NHL Playoff Semifinals

Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars upset the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in OT!  Only home team to lose Game 1 and it looks like it's going to be a very physical series.  It would really be good if the Wings could eliminate the Avs quickly and watch these two teams battle for 7 games.  Like that will happen?!
 
So, it's ...

the Wings lead Colorado in the series 1-0
 
Dallas leads the Sharks in the series 1-0
 
Pittsburgh leads the Rangers in the series 1-0
 
Montreal leads the Flyers in the series 1-0
 
The most interesting series appear to be Dallas/San Jose in the West and Pittsburgh/NY Rangers in the East

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars upset the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in OT!  Only home team to lose Game 1 and it looks like it's going to be a very physical series.  It would really be good if the Wings could eliminate the Avs quickly and watch these two teams battle for 7 games.  Like that will happen?!

So, it's ...

the Wings lead Colorado in the series 1-0

Dallas leads the Sharks in the series 1-0

Pittsburgh leads the Rangers in the series 1-0

Montreal leads the Flyers in the series 1-0

The most interesting series appear to be Dallas/San Jose in the West and Pittsburgh/NY Rangers in the East

I think San Jose is just too deep for Dallas though.  Their lines are stronger.  I think they will regain and win in six.  Thats just me, though I would prefer to play Dallas.  You forgot to mention how much of a colapse that NY had.  3-0 in the first, 3-2 heading into the 3rd, then Pitt strangles them for three in the 3rd to win 4-5.  I think NY proved that young Pitt is vunlerable, and exposed that, but you cant sit back on a lead and expect them not to attack.  That game was theirs to lose, and they did just that. 

The Montreal game was good too, with that shot with 30 secs. to go, and into over time for the win.  Again, the Flyers had this one, and a great win on the road that would have been for them, but this is a demoralizing loss for them!

Dallas has owned San Jose and The Shark Tank is home away from home for the Stars.  I think they'll beat San Jose.  The Sharks can never close the deal and every series some part of their game disappears-if it's not defense, it's scoring.  Then the goaltending will go soft out of the blue.  Too streaky and way too inconsistent.  They never look like the same team twice.
 
The East is interesting and some fun games to watch but I don't think it matters who comes out of it.  The West will own them in the finals.
"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue


The East is interesting and some fun games to watch but I don't think it matters who comes out of it.  The West will own them in the finals.

I hope your right...I guess I see Pitt as a scoring powerhouse, but I think their inexperiance in the playoffs will catch up to them.

With the Wings benefiting from Franzen's hat trick and leading 5-1 in the 3rd period of Game 2, this series is proceeding nicely and appears to be "too easy."  Chris Osgood leads the playoff goal tenders in goals against?!  I think the Wings can coast as long as they play with the lead, but a team that can score, like the Penguins, could put some pressure on them if they can get a lead.
 
It will be interesting to whether the Avalanche are able to make any adjustments with the series moving out to Denver.  They have Sakic, but no Forsberg makes their offense very anemic.

Man I was so happy today, everyone looked "tight". I just happenned to have a replay of the famous McCarty-Lemiuex and Ozzie-Roy battle royal playing and as I turned around to the TV, booyaa, my boy McCarty is droppin his gloves to give out another bar room brawl.

Was a decent little tussle, but I call it a draw, I forsee another one from my favorite brawler before its over. Aside from McCarty's little tussle, which was no biggie, I'm glad the boy's just played on through and piled it on score wise and didn't fall into the obvious Av's frustration. Let em be pissed, while we waltz our way through them to the finals

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

The East is interesting and some fun games to watch but I don't think it matters who comes out of it.  The West will own them in the finals.

That's twice I have read this sentiment coming from you and I expect more.  With the parity in today's league, you can't make those generalizations and I don't see anyone "owning" anyone thus far, save for the Pens over the Sens.
 
Of the 3 legitimate teams in the West (I don't see the Avs are advancing), I think the Rangers and Pens stack up well with any of them.  Is it a sure win?  Nope, but I think it would be a hell of a series and I don't think any Western team would be able to shutdown both Crosby and Malkin, or the Jagr line and Gomez's line from the Rangers.  That's why they play the games.    
 
