NHL Playoff Semifinals

Franzen a scratch due to concussion, Ouch! I think they can manage with all their weapons, but will be missed for certain.

What is total BS is he has to wait untill Monday for tests (therefore missing that game as well). For god's sake with the money he makes, team worth, and connections he could have already been seen at Mayo, Mass General, Cleveland Clinic, hell even any of the elite hospitals in Southern Cal. Wings definately need to check into their "medical connections"

Or bettter yet wear a disguise (do not shave the beard), drive ur ass to The U of M Ann Arbor or better yet Detroit Receiving Hospital, both world class Level I Trauma Centers, stumble in like you just got knocked out and fake some symptoms. Your guaranteed to be fully evaluated. Maybe then you will be able to play game 3 and score a hat trick

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

ORIGINAL: kentuckywolverine

Well, I guess the Wings found a way through the playoffs hottest goalie Turco, huh?  At least for one game anyway. 

Now, 0-8-2 at Joe Louis Arena as a Pro.  "It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine!"

I thought I heard on Versus that he was 18-5 in the Joe back when he wore the winged helmet. Now I never followed him back when he played, but that seems like quite a lot. In any case you know he's bummin without a win, but it sure does make me happy

Game 2 is close at 2-1 in the 3rd period.  It seems to be coming down to the play of the goalies.

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

ORIGINAL: kentuckywolverine

Well, I guess the Wings found a way through the playoffs hottest goalie Turco, huh?  At least for one game anyway. 

Now, 0-8-2 at Joe Louis Arena as a Pro.  "It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine!"

 
Updating after Game 2:  Marty Turco is 0-9-2 at Joe Louis Arena as a Pro.
 
Interesting to see how the teams play in Game 3 after the slash on Osgood as time expired tonight.  Truly a cheap shot.

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

Interesting to see how the teams play in Game 3 after the slash on Osgood as time expired tonight.  Truly a cheap shot.

Horrible idea by Ribeiro to pull that kind of crap.  He got a match penalty which means he will almost assuredly get suspended.  For a team that is struggling to score goals to lose one of their top offensive weapons b/c he is not mature enough to understand playoff hockey means sacrifice will drive Dave Tippett nuts.
  

   Free TK   

I have no doubt Ribiero will get axed for one game, but the way these knuckleheads have been officiating, I would not be surprised to see Ozzie get one game for the "stick butt", even though from seeing it several times it looked quasi harmless

The two-handed slash above the goal was about as "intent to injure" as you can get

Another lunch bucket job by the Wings.  Nothing fancy, just grind 'em out.  Still waiting to hear from all the 'experts' who kept saying the Wings are too Euro, too soft to handle the playoffs.  We've run Dallas out of the rink both games.  They've been completely out-hit, out-shot, dominated on face-offs, T.O.P on the offensive end, out-chanced, out-played and I'm now 'out' of things to think of.  The best hit of the series by Dallas was Morrow missing Datsyuk (ha, very shifty) and blowing thru Lehtinen, who is now out with a "leg" injury.  Umm...me thinks not.  Sorry, his bell is ringing and school's out.  Far from a 'leg' injury. 
 
They can complain about Ozzie and the butt-end (he definitely caught Riberio) all they want, but it was obvious the 2 Dallas players were only interested in running Lidstrom so I say nice work Ozzie.  But for Turco to open his whiny little pie hole is comical.  This is the biggest hack we've seen yet and I would seriously consider running this guy if he wants to play 3rd defensemen.  He whacks Holmstrom in the back of the head with the glove and the waffle (twice), slashes Homer (3 times) and trips Filpula RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE REF and nothing is called.  Tell you what Marty-you may want to get your head out of your a$$, stop worrying about Holmstrom, and make some saves.  The Helm goal was a freebie due to your horrible angle (I could have scored on that one) and the Zetterberg goal is an easy save if you weren't so caught up in Homer.  The Wings are in Turco's 10 cent head which spells the end for the Stars, considering he was their only prayer in this series.  Of course, when your offense has scored 9 goals in the last 6 games, the goaltending becomes secondary.  Turn the net over, throw up a couple of pylons and call it a day.  You're done Marty.  Go back to bed.

