Well, we may have lost, but I’m proud as hell of my team. Nothing short of remarkable. In a year when we weren’t supposed to be any good at all, having lost Yzerman and Shanahan; a year where we were predicted to go out in the first round, and again in the second, I’ve been consistently impressed by a team everyone said was “too old, too slow, and not willing to get their hands dirty.”

That’s one hell of a “rebuilding year.”

Posted by Ryan from Syracuse, NY on 05/22/07 at 10:58 PM ET

I could not agree more, this team never quit and showed true class and composure throughout the whole series.  Babcock showed us that he is an excellent coach and with a few more tweaks we should expect a 17th straight playoff appearance and another 100+ point regular season.  Now let’s hope the Sens put the Ducks where they belong.

Posted by Ryan from Los Angeles on 05/22/07 at 11:13 PM ET

My how the tables turned. First it was they got lucky and you will get them back in game 6, then a guarentee. Now that they lost, here come the excuses. Can’t be something like “They couldn’t close out”. I am glad the series is over.

Posted by Daniel on 05/22/07 at 11:14 PM ET

Daniel, if you don’t mind, could you wait until sunrise to gloat and leave the Red Wings fans to commisserate, vent, etc. for a bit?  There will be plenty of time to poke at Detroit fans later.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/22/07 at 11:24 PM ET

Well, it is bittersweet this season.  Maybe tomorrow I’ll be able to celebrate in the Round 1 and Round 2 wins.  I knew it was over after Game 5.  I’m sorry, but I did.  We beat SJ in a win like that and they never recovered.  So for the Wings.  Game 5 at the Joe.  The Kick to the Groin, indeed.

Posted by hockeychic on 05/22/07 at 11:25 PM ET

Yup, a real kick in the ole Pronger.  Now that prick get’s a second chance to lose the cup....in consecutive years.  I still miss O-Joe.

Posted by Rumbear from Sundieggo on 05/22/07 at 11:25 PM ET

You have to lose before you win goes the axiom and this one was for the new crew. Pens and Wings in the finals next year with us prevailing.

Anyway, that was a really gutsy effort in the last period which begs the obvious question; where was that desperation in the beginning? Although Duck conservatism was a part of our success at the end, I was amazed to see us score virtually at will, to knife passes through to the very guys who should have people all over them. That final break, however, was not coming. Loose pucks in front of the net, shot-pass from Samuelson to Cleary just missed etc etc.

Given some small changes, I think this is a championship team. Dom--I don’t know if he wants to come back and what kind of money he would demand. Bertuzzi: a one year contract with incentives, unless another team offers him multiple years which I don’t see happening. Our defensive core will be great: Lid, Kronwall, Lebda, Cheli. I thought Markov and Lilja played very solid games. Does anyone know if Schnieder is a UFA?

The whole season surpassed expectations and I look forward to the reign of a Swedish dynasty in the coming years. (Dats is an honorary member)

Posted by srt on 05/22/07 at 11:30 PM ET

Believing just wasn’t enough. They’re still my team and I’m proud of how they fought back in the 3rd even if the 1st and 2nd were an embarrassment. Can’t wait for Game of the Cup, too bad the winged wheel won’t be there.

Posted by wingsfanindenver from 'lanche land on 05/22/07 at 11:31 PM ET

A good tough series--Wings fans can hold their heads high.

Nothing snide tonight, just a handclap for the Detroit team.  They were a formidible team at all times.

Posted by Earl Sleek from Los Angeles, CA on 05/22/07 at 11:43 PM ET

Yes, Schneider is UFA this year.  He expects to be 100% by July (three doctors said no surgery needed on his broken wrist).

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/22/07 at 11:47 PM ET

Thanks, Earl.  Congrats to your team on a good series.

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 05/22/07 at 11:48 PM ET

I am humble and I was. I didn’t gloat at all, I just simply ask why excuses have to be made. I have nothing but respect for the Red Wings, they showed some serious heart and ability to come back. I believe it was the swarm of Wings fans who came to my site and hounded my comments after game three when the Wings shut us out. I was very nice, they were not.

Posted by Daniel S Olinger on 05/22/07 at 11:54 PM ET

I’m looking forward to seeing Dats and Hank build off of this disappointment. This is the first the Wings have lost as *their* team, not Stevie’s. For the first time, the Eurotwins were the leaders, and for the first time (won’t be the last) they failed to bring it home. I think this is more their team now than ever.