I think Montreal could take Dallas, and maybe match up well w/ Detroit as the two teams play very similar styles, but I think the smallish Habs would get beaten up pretty good by the Sharks as SJ is very physical and if the Habs do make it to the Finals, they will already be black and blue.
 
As far as Philly, I have no idea what to expect from them...only that no lead is safe.  Just when I think they are done, they come back and win, so who knows. 
 
Each team has its weakspots, so we'll see.
 
 

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

I think the Wings can coast as long as they play with the lead, but a team that can score, like the Penguins, could put some pressure on them if they can get a lead.

The Pens are unproven in net and not very physoical on D, which is usually a recipe for disaster in the playoffs, but they have two of the best forwards in the game, which causes a lot of mismatches.
 
 
[b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

The East is interesting and some fun games to watch but I don't think it matters who comes out of it.  The West will own them in the finals.

That's twice I have read this sentiment coming from you and I expect more.  With the parity in today's league, you can't make those generalizations and I don't see anyone "owning" anyone thus far, save for the Pens over the Sens.

Of the 3 legitimate teams in the West (I don't see the Avs are advancing), I think the Rangers and Pens stack up well with any of them.  Is it a sure win?  Nope, but I think it would be a hell of a series and I don't think any Western team would be able to shutdown both Crosby and Malkin, or the Jagr line and Gomez's line from the Rangers.  That's why they play the games.    

I think Montreal could take Dallas, and maybe match up well w/ Detroit as the two teams play very similar styles, but I think the smallish Habs would get beaten up pretty good by the Sharks as SJ is very physical and if the Habs do make it to the Finals, they will already be black and blue.

As far as Philly, I have no idea what to expect from them...only that no lead is safe.  Just when I think they are done, they come back and win, so who knows. 

Each team has its weakspots, so we'll see.

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

I think the Wings can coast as long as they play with the lead, but a team that can score, like the Penguins, could put some pressure on them if they can get a lead.

The Pens are unproven in net and not very physoical on D, which is usually a recipe for disaster in the playoffs, but they have two of the best forwards in the game, which causes a lot of mismatches.

 
Ok, ok.  A bit sensitive today, aren't we?   You're right-I shouldn't make sweeping statements like this.  What I meant to say was if the Wings (and of course, that's still a big IF) come out of the west, they will own ANYBODY the east wants to throw in there.  They are the best team in the NHL, by far, in shutting down scorers, just one of the reasons the Penguins or the Rangers don't scare me in the slightest.  You can't score when you don't have the puck and I'll put Datsyuk and Zetterberg against ANYBODY in the east.  Not only will they outscore these guys, they'll shut 'em down at the other end. (2 guys on the same line who score 90 points AND are both up for the Selke?  Please.)  Same deal as last year-Ottawa came out of the east as a high-flying, goal scoring machine and get completely destroyed by Anaheim.  The Pens are soft in their own end, their goalie is serviceable at best, and they lack experience to close the deal.  Someday soon perhaps, but not this year.  The Rangers are basically the same deal but with more experience.  Your Flyers are an enigma and you have never know what they're going to do.   Detroit could drop the next 4 to Colorado for all I know.  If so, I think the finals will be a little closer.  SJ and Dallas are good but the east teams could match up fairly well.  They'll get pushed around a bit by someone like SJ but that's not always a determining factor.
 
If the Wings (again, a big if) keep playing like they are right now, nobody in the east beats them.  Nobody.  What Detroit is laying on Colorado right now is anything BUT "parity".  I know you're trying to scare me with Crosby, Malkin, Jagr, etc, but you'll have to excuse me-they just don't worry me that much.
"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

Ok, ok.  A bit sensitive today, aren't we?  

Nah, I'm just a guy who likes to see things play out.  I also cautioned all the baseball "experts" in 2006 to stop assuming the that no NL team had a shot in the Series.  That became a mantra for the media in May or June of 2006 and continued until the Cardinals were about to win the WS.   
 

