About Abel to Yzerman

Welcome to Abel to Yzerman, a Red Wing blog since 1977.  No other site on the internet has better-researched, fact-laden and better prepared discussions than A2Y.  Re-phrase: we do little research, find facts and stats highly overrated and claim little to no preparation.  There are 19 readers of A2Y. No more, no less. All of them, except maybe one, are juvenile in nature.  Reminding them of that in the comment section will only encourage them to prove that. Your suggestions and critiques are welcome:

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Does confusion make you sad?  When you read words like “enigma” and phrases like “Thanks Gary. Ass”, do you wonder why mean people speak in languages you don’t understand?  Fret no longer friend!  The A2Y Glossary will bring you great joy and enlightenment.
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“Hell, I guarantee the content co-opters at Abel to Yzerman were about to link this article under the heading “Bitter Blues Fans” again right up until they just read that last half-sentance. Thanks but no thanks, you Kukla hangers-on.”
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--Mile High Hockey

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--Thhom

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--A2Y Fan, Jeff Beaumont

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Giving Bubba, Sr. The Broom:  Keys To A Second Sweep

by IwoCPO on 05/14/08 at 07:49 AM
Comments (79)

Remember about a month ago? 28 days, actually?  Yeah.  That was the last time the Wings lost.  Little Bubba Junior had tied up the first round and the Stress Train was chugging, as most of us were.

Take a guess how many minutes Dallas Drake played in Game 4, Round 1.

6:24.

Since losing Game 4 at the SoGay, Drake hasn’t played less than ten minutes.  Over 9 straight wins, he’s averaged 13:20/game.  That’s not a coincidence.  That’s a solution.  See how much ice time Drake got last game? You know the one.  The best game the Wings have played in ten years?  13:28.

Drake, Maltby, Helm, Draper, McCarty...all were pivotal. All were violent and effective.  Their forecheck was sustained and they brought pressure every shift.  And we’re even seeing some scoring out of Helm and his little pal Happy.

You want a carryover key?  The play of the grinders.  On garbage ice endorsed by your commissioner, Uncle Mike rolled all four and watched Tippett’s head spin as Datsyuk and Zetterberg zipped around just seconds after Drake or McCarty or Draper or Helm had painted the boards with Stars.

We need that same kind of diversity tonite.  More than that, though, the key will be a lead, which will lead to a meltdown and an even bigger lead.  It will take exactly one setback for the Stars to implode.  Brittle doesn’t even begin to describe their mental state at this point.  Yes, we’ll see the obligatory burst at the start of the first.  Yes, the crowd will be into it.  Hum a little tune to yourself and wait for it to go away.

Because it will.  As soon as the Wings pot one, which of course they will.

But wait.  You wait just one damn minute.  Is that my guarantee?  My mandate?  No.  No it’s not.  Tonite may be the closest game of the series.  Dallas may have an ounce of sack left we weren’t aware of.  Pride may be a factor.  Wounded animals and all that.  We may even see this thing go to OT.

And the conspiracy theorists are already writing their “Ilitch wanted a Game 5 for the cash” posts.

We’re in uncharted territory you and I.  Oh, we’ve been here before, watched our Wings on the brink of the Finals.  Four other times, in fact.  But, it will be the first Final foray for A2Y.  We must have a strategy, a game plan.  It’s essential.  We must be graphically superior.  Our wit must be sharper than ever.  There will be no room, none, for adult behavior. 

But I’m placing the cart a length before the horse.  Tonite?  Grinders.  Patience.  Momentum.  Press down firmly.  Finish it. Stay healthy and give us a few days to breathe before the mother of all Stress Trains leaves the station.

image

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Comments

Chief, I was just getting ready to post the GDT, and thought I see what your spin on the game was. 

I certainly hope this doesn’t inflate your ego or anything like that—but your key to the game is brilliant analysis!  And, to top it off, reinforced with statistics—kudos!

DAL simply can’t skate with the Wings.  Everyone knows it.  Uncle Mike using one of the teams best assets to advantage, depth.  Rolling, Rolling, Rolling!!!!

Of course, even more brilliant was your banner for mojo—Lidstrom.  Viking, pillager of the meek forward!  Spare no one, skate to the neck!!

I’ll see all of the 19 tonite!!!

Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Wind-Swept-Plains  on  05/14  at  08:09 AM

I wouldn’t be surprised if they lose because every time this season when they had a big winning streak, they lost before it hit 10 games.  Double digits are difficult for this team.

Of course, more often than not they went on another winning streak right after it, so…

And Lidstrom is my faorite number so far.  No surprise there.  smile

Posted by Baroque from Michigan  on  05/14  at  08:17 AM

i was watching the TSN analysis the other day. Turns out in the Wings 9 game winning streak, they’ve only been behind for 7 minutes… thats incredible..

the Wings have NEVER won 10 in a row. regular season or playoffs. Tonight seems like the perfect time to do it. We’ve been breaking every other record recently.

