Alright. It's NHL playoff time again. Only 7 short months since my last post. That's one way to get the regular season over with in a hurry, skip it. The Wings looked oh-so-average in many tilts this past season when I expected them to play far better. Thankfully, they played Wings hockey on a few occasions when it really mattered to them, The Winter Classic being one of those.

However, now is the time for the experts picks from ESPN for the post season. In the spirit of full disclosure, here are my picks from Rinkotology.org.



And here are the picks from ESPN's panel;



I'll check back after a game or two and see how everyone is stacking up.

Cheers,

J

Upon hearing that the new Sports Illustrated cover would feature one Marian Hossa I decided to take a trip to si.com. Needless to say, seeing that they too had made bold predictions about the upcoming season I thought it only fair to post their thoughts as well (after mocking ESPN's yesterday).

Here for your enjoyment are the picks from Sports Illustrated;



It seems that those who cover all sports make more informed decisions than those who only cover some sports. At SI, 4 out of 6 experts pick the Wings to repeat. Even I would say that's a little heavy. I'd expect about half the experts to go with the repeat. But compared to the 'experts' at ESPN these folks are head and shoulders better at making 'objective' picks for the upcoming season. Interesting how not one of these six picked an Eastern Conference team to hoist the Cup.

My only complaint about the experts picks would be in the area of the Norris Trophy. Not one of the six picked Lidstrom?!? How is that even possible. And picking Pronger.... Almost unforgivable.

Here's that cover by the way. It is officially Thursday, the puck drops in three hours.



It's going to be a great year.

Cheers,

J

Go Wings

It's about that time of year again. The weather turns a bit colder and the rain comes back. That can only mean one thing....Hockey Season!!

After watching the Wings play their final pre-season game yesterday I'm ready for the season to start. Imagine a power-play unit of Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Hossa, Lidstrom and Rafalski. Damn, this is gonna be a great season.

Let's take a look at how the brain-trust at ESPN thinks this season will play out;



I think the world might just be a better place if everyone got some of what Linda Cohn smokes. Even just a little. That has got to be some powerful stuff. The Wings dominate the playoffs last year, add Hossa, and now one guy picks them to win... Maybe Gary has already put the word out that the Wings repeatedly crushing the rest of the league is bad for Cindy Crosby's image as the 'Face of Hockey'. I loved the announcers saying that Crosby was the face of the league world-wide Saturday before the Pens/Sens game in Stockholm. I'm sure nobody there thinks Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Forsberg or Sundin is any good. After the reaction Sundin got dropping the puck he should probably run for office. If he doesn't come back.

Let's take a look at the 2008-2009 ESPN picks for post-season awards;



Again, all I can say is wow. E.J. is the only one picking Lids for the Norris? 6 out of 7 years he wins it and one guy thinks he might have a shot again? At least Z got some love for the Hart. Probably won't happen but at least it's nice to be mentioned. I think it takes a little 'me first' attitude to win the Hart and Zetterberg is definitely a team first type guy. And not one columnist picks Datsyuk for the Selke?? 144 takeaways, +41, 97 points and 20 PIM not Selke worthy anymore? I can see the picks for Z but nobody picking Dats is mindboggling.

ESPN does realize that the trophies all have names, right?

For the record, here are my picks;

Atlantic - Penguins
Northeast - Canadiens
Southeast - Capitals
Central - Red Wings
Northwest - Flames
Pacific - Stars

East - Canadiens
West Red Wings

Cup - Red Wings

Post Season Awards;

Hart - Crosby
Vezina - Lundqvist
Norris - Lidstrom
Selke - Datsyuk
Byng - Datsyuk
Calder - Stamkos
Adams - Carbonneau

Maybe next year I can be an 'expert'. Only time will tell. I can't wait for Thursday.

Cheers,

J

Go Wings.

I had to fly out to our World Headquarters in New York this week. I made sure to book the flight through Detroit so I could pick up the latest in Wings Championship materials for the house. I have to say, I’m somewhat disappointed in the Detroit Metro Airport.

There’s only one store and it contained two jerseys (a junior Datsyuk) and an adult sized generic. They had two t-shirts, one with Z and the Conn Smythe and one red with the white logo, which I bought.