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

You can't score when you don't have the puck and I'll put Datsyuk and Zetterberg against ANYBODY in the east.  Not only will they outscore these guys, they'll shut 'em down at the other end. (2 guys on the same line who score 90 points AND are both up for the Selke?  Please.) 

You're helping to make my point.  The Pens have two of the best forwards in the world and they play on different lines.  Your boys would either need to be split up or someone on the Pens could run all over the Wings.
 
With the Rangers, I'm not trying to scare you with Jagr.  I can't stand the guy as he only plays when he wants to, but the Wings have no one on their roster who can match up with him physically.  If he decides he wants to play and he comes into the Wings zone and sticks his big rear end out and starts setting up the cycle, it isn't going to matter how many trophies guys have been nominated for.   If they decide they need to play against Jagr's line, Gomez and his line will give the Wings second or third line more than they can handle, and that doesn't even address Drury's line who will probably play against Datsyuk and Zetterberg at MSG.  The guy has what 14 game-winning goals in his playoff career.
 

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

If the Wings (again, a big if) keep playing like they are right now, nobody in the east beats them.  Nobody.  What Detroit is laying on Colorado right now is anything BUT "parity".  I know you're trying to scare me with Crosby, Malkin, Jagr, etc, but you'll have to excuse me-they just don't worry me that much.

I don't see what the Wings are doing to Colorado as an indication of anything other than the Red Wings are a very good team and the Avs are not.  The Avs have goaltending issues and Forsberg is injured again.
 
The Stars do not scare me at all.  They played very well in the middle of the season skyrocketting up the standings and then slumped towards the end of the regular season.  They should be just about ready to cool off again if they actually do get past the conference finals.  I'm glad to see Turco doing well in the playoffs, though. 
 

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

Same deal as last year-Ottawa came out of the east as a high-flying, goal scoring machine and get completely destroyed by Anaheim. 

Ottawa is a joke.  There is a huge leadership vacuum on that team and the Ducks were easily better last year--Anaheim had 2 #1 Defensemen who could play the game any way the Sens wanted it, and a former Conn Smythe winner in net.  I don't see any potential match-up of the remaining 8 teams being as lop-sided as last year's final.
 
Let's just see how it plays out.
[b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

If the Wings (again, a big if) keep playing like they are right now, nobody in the east beats them.  Nobody.  What Detroit is laying on Colorado right now is anything BUT "parity".  I know you're trying to scare me with Crosby, Malkin, Jagr, etc, but you'll have to excuse me-they just don't worry me that much.

I don't see what the Wings are doing to Colorado as an indication of anything other than the Red Wings are a very good team and the Avs are not.  The Avs have goaltending issues and Forsberg is injured again.

The Stars do not scare me at all.  They played very well in the middle of the season skyrocketting up the standings and then slumped towards the end of the regular season.  They should be just about ready to cool off again if they actually do get past the conference finals.  I'm glad to see Turco doing well in the playoffs, though. 

I have to agree that you can't draw too many conclusions about the current series with the 'lanche, except that the Wings can't afford to let this series get out of hand or extended as it did with Nashville.  The Wings will need to play better hockey before thinking about hoisting the Cup.

The Stars-San Jose series appears very intense and physical.  While the Wings "should" be able to solve either team, the Wings could be in for a marathon series--something that they must try to avoid to stay strong and survive long enough to play in May.

What I really can't wait to see is whether the 'lanche get any kind of boost by returning home.  If the series was played four straight in the Joe, it would be over already.

Does anyone else see Crosby as a fabulous Diver/Actor? I hope I'm not the only one that can see he definately has a career after the NHL acting 

I like watching any hockey that is on, but the Stars/Sharks game, hard to pull for either of these as I hate both. Guess I will pull for the Stars as I hate most everything from Cali

ORIGINAL: MaizeinTN

I like watching any hockey that is on, but the Stars/Sharks game, hard to pull for either of these as I hate both. Guess I will pull for the Stars as I hate most everything from Cali

 
I watch Marty Turco in goal for four years at Michigan.  It was quite an adventure at times, not to mention the two National Championships to punctuate his career.  He will always get my best and I wouldn't mind seeing him get a point.
 