Posted by Pharazon  on  05/14  at  08:28 AM

We must be graphically superior.  Our wit must be sharper than ever.  There will be no room, none, for adult behavior.

Oh, I don’t think you’ll be let down! smile

Posted by Matt from Tennessee  on  05/14  at  08:30 AM

The Wings have not lost a game in which they could eliminate their opponent since the 1998 Western Conference Finals… Against Dallas.

Not that it means anything or anything.

Posted by Clark  on  05/14  at  08:41 AM

Mikey changed a lot of things after that game 4.  He put Datsyuk and Zetterberg back together, started Osgood instead of Hasek, put Helm in because of Hartigan, and of course, moved Drake up to the third line and Hudler down to the fourth.  I’ve heard media types, analysts, and bloggers talk about each one of those changes--including Hudler on the fourth line--except for Drake.  And I think you’re exactly right that it’s been at least as big a part of the Wings success as two of the things I listed.

Last game, Tippet didn’t really try to match against the Wings top line, and it bit his team right in the ass.  Will he change that tonight?  If he can neutralize the top line, the Stars can win this one.

I’m just not sure there’s any collection of five players left in the playoffs that can stack up against the Circus offensively and defensively with the way they’re playing right now.

Posted by Ryan from Toronto  on  05/14  at  08:44 AM

Chief,
Nice way to start my day, damn I’m pumped up.
No room for adult behaviour… that’s just funny.
We keep rolling 4 lines and we wear on them like 60 grit abrasive.
Love the Nik “The Rock of Gibraltar” Lidstrom banner.
The Modo interview in KK yesterday didn’t have much “pride” in his words nor did he nor Tippet seems to have any answers on what was going to be different tonight. No Stu & no Lehtinen either.
You’re damn right Ozstud, we don’t want you to “give them any life” either.
Pedal to the floor. Shift by shift and win the little battles. Get pucks out and get’em deep every chance.
This is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 from KC MO  on  05/14  at  08:45 AM

“I am looking forward to an orderly competition this evening, which will eliminate the need for a violent bloodbath...”

But then, I voted for Kodos.  So you can’t blame me if we lose.

Baroque, yes, they have lost every time before hitting Ten, but then, both series these playoffs they’ve closed them out at first chance.  So which ephemeral tangent means more?

Chief, spot-on about the grinders.  Sure, they don’t score often (though the Happy Double-D line has its moments of offensive brilliance), but that’s not the point.  The point is get out there and hit, hold the puck, make ‘em chase you, make plays, and generally wear the opposition down.  So when the big lines come on, they’ve got a tired and ragged opposition to get through.  And if the grinders can do their thang while logging significant ice time, that’s fewer shifts the big guns have to take, keeping their legs fresher for both the individual games and the series.  It’s no coincidence that the Circus is scoring more with less ice time.  And besides, I’m pretty sure there isn’t anyone on the team who wants a Cup more than Drake.  What may be his last chance, with the team that drafted him, the state where he makes his offseason home?  You better believe that a character guy like that is giving everything he has and more.

Someone be good enough to offer Dave Tippett a cigarette and a blindfold, okay?

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the dusty parade ground, waiting for dawn  on  05/14  at  08:53 AM

There will be no room, none, for adult behavior.

Count me in. Big time.

Posted by Nathan  on  05/14  at  08:57 AM

You better believe that a character guy like that is giving everything he has and more.

Wonder if we’ll hear any character comments from a talking Turkey today? Gobble gobble Marty. Or maybe he’ll be preoccupied with the character building can of whoop ass we’ve in our hands tonight.
Dallas “Lead with your face” Drake (man I miss Mickeys commentary) is going to be looking to wreck someone early. “He likes to run D early, I like to watch him run D early”. Drake gets someone good, Nik Jr will be right on the hunt too.
If Tippet doesn’t try to match up & shut down the Circus...I’m more than fine with that. Or if he tries to hide his bottom D-pairings and or 4th line & shorten his bench, I’m fine with that too. We outta be skating cirsles around them bu midway point in the 2nd if that’s the case.
No remorse, no repent.....
Going to be a long day waiting, waiting & some more waiting..... TICK TICK TICK.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 from KC MO  on  05/14  at  09:12 AM

This series was over when Gobbles the Dive Blog Pimp (sung to the tune of Puff the Magic Dragon) said he’d be rooting for Dallas. 

Loser mojo.

