wow, that Karen Newman…

If you’re looking to watch the game online, but the Yahoo! feed is blacked out, try this.

22 secs… good job for Monty Babcock’s Flying Circus

Dammit Matt. I was reading your comment and missed Hank’s goal.  Great pass from Homer.

Evenin’ lads and lassies - a preemptive happy Thanksgiving to you all.

I smell a crushing defeat for the Blues this evening, Hank with a trick, #13 with 4 assists.

Legace cries openly for the last 12 minutes of the 3rd, Kariya is seen rocking him gently and caressing his hair during whistles.

Woops. Another power play. Evening Dub.  I sense the same thing.  In fact, I’m guessing Legace’s not in the game to start the third.

In fact, I’m guessing Legace’s not in the game to start the third.

Wouldn’t shock me in the least.

I’ve been thinking - we need a friggin’ chat room up in this joint.

Maybe I’ll create an unofficial one…

Sorry, Bill. If it makes you feel any better, I missed it too because I was walking between the computer room and the family room after posting the comment.

Oh, and a huge shout-out to my parents, who upgraded to a fatty HD flat screen TV and gave us their “old” TV, a 36” Sony Wega.

Looks great in the garage with a PBR in hand, even if it does weigh 260 pounds.

It’s a friggin’ beast, but the best non-HD picture I’ve ever seen.

Nice pickup. Weight’s still looking for his first goal.

It’d sure be nice to see Filppula get going…

Wasn’t McKee one of those guys mentioned in off-season wishlists?

Oh, and all I want for Christmas is a crushing hit on Kariya from Kronwall.

I want a clean hit to knock that little shit cold with no lasting injury.

Not so hot, Pavel. Owes Osgood a “ginger ale” for that one.

I’d like to see a little Kariya/Chelios action Dub.  I know Cheli hates that little girl but it’s been a while since he inflicted any real pain on him.

Hooo boy, that would be even better.

I just drooled a tiny bit.

Hey Dub.....I’m with your parents, trying to find a good home for a 40” Wega(250 plus pounds, floor is sagging), I don’t need any electronic devices I can’t lift!

First goal. Candy.Baby. Long night for Manny.

Why am I listening to the game on the TV in the other room while I’m typing this?

I would have failed that Chelios quiz, too.

dougie, watch it online.

Dub, if we ever have the first annual A2Y drunkfest it’s going to have to be in your garage.

Hmm, where ya live Doug? I can always use an addition to the redneck multimedia garage…

Seriously though, those Wegas have great pictures, don’t they?

Oh Chief, it’s on.

Perhaps a poker tourney on my ‘Wings poker table?

And I promise the dreaded webcam won’t make an appearance until at least 30 games in - I’m still finding my groove.

dougie, how much?

Ahh, Homer!

‘Slinger - they have great pictures, but they are ridiculously heavy. It felt more like 400 pounds, we came really, really close to dropping it.  Of course it was the night after I shredded a fingertip with a rogue phillips head bit, but still - heavy and bulky.

Holy Hair Club Rafalski… yikes.

Found this on The Checking Line, a blog written by Dwayne Klessel groupie Chris Degroat.

“Eklund is reporting that Dallas Drake has signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings.

Dally… how could you do this to us? I know the Blues bought out your contract and pretty much kicked you to the curb, but of all teams did you have to go to Detroit? Sure it’s where your career started, but for the last 5 years you’ve hated Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby. Now you share a locker room with those turtles. This is how you wanted to end your career? Oh well, even though it’s a stab right into the back of Blues fans everywhere I guess in the end it’s a good thing for the Blues. As much as we love you, I just don’t think your body has anything left. Good luck in Motown! (Well, not really)”

Dally?  Nice to see Degroat’s been reading S.E. Hinton in his spare time.

http://www.checkingline.com/2007/07/09/drake-returns-to-the-dark-side/

Wings may have problems if the refs decide to even up the penalties.  3-0

Dub, Those damn bits will getcha everytime! ‘took one on the middle finger tip just this past summer.  DeWalt brands have teeth!

yeah, I don’t think my wall could hold anything that heavy!

