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Beating Bubba: Keys To Game 3
by IwoCPO on 04/14/08 at 09:10 AM ET
Comments (28)
Paul McCann’s a radio guy for Bubba. Where can you hear him? Not sure. But he’s on the radio somewhere. And somewhere Bubba’s listening.
We know the idiot sisters (Crisp and Weber) do the actual game broadcast, so maybe McCann’s an intermission fella. Not sure. Why do we care? Because he’s apparently leading a “Pred Nation Pep Rally” outside the SoGay tonite.
Many questions stem from that. The first should be: Obviously you have more to say about McCann, but you know you’re not gonna link to him because he blogs for the Wedding Singer.
You’re right. Typically, I don’t link to Klessel but today I’ll make an exception because I believe some of you may want to comment over there. Now, take that with some salt, because I don’t know if you’ll have to provide your credit card info in order to type.
Second question, and we’ll get to that link…have patience….“Pred Nation”? Really? Can someone tell me that anyone traveling to the game tonite from a distance greater than 50 miles isn’t a Wing fan? Ok. 100 miles. “Pred Nation”, I’m guessing, pretty much ends at the Nashville city limits. Good call Gary. Nice foresight. Ass.
Here’s the real reason I mention McCann, though. Check this out, from his latest blog over at the Grey Eyed Glances home page.
Two consecutive games where the officials have gotten in the way of the game. I was upset at the waive off of the Radulov goal… more upset at the blown offsides call on Detroit’s third goal… Perhaps we need to have a Hockey 101 for these linesmen…
Again… the Preds need to overcome these types of things… however you do begin to wonder…
“You do begin to wonder…” Oh, ok. So, without saying it outright, are we talking conspiracy here? Is this guy honestly even hinting at it? Have the refs sucked? Yep. League wide? Oh yes. It’s an epidemic, in my opinion. But is there some sort of NBC/Versus/Little Gary insidious plot to stack the deck in Detroit’s favor? C’mon.
Good point from YzermanZetterberg this morning.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but Nashville’s first, fluke goal was scored on what should have been a Red Wings power play. Arnott clearly hooked Hasek’s leg, yet the ref somehow translated that to “holding the stick” on Hasek.
Also, am I alone in waiting for the NHL to announce David Poile’s fine for saying the refs and supervisor of officiating are not making the right calls? Or are they just going to deduct it directly from Nashville’s profit sharing amount next season?
I’ve looked at Zetterberg’s goal more than a few times and I do think the play was offsides. I also think the waved-off goal on Saturday should have counted for Bubba. I also know for a fact the Wings have been bent over more times than they’ve benefitted from the officiating the last two years. If McCann thinks the refs have been directed to give the Wings an edge, he should say so and take the abuse that comes with an idiotic statement like that.
But this? “you do begin to wonder…” Not only is he an idiot, but he’s a gutless one.
And that leads us to the keys for Game 3.
Yep. The refs. If they feel they’ve made mistakes, or if the league has brought mistakes to their attention, you better believe that whistle’s gonna be quick tonite in Bubba’s favor. I’m betting multiple goalie interference calls on Homer or Franzen and even more garbage dealing with Hasek. Wings will be on the PK much more than the power play tonite. Guaranteed.
I think I’ve written this for every road playoff game since this blog began back in 1977. Withstand the emotion of the first period, or just the first ten minutes. The cousins filling most of the SoGay will be loud and Bubba will be pumped. Wings make it out of the first tied or even down 1 and the rest will take care of itself. Lidstrom, Rafalski, the circus, Drake, McCarty, Chelios…all are used to the kind of pressure they’ll find themselves under at the outset. Not a concern. Hudler, Kronwall and most definitely Lilja? I worry about their reaction. Stuart came here with a whispered reputation of a slight weakness when the temp’s turned up. We’ll see tonite. But even the players I specifically mention haven’t rendered me fetal.
Overall this is a veteran, poised team. Crowd noise and amped Predators aren’t going to shake them too much.