"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: MaizeinTN

The two-handed slash above the goal was about as "intent to injure" as you can get

In the interest of consistency on your part, I expected you to call out Osgood for the horrible dive on the play.  Isn't it you who was complaining about Crosby diving?  Watch the clip--Ribeiro doesn't hit him all that hard, yet Osgood appears to have been shot.  He gets slashed in the shoulder and then goes down and holds his ribs.
 
http://www.nhlfightclub.com/show-6293-7567.html
 
I am a big believer in punishing according to intent not injury, so it wouldn't matter to me whether he was injured or not, but his stop-drop-and-roll is pathetic.
 
 
 
 

   Free TK   

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

ORIGINAL: MaizeinTN

The two-handed slash above the goal was about as "intent to injure" as you can get

In the interest of consistency on your part, I expected you to call out Osgood for the horrible dive on the play.  Isn't it you who was complaining about Crosby diving?  Watch the clip--Ribeiro doesn't hit him all that hard, yet Osgood appears to have been shot.  He gets slashed in the shoulder and then goes down and holds his ribs.

http://www.nhlfightclub.com/show-6293-7567.html

I am a big believer in punishing according to intent not injury, so it wouldn't matter to me whether he was injured or not, but his stop-drop-and-roll is pathetic.

Your right, after review, his "stop drop & roll" was rather funny. Initially it appeared he could have been hit in the neck, which of course would give him a legit flop. But with all the padding, I'd say he trumped Crosby's acting. There ya happy?

"Osgood appears to have been shot", right again, actually he reminds me of Clyde the orangutan from "Any Which Way You Can", when Clint Eastwood did the fake shot and Clyde just dropped

Yes his flop was rather pathetic, but the two handed slash to the upper torso and above should be seriously dealt with, not that it will as "I thought your head was the puck" Pronger is still playing, though not until next year LOL

Yep, Ozzie flopped, no doubt about it.  Doesn't matter and it's not the point.  Here, let me swing my stick at your head.  Oh, that didn't hurt?  Ok.  Let me try again.  It's called "intent to injure" for a reason.  It's the same reason you can't pull a gun on someone.  Just because you didn't shoot them doesn't matter.  Was the flop rather pathetic?  Yeah, pretty lame.  Personally, I don't want anyone from Dallas suspended.  They have enough excuses going as it is.  I want to bury them with their full team and leave absolutely no doubt.  It was a dumb move-he should have gone after Ozzie with the gloves off (actually, I'd leave 'em on.  It's a goalie afterall.)

"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

I have to play devil's addvocate hear for a second.  All the analyists keep saying hat Kronwall is coming uup huge in the playoffs.  While I agree that his points for a defenseman total is outstanding and I want that to keep up what i have a problem with is his 'big hits'.  Everyone loves them and they have given s some momentum in games but how can they not be charges?  Leaving your feet is a charge and if you watch the highlghts of him he leaves his feet everytime!  Ok, I'm done. 
 
Anyone for Wings in 4?  Go Blue and Lets Go Red Wings!!!!

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final begins with a fight between Upshall and Kennedy who receive five minute majors.  The Penguins get a minor penalty just after the fight and the Flyers go on the powerplay.

ORIGINAL: kentuckywolverine

Anyone for Wings in 4?  Go Blue and Lets Go Red Wings!!!!

I'm down with it, likely...ehhh I'm slightly concerned after the NHL levied a "No No Children" versus anything harsher, say even a wrist slap on Ozzie n Ribiero. Hell if Rib can get away with it, and Ozzie for that matter, whats gonna stop Dallas from thinking they are Professional Loggers

As far as the current game, that fight was aaight, have to call it a draw, the Penguin sure looked really pissed off. Flyers are looking slack, either that or the Pens are really frickin amp'd. Come on Crosby, piss off Hatcher, I wanna see a Youngblood fight

ORIGINAL: MaizeinTN

As far as the current game, ...

 
Just trying to raise some interest in the "other" series.  This year I have Versus so I get to see much more than I did last year.  It's 2-2 in the 3rd period, so we will see if the Flyers can put some pressure on the Pens.
 
Pens are back on the PP.

Pens will also take a 2-0 series lead over the Flyers with a 4-2 victory in Game 2.

ORIGINAL: TooBlueForYou

Just trying to raise some interest in the "other" series.  This year I have Versus so I get to see much more than I did last year.  It's 2-2 in the 3rd period, so we will see if the Flyers can put some pressure on the Pens.

Pens are back on the PP.