‘Sup all…

Homer should have had that one late or at least gotten a PP out of it. Oh well.

Just got a date with a hotty set up for Sunday so I’m happy with most things right now.

Yea, Raffy’s an early ager but I think he would make a great color commentator. He should also give hair tips to Murph…

Legace looks like he’s settled a bit. We win by one (as per usual); gwg scored by Fil.

Just submitted yet another question to Ken and Mick.  Here it is:  “Is there any truth to the rumor that Team Dub actually drinks wine spritzers in his garage?”

“dougie, watch it online.”

Thanks for the link , Matt, but I’m a Luddite on these matters. 52 inch rear projection home theater, or 17 inch laptop with cheeseoid speakers. I won’t read books on the ‘puter, either:-)

“Hmm, where ya live Doug?”

Near Raleigh, NC

“dougie, how much?”

Oh, I figure I’ll just make mention of it to my two stepsons at Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, and watch them argue about it the rest of the day!

Oh, I figure I’ll just make mention of it to my two stepsons at Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, and watch them argue about it the rest of the day!

That alone is priceless!

ANY STORE THAT IS PLAYING &$#$%^&$##@ING CHRISTMAS MUSIC ALREADY MAKES ME WANT TO JAM AN ICEPICK INTO BOTH EARS TO STOP THE “PA-RUM-PUM-PUM” BEFORE MY HEAD EXPLODES!!! THANKSGIVING ISN’T UNTIL TOMORROW FOR THE LOVE OF @#$%^^#@!!!

...Now I feel better. 

And I was only picking up some groceries because I know tomorrow is going to be insane.  I shudder to think what the malls are going to be like.

Good start so far.  I’d feel better if Detroit scores another one real quick here.

Well, Ozzy is no Hasek.  Nice SH save break!

I wonder who put the major hex on Franzen.

I suspect he’d miss an empty net from meter in front right now.

I’m guessing, based on the comments I’ve read here and elsewhere plus my observations of a few games since I’ve been back, that Brian Rafalski is not meeting the admittedly high expectations we had of him. 

Offensively, yes.  Defensively not so much.

Holy...another penalty.

Holy… another goal.  Nice one Sammy!

One goal in 14.  Stay hot Sammy.

Excuse me but can we get Raffy some lessons on how to get the puck through to the net. He constantly shoots too high or right into players.

Yay Sammy!!!!  boo hexes!

code word: 52 each --> of whom does the magic 8 ball code speak?

Anyone see who just pulled up on Kariya as he glided inside the blue line?  Dammit.  Drill his ass.

Rafalski’s no Lidstrom defensively, but who is? He’s gotten better as the season has gone on, though he’s still not great at handling turnover coverage.

He’s one of the best passers on the team, which is nice, and is steady enough in the defensive end.

their coach looks like a skeleton… I hope the man isn’t sick but my god…

Rafalski was billed as “better defensively” than Schneids - haven’t seen that myself.

Oh, and Chief? The only way I’d drink a spritzer is if Tila Tequila commanded me to.

http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/tila_tequila/series.jhtml

Yeah, it’s a guilty pleasure for the little woman and myself…

First post EVER

IWO you may remember me from the stupid title of my email to ya (A2K..A2Y...WTF...too much to drink that night..), but I’m the shmuck from Dearborn relocated to...geh...Atlanta.

LET’S GO RED WINGS!!!

woot...up two.  Can’t watch the live feed on the mac...will I boot up another machine?  No.  I have the NHL Network...who were just talking about the nonspeakablegoliefromcolaradowhoveronandosgoodbeatthesh!toutof...geh again.

To be fair, Rafalski himself said at the beginning of the season that it would take some time to fit in since he’d played his entire career and would have to adjust to a new style and new players.

At least he’s working out offensively so far, so it isn’t as though he is struggling at everything.

While we’re on the subject of streaky players, Draper hasn’t scored in the last thirteen games since potting five in Detroit’s first 7.

I stopped by the gas station and the liquor store this afternoon. That’s exactly how long it took me to get sick of Xmas songs piped in over the speakers. Bah, Humbug!