So, I want to see the Stars vs. Wings in the Western Conference Final.  I will watch the Stars-Sharks game after the Pistons finish over the 76ers and shut up the whiney Filthydelphia fans in the media.

Filthydelphia fans..........

Now that is soo funny. Even funnier, I got such a kick out of that, I will probably say that anytime I reference that city and spell it that way for a long time. Such a fitting name

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

Ok, ok.  A bit sensitive today, aren't we?  

Nah, I'm just a guy who likes to see things play out.  I also cautioned all the baseball "experts" in 2006 to stop assuming the that no NL team had a shot in the Series.  That became a mantra for the media in May or June of 2006 and continued until the Cardinals were about to win the WS.   

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

You can't score when you don't have the puck and I'll put Datsyuk and Zetterberg against ANYBODY in the east.  Not only will they outscore these guys, they'll shut 'em down at the other end. (2 guys on the same line who score 90 points AND are both up for the Selke?  Please.) 

You're helping to make my point.  The Pens have two of the best forwards in the world and they play on different lines.  Your boys would either need to be split up or someone on the Pens could run all over the Wings.

With the Rangers, I'm not trying to scare you with Jagr.  I can't stand the guy as he only plays when he wants to, but the Wings have no one on their roster who can match up with him physically.  If he decides he wants to play and he comes into the Wings zone and sticks his big rear end out and starts setting up the cycle, it isn't going to matter how many trophies guys have been nominated for.   If they decide they need to play against Jagr's line, Gomez and his line will give the Wings second or third line more than they can handle, and that doesn't even address Drury's line who will probably play against Datsyuk and Zetterberg at MSG.  The guy has what 14 game-winning goals in his playoff career.

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

If the Wings (again, a big if) keep playing like they are right now, nobody in the east beats them.  Nobody.  What Detroit is laying on Colorado right now is anything BUT "parity".  I know you're trying to scare me with Crosby, Malkin, Jagr, etc, but you'll have to excuse me-they just don't worry me that much.

I don't see what the Wings are doing to Colorado as an indication of anything other than the Red Wings are a very good team and the Avs are not.  The Avs have goaltending issues and Forsberg is injured again.

The Stars do not scare me at all.  They played very well in the middle of the season skyrocketting up the standings and then slumped towards the end of the regular season.  They should be just about ready to cool off again if they actually do get past the conference finals.  I'm glad to see Turco doing well in the playoffs, though. 

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

Same deal as last year-Ottawa came out of the east as a high-flying, goal scoring machine and get completely destroyed by Anaheim. 

Ottawa is a joke.  There is a huge leadership vacuum on that team and the Ducks were easily better last year--Anaheim had 2 #1 Defensemen who could play the game any way the Sens wanted it, and a former Conn Smythe winner in net.  I don't see any potential match-up of the remaining 8 teams being as lop-sided as last year's final.

Let's just see how it plays out.

 
I agree-gotta play 'em all.  Believe me, I remember with vivid clarity the Wing's 4-straight losses to Colorado in '99 and 4-straight to the Kings in '01 and you're right, I can't use Colorado as that big of a measuring stick right now. 
 
Every year there's that one team who gets hot, has goaltending, and thinks they can win it all.  I think this year that team is Dallas.  We've seen it before with Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Anaheim (with Babcock), etc.  The problem is I have no idea how good SJ really is.  Dallas is manhandling them in every facet of the game.  Dallas just hasn't impressed me this year but they're on a roll so who knows?
 
The one thing that stands out to me when watching Pittsburg and NY is the transistion game.  Neither team moves the puck quickly thru the neutral zone and this is the one area Detroit can dominate teams.  It's the biggest reason for their success this year, without question.  They play backside pressure as well as anyone and move the puck and that's a huge difference-maker.  When you have the puck the whole game it helps to eliminate big forwards like Jagr and we've seen this in the past when the Wings played Thornton, Iginlia, Ryan Smyth, et.al.  If they don't have the puck they're not going to hurt you.  This is what makes the 'too small', too Euro', 'no toughness' knock on the Wings completely over-rated.  You don't have to be running guys through the boards to win games when you have the puck all night.
 