Posted by O-Joe  on  05/14  at  09:24 AM

If Tippet doesn’t try to match up & shut down the Circus

even if it were possible for any line in the NHL to shut them down, it would mean a team’s top line spends all their time playing defensively instead of scoring.  either way, advantage: Wings.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach  on  05/14  at  09:34 AM

One more point on the unsung heroes front—Can we throw Cheli in there?  The guy has been a warrior...knocking down some of the big trees, playing dirty in the corners.  He’s the same guy I hated back when he was a B-Hawk.  He gives stability to that third d pairing, which keeps our top guys fresh...and dontcha love seeing Nicky The Rock looking like he just had his morning coffee, bright eyed and looking for love, out there in the third period when the Stars are bent over wheezing hoping for this thing to end? 

I say, at the faceoff, Nick goes up to Marty and rolls out the old Braveheart line..."This can all end...just cry out...mercy...”

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pWKzlQx6xBs

(**Note, it pains me to compare the gutless Stars to old Bill Wallace, but you get the point.  We’ve got ‘em on the chopping block with there intestines hanging out.  Time to finish the job.)

Posted by disch from bat country  on  05/14  at  09:35 AM

PaulMiami,
My point(s) exactly. With no Lehtinen it’s a slightly taller order for them. Roll all 4 all night long and we’ll run’em outta gas. Not too mention a “one armed” Morrow and a Modano who seems to be getting up slowly quite oft.

Someone (Nik JR) please send Ott on his ass for me. That would make my night seeing that decapitation between the blue lines. And yes, his follow through will entail his feet leaving the ice.
Any thoughts on face off prowess? That was a damn good tactic last game and might well be one to distract Wolfman & Modo again tonight.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 from KC MO  on  05/14  at  10:03 AM

Great to be back ‘in country’ and great to be back among the 19. Glad to see nothing changed while I was gone, especially the adult behavior. Go Wings!

Posted by AndrewB from TN  on  05/14  at  10:03 AM

ARREOLA!!

Posted by Matt from Chicago  on  05/14  at  10:05 AM

One more point on the unsung heroes front—Can we throw Cheli in there?

I wasn’t very happy with him in the Colorado series. he just looked off his game.  maybe he was playing hurt.

this series he has looked great and I thought the last game was his best of the playoffs so far.  more than once I can remember thinking “who knew Chelios could skate that fast?!”

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach  on  05/14  at  10:12 AM

PaulinMiamiBeach:  I have to agree with you about Cheli. I was calling for him to hang it up during the second round and then he has really redeemed himself this series.  Keep it up, Cheli.  Dang, just starting the work day and already pumped up for this game.  Still on the stress train because, well, that’s just how I roll.  My daughter will sit there with five minutes left and say, “Mom, can I say they have won the game now?” Me, “NO! Don’t jinx it.” Daughter shakes head and looks at me like I’m nuts but that’s me during playoff hockey.

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO  on  05/14  at  10:27 AM

Chief,

you better be ready. Pensblog is lethal, and we have no weapon except A2Y.

No pressure. wink

Posted by MacPhisto  on  05/14  at  10:32 AM

My belief is that Cheli was still suffering from a sore knee in the first two series and the nice week long rest has put him back closer to 100%.  But with the way the Organ-I-zation doles out information we’ll probably never know for sure.

Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI  on  05/14  at  10:38 AM

I want to see Turkey pulled.  I’d give up my firstborn to see Turkey pulled.

Make it happen, powers that be?

Posted by Lauren from Portland, OR  on  05/14  at  10:46 AM

To add to my previous post, sometimes people seem to forget this is the SC playoffs!  Guys out there are all playing banged up if they’re VERY lucky.  In many cases its much worse than banged up.  For example, everyone was poking fun at Homer’s performance in game 3 this series.  Is there any doubt his groin is limiting his ability and he’s just playing the best the can through the pain.  That cortezone shot almost a month and a half ago (and probably a few more since then that we never have and never will hear of) didn’t just magically heal his groin.  He’s still physically limited by it, he’s just able to play through the pain now. This has the side-effect that it’s not healing and probably physically getting worse with each game.  Follow that line of thought and its also getting more painful each game and each cortezone shot does less and less.  Sorry for the rant, but I get a little irked (yes irked!) hearing people defend Pavel for his playoff performance when he was hurt (and correctly so!) but then throwing guys under the bus that are going through that right now! Ok maybe “throwing under the bus” was a bit harshe but you get the point.  Ok rant off!

We can still throw Lilja under the bus though smile he’s just a plain old liability!!

Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI  on  05/14  at  10:50 AM

Cheli is always at his best when he’s in the middle of everything. Hacking, whacking, crosschecking & yapping away. The grumpier he is, the better he plays and he’s seemed pretty cantankerous of late in this series.
And to think I called him old when we snagged him from the Hawks. Old, yes… close to done HELL NO. And we gave up who, Anders Ericsson for him? Tee hee.

Posted by MOWingsfan19  on  05/14  at  10:51 AM

No team can match the work ethic of our Wings from the top to the bottom of the roster.  It is all because of Uncle Mike.  That is why it ends tonight and Pittsburgh has no chance.  Uncle Mike will have it no other way.  I see it in his eyes.
Sorry Mr Ilitch, no game 5 for you.
Go Wings!