You have to be kidding, that’s it for the Stanley Cup Champs? Get some banners up and make this a year-long parade for folks that come into the city through your airport. I want to know that I’ve landed in Hockey Mecca and that this is our holy site. Make sure that every team that disembarks this coming year knows exactly where they are, ‘Hockeytown’. Hope you brought your ‘A’ game ‘cause you’re going to need it.

I didn’t think this would piss me off so, but I’m pretty miffed. As a long-time traveler it has always escaped me why cities don’t use their airports as more of a gateway to the city rather than some bland monument to air travel. ‘We don’t want to upset people’ is one of the arguments for the low-key approach. This is your town, if you don’t promote it no one will. You only get one chance at that first impression. Make them look around in awe. ‘Holy Crap, they have 11 Stanley Cups and call themselves Hockeytown, maybe they take this seriously.’

Now that’s the reaction I’m going for. When someone comes into my house the first thing they see is the Championship Banner flanked by home and away framed Wings jerseys. They know what kind of house it is. Don’t bring your weak crap about Patrick Roy being the best goalie ever, I’ll duct-tape my Sawchuk jersey to your ass and make you watch game 7 of the 2002 Wings-Avs series and see if your perspective has ‘improved’ any.

Cheers,

J

Where it belongs! Oh how nice to see the Wings lift the Cup again. Lidstrom is one hell of a good Captain, I can't imagine anyone better to assume the role after Stevie retired. What a class act. Drake skating his first Cup, and Buckets the first Newfounderlander. I'm ready for training camp already. Enjoy your summer boys, I know 30 other teams would like to try taking it from you next year. Here's some images of the Cup and the two Detroit papers' headlines from last Thursday.










Another great hockey season comes to a close, on to summer vacation.

Cheers,

J

What a kill by Z. 5 on 3 with the game on the line and Zetterberg comes up huge. Cindy said in his post-game comments, "I don't think he did anything special (on the kill)". That's the difference between Cup Champs and Cup Contenders. You've got to have heart 'Kid'.

As for Crysby, watch some old tapes of press conferences. Find out what it means to lose with class. After game 3 he says the Pens dominated (the Wings actually dominated the 2nd and 3rd periods of that game). A game they won by 1 goal. Tonight, lose by one and "it could have gone either way". What a punk. At least he'll have a front row seat for the Cup presentation on Monday night.

And nice work by the 4th line tonight. The goal was a crazy hustle play. Hudler's backhand goes post/arm/net. Shows what hustle can get you.



As predicted before the Finals - Wings in 5.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

I refuse to make the same excuses after a loss that the Pens did after games 1 & 2. No, credit is deserved by Crosby and Crew. Crosby was the best Penguin on the ice last night, just as he was in games 1 & 2.



Ozzie let through two softies, goals 1 & 3. The first was a direct result of a bad pass by Stuart. Probably won't happen again. The third, oh Lilja. Please play the puck and stop ducking before the check comes. He may be done in this series and as a Wing. I don't think Uncle Mike will have that kind of play from his D-Men. I'd look for Chelios to suit up the rest of the way. Hall's kester goal was brilliant/lucky. All goals from the back of the net are. That being the winning goal despite outplaying the Wings most of the night should have the Pens concerned. I had said before the game, if the Pens are to make a series of it they had to win game 3 by a wide margin. Show the Wings that the Pens are as good at home as Detroit is. They failed in that task and will now likely pay a steep price in game 4.

I think the Wings will play better in game 4 and take down the series in 5. I don't see the Pens playing any better then they did last night and I don't see the Wings missing the same opportunities (Homstrom off the post from 4 feet) in game 4.

Look for Dats and Z to get going in Game 4. I predicted Datsyuk would go for 4 point in game 3, maybe I was a game early?!? Dats with no points in the series will not continue.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Ozzie...Ozzie....Ozzie....Ozzie. You can keep on chanting it. C'mon Ozzie, at least let them think they have a chance. Nah, let's go for another shut-out. After a game 1, 4-0 shut-out Ozzie posts an even more impressive 3-0 shut-out in game 2.



Sooner or later the media is going to have to realize it's the Wings play and not the Pens underacheiving that's the issue. What happens next if the Wings go into Pittsburgh and hammer the Pens in game 3? What's the excuse then? I can hear Therrien now, "We got the matchups we wanted and we're usually pretty good at home, the Wings must still be cheating." Nice try, how about, you getting pasted by the much better team.