Hey, my wife just showed me how to disconnect her laptop, and use it in the other room, where the tube is. It’s called “wireless”:-) Didn’t know she had all that going on. Does this make me a geek? Geez, next thing ya know, I’ll be attending Decemberist concerts.

Samuelsson GOAL! Two words we don’t get to use in the same sentence often enough

Yeah, but it’s Kris Draper. Scoring’s generally been a bonus from him over the majority of his career. I’m more concerned with Filppula, who’s been silent most of the season and should be lighting it up.

Man, I’d love to see Drake get one tonight.  Unfortunately, he’s gradually becoming a non-factor in my opinion.

Eyesiris...welcome. I do remember that email.  I think I was drunk that night too. Imagine that.

What a play by Datsyuk there. Sheesh.

That’s exactly how long it took me to get sick of Xmas songs piped in over the speakers.

And it’s always the same lame songs over and over and over and over and over, as retailers desperately try to get people to spend more on more stuff.

Hey, my wife just showed me how to disconnect her laptop, and use it in the other room, where the tube is. It’s called “wireless”:-)

I have my laptop with me on the couch right now, but I don’t have wireless set up.  I do have a 40 foot cord to the phone jack, though. 

I hear ya, Matt - it’s becoming almost ho-hum by now.

The guy is simply amazing.

Man, I often wonder what this team would look like with #16 on the blue line still - gawd I miss that guy.

Nice save, Oz.

Imagine that indeed...glad you guys got the page working with safari...makes my life much much better (don’t have to hunt, or think for that matter...I can drunkly click anywhere now without fear of going to the schedule...!). 

Personally?  Ozzy starts come playoff time.  Didn’t trust the resigning of Dom LAST year...don’t trust him this year.  Biggest flaw in our system?...need someone better than Howard in ‘the wings’.

I think Cleary likes playing against the Blues.

I can’t think of a span of games over the course of Osgood’s career when he’s looked as confident as he does right now.  I think I may have mentioned there’s a goalie controversy in Detroit.  Yes, I’m sure I have. 

Interesting to consider what the reaction would be from the media if a sure-fire hall of fame quarterback was riding pine while a hometown favorite, but allegedly mediocre, QB was getting the majority of the starts.

Naturally, not a mention from any columnist. Not one, regarding the goalie situation.

3-0.  Manny doesn’t start the third.

Iwostradamus.

Interesting to consider what the reaction would be from the media if a sure-fire hall of fame quarterback was riding pine while a hometown favorite, but allegedly mediocre, QB was getting the majority of the starts.

They probably wouldn’t say anything because they would be asking why the best recievers on the team aren’t being used more often and the quarterback keeps throwing to guys too short to catch a pass when the opponent is close by and thus there is an interception.

About the goalie ‘controvery:

Osgood: will return to steady, but unspectacular play by mid-January.

Hasek: will suddenly recover from middle-age performance issues, start standing on his head, delivering one incredible performance after another, leading the Wings deep into the playoffs.
Behind the scenes scuttlebutt will whisper about performance enhancing drugs. Yes, Hasek will discover “Goalagra”!

Baroque, you just hit the nail on the head on that one!  Nice!

Baroque...I’ll agree with that.

Nice pass, Hank…

And I know very, very little about football (my brothers and brother-in-law are the fans of that sport), so if I notice something you know it’s obvious.

3-0 after two periods.  They better not cough up the lead this time.

Oh No Baroque, that was a thought you should have kept to yourself.  Might just as well have mentioned a shutout.

I didn’t say it out loud, so they can’t hear me.  Besides, I have my second-luckiest earring on.  I fear no jinxes! 

Good one Gramps! 

When do you use your luckiest earrings?

Legace ate only water, vegetables and coffee?

Eh?

He’s added ice cold RUBBER to that diet tonight

Lost my most-lucky earring before the three-game losing streak.  :(

Still looking, though.  I’m sure it will turn up by the playoffs.  There are only so many places a piece of silver jewelry can hide--and I like pretty flashy substantial pieces, too, so I’m sure I’ll find it.