But once again, we play the games for a reason and nobody knows right now.  The Wings could lose 4 straight and San Jose could win 4-straight, turning everything inside out.  Either way, it's going to be entertaining and it's just another reason to love this time of year.
"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

As expected, Colorado did respond at home and the pressure produced an early goal with TJ Hensick assisting to score his first NHL playoff point.  It looked like it might be a long night for the Wings when they had a shot ricochet off both posts, but the Wings scored two quick goals regained their composure.  2-1 Red Wings, 1st intermission.

The change of venue didn't hurt either Pittsburgh or Dallas as both teams now have a 3-0 series lead.  Can the Rangers win one at MSG to avoid a sweep?  Can the Sharks get a win in big D to force the series back to San Jose?  The Wings need to win tonight to keep pace.

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

The change of venue didn't hurt either Pittsburgh or Dallas as both teams now have a 3-0 series lead.  Can the Rangers win one at MSG to avoid a sweep?  Can the Sharks get a win in big D to force the series back to San Jose?  The Wings need to win tonight to keep pace.

I am very surprised that both the Pens and Stars are up 3-0.  If the Sharks go down in 4 straight, there is bound to be an ugly scene in SJ.
 
The Rags outplayed the Pens tonight, but a stupid penalty killed their momentum and they gave up the winning goal on the ensuing PP.
 
I'm am not sure how things are going in the West, but the officiating in the East is boardering on professional wrestling.  Referees are trying to manipulate the score of games by giving PPs to teams trailing as a way to let them back in it.  The Philly-Montreal series has been an absolute joke.  Then as I watched the Pens-Rags tonight, NY was given 5 of the last 6 PPs in the game all while they were trailing by two goals at different junctures in the second and third.
 
I love the game, but I am considering walking away from the NBAization of it with the manufactured drama of the last two or three minutes.
    
[b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis

Boy don't the Wings look good tonight. Ozzie gave up some tough shots, man I hope they throw some salt in the wound by scoring a few more

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

I love the game, but I am considering walking away from the NBAization of it with the manufactured drama of the last two or three minutes.
   

Your on da Money there bud! On that topic....

I'm am so sick of frickin Crosby and his panzy ass diving. They might as well let him wear a safety green sweater that says
"Beware! Automatic Penalty if within 2 ft"

And one more thing, his young ass should never have been Captain, its a damn disgrace /offsoapbox

ORIGINAL: MaizeinTN

I'm am so sick of frickin Crosby and his panzy ass diving. They might as well let him wear a safety green sweater that says
"Beware! Automatic Penalty if within 2 ft"

That's nothing new.  The league has been protecting it's stars for years, with the exception of the late-90s anyway.
 
Gretzky used to get every call imaginable and could've taught Crosby a thing or two about diving and yapping at officials.
[b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

The change of venue didn't hurt either Pittsburgh or Dallas as both teams now have a 3-0 series lead.  Can the Rangers win one at MSG to avoid a sweep?  Can the Sharks get a win in big D to force the series back to San Jose?  The Wings need to win tonight to keep pace.

I am very surprised that both the Pens and Stars are up 3-0.  If the Sharks go down in 4 straight, there is bound to be an ugly scene in SJ.

The Rags outplayed the Pens tonight, but a stupid penalty killed their momentum and they gave up the winning goal on the ensuing PP.

I'm am not sure how things are going in the West, but the officiating in the East is boardering on professional wrestling.  Referees are trying to manipulate the score of games by giving PPs to teams trailing as a way to let them back in it.  The Philly-Montreal series has been an absolute joke.  Then as I watched the Pens-Rags tonight, NY was given 5 of the last 6 PPs in the game all while they were trailing by two goals at different junctures in the second and third.

I love the game, but I am considering walking away from the NBAization of it with the manufactured drama of the last two or three minutes.
   

 
The West is the same.  Every game you can see them allowing just a little bit more hooking and holding.  There is no doubt in my mind these guys go into their locker rooms between the 2nd and 3rd period, review the penalty minutes, and do whatever it takes to even it up.   The refs in the Detroit-Colorado series haven't been atrocious as in years past, but definitely some head scratching calls. 
 