Speaking of cheating, or at least bushleague play. How many shots are the Pens going to take at Franzen's head? Roberts, after the game, said. "He was going to hit me with his shoulder so I gave him a shoulder first." Nice try. Video clearly shows you sucker-punched Franz in the back of the head. I'm sure we're not going to see Roberts in game 3 as the league will have to do something there. This was just a tad too close to the Bertuzzi hit on Steve Moore a few years back. Attacking a player from behind with a blow to the head. Don't worry Gary, maybe you'll be back in the line-up in time to watch the Wings hoist the cup in front of you.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

For all the bad mouthing of Sammy by Detroit fans he sure came through in the clutch Saturday night. Two unassisted goals to start the Finals will kick start a team nicely. Way to go Sammy. Nice to see Cleary break out of his slump as well.



Too many missed opportunities by the Penguins doomed them from the first period on. Four straight power plays and getting a goal waved off by Holmstrom is the definition of lucky start. Unable to capitalize on these is the definition of inexperience.

And back to Holmstrom's disallowed goal. How many more of these must we have before the league allows instant replay to assist? This was even more heinous then the goal against Dallas that was waved off. More on this at a later date though. I'm off to Poker tonight.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

It seems some dirt has been dug up in Detroit. With Babcock saying Franzen has been flying around the ice at 100mph and tipping pucks into the back of the net it seems the Mule could be sprung for Game 1 Saturday night. Check out A2Y for the whole story.



28 hours to go!

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Once again we have a split decision. The Pens in 7 pick by Burnside is a joke but the only one that really bothers me is Linda Cohn picking the Wings. She has been so bad this post-season. Melrose jumping on the bandwagon is amusing. I can't believe that none of them went out on a limb and picked the series to end in fewer then 6 games.

Here's the picks;



My pick, as before, Wings in 5.

Can't wait for Saturday.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Burnside already posted tonight picking the Pens in 7. Really? The Pens will win a game 7 on the road against one of the best home ice teams in the league? On their first try in the finals? With a bunch of 18-20 year olds? I don't think so. He talked about the Pens strength down the middle, Crosby-Malkin-Stall. It made me sick. Here's my reply on the ESPN message boards (first post actually);



Hope he has to choke on that 'Pens in 7' crap in two weeks. Heck, if the Wings sweep, they won't even play into June, game four is May 31st.

Wings in 5.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Finally. The Wings finished off those pesky Stars. I was starting to worry that Turco could stand on his head another two games. Three first period goals and Hank's shorty sealed the deal. Now I can golf in peace Wednesday night.

Draper's tally off the chin is one for the ages. I rewound that one several times for my son. I wanted to get the point across that when you get hurt you finish the play and then tend to your wounds. They'll still be there after you score. I remember taking several off the chest at third base, picking up the ball and throwing to first, only to double over and roll around on the ground afterward.

Can't wait for Saturday. This is going to be a great weekend. Hockey Saturday night, Poker Sunday night. Hockey Monday night, Katy's birthday Tuesday. Now that's a full four day weekend.



On to the Finals.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

I feel compelled to post after the loss by the Wings last night. I post after every win so a post after a loss must follow. I played in the Welch Allyn golf league last night so I had to watch the game after arriving home.

It seems two disallowed goals is no way to try and win a game. You can bet Ken Holland is sending a tape of the first disallowed goal to the head of officiating. The early whistle? It happens. I can't complain about that as when the ref loses sight of the puck he blows the whistle. I think they should wait an extra half-second, but that's just me.

No Franzen seems to be catching up with the Wings as well. We'll know more Saturday, but I fully expect the Wings to close this out at home. Until Saturday.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Up 3-0, looking for another sweep Wednesday night. What a game for Hank and Pavel. The Stars don't know what's hit them. In the postgame interview Trippet looking completely bewildered. What can you do, you put your four best guys on Hank in the corner, he comes out with the puck, passes to Pavel, and it's in the back of the net for the hat trick.

I love the fact that even in Dallas some Wingnuts threw hats on the ice. Good to see Pavel get his due. Melrose might want to take back his "Malkin is the best player on the planet." comment. Although he'd make a heck of a third line center for the Wings.

Here's Datsyuk after his hat trick;



What a game by Datsyuk. Three goals, two backhanders to boot. Hank's shorty was a thing of beauty. He made Richards look like the sloth he is. Playing defense like a traffic cone. And he's a former Conn Smythe winner? Turco thought he was getting at least a bit of help.

