probably on the high end.

Who are the coaches on the market right now? Besides Pat Quinn, of course.

No, it's cool. I understand what you're asking for. Having watched the Wings all year, it'd look a lot more empty if were the other way (Unless the vast, vast majority were turning out). Edit: Actually, the start of the season was more empty, but it's picked up throughout the year. I have to admit, it hasn't been something steady. But I've heard that tickets have picked up a little bit.

You also figure that, being humans, we have to eat, sleep, and find shelter. You generally need money for those things, and jobs are in short supply. The "struggles" with our fanbase comes from the wrecked economy and little assistance from anyone for it. With our State Government threatening to shutdown every 6 months or so, the worst state economy in the US (It's been called a "State Depression" by multiple people), and our largest city being held hostage by a crooked mayor who won't leave office, Red Wings fans can be forgiven if they can't spare their cash at moment. Anyone with even a cursory knowledge of what's going on in Michigan should know this by now. nl5xsk1: I think that's in the building, but I could be wrong. It's the second largest building the NHL (only Montreal is larger), as most buildings are around the 18,500 mark while the Joe is 20,066, making it a helluva lot harder to fill the place up.

Cherry joining ESPN for Eastern Conference, Stanley Cup finals Melrose + Cherry? Never thought I'd be seeing that combination. Not sure if I wanted to, either.

First, the West. Detroit vs. Dallas Detroit's Road to the Cup: The Red Wings had a stumbling block in an underrated Nashville team which, like all Central Division franchises, performed far better against the Wings than they did against other franchises. They took two games and had the fantastic play of Dan Ellis in goal to anchor them until the Red Wings went to Chris Osgood. After that, they rolled over the Colorado Avalanche, who showed some signs of life, but not enough to stop a dominating Detroit team. Dallas' Road to the Cup: In the first round, Dallas faced off against the intimidating defending Stanley Cup Champions, but managed to turn around their games while the Champs played carelessly and uninspired hockey. After Dallas cleared them in 5, they moved onto the Sharks, who didn't seem to full get around the problems with offense and defense that they had in the Calgary series until down 3-0, where Dallas just managed to defeat them in an 4OT Game 6. My Take: I think Dallas is not nearly as good as people think. They're contenders, obviously, but benefit from taking on 1) A team that didn't have any heart or drive in Anaheim and 2) A team that has consistently underperformed in the playoffs with San Jose. It is easy to look at the names on the series and say "Wow, they're the real deal!", but they haven't faced a playoff team that was actually performing. They haven't faced a true high-powered offense in the playoffs (Mostly due to San Jose absolutely disappearing for entire games), and I'm not sure that their defense is ready for it. Meanwhile, we have the Wings, who had trouble until they put Osgood in the net and then dominated Nashville and Colorado. The only thing that saved Nashville was Dan Ellis playing out of his mind consistently. The Wings are getting everything they can out of their depth players, and they aren't a team that can just be roughed into submission (As shown by last year, where they beat two bigger teams and had Anaheim on the ropes for the better part of their series) like so many stupid analysts seem to think. Critical Performances: Marty Turco. He is the key that will decide whether this will be a competitive series or a 5-Game blowout. He's never had success against the Wings (He has yet to even get a win at the Joe, if I remember correctly), and I'm not sure that he's completely thrown off that jinx. Sure, he beat San Jose in one hell of an overtime game, but that's San Jose. This is Detroit, and for some strange reason he just has a ton of trouble against the Wings. Dan Cleary. He hasn't been very visible in this playoff season, but he needs to be. As one of the Wings' critical secondary scorers, he needs to step up in this series and provide another viable threat behind the Swedish Dream Team. When he's on, he's the most energetic player on the ice and creates a lot of opportunities. He needs to show the same fire that he's shown in the regular season here. My Pick: Detroit in 6. Detroit has the advantage in depth, and I'm not convinced Turco is ready to beat the Wings yet. He needs to take one at the Joe before I can possibly pick Dallas. I don't have the same doubts about the Wings in Texas. I picked the Wings to win the Cup this year, and I have little reason to doubt them now.

This is one hell of a goaltender battle. There had to be a half a dozen absolutely ridiculous saves in there.