Posted by Jeff from Loveland  on  05/14  at  10:59 AM

“It’s no coincidence that the Circus is scoring more with less ice time.”
Good point, Andrew.
This is the flip side of what the Chief says about giving the grinders lots of ice time.

Just thinking out of the box:
Maybe Mule’s headaches are not concussion related, but related to stress. 
You take a big, relaxed, quiet grinder, who nobody heard of ... and he has a world-class hot streak. 
Suddenly he is the focus of attention of the entire hockey world:  Media scrums, expectations, no quiet time.  A microphone in his face 24/7.  Trouble sleeping, etc. etc. etc.

Would it be unheard-of to get tension headaches?
The guy is only human, after all.

It is hard to believe that the guy actually suffered a concussion or a near-concussion and went on to play so well for a week.

Maybe the Wings should have him talk to Ozzie’s psychologist.

Just saying....

blank stare

Posted by w2j2  on  05/14  at  11:07 AM

I think your point about the level of childlike immaturity that A2Y must collectively step down to is a good one. If we’re going to survive the finals, there can be absolutely no grown-ups allowed. After all, right now it’s looking like the Penguins in the finals, which is Pensblog territory. Not an opponent that one can beat with reason and manners.

Posted by scheisskopf  on  05/14  at  11:11 AM

Dahrken—Just to set the record straight...friendly tone here...I think we’re all poking fun at Homer because the man has a rep for not exactly being a Bure-caliber skater.  When he blew that flat in Game 3, nobody was seriously pissed at the guy (I hope).  Homer is one of the more beloved guys on the team.  Nobody expects him to bust out breakaway speed...or really any speed for that matter.  We expect him to do the playoffs-critical dirty work in front of the net...parking his big sweedish ass in Martia’s face and working the tip drill.  And we love him for it.

Posted by disch from bat country  on  05/14  at  11:12 AM

Good Points, Wings should win Dallas just looks beaten and dejected out there on the ice. Quick question for you experts though… I should know the answer but it slips my mind right now.. When a team wins the cup, which players get their name engraved on it and which do not, I know every player who played a game in the playoffs gets their name on it, but what about the guys on the roster who are there but not actually in a game, like erikkson and abdelkader and meech and ritola the others

Posted by Jay from canada  on  05/14  at  11:18 AM

I know every player who played a game in the playoffs gets their name on it

actually, it’s only the Stanley Cup Finals where the “you played one game” thing counts.  if you play one game in the first three rounds, but don’t play in the SCF, you don’t get your name on.  I believe the team can file for exceptions - such as if someone is injured and can’t play but would have.

http://proicehockey.about.com/od/stanleycupbunker/f/stanley_cup_nam.htm

Prior to 1977 only players who had completed the Stanley Cup playoffs were eligible. Today, players appearing in 41 regular-season games or one Stanley Cup Final game for the championship team have their names engraved on the Cup. The NHL makes exceptions for players who do not meet the standard because of injury or other extenuating circumstances.

Besides eligible players, the names of coaches, management and staff of the winning team are also engraved on the Cup.

an interesting trivia tidbit:

Only one name has been added against the rules.

When the Edmonton Oilers won their first championship in 1984, owner Peter Pocklington included his father’s name - “Basil Pocklington” - among the names engraved. It was later scratched out with a series Xs.

that’s shitty.  they should have just left it.  what’s worse - the guy’s dad’s name on it, or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX?

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach  on  05/14  at  11:30 AM

Jay, I don’t know the numbers and I’m too lazy to look them up but a player must play in a certain number of regular season games or a certain number of playoff games to get their name on the cup.  Erikkson and Abbadabbadoo will not get their names on the cup.  Thomas Kopecky will however.  Erm IF we win that is (no jinxing here)!

Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI  on  05/14  at  11:31 AM

No grownups allowed?

I’ll miss you guys...*sniff* downer

Posted by Baroque from Michigan  on  05/14  at  11:33 AM

No more talking about names on Cups.  Please.

Posted by disch from bat country  on  05/14  at  11:35 AM

Jay,
Players appearing in 41 regular-season games or one Stanley Cup Final game for the championship team have their names engraved on the Cup. The NHL makes exceptions for players who do not meet the standard because of injury or other extenuating circumstances.

If Homer can pick on his skating ability or lack there of… so can we!

Posted by MOWingsfan19  on  05/14  at  11:36 AM

I’m prepping mind, body and laptop for this evening’s festivities - push ups and free weights to commence shortly.

I’m going to try my damnedest to avoid the hot tub tonight, it kinda makes participating in the LB a dicey proposition.