I was a ref for a while, doing local A games/HS etc and I can tell you there is no doubt I'd stick it to certain guys I didn't like and let other guys get away with a bit more.  It's a fact of life and human nature.  What I never considered was the score or which team had how many PP's vs the other team.  It was their job to keep up in that dept, not mine.  If you didn't like the fact that your team only had 2 PP's while the other had 8, then stay out of the box.  It's certainly not a coincidence that PP's are almost dead-even at the end of a series in the NHL.
"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

Hmmm, I think these Red Wings might be something special.  [link=http://genuinelysarcastic.blogspot.com/]http://genuinelysarcastic.blogspot.com/[/link]
[link=http://maps.live.com/?v=2&cid=EBED63E9110DE553%21101]Michigan Recruiting Map 2009[/link]

I'd hate to think last night's beating was the end of Joe Sakic, but he has to at least be considering retirement after this nightmare season of missing nearly half the Avs' games.

10 pts in 10 playoff games is great for a guy who will be 39 in a couple months, but it's clear the Avs aren't close to winning, so what would be the point besides not being able to hang 'em up?

I would rather not see him sign with a different team for a chance at another Cup, or for him to re-sign with the Avs only to be dealt to a contender at the deadline. [b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis

Looks like we have Dallas, starting Thursday at home.  They should be nice and "rested" after essentially playing a 'double header' with San Jose last night.  4 OT's.  Yikes.  I like this match up-Dallas has trouble scoring goals (I think the Wings gave up 5 goals in 4 games to these guys during the season), and the Wings haven't had too much trouble scoring.  If there's a chink in the Wings armor, it's the dump and chase game (which Dallas plays well), and we have struggled mightily at times clearing our zone and breaking the forecheck.  Turco will have to play out of his mind and we have a history of making good goalies hall of famers, but I think the Wings should dust Dallas in 6.
 
Rant for today: The Eastern conference and the ridiculously out-of-balance travel.  Bettman needs to get his head out of his a$$ and re-align these conferences.  The Wings in the west is moronic, as we consistently have to travel across the country every single year.  If it's not Calgary, it's Edmonton.  If it's not Edmonton, it's San Jose.  This year has been the biggest break we've had-Nashville is easy travel and Denver was ok.  Meanwhile, the east just drives back and forth.   You can't be jumping 3 times zones every 4 days and not have it impact you in the end.  Luckily, Dallas is like Denver and is better than doing San Jose but Philly and Pittsburgh can just take a friggin' cab.  Ok, I'm done. :) 
"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

Well TK I think you just summed it all up there.  I agree 100%.  I'm glad to be facing Dallas.  Thay are not as 'physically imposing' as SJ.  Not that the wings couldn't handle that but I'm just tired of the media saying they can't match up with a physical team.
 
As for the travel, I agree that it wears on a team after a while.  How would You re-align them though.  If Detroit goes East then next year Nashville and Chicago are crying about not being in the East.  Someone Has to be the furthest East Western team.

ORIGINAL: kentuckywolverine

Well TK I think you just summed it all up there.  I agree 100%.  I'm glad to be facing Dallas.  Thay are not as 'physically imposing' as SJ.  Not that the wings couldn't handle that but I'm just tired of the media saying they can't match up with a physical team.

As for the travel, I agree that it wears on a team after a while.  How would You re-align them though.  If Detroit goes East then next year Nashville and Chicago are crying about not being in the East.  Someone Has to be the furthest East Western team.