Splitting up the Circus. Is that the plan? Uncle Mike’s not really saying. Last change to Trotz tonite. My opinion? Change nothing. So Trotz throws another line out there against Zetterberg/Datsyuk/Homer? Who’s going to stop them? What scheme has worked this year against that healthy line? Not one. Whoever Bubba tosses out there is in trouble.
As far as stifling their top line of Dumont/Arnott/Hlavac? Which line of ours would they have a legitimate upper hand against? Maybe the fourth because it’s the slowest, but Drake’s been playing shutdown-type defense on the kill and I don’t see that changing. Hartigan has even looked effective.
If Bubba’s top line goes off tonite (defined: gets on the scoresheet at all), it won’t be because of the forward matchups. If Trotz can somehow get his boys out there against our third D pairing, that may be an issue. The only issue, and even that is a slight one.
So my hope is that Babcock says pretty much this: “Force me to change it up. Prove to me I have to, Barry.” I don’t think Trotz can.
Watch out Danny. Homer’s feeling more like Homer and a healthy Homer is no fun for you. Ellis already cracked to the media once, and if he’s saying this to them, you know he’s got 96 in his head.
“He does his job really well,” Ellis admitted. “But he bumped into me. I didn’t know you were allowed to do that.”
That’s from Wojo’s column this morning. In case you hadn’t noticed, he’s covering the Wings now. You know, because it’s the playoffs and all that.
So Homer’s in Ellis’ head. One more night of bonding just may send the young man completely over the edge. But, it’s more than the net-front presence Holmstrom’s bringing to the mix. He’s blasting Bubba in the corners. From the first shift onward Saturday, he was the most violent Wing. I have a pretty good feeling we’ll be seeing Calgary next round and, brother, they’re hitting the hell out of San Jose. We may not need it now, but next round an escalation of violence may be required. Homer’s setting the example now, so is Drake. Just like last year, it may catch on quickly…if necessary.
Ok. Tootoo. It may be time. He’s feeling his oats a bit and it’s likely to catch on. He’s agitating, which was expected. But he’s also scoring, which wasn’t. Thankfully, he’s the only one showing any offensive flair at all. But, like the agitation, it may catch on. Time to put a stop to it, painfully if possible. Easy for me to say, though. Up to McCarty or Drake, and I’m thinking Kronwall. A fight? Not necessarily, but a big-time hit. A little reminder if he happens to stray over the middle.
The Stress Train has grown quiet, and that’s not all bad. If we had our choice, we’d stay off that motherfu**er. It may be fun for a while, but overall? It just plain sucks, just like the playoffs. Now? Up 2-0? Quiet. But, still moving, meandering through the country side, taunting us. Waiting for an injury, a loss, or the situation the Train was invented for: overtime.
I mention OT because I feel it coming tonite, and I’m a pretty smart guy.
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Comments
I’d love to see the Wings gut out a win tonight without any breaks, just to shut people like McCann, Trotz, and Poile up.
On the other hand, I think these playoff rookies need to have a few more lessons in what happens in the post-seaason. Breaks one way or the other are part of the game.
Both of the major disputed calls were within human error, as a reasonable person would admit. Unfortunate, but not the reason the Predators lost either game.
It’s funny. I haven’t seen much from the Predator players themselves about these breaks.
As for that holding the stick call on Hasek, I think the refs saw him knock Arnott’s stick out of his face and extrapolated that to a hold. Whatever. At worst it should have been offsetting penalties with the Arnott trip.
Posted by Matt Saler from Grand Rapids, MI on 04/14/08 at 10:05 AM ET
So if the Sharks fold in the first round will they forever be labeled first round chokers? Just askin’....
As for me, I’m hoping the Wings just hang in there for the first ten minutes and ride that wave and then bring the hammer down. I want to seem them play like they did in the third period on Saturday. Just no injuries, please!
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 04/14/08 at 10:07 AM ET
Chief, yesterday I agreed with you about the Bubba no-goal, but the other 18 A2Y fans convinced me otherwise.
First point that Paul (from Miami) chronicles well with screen caps is that the net was definitively ajar when the puck crossed the line. Yes, the net didn’t appear completely off the pegs, but between room for interpretation that the rule book leaves, the video evidence, and the fact that the call on the ice was no-goal, the league would’ve been hard-pressed to rule that a goal.