BTW, Glad to see you survived your paper-writing marathon experience, Matt.

No ill effects, I trust?

Looks like Downey and Ellis will see some more ice, with Kopecky down with a shoulder injury.

Gotta, grudgingly, give the Martyr some credit tonight.  He’s been steady and none of the goals have been soft.

Kopecky out for the night. Shoulder. Not good.

Kopecky out with a shoulder injury…

You need to find those earrings, Baroque! 

Random thought on Flip - he’s trying to be Datsyuk-lite.

He needs to play a little simpler game, not fall down so much, not cough up the puck so much and try a more straightforward game.

Does he have some nascent Datsyukian skills?

Yes.

Is he ready to implement them as #13 does?

Obviously not.

Great, collarbone boy is out with a shoulder injury… bring in Ellis, please.

I’m with cementslinger. You have to find those things!

Yeah, I survived. I do have to go in front of four English profs to “defend” it Thursday, though. Not looking forward to that.

murray must have really pissed the refs off, that was the 2nd weakest call of the night.

I remember Ozzy back in the late 90’s..Wizard of Oz...Good stuff really.  Anyone can argue the 97-98 just the same as ‘02...we could have won it with whoever in goal.  There was emotion...a need to get it again for Vladdy and the other guys in the limo.  It was a need to do it again for them. 

We should all really bombard Ross McKeon for his article on yahoo back at November 1st for...well...his stupidity…

“Captain Steve Yzerman, Igor Larionov, Nicklas Lidstrom, Brendan Shanahan, Sergei Fedorov, Larry Murphy, Mike Vernon and Vladimir Konstantinov were the headliners for the first Wings title since 1955.....

The team was so good it won again the following spring by sweeping Washington, and all of those names, minus Vernon, remained on the roster.”

Discuss.  Please.

Oh, Cheli gets a goal tonight.

Kronwall needs to shoot that biscuit.

I’m looking!

(Although I claim no power over injuries.  I save the voodoo dolls for the playoffs.)

I may try another lucky charm, though.  I went to an art fair this past weekend, and one of the artists was a master carver of fossil ivory from Oscoda.  He had several pendants of the Red Wings logo carved in fossil ivory--very, very cool.  Fortunately I snagged one of his business cards.

Not to be a comment hog, but I’d say Ozzie is bolstering his case tonight, despite facing a paucity of shots.

G*d love that doughy-faced bastige.

Only time Tkachuk’s name has been called all night.

Glad it was only Lebda’s nose.

As if my fiance didn’t hate Tkachuk enough already....

Only time Tkachuk’s name has been called all night.

Not quite true.  He was mentioned when he was annoyed and shoving Dan Cleary earlier.

Try not to correct me too much Baroque. It makes me sad.

Sorry.  I don’t mean to make you sad.  :(

I’ll try to restrain myself in the future.

“The Blues with 3 Johnsons on their team...”

Yeah, I do detect some estrogen on that squad…

On Filpulla trying to be like Dats:  I’ve been thinking the same thing for a while now. I’m not sure what the idea is or what he is being told to do but he certainly seems to be trying to model himself in that mold.

The kid is what 21? I could see him developing into a very dynamic talent.

Wow...he just did some splicing there.

Hudler has had a strong game, I think.

Unbelievably that Franzen didn’t score with some of the chances he’s had tonight.

Great game, awesome puck control.  Baroque, I guess not saying it outloud is like keeping it to yourself.

sad...SAD...IWO...are you out of cheese again.

The “Benefactor” with his 44th career shutout. Trails only Brodeur and Hasek for active goalies in shutouts.  Nice work… ‘bout time.

Agreed on Franzen.  He’s way past due.  I’m hitting the rack. Happy Thanksgiving all.

Cool; congrats to Ozzie. Make Dom drink his sweat and imbibe some of that shutout goodness.

mmmm....

Everybody enjoy the turkey tomorrow...and may your relatives not act like turkeys themselves.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wish me luck getting 20 non-hockey fans fed and outta the house before the puck drops tomorrow night!