 
I agree.  Somebody gets left out for sure under the current set-up.  But instead of dividing N. America vertically (which Detroit being in the west makes no sense) you could divide it horizontally.  Basically just draw a line from left to right thru the middle of N. America.  Then you'd have teams like Buffalo, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, Detroit, Chicago, Rangers, Islanders, Columbus, Calgary, San Jose, Edmonton, etc etc as the North Conference (or north of the dividing line) and then have teams like Pitt, Philly, St. Louis, Carolina, Nashville, Tampa, Florida, Atlanta, Dallas, Colorado, LA Kings, Anaheim, etc etc as the South Conference. (I know I've left out a bunch of teams but you get the idea.)  This way everybody travels west and everybody travels east.  Pittsburh would have to play Anaheim as many times as we'd have to play Edmonton or Calgary.  I have no idea if this would work or makes sense but the current set-up is goofy.  This would at least guarantee some Original 6 match-ups again.  Just thinking out loud.
"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

Looks like we have Dallas, starting Thursday at home.  They should be nice and "rested" after essentially playing a 'double header' with San Jose last night.  4 OT's.  Yikes.  I like this match up-Dallas has trouble scoring goals (I think the Wings gave up 5 goals in 4 games to these guys during the season), and the Wings haven't had too much trouble scoring. 
 
They have had trouble in past years with goal scoring, but this years playoffs have been quite the opposite. They have been a very offensive team. They should also use their physical play to help control the puck control style of the Wings, but my guess is they will fall into playing the way the Wings want them to play. Turco has been playing out of his mind this series, but I still think Detroit has his number unless he truely is about to take the next step in his career. Being from Dallas, and most of my friends and co-workers being Stars fans, it is going to be a fun series. Krys Barch and Grossman are 2 of our customers who we have hooked up with some customized work, and I think I might be able to get tickets, but it might be weird sitting in the team family section with  Wings jersey on. Wings in 5

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ----Aristotle

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

ORIGINAL: kentuckywolverine

Well TK I think you just summed it all up there.  I agree 100%.  I'm glad to be facing Dallas.  Thay are not as 'physically imposing' as SJ.  Not that the wings couldn't handle that but I'm just tired of the media saying they can't match up with a physical team.

As for the travel, I agree that it wears on a team after a while.  How would You re-align them though.  If Detroit goes East then next year Nashville and Chicago are crying about not being in the East.  Someone Has to be the furthest East Western team.

I agree.  Somebody gets left out for sure under the current set-up.  But instead of dividing N. America vertically (which Detroit being in the west makes no sense) you could divide it horizontally.  Basically just draw a line from left to right thru the middle of N. America.  Then you'd have teams like Buffalo, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, Detroit, Chicago, Rangers, Islanders, Columbus, Calgary, San Jose, Edmonton, etc etc as the North Conference (or north of the dividing line) and then have teams like Pitt, Philly, St. Louis, Carolina, Nashville, Tampa, Florida, Atlanta, Dallas, Colorado, LA Kings, Anaheim, etc etc as the South Conference. (I know I've left out a bunch of teams but you get the idea.)  This way everybody travels west and everybody travels east.  Pittsburh would have to play Anaheim as many times as we'd have to play Edmonton or Calgary.  I have no idea if this would work or makes sense but the current set-up is goofy.  This would at least guarantee some Original 6 match-ups again.  Just thinking out loud.

 
 
 
I get what you're saying.  It would bring some parity to the NHL.  I'm sure the 'hockey purests' would vehemently fight this but it would probably be really good for the game.  God knows how badly I want to see our Wings play some more Original 6 games, these Wings-Blackhawks games just aren't cutting it for me anymore

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

Rant for today: The Eastern conference and the ridiculously out-of-balance travel.  Bettman needs to get his head out of his a$$ and re-align these conferences.  The Wings in the west is moronic, as we consistently have to travel across the country every single year.  If it's not Calgary, it's Edmonton.  If it's not Edmonton, it's San Jose.  This year has been the biggest break we've had-Nashville is easy travel and Denver was ok.  Meanwhile, the east just drives back and forth.   You can't be jumping 3 times zones every 4 days and not have it impact you in the end.  Luckily, Dallas is like Denver and is better than doing San Jose but Philly and Pittsburgh can just take a friggin' cab.  Ok, I'm done. :) 

I agree the East has it easier (who wouldn't agree?), but for every complaint by Wings fans take a look at Dallas.  They are one or two time zones and at least a two-hour plane trip away from every other team in their division.  If anyone has a case to bitch, it's the Stars.  I doubt the league would ever leave the Blackhawks as the lone O-6 team in the West.  Plus, you move Detroit, you better move C-Bus too so they can at least have fans show up for 4 home games per season. 