Also, look on the bright side: goodbye Lang.

Posted by Pete K from http://yzermanisgod.blogspot.com on 05/22/07 at 11:57 PM ET

Whenever I hear something like “My, how the tables have turned” I hear an implied snicker in the background.  Ah, the limitations of text-only communication.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 12:04 AM ET

Daniel,

Excuses are made simply to create alternative narratives wherein our team wins. They are parallel universes and they compensate for the failings of this one. Explanations and narratives are necessary to account for the pain and the basic truth-- “we didn’t get it done"-- simply doesn’t suffice when you can’t breathe because of the pain.

On Hasek: from MacLeod via Snapshots.

“It’s very possible it was my last game,” said Dominik Hasek immediately after Tuesday’s season-ending loss in Anaheim. “Two, three weeks ... I’ll make the decision. It’s my future. It’s me and my family. I love this game. I love to compete. I hate to have a long summer. But I have to think about what I want in the future.”

Ozzie the man again?

Posted by srt on 05/23/07 at 12:07 AM ET

Lang floating off to another team is a bright side, indeed.  My brother-in-law will be thrilled.  And Zetterberg and Datsyuk were great this playoffs, and I also am looking forward to watching them next year.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 12:07 AM ET

Ozzie and Jimmy Howard (or some other Griffin)?  They have to develop a new goaltender sometime.  May as well be in another rebuilding year.

Even if he does come back, I can’t see more than one more year for Hasek, no matter what the outcome.  I think his son has one more year in high school, and after that there won’t be any reason for him to stick around for family.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 12:12 AM ET

Dammit--Now I have insomnia and will be up most of the night munching on pretzels and watching the History Channel.  Poopy.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 12:16 AM ET

First it was they got lucky and you will get them back in game 6, then a guarentee. Now that they lost, here come the excuses.

“I’m proud of my team, they had a great year” is an excuse?  Go F yourself. Way to be a gloating jackarse.

Anyway, that was a really gutsy effort in the last period which begs the obvious question; where was that desperation in the beginning?

Bingo.  They play like that the whole game and it’s never even close.

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 06:26 AM ET

I believe it was the swarm of Wings fans who came to my site and hounded my comments after game three when the Wings shut us out. I was very nice, they were not.

Was it any of us?  Doubt it.  Even if it was, is being a gloating idiot the right way to deal with others being gloating idiots?  Doubt it.

I still don’t get where you see anyone making excuses.

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 06:27 AM ET

Well, it is now the time of year where I stop pulling
“for” a team, and begin pulling “against” others.....I don’t think I’ll have any trouble keeping my intense dislike for Pronger alive for a couple more weeks (or years)! Smirking bastid!! Somebody wipe that look off his face, PLEASE.

I gotta think I wouldn’t be a bad thing for the game in general if the Cup spent the summer in a place where ice was a naturally occuring phenomenon. My gut tells me it’s gonna need a lot of sunscreen.

Posted by dougie on 05/23/07 at 06:29 AM ET

Sens have played well on the road, though, so even with Anaheim having home slush advantage they may have more of a chance than some are giving them.

At least they will both be well rested with the finals not starting until Memorial Day. (!)

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 07:19 AM ET

Haha!  The world’s worst fans get their asses handed to them.  Now we are going to win the Stanley Cup as your worthless team implodes.  You guys couldn’t have gotten killed in the last two games any worse than if you worked at Cheli’s Chili.

Cup baby!

Posted by LetsGoDucks on 05/23/07 at 07:38 AM ET

Not the way we wanted it, but a far cry from the last few playoff bounces.  I hated to see them play the way they did in the first twoperiods of game 6, but I loved the way they battled in the previous games in this year’s playoffs.  And if this is a rebuilding year, as some have called it, look out!  Hank and Dats answered all the questions and will be great for years to come.  This year will make it all the sweeter when they eventually do lift the cup.  Enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and the Chief’s posts, and can’t wait to do it all again next year.  Chief, have a good offseason.  I’m guessing you’re do a short vacation?

Posted by Andrew on 05/23/07 at 07:43 AM ET

Oddly, I for one am not terribly distressed that the Wing failed to reach the Cup Finals.  IMO they had a terrfic year; reaching the Conference Finals (not to mention being very competitive in the series) is vast improvement over the past few seasons—all this in a year when the Wings were basically written off by the MSM.