Can't wait for Wednesday.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Even with Johan Franzen out for game 2 the Wings were able to cobble together a 2-1 victory with good defense (after the first period) and fine goaltending by Osgood. Franzen missing game 3 could be more problematic as the Stars will get the matchups they want at home. I just hope he's able to make a return in game 4.



Helm got the first goal and it looked like Turco was going to give up a bunch again. I have to hand it to him, he settled down and only gave up a power-play goal to Hank. I thought Turco played pretty good, but he's still 0-9-2 at the 'Joe' now. Can't wait for Monday's game 3.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Well, the Sink of Death may be a bit of an overstatement. I've been working on fixing a leaky faucet in the main bathroom all morning with no luck so far. It started as a leak when I started and now. after disassembly and reassembly, it just runs slowly. All the time. Not just when it's turned on. All the time. Technically I fixed the drip!

So I have about 2 hours to wrap this up before game 2. Detroit and Dallas. Can't wait. Turco is now 0-8-2 at the 'Joe'. Hopefully the Wings can extend that to 0-9-2 tonight.



Until after the game. Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Turco looked to be his same, shaky, self at the 'Joe' tonight. Giving up 2 first period goals and then 2 more in the second. If not for a weak goal. Notice I didn't say lucky, Morrow was in the right place at the right time and made a good play on a rebound Osgood should not have given up.

Detroit got a goal that could have been disallowed to go up 3-0 in the middle of the second period. Holmstrom had his left skate in the crease but Turco was giving up too much ground anyway. The Wings sat back a bit after getting to 4-0 and made sure no one got run at late.

Franzen picked up his 12th playoff goal in 11 games. His run has Conn Smythe written all over it if Osgood falters at all down the stretch. If Osgood doesn't lose in the playoffs I think he wins the award.



Can't wait until Saturday for Game 2. I'll have to check out Game 1 of the Pens-Flyers tomorrow night.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

It's time for Round 3. The Wings against the Stars. Penguins against the Flyers. The ESPN 'experts' have made their piclks and I think they finally have Group Think down. Not a single one ventued out on a limb. Even Barry picked the Wings, the world must be coming to an end. If he's right though, I fully expect him to pick the Penguins/Flyers in the Finals.



So what's my prediction. Well, seeing how Turko is 0-7-2 all time at the 'Joe', I'm going to go.....Wings in 5. I don't know if I've ever picked the Wings in less then 6 as that seems to be the safe bet (just look at the 'experts' picks. No one ever picks these series to end in fewer then 6. I picked the Wings in 6 over the Avs and while I can say I picked the right team I was not even in the neighborhood as far as how the Wings would dominate that series.

On to Golf...

The Welch Allyn golf league started yesterday evening. Other than the fact that it was freezing on the course, my teammate (Gary) and I played pretty well. Our opponents didn't show up so all we needed was to be within 5 strokes of our average to win the match. Gary had set our averages at 48 for him and 45 for me, and we finished the 9 holes with Gary shooting 48 and me shooting 44. I was impressed with Gary on the course. He hit some very nice shots and a little more time on the course and I expect he'll be down in the low 40's. For me, it wasn't bad for not playing since October. Hopefully I'll be able to get that score down around 40 by the end of the league.

Go Wings!

Cheers,

J

Placed 7th in the H.O.S.E. tourney Saturday night. Limit poker baffles me sometimes. We thought we had the tourney planned out to run until about midnight, it finally wrapped up about 1:30am. A bit off, but not too awful. We played a small ring game until about 3am then headed home. I think I ended up down about $35 for the whole night.

I took my backup projector to run Derek's software, Tournament Director Pro on the wall. It worked out pretty well. I'm about a month away from starting up my poker league so it gave me some good ideas and some feedback on ideas that I was thinking of running with.

On to Hockey. Wings and Stars start Thursday night. I can't wait to see the new experts picks. Linda Cohn going 0-4 in the second round cracks me up. Even Barry got two right. Amber and Hradek did the best at 3-1. I got a chance to watch NHL Live on the NHL Network last week with E.J. Hradek and he seems like a good guy. A little too East Coast for me, but not like some of the other commentators, 'If it's not from New York it's crap'. thinking.

Cheers,

J