Off to the dentist in a bit, my reward for another successful semester of higher edjumacation (3.92, 18 credit hours - Imma strangle the bizznitch who doled out the A- Actually, I’ll probably just beg, whine and plead, ‘cause that’s how I roll, motherfuckers.)

Back-to-back hatties for P. Datty, this is my frevent wish.  Well, that and an Oz/Turco tussle at center ice.

Back later…

Go ‘Wings.

BelievePatch.jpg

Posted by TeamDub from Probably the garage, doing things I shouldn't.  on  05/14  at  11:41 AM

No grownups allowed?

Ok, nobody acting like one. At 33, I’m barely considered “grown up” in this day n age. Then again being “all grown up” is one thing I’ve been good at avoiding so far.

Posted by MOWingsfan19  on  05/14  at  11:45 AM

TeamDub - most excellent graphic.  That does it I’m pulling out my sweater with my VK&SM;patch on it tonight.  Just plain Winged Wheel, no name on the back and the patch that I sewed (and for those of you that know me, I’m home economically challenged, threading a needle takes me forever!).

LET’S GO RED WINGS!!

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO  on  05/14  at  11:58 AM

just thought I’d throw this out there…

http://boards.chicagoblackhawks.com/lofiversion/index.php/t14967.html

Datsyuk reportedly re-signed with Detroit

big mistake by detroit if you ask me.

BIG MISTAKE.

42 playoff games
3 goals
12 assists
15 points
-1

Thats awful.

IIRC, there was a lot of that kind of talk.

now how does that signing look?

I agree with that, but I think there are bigger and better fish in the sea. This in my mind keeps better forwards on the market. Datsyuk signs in detroit, that keeps Briere/Drury/Smyth as potential Hawk signings.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA*snort*HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080514/SPORTS05/805140399/1053/SPORTS05

Mister Holland’s Opus: Not letting Datsyuk get away looks better each game

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach  on  05/14  at  12:07 PM

Lauren: It’d be nice to see Turco pulled, but don’t hold your breath; Johan Holmqvist is the Stars’ backup.

Holmstrom falling on that play was hilarious.  He looked almost Draper-like in his ability to turn what looks like a good offensive chance for the Wings into nothing.  As others have said, he clearly is playing hurt and hasn’t had a good game at even strength since round 1.  But he’s only been responsible for maybe one goal against, and he’s helped cause at least a handful.  He’s definitely been effective.

Posted by Ryan from Toronto  on  05/14  at  12:12 PM

didn’t want to jinx anything, but thanks for the info on the engraving.
No jersey for me tonight, i got a zetterberg home jersey that is7-0 this postseason my datsyuk road is 0-1 and i wore my lidstrom 1 time all year the game they they started their horrible february so it is banished to the closet. Filppula jersey i am saving for next year and yzerman jersey is retired in my house as well JLA.
Go Wings

Posted by Jay from canada  on  05/14  at  12:14 PM

disch-
I understand that, and I know I was a bit harsh.  Actually Homer probably wasn’t the best example.  It was more about Chelios.  In round 1 and 2 I kept thinking “doesn’t anyone remember he’s on a bum knee”.  He’s a great player and that, but he’s not The Captain after all.  I’m actually pleasantly surprised how well Chelios is playing, the rest did him more good than I expected. 
Maybe I fret about this stuff a bit much considering my wife a Physical Therapist.  When ever The Captain is brought up I find myself wondering if in the future when he’s hanging around the Joe (or whatever barn we may have then) like Gordie does now, if he won’t be in a wheel chair.
Blah ok I don’t know about you 19 but now I’m starting to depress myself.  I’ll shut up about that stuff now.
Kudos to Paul and Mo for being less lazy than me. raspberry

Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI  on  05/14  at  12:16 PM

I’ll be wearing my old Shanahan jersey yet again that I have NOT let my wife toss in the washer since the Playoffs began.  But I don’t believe in jinxes.

Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI  on  05/14  at  12:22 PM

Turns out in the Wings 9 game winning streak, they’ve only been behind for 7 minutes…

In the Modano interview that Paul posted today, he said: “...we just have to do what we can to have a really strong 60 minutes, somehow contain and get a lead and hold onto it for a little longer than we have.”

Actually, Mike, if you take a lead for even one second in this series, it will be longer than any lead you’ve had so far.

In the accompanying Tippett interview, Coach Dave offers up this Babcockian gem:

Q: Make any big changes to the power play?

DAVE TIPPETT: Try to score more goals.

Sounds like a man with a plan. smile

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids  on  05/14  at  12:29 PM

You guys see the Wall Street Journal on Detroit’s attendance problems?  Interesting piece.  If you don’t have access, I can copy and paste.....
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121071414894789575.html?mod=sports

Posted by TDeters  on  05/14  at  12:37 PM

My #13 Kozlov jersey is undefeated this YEAR!