The second point was that if Homer’s goal should’ve been disallowed for his position in the blue (though not preventing Ellis from squaring up to Lidstrom), then it’s obvious that the no-goal was correctly ruled a no-goal, as Bonk was balls deep in the crease (sorry, had to go with the most juvenile saying possible, it’s the A2Y way) when the puck crossed the line.
So, any way you shake it, the Wings win that game. 4-2, 3-2, 4-3. Whatever. Pick one.
Speaking of next round, the dream scenario would be the Sharks come back and win in 7, and the Wild beat the Avs. Then we get our bitches, Bubba Sr.
Posted by Nathan on 04/14/08 at 10:15 AM ET
Wow, the Sharks folded like an Arab tent last night!
What a surprise! 
If both the Ducks and the Sharks get eliminated in the first round, the Western conference countryside is going to look a little different….
Posted by w2j2 on 04/14/08 at 10:19 AM ET
The boys have got to keep their heads up tonight. Bubba plays dirtier at home than they do on the road. I think they’re expecting a really physical game, but Tootoo gets cheap when he plays at home. We haven’t seen the worst of him yet, I bet tonight the real prick in him comes out. I agree with Chief, we’ll be getting hosed on calls from the 4 blind mice tonight. I still expect a split of these next 2 games, which would be fine, but not preferred of course.
Posted by Chris from Columbia, Tennessee on 04/14/08 at 10:24 AM ET
Chief—
Thanks for mentioning my comment. I’m still trying to decide whether it’s a good thing or not, seeing how it’s in a post dealing with one of the merry men associated with hockey’s twisted version of Robin Hood (takes from the fans and gives to himself).
I’m guessing there will be a big turnout for the pep rally, but am somewhat concerned for McCann’s safety when Bubba realizes it’s “Pred Nation” and not “Preg-Nation” he’s yammering about.
Speaking of Mr. McCann, I used to be fond of his footwear when I was a child. Now that I—like you—am an “adult,” not so much so.
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 04/14/08 at 10:27 AM ET
You know, if Trotz and Poile turned some of this criticism on their own players, they may actually motivate bums like Arnott and Dumont to improve their play. As it is, the Pred “captain” and JP have no motivation to improve because they think they’re playing fine.
On the topic of complaining about officiating, the Wings aren’t going out of their way to complain about the Predators’ penchant for charging and high hits, are they? It’s called class, Nashville.
Posted by Matt Saler from Grand Rapids, MI on 04/14/08 at 10:45 AM ET
As far as Tootoo being a cheap shot, “The Mick” brought that up a couple of years ago. He referred to Tootoo as someone that was put on the ice just to run at guys. Now I know he has scored but he is still a goon. Slogan time. “BRING IT ON!” Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 04/14/08 at 11:14 AM ET
and I’m a pretty smart guy.
. . . I knew you would end things with a laugh and you came through. Nicely done. All Hail Highly Knowledgeable Wings Fans!!!
Posted by PredNeck from Hicktown on 04/14/08 at 11:17 AM ET
If both the Ducks and the Sharks get eliminated in the first round, the Western conference countryside is going to look a little different….
I really hope this happens, and not only because I don’t enjoy throwing up. No, I want to see Cherry, Mullet, D Canoe, and all the rest eat their words…with an Octopus on the side.
As someone already said, Calgary is putting a beating on San Jose. Cujo looked very good––I’m happy for him after his troubles here.
I can’t believe Thorton though; where does he go? Where is the ramp up? Do some lines before the game Joe and wake the f*** up!
I call Kronwall & Cleary to punish 2-2. No fighting necessary, just a replay of Cleary’s bowling over Pee-ion!!
Also, did anyone see Avery “screening” Brodeur last night? What a effin clown.
Posted by Osrt on 04/14/08 at 11:24 AM ET
Now I know he has scored but he is still a goon.