Naw man, I am glad you mentioned the other series. I am bummed so far as I don't want the Pens to win (plus I hate Crosby ), and no I'm not going to insert any mention of his Olympic diving, however, since zjgm called me out (and was right), Ozzie took the Gold so far, but it's still the first heat

I was hoping to see a few tussles, being in-state rivals, maybe in Philly. The story of the boy with terminal cancer, and what the Pens & others did for him was great for Versus to do, hats off to them for that, I hope he gets to see the finals, no matter who is playing.

It's looking like I'm going to be torn in the Cup finals if things keep going the way they are. Being from Detroit (with family still there) then coming to Pittsburgh as a kid, my 2 teams have always been the Pens and Wings...their paths really never cross so it's not hard to cheer for both. This year it looks like that may change.

ORIGINAL: kentuckywolverine

I have to play devil's addvocate hear for a second.  All the analyists keep saying hat Kronwall is coming uup huge in the playoffs.  While I agree that his points for a defenseman total is outstanding and I want that to keep up what i have a problem with is his 'big hits'.  Everyone loves them and they have given s some momentum in games but how can they not be charges?  Leaving your feet is a charge and if you watch the highlghts of him he leaves his feet everytime!  Ok, I'm done. 

Anyone for Wings in 4?  Go Blue and Lets Go Red Wings!!!!

 
A couple of Kronner's hits have been border line I suppose but leaving your feet will often get over-looked if it's in the open ice.  Against the boards it will be called 99% of the time.  The key is that when Kronwall first makes contact he's had one skate on the ice or it's too close to call.  Once you've made the initial contact, you can jump 10 feet in the air of you want, providing your elbow and stick are down.  Anything pretty much goes in the open ice, providing the guy has touched the puck and your elbows are down.  This is exactly what we've needed but if he gets whistled a few times, so be it.  As long as Modano & Co are thinking about it coming thru the neutral zone it's mission accomplished.  He just has to make sure he's not going out of his way to make the big hit. 
 

"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

ORIGINAL: kentuckywolverine

I have to play devil's addvocate hear for a second.  All the analyists keep saying hat Kronwall is coming uup huge in the playoffs.  While I agree that his points for a defenseman total is outstanding and I want that to keep up what i have a problem with is his 'big hits'.  Everyone loves them and they have given s some momentum in games but how can they not be charges?  Leaving your feet is a charge and if you watch the highlghts of him he leaves his feet everytime!  Ok, I'm done. 

Anyone for Wings in 4?  Go Blue and Lets Go Red Wings!!!!

A couple of Kronner's hits have been border line I suppose but leaving your feet will often get over-looked if it's in the open ice.  Against the boards it will be called 99% of the time.  The key is that when Kronwall first makes contact he's had one skate on the ice or it's too close to call.  Once you've made the initial contact, you can jump 10 feet in the air of you want, providing your elbow and stick are down.  Anything pretty much goes in the open ice, providing the guy has touched the puck and your elbows are down.  This is exactly what we've needed but if he gets whistled a few times, so be it.  As long as Modano & Co are thinking about it coming thru the neutral zone it's mission accomplished.  He just has to make sure he's not going out of his way to make the big hit. 

 
now that I'v come down off of my high horse I can talk about these hits as a fan.  The thing is, these hits aren't even coming in te neutral zone.  They are coming in the offensive zone!  He amazingly forgoes traditional defense and just lays the puck carrier flat out before he leaves the zone so there is not even any offsides.  Ths guy is really something to watch.  The takes skill and cojones to pull those hits off.  Eddie O might say IF he misses that check Dallas is off on an odd man rush!  Can't wait for the game tonite and to see what the South Stars can bring at home.

Got tickets through one of the players, will be close to the ice for Game 3 proudly wearing my Datsyuk jersey, along with about 3,000 of my closet Wings fans.

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

Buzz. Freaking. Saw.

One win away from the Stanley Cup Finals.  I'm so excited!  I haven't seen the Wings in the Cup finals since '98.  I was in basic training during the run in '02 so this is very cool for me. 
 
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!!

Even though I thought that they did not play that well in the first period they still came out of it okay.  Then they basically took over the game in the third period.  One more to go!  Go Wings!

Total domination.  The game went exactly as you would figure-Stars came out pumped up the first 10 minutes, running around and pressuring the Wings down low.  But, unfortunately for them, it was the usual menu of missed checks, missed open nets, and in the end, not a lot to show for it.  Dats and Zetts took over and now it's lights out for this series.  These 2 guys are the best players in the NHL by far (sorry, Crosby and Malkin have never seen their own end let alone have the ability to completely eliminate the oppponents best players), and have completely taken over.  Go to any other team and take away their leading goal scorer and see what you get.  The Wings minus Franzen?  They just go out and score more. 
 