I lost one in 2007, but my jersey and I are the reason the Wings are winning.

Please thank me later by engraving my name on the...uhhh....I mean.....

Turco’s helmet. Or better yet. Pierre’s forehead (like a casino advertisement!) I’d sell out my sworn allegiance to Hockeytown to have the DC wear my name on his slippery nipple of a forehead. The world would never forget he was my personal little b&^%h....and I’d make Joel Queenville ride him like a pony in the Macy’s parade wearing nothing but chaps and a bridle.

Wait...what were we talking about?

Speaking of riding pack animals to victory....any news on the Mule?

Posted by Scott H from Kalamazoo  on  05/14  at  12:46 PM

he’s not playing tonight.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach  on  05/14  at  12:54 PM

I tell you guys one thing, I believe in jinxes.  I decided to try to grow my own playoff beard this year and it’s working out great so far!

Posted by Chris in Columbia, TN  on  05/14  at  12:56 PM

By the way, according to mlive.com, Franzen has been given the green light to resume off-ice workouts, riding the bike and stuff.  Baby steps!!

Posted by Chris in Columbia, TN  on  05/14  at  12:58 PM

Turco drew “first blood"…

I don’t really dislike any other Star

he has a big survival knife on a skate comin’ to him.

cheers guys + gal(s)

Posted by johnnygloveside  on  05/14  at  01:00 PM

MOWings, I agree with you, someone needs to lay that a**hole Ott out tonight.  He’s been skating around all series basically with immunity.  That hit he put on Dats last night after the whistle that wasn’t called was bullshit.  I know he got fined for the punch on Drapes, but I agree that it would be great to see Kronner level him

Posted by Chris in Columbia, TN  on  05/14  at  01:09 PM

someone needs to lay that a**hole Ott out tonight.

I saw on the after-game hockey show on Versus last night they showed Ott skating behind Holmstrom slashing him in the back of the legs three or four times within 10 seconds.  how do the refs miss something like that?  isn’t the back ref supposed to be watching away from the puck?  I think that’s part of why stuff gets missed, the refs are both doing the same thing instead of doing their part.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach  on  05/14  at  01:15 PM

End this series tonight!

“BRING IT ON!”
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa.  on  05/14  at  01:16 PM

how do the refs miss something like that?  isn’t the back ref supposed to be watching away from the puck? 

He’s a soft Swede.  Penalties against him don’t count.

I’m not sure I can do the juvenile thing that well, but I’ll just laugh at everyone else’s comments.

Pensblog is indeed lethal.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan  on  05/14  at  01:20 PM

Pensblog is lethal, and we have no weapon except A2Y.

My thoughts exactly. Those guys are damn near self-pedophiles!

@TeamDub: Congratulations on a great semester! Thanks for the graphic as well.

@Baroque: You’re allowed as long you keeping ragging on D.C!

Posted by Osrt  on  05/14  at  01:21 PM

@Baroque: You’re allowed as long you keeping ragging on D.C!

Not a problem.  smile

And congrats to TeamDub from me as well.  I know how it is with that one “non-A” - i can still remember the two classes I didn’t get straight A’s in in college, and still resent one of them - the other one I deserved the A-.

Tough to let go even after many years.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan  on  05/14  at  01:29 PM

’d make Joel Queenville ride him like a pony in the Macy’s parade wearing nothing but chaps and a bridle.

Whoa Scott; I was laughing until I got to this gem of a slightly too detailed homoerotic fantasy… gulp

Posted by Osrt  on  05/14  at  01:29 PM

you guys given the pens a name yet ie bubba or the dive? personally i call them franklin as in franklin the turtle the kids show, i got a kid who watches that show and all he does is whine and complain and basically be a little whiny b!tch, just like the penguins, I know Pingu makes more sense being a penguin and all, but goddamn Pingu is pretty cool.
And the reason the wings are winning is cuz i refuse to let the gf watch games with me this year, last years playoffs, wings were 8-1 when she didn’t watch and 2-7 when she did, this year she is abnned from the games smile

Posted by Jay from canada  on  05/14  at  01:30 PM

Too bad Game 4 isn’t in DET, because the JLA crowd could give “Little Gary” a piece of their mind; from the Dallas Morning News:

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to be at Game 4.

Just thought you guys would like to know.

And remember...play nice.

Ass.

Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Wind-Swept-Plains  on  05/14  at  01:33 PM

Also saw this little blurb regarding the “work ethic” of DAL, again from the Dallas Morning News:

This Game 3 highlight clip from TSN showed how Stars forwards Mike Ribeiro and Brad Richards failed to backcheck on Pavel Datsyuk’s first two goals.

The guy narrating the highlights was being kind when he said Ribeiro was “out of gas.” And there’s no defending Richards for his weak attempt to slow down Datsyuk.