That’t the kind of thing that makes me mad at coaches. He clearly has some talent, no one doubts that he works hard - instead of using him a nothing more than a goon, why not try helping him become a more effective hockey player?
They might be surprised at how much more he could help the team to win games.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/14/08 at 11:25 AM ET
. . . I knew you would end things with a laugh and you came through.
Umm…do you know what ironic distance or self-effacement means? Can you detect sarcastic mockery?
Didn’t think so…
He no meen it…no real…he make haha at himself…
Posted by Osrt on 04/14/08 at 11:30 AM ET
Joseph did look excellent - Kelly Hrudey even thought Keenan should give serious thought to starting him the next game, since he is obviously no stranger to the playoffs and Kiprusoff looked so abominably bad.
Also, did anyone see Avery “screening” Brodeur last night? What a effin clown.
Just a couple clips afterwards - I was watching Montreal - Boston for the most part. Tim Thomas was incredible.
Sean Avery shares most of his genome with a Madagascar hissing cockroach. I was waiting for him to catch a puck right in the back of his knee and collapse (maybe like the San Jose Sharks in the playoffs). I don’t normally wish injury on anyone, but it would serve him right for turning his back on the puck when he knew perfectly well it would be coming in his direction! Didn’t he learn anything from poor Thoreson on Philly?
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/14/08 at 11:31 AM ET
My dad always told me the best way to deal with a bully is to walk right up to him and punch him in the mouth. I tried that once in the sixth grade and got my ass knocked sideways.
Still, it’s what I’d like to see the Wings do tonight—take it to them physically right from the get go. (Not just against 22, either). Homer, Franzen, Cleary, McCarty, Drake, Stuart, Kronwall. Yeah, them.
Tootoo gets cheap when he plays at home. We haven’t seen the worst of him yet, I bet tonight the real prick in him comes out.
Like my dad use to always say, ‘You can’t change what you can’t change.’ Not a deep-thinker, Dad. But the point stands. Too-too is who he is. He’ll only burrow under your skin, getting him off your game, if you let him.
Posted by O-Joe on 04/14/08 at 11:32 AM ET
*you, not him…
Posted by O-Joe on 04/14/08 at 11:33 AM ET
Chief said:
Withstand the emotion of the first period, or just the first ten minutes. The cousins filling most of the SoGay will be loud and Bubba will be pumped. Wings make it out of the first tied or even down 1 and the rest will take care of itself.
I agree completely. BUBBA MUST WIN TONITE, they know it, the Wings know it.
In both previous games, the Wings haven’t looked good in the 1st. Wings have owned the 2 and 3rd periods.
In Game One:
SHOTS ON GOAL
1st 2nd 3rd T
Nashville 11 6 3 20
Detroit 10 17 13 40
In Game Two:
SHOTS 1 2 3 T
Nashville 15 5 7 27
Detroit 11 14 13 38
If the Wings weather the storm in the first period—all will be well.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 04/14/08 at 11:46 AM ET
That’t the kind of thing that makes me mad at coaches. He clearly has some talent, no one doubts that he works hard - instead of using him a nothing more than a goon, why not try helping him become a more effective hockey player?
They might be surprised at how much more he could help the team to win games.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/14 at 12:25 PM
I’ve read a few quotes this season from Trotz saying that he’s “talked to” Tootoo about playing hockey more and running around less. Hate to admit it, but it looks like it’s working. Well, at least in the sense that his points are up…he still finds plenty of time to run around like an idiot—charging people and not controlling his stick.
RE: Avery—Since McCarty has given up “Grinder” to focus on hockey, maybe Sean can take over as the league’s resident rock star in-training. The name of his band? “Tool,” of course! 
RE: Cujo—He did play an awesome game, controlling rebounds and constantly slowing things down to help prevent the Sharks from gaining back momentum. I think Keenan has to come back with Kipper for game 4, though. Game 5 and beyond remain to be seen, however. And remember, Cujo has always seemed to perform better as an underdog.
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 04/14/08 at 11:55 AM ET
I think Keenan has to come back with Kipper for game 4, though.
Undoubtedly. It’s nice to know you have CuJo as a safety net(!) though.