I think this is the best Wings team I've seen in my lifetime, even better than the '97 team, if that's possible.  They're deeper and dominate in every statistical category that matters: Goals-against, powerplay, penalty kill, time of possession, shots on goal, hits, face-offs, goals-for and God knows what else.  This is fun stuff to watch!

"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

Both the Red Wings and Pens have 3-0 leads in their series.  Now, Pittsburgh's playoff record is being compared to the 1983 Edmonton Oilers.  That is saying quite a bit, but I don't think I believe it.  Talent has been diluted in the NHL and the league was just better then.  The Oilers took over after ending one of hockey's greatest dynasties with the NY Islanders.
 
Also, although the Wings didn't win in 1995, that might have been a more dominant Red Wings team than the other eras and teams mentioned.  Certainly, the Red Wings of the '90s (and '80s obviously) were much more physical than the current version.  Kind of like comparing the Bad Boy Pistons to the current Pistons.

Yep, Pittsburgh is getting a lot of love right now for their record but I'm sorry, just not quite ready to jump on board.  I do know this: Ya gotta learn to lose before you can learn to win, just like Montreal in the 70's, Edmonton taking 2 cracks at the Islanders to beat them, and even the Wings.  They may be the team next year but I don't think they have it this year.  There is some team in red that may have something to say about it.  They've yet to be tested as NY and Philly didn't do anything against them but that'll change.  They're holding Philly to 16 shots a game so it's no wonder Fluery's GAA is so low.  The Wings will get 16 shots against him in the first period.  Throw in Homer and Franzen sitting on top of him (cuz hey, rubbin' is racin') and we'll see how he handles it. 
 
I can't get a handle on Pittsburgh as they look real good in their games so far, but I have no idea what NY or Philly has really brought to the table.  I have this sneaky suspicion that they're this year's Ottawa-look dominating all through the playoffs and then get torched in the finals.
 
This could be the earliest cup final in recent memory, providing both teams complete the sweep.  Would be nice to have this finished before the 4th of July for a change ;)

"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

I'll give it to the "texans" for showing up tonight, they definately look like another team, oh and it helps tp have the refs totally BLOW the Datsyuk goal, Homer was not in the crease. I'm sure the replay was not overhead for very long if at all, and I don't blame them 

Update, redemption....GOAL Zett/Datsyuk...I'm surprised the zebras didnt pull something out of their arse

Tonight was an absolute joke, and I have NEVER been more enraged following a hockey game in my life.

Unbelievable. I don't give a damn that this series could and hopefully will end on Saturday, this is the angriest I've ever been after a hockey game. From the phantom no-goal to Dallas's first goal being allowed despite having a player two feet in the crease to Dallas being allowed to tackle Detroit players for the entire third period (although the late penalties AFTER Dallas got a 2 goal lead was a nice touch) and Morrow holding Brad Stuart's stick for about ten seconds in the 3rd period.

How convenient that all this happens with that slimy, scummy excuse of a commisioner in attendance.

Well, that sucked.  The South Stars got away with one there.  Turco got back some of his form from last series.  At least we can close the series out at home.  I wish we coulda swept our way to the finals but such is not the case. 
 
On a side note:  I do believe I am the ONLY person in KY who not only watches hockey but who even knows what it is.

ORIGINAL: EFWolverine

Tonight was an absolute joke, and I have NEVER been more enraged following a hockey game in my life.

Unbelievable. I don't give a damn that this series could and hopefully will end on Saturday, this is the angriest I've ever been after a hockey game. From the phantom no-goal to Dallas's first goal being allowed despite having a player two feet in the crease to Dallas being allowed to tackle Detroit players for the entire third period (although the late penalties AFTER Dallas got a 2 goal lead was a nice touch) and Morrow holding Brad Stuart's stick for about ten seconds in the 3rd period.

How convenient that all this happens with that slimy, scummy excuse of a commisioner in attendance.

 
I was also upset with the Stars first goal cause I think he was in the crease before the puck.  I was surprised the paper did not say anything about it.  But the Dallas News quoted the Star's player as saying the puck hit me.  Yeah while you were in the crease!  I did not see the Datsuk goal but heard it was a bad call.  Butt in the crease-geez don't make things up!

ORIGINAL: EFWolverine

Tonight was an absolute joke, and I have NEVER been more enraged following a hockey game in my life.