Of course moving would also mean the Wings have to play in a real division instead of against the sisters of the poor.  Be careful what you wish for.      
 
Oh, Wings-Stars...  Detroit has a HUGE advantage up front and a bunch of vets.  Stars definitely have the edge in goal (Turco stopped 61 of 62 SOGs in the clincher) and beware of their young mobile D.  If Turco keeps up his play, Stars in 6.  If he doesn't, Detroit in 6.
 
 
[b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis

"Of course moving would also mean the Wings have to play in a real division instead of against the sisters of the poor.  Be careful what you wish for.    "
 
  
Except this year the WIngs did not do that well against their divsion rivals like they have in the past and they still led the league in points!

ORIGINAL: umgoblue14
 
Except this year the WIngs did not do that well against their divsion rivals like they have in the past and they still led the league in points!

True for the first time since the lockout. 
 
The Wings are .740 in their division and .700 outside of it--including .683 versus the East--since the lockout. 
 
I would say they definitely benefit more from being in the Central Division than they suffer from being in the Western Conference.  You gotta take the good with the bad.   The Central Division is the weakest in hockey outside of the Southeast.
 
 
[b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis

No doubt everyone up in here is for the Wings laying a beat down on Dallas, actually I hope they smack Modano around as much as possible, but who to pull for on the other side, Filthydelphia or Filthsburg? I am definately opposite of "Diver Down" Crosby, so Philly in 7.

And who stayed up and watched the entire game? I was barely able, got so boring as they were so tired, but by god please dont change the format (4 on 4, Shootouts etc)

After two OT's the need to just do a cage match, imo. Those who can do, do; those who can't, go into journalism.

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

ORIGINAL: umgoblue14

Except this year the WIngs did not do that well against their divsion rivals like they have in the past and they still led the league in points!

True for the first time since the lockout. 

The Wings are .740 in their division and .700 outside of it--including .683 versus the East--since the lockout. 

I would say they definitely benefit more from being in the Central Division than they suffer from being in the Western Conference.  You gotta take the good with the bad.   The Central Division is the weakest in hockey outside of the Southeast.

 
You left out 12-1 against the east in the Stanley Cup Finals (that would be 3 cups in 11 years.)  I know I'm only supposed to go as far back as the lockout season, but I figured I'd mention this stat anyway.
 
As far as Philly vs Pittsburgh: IF Dallas beats the Wings, I'd like to see Philly go all the way.  If Detroit gets in, I'd kinda like to see Pittsburgh since the Wings already played Philly in '97. (I guess Philly played that year, if that's what you want to call it.)  However, I have a real hard time rooting for Pittsburgh against anybody soooo....I guess I'll go with Philly.  I loved the Broad Street Bullies like no other team in the '70s so I think I'll stick with them.  They don't have Clarke-Barber-Leach but I'll still go with htem. That should make you happy Z.
"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

You left out 12-1 against the east in the Stanley Cup Finals (that would be 3 cups in 11 years.)  I know I'm only supposed to go as far back as the lockout season, but I figured I'd mention this stat anyway.

I was merely pointing out that the Wings benefit more from where and who they play than they are hurt by their travel schedule.
 
 

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

As far as Philly vs Pittsburgh: IF Dallas beats the Wings, I'd like to see Philly go all the way.  If Detroit gets in, I'd kinda like to see Pittsburgh since the Wings already played Philly in '97. (I guess Philly played that year, if that's what you want to call it.)  However, I have a real hard time rooting for Pittsburgh against anybody soooo....I guess I'll go with Philly.  I loved the Broad Street Bullies like no other team in the '70s so I think I'll stick with them.  They don't have Clarke-Barber-Leach but I'll still go with htem. That should make you happy Z.

If the refs let the teams play, flyers in 6.  If they don't, Sh!ttsburgh in 5.
 
[b]"I'm your basic bad-postured, guilt-ridden ball of confusion with a trace of paranoia, self-loathing, and a little faith thrown in for some good taste."[/b]
-Richard Lewis