Not only are Detroit’s best players outplaying the Stars’ stars, they’re outworking them, too.

Seems like the Dallas MSM know what everyone here at “A 2 Y” already knows; DAL can’t skate with the Wings.

Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Wind-Swept-Plains  on  05/14  at  01:36 PM

Paul,
Guessing the non-calls on the triple whacka on Homer from Ott is for the same reason Homer had what maybe 10 goals called back this year for having his skates CLEARLY outside the paint and NOT interferring with anyone-thing.
And Barry the “expert” sat there and said good things about Ott’s triple whacks.
Yes, a Nik Jr decapitation would please me immensely.

Team Dub,
Right on. I managed to be on academic probation after my first semester and would up graduating with a 3.76… if I’da known then what I think I know now?

Posted by MOWingsfan19  on  05/14  at  01:43 PM

Pensblog is indeed lethal.

*snort*

Nothing a strike package comprised of select juveniles here couldn’t take care of. Overwhelm them with superior firepower. Shock and awe ‘em.  They’ll go running for their spider holes. 

Just need to pick a coordinated time-on-target and sync-up our watches.

Posted by O-Joe  on  05/14  at  02:13 PM

The tough thing for me if everything continues as it has proceeded thus far is that I really like penguins.

Not the Penguins - just penguins.

There are so many species for such a standard body plan - Emperor penguins, chinstrap penguins, macaroni penguins, Adelie penguins, jackass penguins - and they are all so damn cute.

Just look at a picture of an Adelie penguin, and tell me that’s not one of the most adorable little animals you ever saw!

But put a Pittsburgh jersey on it and then kick it off the edge of the ice floe to a waiting (and hungry) leopard seal...heh, heh, heh...oops, was that out loud?  smile

Posted by Baroque from Michigan  on  05/14  at  02:20 PM

Baroque,
Leopard Seals often seemingly enjoy their vicious kills and seem to play with the dead bodies some too… Some kills aren’t for the food but for the satisfaction of killing a cute lil Penguin. Seals can be seen tossing them in the air and twirling them around.
Errily similar to a certain ocean dwelling 8 legged creature often found on the ice around the NHL.....
Coincidence I think not.

Posted by MOWingsfan19  on  05/14  at  02:52 PM

Hypothetically speaking, let’s hypothetically say that someone, “my friend”, might be hypothetically interested in attending one (or possibly more) Stanley Cup Finals game (regardless of which teams may or may not be playing, of course).

Any advice on what the best way to secure finals tickets would be? Hypothetically speaking, of course.

And if one were to get tickets at the Joe (for next season, let’s say) are there any areas with especially sucktastic sight lines to specifically avoid?

This is all purely hypothetical of course.

---

Let’s wrap this series up tonight, boys! This playoff beard’s getting itchy, and my lucky jersey’s starting to smell funk-ay.

Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH  on  05/14  at  02:56 PM

Hey Turco, discover boating?

turdco

Posted by lilja4ever  on  05/14  at  03:09 PM

That sounds like the “friend” who has a burning sensation when he goes pee pee and the “friend” is asking for advice. Lets wait til tomorrow morning to see if we wanna be “hypothetical"…
BTW, there are no “sucktastic seats” in the Joe really, there aren’t. I’ve seen a game from the LAST ROW in the rink behind the home goal & it didn’t totally suck (other than being in JLA for a loss of a season opener) Not like Fenway where 1/3 the seats are behind poles (and that’s not a reference to Red Sox fans and a nationality.. but I guess it could be?).

Posted by MOWingsfan19  on  05/14  at  03:15 PM

The only real sucktastic seats at the Joe are the obstructed view “hole in the wall” seats in the upper corners, and even those aren’t that bad as long as you don’t mind standing the whole game.

So what will Nick do with the Campbell trophy if they win tonight?  I remember in ‘02, Stevie Y picked it up and skated straight into the locker room.  Nick has Been There Done That too.

Posted by Matt from Chicago  on  05/14  at  03:36 PM

maybe he can “accidentally” drop it on Gary...Ass’ foot.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach  on  05/14  at  03:44 PM

The Dallas lot are so dejected and lifeless right now berating them any further would be like taking candy from a baby, and then beating that baby with your shoe within an inch of its life.

I worked for a new client last week that came to Toronto from Dallas.  Knowing this was a hockey city, he put up Dallas Stars logos all over the office we were working out of.  He even kindly included a picture of Calvin pissing on the Wings logo (a la a Chevy logo) when he found out the Wings were my team.

Needless to say, after Game 1 he didn’t have very much fight left in him.  I just hope that if we flog them any further, he will contact me for future work and not hold a grudge… tee hee hee.

I want to go to Game 5 to watch us close out the series, but I also hate seeing us lose.  After missing Game 5 because of a sweep last series, I would hate for it to happen again.  So many mixed emotions.  Who do I root for tonight?