Unbelievable. I don't give a damn that this series could and hopefully will end on Saturday, this is the angriest I've ever been after a hockey game. From the phantom no-goal to Dallas's first goal being allowed despite having a player two feet in the crease to Dallas being allowed to tackle Detroit players for the entire third period (although the late penalties AFTER Dallas got a 2 goal lead was a nice touch) and Morrow holding Brad Stuart's stick for about ten seconds in the 3rd period.

How convenient that all this happens with that slimy, scummy excuse of a commisioner in attendance.

 
Could not agree more.  That no goal cost us the game because you KNOW Dallas would have been completely deflated, knowing they played probably their best period of the series only to be down again.  And the ref's explanation to Babcock?  Homer's ass was in the crease!  That's not even part of the rule, nevermind the fact that he wasn't even close!  He just made up something on the spot.  Hell, even Barry "Anti-Anything Red Wings" Melrose said: 'I absolutely guarantee Detroit wins this game if that goal wasn't waved off'.  The penalties (or non-calls) were atrocious, especially (as usual) in the 3rd.  Bettman got exactly what he wanted and orderd up: another game that shouldn't be.  I hope Pittsburgh is working on their penalty kill right now.  Something tells me they're going to need it tonight.  What a crock this game was.  Dallas is going to have their asses handed to them on Saturday.  Not even the refs will be enough.

"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

I hope Pittsburgh is working on their penalty kill right now.  Something tells me they're going to need it tonight.  

 
No no no.  TK, you still don't seem to understand.  Sidney and the Pens don't need to work on their PK.  If anything they should be working on their PP.  They will sweep tonite because thats what 'the man' wants.  Detroits series might even go on longer if thats at they want, if they feel Sid needs more rest.
 
 

Boy, if you guys are that mad - I would have been PISSED if I watched the whole thing. Went to a bar after our game (the one that sponsor's us) so only caught bits and pieces of the game as most of the tv's were on the CAVS/BOS game. I was only able to get them to put the hockey game on one tv and it was so far away I could hardly see it (and obviously couldn't hear any of it).
 
From what I've read so far, it seems to me the NHL didn't want the Wings to sweep the Stars and go the Cup finals winning 10 straight games. I just hope DET can keep it rolling at home on Saturday and finish them. I don't want to have to go back to DAL and risk a game 7 in DET after the PENS sweep the Flyers and are sitting at home resting and waiting....
 
 

ORIGINAL: ScottsdaleBlue


Boy, if you guys are that mad - I would have been PISSED if I watched the whole thing. Went to a bar after our game (the one that sponsor's us) so only caught bits and pieces of the game as most of the tv's were on the CAVS/BOS game. I was only able to get them to put the hockey game on one tv and it was so far away I could hardly see it (and obviously couldn't hear any of it).
 
From what I've read so far, it seems to me the NHL didn't want the Wings to sweep the Stars and go the Cup finals winning 10 straight games. I just hope DET can keep it rolling at home on Saturday and finish them. I don't want to have to go back to DAL and risk a game 7 in DET after the PENS sweep the Flyers and are sitting at home resting and waiting....
 

In the long run I think last night's screwjob loss will help the Wings. The burden of a 10 game winning streak headed into the Finals could've gotten to them, but that's done with now. Hopefully the voodoo curse JLA has over Turco will be enough to overcome anymore shady officiating.

I wasn't aware the NHL used the NBA-approach to its playoffs until last night... that was pathetic. The no-goal was horrendous, then allowing the Dallas goal where the guy's ENTIRE BODY was in the crease??  The whole game was called with a huge tilt towards Dallas, but those goal calls were blatant, and that's what's maddening.

Here's hoping for another 8-2 job come Saturday.

http://www.maizenbrew.com/

What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve; and those who stay will be Champions.
GO BLUE!

ORIGINAL: scmgoblue

I wasn't aware the NHL used the NBA-approach to its playoffs until last night... that was pathetic. The no-goal was horrendous, then allowing the Dallas goal where the guy's ENTIRE BODY was in the crease??  The whole game was called with a huge tilt towards Dallas, but those goal calls were blatant, and that's what's maddening.

Here's hoping for another 8-2 job come Saturday.

WORD! Blatant about sums it up, I can't wait till Sat!

And how bout them Flyers waking up Too bad it took until the end tonight to see some fists fly ( I bet Cherry is so happy). I got to give it to Malone to scrap with Hatcher, he's one I would not pick a fight with. GO FLYERS!