Now, thats not to say that the C.F. loss is not disheartening.  I really thought the Wing deserved a better result in games 4 and 5.  So you would have thought the Wings would have put forth a stronger more determined effort to open game 6.  They dug themselves too big of a hole.  Nice to see a strong third period, but you have to wonder where the moxie was in the 1st and 2nd?  The euro-twins really lit a fire in the third.  I don’t know where the cliche started, but you know the adage that in the post season; before you have success, you first have to learn how to lose—will hopefully be applicable to those two dazzling players.

I’m not the type to play the coulda, woulda, shoulda game regarding injuries to Schneider and Kronwall.  All teams deal with both injury and the most fickle creature known as lady luck.  I thought the Wing roster was good enough to win despite the injuries, but alas it was not to be.  Hats off to the Duck (everyone except Sasquatch).

All in all though, to qualify the Wing season as anything other than pretty damn good would be disingenuous.

It will be interesting to see what the Wheel do in the offseason regarding Hasek and Schneider.  My initial guess is that Hasek will be back, I would wager that he really wants to win one more cup, and of the “contenders”, I do not recall off the top of my head who might be looking for a 40ish starting goalie.  I have no clear tea leaves on Schneider, but these playoffs clearly showed just how important a puck moving d-man is.

One last thing, wouldn’t it be just grand if the Wheel could find their way to the Eastern Conference.  All that freaking travel is bound to cause some small amount of fatigue—which could just tip the scales some in tight games (wonder what the distance is between Ottawa and Buffalo).  Wishful thinking.

Great year for the Wings, hope Kenny Boy pulls more rabbits out of his hat this offseason.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 05/23/07 at 08:34 AM ET

I agree completely Nut.  The past few years have been bitter disappointments where out of sheer disgust I would tune hockey out of my mind for the summer.

This year was a great year.  We saw a lot of great hockey, some new players had breakout years (Filpulla, Lebda, Franzen, etc), and they proved all the naysayers wrong.

What frustrates me the most about this series is they could beat Anaheim easily if they just skated, went to the net, and stopped worrying so much about making a mistake and losing.  The irony is that when you’re worrying about mistakes, that’s when you make them.  The third period last night proves that when they really put it all on the ice, Anaheim couldn’t handle them.

I just wish they had done it for 60 minutes.  Hell, even a 40-minute effort would have been enough...but all they gave was 20 minutes.

And yes, it’s high time the Wings end up in the Eastern Conference.  10,000 miles of travel in the playoffs vs teams like Buffalo who barely had to leave their own state.  Nothing like that can ever be perfectly even and fair, but this one thing is so ridiculously lopsided.

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 08:45 AM ET

Congrats to the Ducks. They were the opportunistic bastards that the Red Wings should have been.

Hopefully, this is a growth/learning year for the Wings. While there was quite a bit of talk about how the team still had a lot of playoff experience, I think that—most of the time—younger players need to go through it themselves to understand just how difficult it is to win the Cup.

GO SENS!

Posted by YzermanZetterberg from Saginaw, MI on 05/23/07 at 08:48 AM ET

You guys are just gonna love this line from the “Delicate Genious”: 

“The conference finals is a plenty respectable finish for a team in transition like the Wings.”

WTF!!!  I think the C.F. is a “plent respectable finish” for any freaking team—especially for the Wings of this season. 

IMO, for some idiots like Album to imply that only the Cup Finals or the holy grail itself will do is pure insanity, and wholly unrealistic.  What an idiot. 

Delicate Genious— no me thinks Overrated Jackass

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 05/23/07 at 08:58 AM ET

Alllrriiighty then, now that I can communicate using words that contain more than Four letters…

Chief, as for a single lasting image you’re likely right - that slow-mo fluttering ...  P ...uck suspended in mid-air over Dom’s shoulder is probably going to be the single image of this playoff that sticks.

But the foul taste I won’t be able to get rid of from this year has nothing to do with that one lucky bounce.  I will not be able to purge the memory of yet more offensive barrages - that produced squat.  Against the Ducks in ‘03 our goals against weren’t a problem - we simply couldn’t put the puck in the twine.  Superior talent on offense was also frustrated against the likes of the teams from Alberta who hate each other so very much.

Really, while we did go a little deeper this year - in the end we were undone by the exact same thing that kicked us in various regions the past 3 playoff years: an inability to put the puck in the net, despite superior talent, and despite ‘playing better hockey’.

