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 OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 05/14/08 at 07:09 AM ET

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. 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/14/08 at 07:17 AM ET

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 from England on 05/14/08 at 07:28 AM ET

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!

Posted by Matt from Tennessee on 05/14/08 at 07:30 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 07:41 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 07:44 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 07:45 AM ET

“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 05/14/08 at 07:53 AM ET

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

Count me in. Big time.

Posted by Nathan from Jonny Ericsson's ice cream truck on 05/14/08 at 07:57 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 08:12 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 08:24 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 08:34 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 08:35 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:03 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:03 AM ET

ARREOLA!!

Posted by Matt from Chicago on 05/14/08 at 09:05 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:12 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:27 AM ET

Chief,

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

No pressure.

Posted by MacPhisto on 05/14/08 at 09:32 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:38 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:46 AM ET

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 he’s just a plain old liability!!

Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI on 05/14/08 at 09:50 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:51 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 09:59 AM ET

“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....

Posted by w2j2 on 05/14/08 at 10:07 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:11 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:12 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:18 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:30 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:31 AM ET

No grownups allowed?

I’ll miss you guys...*sniff*

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/14/08 at 10:33 AM ET

No more talking about names on Cups.  Please.

Posted by disch from bat country on 05/14/08 at 10:35 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:36 AM ET

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.

Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 05/14/08 at 10:41 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:45 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 10:58 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 11:07 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 11:12 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 11:14 AM ET

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.

Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI on 05/14/08 at 11:16 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 11:22 AM ET

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.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 05/14/08 at 11:29 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 11:37 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 11:46 AM ET

he’s not playing tonight.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 05/14/08 at 11:54 AM ET

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 Hockey Hell from COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE on 05/14/08 at 11:56 AM ET

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 Hockey Hell from COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE on 05/14/08 at 11:58 AM ET

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 05/14/08 at 12:00 PM ET

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 Hockey Hell from COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE on 05/14/08 at 12:09 PM ET

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 05/14/08 at 12:15 PM ET