The winning streak was fun and you have to lose sometime, but playing the Stars AND the refs is BS.  Dallas will get destroyed on Saturday, count on it.  Outside of that, the only other thing I want to see is Ott spittin' out some teeth after chewing on Holmstrom's stick.  He's got the biggest mouth in hockey with the possible exception of Sean Avery, so Homer's stick should fit nicely in that yapper.
 
The Flyers did us a favor last night. (although once again they tried like hell to give it away.)  Hopefully they can take one more game so Franzen can get his bean together.   

"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

Yep, Pittsburgh is getting a lot of love right now for their record but I'm sorry, just not quite ready to jump on board.  I do know this: Ya gotta learn to lose before you can learn to win, just like Montreal in the 70's, Edmonton taking 2 cracks at the Islanders to beat them, and even the Wings.  They may be the team next year but I don't think they have it this year. 

If the Pens are going to win a Cup, it better be quick.  There are only four players on their current roster under contract after next season, and those four do not include Malkin who will assuredly get an offer sheet in the $8M -$9M range for some other team.
 
======================================
 
I don't care for the Wings, but they got jobbed on that non-goal.  I have been saying all playoffs that the refs are intentionally manipulating the outcome of games.  Finally, you guys are believers b/c it had a direct impact on your team.
 

   Free TK   

ORIGINAL: zjgm02

ORIGINAL: TK23Blue

Yep, Pittsburgh is getting a lot of love right now for their record but I'm sorry, just not quite ready to jump on board.  I do know this: Ya gotta learn to lose before you can learn to win, just like Montreal in the 70's, Edmonton taking 2 cracks at the Islanders to beat them, and even the Wings.  They may be the team next year but I don't think they have it this year. 

If the Pens are going to win a Cup, it better be quick.  There are only four players on their current roster under contract after next season, and those four do not include Malkin who will assuredly get an offer sheet in the $8M -$9M range for some other team.

======================================

I don't care for the Wings, but they got jobbed on that non-goal.  I have been saying all playoffs that the refs are intentionally manipulating the outcome of games.  Finally, you guys are believers b/c it had a direct impact on your team.

 
That's a good point.  The Pens could become the NHL version of the Montreal Expos-stock everybody else with all-stars.
 
Yes, you have been speaking out about the refs and you're right-you don't notice it much (or care) when you're winning.  Some of the Wings games have been so lopsided there's nothing the refs could even do that mattered.  But I have to admit, this can't be a coincidence every single year.  During the regular season these guys call every ticky-tacky penalty they can and I can recall watching a lot of Wing's games where the first 40 minutes of the game was nothing but special teams, which is ridiculous.  Now it does a complete 180 as usual.  But when you have the single worst commissioner in the history of all sport, this is pretty much expected.  What the NHL really needs to consider is taking as much out of the ref's hands as possible by using video replay for more than just questionable goals. (well, with the exception of phantom in-the-crease calls of course.)  It's like the delay of game call we now have. Great rule as it's not a judgment call any longer; it's automatic and the whole stadium knows it.  But here's the real mind-numbing stuff:
 
1) The dual penalties for obstruction + embellishment/diving: Um, huh?  This is moronic.  It's one or the other.  Either you hooked a guy or you barely touched him and he flopped.  You can't have both.  If the guy helped the call it's diving.  If he didn't it's obstruction.
2) We throw an extra ref on the ice some years back to cut down on the stuff away from the puck and what did we get?  The guy standing right in front of the play calls nothing while the guy 90' away is calling the penalty.  Do what the NFL does and have the refs get together on this stuff and find out who saw what.  Over-rule it, let the crowd go nuts but get it right.
3) The 5 on 3.  Here's something we saw 3 times a game in the regular season.  In fact, it was over-the-top.  Now?  God help the guy in front of the net when his team is on a powerplay in the playoffs, because he will take a beating of a lifetime.  Put that same scenario in the last 5 minutes of a game and it's just one complete mugging after the other.  Completely ridiculous.  The fact is, every guy knows it.  These guys are not dumb-you start calling this stuff just a couple of times and it's amazing how it suddenly ceases. 
 
The only thing the refs get right almost without exception (and this is pretty amazing) is the offsides.  These guys are right 99% of the time and when you consider the speed of the game, that's pretty remarkable.  It's just too bad that's where it basically stops and the rest is a crap shoot.   

"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

I'm