While I love the edge, the never say day attitude, the fact that they did indeed ‘keep coming’ as Babblecock is so fond of saying - they were undone by the same deficiencies that have been their undoing since Lord Stanley made his last appearance at The Joe.

I’m certainly not embarrassed, and rather quite proud of the way they battled - but the way they lost games 4 & 5 (still makes me thow up in my mouth just thinking about it) - looked just like ‘03 to me… can’t get it out of my head.

Posted by Hoser from Downer Peninsula, Michigan on 05/23/07 at 09:03 AM ET

looked just like ‘03 to me

yep, as did the first two periods last night.

this is a Jekyll and Hyde team.  the good news is we saw more Jekyll than Hyde this year, whereas in years past Hyde kicked Jekyll’s ass.

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 09:07 AM ET

FYI, Spector has his take on the Wings UFA situation facing Kenny Boy this offseason.  Heres the link:
http://www.spectorshockey.net/rumors.html

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 05/23/07 at 09:13 AM ET

Here’s who I think the Wings should let go…

Lang (duh)
Hasek
Bertuzzi

Yes, the Wings need size, but I don’t think Bertuzzi is it.  I think he is always going to have back problems.

As for Hasek, I think his flopping style doesn’t work any more because of all the traffic in front.  The Ducks obviously figured out all you have to do is go to the net, take a couple whacks until he sprawls on the ice, then flip it over him.  We need a position goalie like Giguere who stays on his feet and the shots he can’t see hit him anyway.

I would like to see Osgood take over the #1 role while Howard develops.  The Wings need a franchise goalie, and need to stop doing the “rent-a-goalie” thing.

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 09:19 AM ET

The Ducks obviously figured out all you have to do is go to the net, take a couple whacks until he sprawls on the ice, then flip it over him.

It seems pretty clear that Dom is still physically up to the task.  But I sensed a little chink in The Dominator armor in post game interviews last night.  Maybe he felt that the Ducks had indeed figured him out and his confidence was shaken by it.  Or maybe he was just really deflated by the loss.  Tough to say.

As for next year?  If Dom wants a redux, I’m fine with it - so long as he is still confident.  If not, I say throw Ozzie in the net and bring up a youngster.  I’m good either way.

Posted by Hoser from Downer Peninsula, Michigan on 05/23/07 at 10:36 AM ET

As you know I am no fan of your team…

But as a solid fan I send along my condolances. The end of a season is always tough to take. Be proud, your Wings performed valiently.

Posted by Jibblescribbits from San Jose, CA on 05/23/07 at 10:51 AM ET

Thanks Jibble.  The end of this season is surely a lot easier to take than the past few - especially considering all the talent that stepped up.  I think we’re looking at another good decade, instead of a decline.

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 10:54 AM ET

Now we are going to win the Stanley Cup as your worthless team implodes.

Too late!  We already imploded at Christmas!  :D

(I couldn’t resist.....)

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 11:08 AM ET

Paul, with the re-emergence of my Avs this season, I expect to see another healthy decade of the Avs-Red Wings rivalry.

I am looking forward to that immensily

Posted by Jibblescribbits from San Jose, CA on 05/23/07 at 11:57 AM ET

Not trying to be a jerk here, but they didn’t even make the playoffs.  How is that a re-emergence?

I’d love it if the Avs, Blues, and Blackhawks were in the playoffs next season.  I miss those rivalries.

This has been one of the least-energizing playoff seasons I can remember - aside from Calgary (I always like when the Wings play Canadian teams).  But San Jose and Anaheim?  Give me a break.

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 12:04 PM ET

Well, the Avs are going to have a strong team next yer.  They have some good young forwards in Stastny and Wolski as well as Sakic and Hejduk.  I think the way the Avs played at the end of the season showed a lot about what the team could be.  A renewed Avs/Wings rivalry would be good for the NHL, I think.

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 05/23/07 at 12:15 PM ET

Oh dear, that should read “year” not “yer.”

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 05/23/07 at 12:16 PM ET

At this point, I agree on the two best teams being in the final—but that’s almost always true in hockey, I think.  Seven game series are hard to fool—you can get lucky, sure, but the Wings lost the last three because their power play went dead, their D was banged up and fatigued, and Giguere was just that much better than Hasak.  At times it was thrilling hockey, at other times it was obvious the Wings were coming out flat and not getting it going until the second.  That’s not going to get it done.