Posted by VooX  on  05/14  at  03:47 PM

maybe he can “accidentally” drop it on Gary...Ass’ foot.

I wonder how much it’d cost to have him say ‘Thanks Gary. Ass.’.

Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH  on  05/14  at  03:47 PM

I want to go to Game 5 to watch us close out the series, but I also hate seeing us lose.  After missing Game 5 because of a sweep last series, I would hate for it to happen again.  So many mixed emotions.  Who do I root for tonight?

You root for the Wings, and go see the hypothetical game of the next hypothetical series.

Posted by Modnar from Cincinnati, OH  on  05/14  at  03:48 PM

For Disch, quick and dirty:

martywallace.jpg

Posted by Steve J from Columbus, OH  on  05/14  at  03:51 PM

Sorry people but I’m the reason they’re winning. I’m from Michigan and went to tons of games while living in Ann Arbor; the wings never lost a game I went to. Then, I moved to California and I was present at all of the losses to the Ducks (2004 & 2007) and Sharks (last year) as well as countless regular season games where the wings got pummeled. I was starting to think that I was going to have to divorce my wife (we started dating in 2004 and she was with me at the games) or move or something,but lo’ and behold, this year we found out we are expecting our first child (a boy) and that little son-of-a-well you know… is unbeatable. We went to watch the Wings pound San Jose twice this year and the ducks once… so ... you can thank my son (when he gets here) for breaking the curse I had unwittingly inflicted on the Wings.

Posted by SharkBaiter from Hades' Armpit in the outer reaches of San Jose, CA  on  05/14  at  03:53 PM

Baiter,
You at the Wings-Sharks game Jan 19th? I just about dragged some boob in a teal jersey to the parking lot to get him to shut up.SO I spilled a little beer on ya (damn sister yanked my arm when we scored and beer kinda went FLYING). I immediatley appoligized, offered compensation and all he wanted to do was call me a punk, tell me to learn to control myself, grow up… 4-5 times of that was enough. Then he said something about being a STUPID RED WINGS FAN. Put up or shut up in your girly girl teal tubby. Funny enough he was rather quiet the remainder of the game.

And all this time I was attributing our winning to me wearing the same 19 jersey and a Wings hat I’ve had for since 96.

Steve… Thats funny.

Posted by MOWingsfan19  on  05/14  at  04:59 PM

Name that ASS!

gary.jpg

Posted by TeamDub from Probably the garage, doing things I shouldn't.  on  05/14  at  05:00 PM

Priceless TD, priceless.
Congrats on that sterling gpa!!!

Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Wind-Swept-Plains  on  05/14  at  05:11 PM

Thanks, Jeff (and Baroque, Osrt, Mow.)

Not too bad considering the 15 year or so layoff and copious PBR consumption.

And I do mean copious.

See you all at the LB.

TD

Posted by TeamDub from Probably the garage, doing things I shouldn't.  on  05/14  at  05:24 PM

This piece previewing game 4 from Daryl Reaugh at the Dallas Stars Blog is brilliant:

For those of you who think all is lost and that being in an 0-3 hole to the President’s Trophy winners is insurmountable I offer you these words of discouragement to cling to:

More than any time in history (this playoffs) mankind (our Stars) faces a crossroads.

One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness (Saturday at The Joe), the other to total extinction (swept in four).

Let us pray that we (they) have the wisdom to choose correctly.

Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Wind-Swept-Plains  on  05/14  at  05:28 PM

So what will Nick do with the Campbell trophy if they win tonight?  I remember in ‘02, Stevie Y picked it up and skated straight into the locker room.

He has been instructed to bring it DIRECTLY to the alchemy car where I, along with my newly acquired ‘Morrow on a Skewer’, will finalize my previously mentioned tonic. Mr. Drake and Mr. Kronwall have been instructed to insure Mr. Morrow leaves the game early so I can squeeze the cowardice out of him on ‘the rack.’ That juice will be noxious so if the ice is a little funky in the 3rd, you know why.
I will mix all of the ingredients from the cryo-cannister (now in the baggage car next to the cats) in the Campbell cup, and my Penguin Sauce will be ready.

I still haven’t figured out how to apply the stuff yet.

Posted by Scott H from Kalamazoo  on  05/14  at  06:39 PM

I still haven’t figured out how to apply the stuff yet

Thats simple. Run it through those fancy fog machines when the opening rosters are announced.

Crush their spirits, take their soul.

Posted by Nate A from metro Detroit  on  05/14  at  07:18 PM

the refs are trying to gift wrap the game for the stars… that is the last comment about the reffing/linesman.

our grind lines had a lot of time on the ice because of the PK, which means our scoring lines are fresh.  we will dominate the third period with fresh legs, let’s get a strong second and put the choke hold on.

Posted by VooX  on  05/14  at  09:00 PM

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