Posted by Osrt on 04/14/08 at 12:12 PM ET
Hate to admit it, but it looks like it’s working. Well, at least in the sense that his points are up…he still finds plenty of time to run around like an idiot—charging people and not controlling his stick.
I have no problem with that. The more hockey players who concentrate on actually playing hockey the better play will be league-wide - and the more entertaining the game will be to watch.
I think Keenan has to come back with Kipper for game 4, though.
Agreed. Without him they wouldn’t have made the playoffs at all, and he is the present and future in goal for them. Cujo is an excellent veteran backup.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/14/08 at 12:15 PM ET
You do not sit your #1 after a bad start unless you are Bryan Murray. It has nothing to do with how competent your back-up is. It is just not done.
You risk destroying his confidence and losing the respect of all your vets in the locker room.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 04/14/08 at 01:39 PM ET
I don’t buy into the conspiracy talk but from where we are sitting it has been incredibly frustrating. I understand that this is a game of bounces…I just want a few to go our way tonight (and not off our D-man’s skate into our net like game two!).
Should be a good tilt tonight…The place should be loud and I expect the first period to be the fastest, most physical we have seen yet.
Posted by PredJoe from Nashville on 04/14/08 at 03:50 PM ET
PredJoe,
Had it not been for a massively wrong penalty call (on Hasek instead of Arnott) and a wacky bounce off the end boards, the game would’ve been even more lopsided.
Yes, Detroit has had the better of the breaks, but the Preds have had a fair share, and haven’t made them count.
We all expect that they will get more than a few phantom calls tonight, so we’ll see if they take advantage.
Posted by Nathan on 04/14/08 at 03:59 PM ET
(and not off our D-man’s skate into our net like game two!).
Maybe your D-man will keep his mouth shut tonight, because, as is often said, Miss Karma is a bitch.
I believe the exact words were, “Hah, Hasek, you old {bleeb}. Five-hole! Five-hole!”
Posted by O-Joe on 04/14/08 at 04:15 PM ET
The first period should be an all cylinders firing type of period. I can’t wait for it. Hopefully the yahoos at Old Chicagos will let me watch it before I head over to the Can to be bored to death by the brand of hockey the Wild play.
Leave it to Avery to be the talk of the playoffs. What a tool!
Praying that Hasek stays in his net tonight. Please, I need at least one strand of hair that is still the regular color before he turned the rest of them gray!
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 04/14/08 at 05:06 PM ET
Miley, Billy Ray Cyrus to Host and Perform at Monday’s CMT Awards
Them Pred’s fans have sure got some decisions to make!
Time for the Wings to step it up and bury some demons!
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 04/14/08 at 05:30 PM ET
hockeychic sez….“Leave it to Avery to be the talk of the playoffs. What a tool!”
Personally, I wish the guy was a Red Wing again. Sure, that stunt with Brodeur was stupid, but admit it, it made you laugh, didn’t it? Just a little?
I always liked hot dogs, and that one knee sliding fist pump served up after a goal to the opposing teams fanbase just works for me.
My only criticism of him is that a man of his means shouldn’t be hiring cheap hookers.
Posted by dougie on 04/14/08 at 05:32 PM ET
Am I the only one to catch the Sens/Pens game’s intro involuntary This is Sparta moment? Hilarious.
Posted by lilja4ever on 04/14/08 at 06:12 PM ET
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OMG, we are, like, so going to get our asses kicked tonight. lol.
No, not on the scoreboard. I’m talking out on the ice. Bubba’s pissed and he’s going to go all Cory Sarich on us. You watch. There will be blood.
Maybe Uncle Mike should run the Black Aces out there to good-naturedly absorb the donkey punches like the proverbial ugly chick after the frat party. Let Bubba get the anger out of his system on the JV, then come back with the Varsity in Game 4 and bury them. Heading to the Joe healthy with a 3-1 series lead is just fine by me.
I keeed, of course. We ain’t no Little Paulies. Bring it, Bubba.
“You gonna do something, or just stand there and bleed?”
Posted by O-Joe on 04/14/08 at 09:51 AM ET