Still, they got the early-round-exit playoff monkey off their back, they stabilized after the departure of Shanny and Yzerman, both Datsyuk and Zetterberg acquitted themselves entirely in the playoffs, and they clearly have figured out the new NHL.  On the whole, it was a year of progress.  Just no cup.

Only in Detroit does an unsuccessful trip to the conference finals get chalked up as a failure.

Posted by Chris from Born in Detroit, exiled in DC on 05/23/07 at 12:46 PM ET

Only in Detroit does an unsuccessful trip to the conference finals get chalked up as a failure.

That’s what happens when fans take success for granted.  It could be worse, I guess.

Also, I think the Pistons are going to find themselves in that same situation very soon - especially if they make it to the finals this year.  Their fans will begin to EXPECT success, rather than simply appreciating it.

I’m curious to see how Tigers fans react this year.  They seemed generally gracious and appreciative for such a great season last year, without condemning the team for not winning it - because it was so unexpected.  But if they don’t even make it in this year, what will the reaction be?

Posted by Paul from Miami Beach on 05/23/07 at 12:49 PM ET

Well the re-emergence I guess is a little premature. Everyone expects the Avs to be in the playoffs again next year. They have a very solid group of young players. They have a boatload of free agency money and have some good prospects on the horizon. Good management and a good coach.

They should be re-emerging next year, but they haven’t yet so I shouldn’t be taking that for granted. I have every bit of confidence they will make the playoffs next year (unless Budaj gets injured and we have to rely on Theo for a full season… but the offseason is about optomism)

Posted by Jibblescribbits from San Jose, CA on 05/23/07 at 01:02 PM ET

I join the chorus who argue for Detroit in the Eastern Conference; Detroit v. Maple Leafs, v. Montreal, v. New York(s) .... good stuff.

Finals:

Although I think the Ducks have a much stronger chance because of better goaltending and arguably the number one shutdown line in the league (Paulson-sp? really earned my respect), I want the Sens to win. More than just a Canadian team, I’m rooting for Daniel Alfredson to solidify himself as a champion and a real leader. He’s been huge for them and it’s always great to see a guy live with one team his whole career do that for them, especially as the captain.

Posted by srt on 05/23/07 at 01:35 PM ET

Amen Chris:  “Only in Detroit does an unsuccessful trip to the conference finals get chalked up as a failure.”

I guess you have to be an “out-of-town” or displaced, or relocated fan to recognize success when you see it.  Maybe it has to do with not hearing the Detroit MSM drumbeats everyday.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 05/23/07 at 01:37 PM ET

Too bad there was no way to jettison Rogaine Goalie.  Budaj has been very impressive the times I saw him.

I thought I heard something about Svatos needing shoulder surgery again?  That kid has had some bad luck with injuries.

I expect Denver and St. Louis to be better next year, but Chicago is in year 25 or so of a five-year rebuilding plan.  They have some very nice, very young pieces, but have not been able to develop talent at all.  It seems as though if a player isn’t a third- or fourth-liner they have no idea what to do with them, or they talk up a kid so much and expect him to make an impact right off the hop that he is crushed by the pressure.

Havlat needs some help, for sure, and I don’t know where they plan on finding some.

As for the Tigers--They play in a very strong division, and so many of their talented pitchers are absurdly young (Andrew Miller looks like he’s about 12), so I think that will be taken into account.  It isn’t as though they stocked up on old, borken-down players for a last desperate run, they have a large window, and finally have some depth in the organization.  The dumbest thing would be for them to deplete it now.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 01:39 PM ET

Oops--"broken-down," not “borken-down.”

I’m rooting for the Sens, too.  Alfredsson has been playing phenomenally well, and it’s good to see after he has been vilified for so many years.

(I also wonder if Don Cherry’s head will explode on tv if the Cup is handed to a European captain.)

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/23/07 at 01:42 PM ET

I don’t want Detroit in the Eastern Conference and that is purely for selfish reasons.  I like being able to see them twice a year.  I agree it makes sense from the standpoint of Original Six (but then what about Chicago?) and less travel.

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 05/23/07 at 01:43 PM ET

Chicago should impeach their owner and both teams should jump shark to the East.  How you make that work in LittleGary’s over-expansioned nhl is anybody’s guess… sounds too much like work, so it won’t be LittleGary.

Posted by Hoser from Downer Peninsula, Michigan on 05/23/07 at 01:47 PM ET

Baroque:  I’m praying that Grapes has a mild case of stuttering when they hand the trophy to carrot-top!!!!

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 05/23/07 at 01:47 PM ET