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Countdown To 11

by IwoCPO on 06/02/08 at 04:53 PM ET
Comments (67)

3.5 hours.

6.5 hours.

Six years.

11 Cups.

3.5 hours? That’s how long we have to wait for this thing to start.

6.5 hours? That’s how long we have to wait for it to end.

Six years. It’s how long we’ve waited since the last one. A lifetime for my youngest daughter, one third of my career, the average amount of time a Predator fan spent in high school.

Are we allowed to talk about what we hope to see tonite? Do you feel comfortable saying it out loud, typing it, even thinking it? Nick Lidstrom skating a slow lap, shots of Ken Holland in his box--the proud architect of this frigging machine. Dallas Drake, the guy we hated for so long...now a hometown hero, lifting the Cup and giving it a shake.

Dan Cleary taking it from Drake, the reflection of that Newfie beard, a Wing for the ages. Cleary to Rafalski to Maltby to Draper to McCarty, because that’s how it should be.

From McCarty to Datsyuk, who should skate it over to Don Cherry and give him a little grin. Datsyuk to Hank to Homer, who’s body just might let him handle a few more strides after the punishment he’ll undoubtedly take. On to Kronwall, the future Norris winner. Over to Samuelsson, on to Lilja. How fitting, and only a Wing fan knows why. Over to Osgood and don’t think there won’t be a few tears shed when he lifts it again. Screw the doubters Ozzie. And that includes me. “Worst goalie to win a Cup?” Wrong bitches. Worst goalie to win two. Over to Hasek, a final skate, one more Cup before retirement. On to Chelios and an uncertain future.

Wing to Wing, lap after lap in front of a packed Joe. Legitimately packed and roaring.

Uncle Mike goes last because that’s how he’s wanted it all year. He’s defelected all the credit, all the praise, because to him it’s all about the players. On the players faces we see unbridled joy. Babcock? Relief. That’s not how it should be but it comes with the job, the expectations as Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings. Tomorrow more relief in the form of a five year deal.

Just a few of the things you could see tonite. Things you expect to see but just don’t feel comfortable writing it down.

I’ll do it for you. Because that, motherfu**ers, is how I roll.

Live Blog at 1915.

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Comments

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I want to see another post game press conference where Michelle and Gary’s Baby Boy whine some more about intereference and the closeness of the series. Because if that is what happens at the post-game presser it will mean…

Not gonna say it
Not gonna jinx it.

Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Cool and Cloudy SoCal on 06/02/08 at 04:02 PM ET

Why no Franzen Conn Smythe talk? I know he’s missed those games, but he’s stil playing out of his mind. There is no doubt that getting him back in the lineup for this series was a huge boost. I’m not sure the wings dominate like this without him there. I actually peed a little watching his goal in game 3…

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/02/08 at 04:03 PM ET

Are we allowed to talk about what we hope to see tonite? Do you feel comfortable saying it out loud, typing it, even thinking it?

I’m not even comfortable reading it. I’m still curled up in my seat at the back of the Hasek.

Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/02/08 at 04:03 PM ET

nights like these I miss being able to watch CBC/hockey night in canada coverage of the series, because you know they’ll be in the locker room with the celebration long after NBC cuts away, and espn is showing Ken Griffey striking out for the 10th at bat in a row in his quest for 600, instead of covering what matters

Posted by ghost from Wisconsin on 06/02/08 at 04:05 PM ET

I’ll do it for you. Because that, motherfu**ers, is how I roll.

That’s why you make the big $$$, Chief!

I can’t say it, hell I’m trying not to think it. No worries though, I’m picking up some hubris later today. I will even be sitting up like an adult in the Hasek tonite! I’m done with the fetal position for the rest of the season.

GO WINGS!!!!

Posted by Rumbear from The Hasek. I'll be here all day. on 06/02/08 at 04:06 PM ET

First!

Turned!

And yeah, f*ck that dude Elroy!I’ll shoot myself if they win tonite! It can be done guys!!!!11!! It’s called hope ppl. Ive not givin up!

Oops, sorry, thought this was thepensblog, my bad.

Posted by lilja4ever on 06/02/08 at 04:10 PM ET

If...IF...I really would like to see Jiri Fischer holding the Cup, just like Vladdy in ‘98. He won’t get his name on the Cup so that would be the next best thing.

Posted by Dave on 06/02/08 at 04:12 PM ET

I’m not allowing myself to think of it unless it actually happens. I’m getting nervous just reading about it!

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/02/08 at 04:14 PM ET

Anyone know of either:

A. A place in Los Angeles where Red Wings Fans gather to watch games.

B. A website that may have some info on viewing parties?

Would love to watch this one with some fellow wings fans!

Posted by A II R from Los Angeles on 06/02/08 at 04:15 PM ET

Dave - that was one of the hardest things about watching the championship video from 02 and seeing Jiri Fischer. I still can not watch 98 without tearing up.

In the Hasek, counting down the time.

LET’S GO RED WINGS!!!!!

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/02/08 at 04:17 PM ET

Oh yeah. I’ve been thinking it. Not ashamed to admit it.

Chief that heirachy of hand-offs is damn near perfect. I haven’t been able to sit still all day just thinking of what’s to come, and this post of yours hasn’t helped a bit. It’s a damn good thing 696 locks up every evening or I’d get a dozen speeding tickets on the way home from work.

Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 06/02/08 at 04:21 PM ET

Over to Samuelsson, on to Lilja

Lilja will probably hand it off to a Pittsburgh player.

And what about Hudler, Chief? Lucky shot, sure, but he got us out of Pittsburgh with a split. If he doesn’t net that goal, this series could very well be evened up right now.

Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 06/02/08 at 04:35 PM ET

I’ve been giddy and nervous all day long. Just the thought of seeing Cherry’s face as Nick, the best defenseman in the league bar none, the evil European who isn’t supposed to do what he’s about to do, hoists the Stanley Cup. That image should be captioned “Eat it” and sent right to Cherry’s home. Laminated and all. Ditto for the Mad Douche of NBC. And i’m Canadian
too. I just don’t subscribe to Cherry’s “Euros are bad” sentiment.

Then I want Ozzie to take the Cup, and skate by the goal he’s defended so valiantly and excellently all season. And just for the hell of it, have someone take a shot, and Ozzie makes the quick right pad save.

Put a phone booth in the middle of the ice, and let Pavel pose with the Cup inside it.

Then give the Cup to Hank, and just let him stand there, holding it high. (yes, I admit I can’t think of anything smart, or not smart, to reference Hank with).

Then to Kronner, and just for the hell of it, keep a Pen standing at centre, watching the trophy he’s not getting to touch without entrance to the HHOF. Then have Kronner just obliterate him, all while doing his Cup lap.

Tonight, all the laughs, tears, blood, urine, feces, it all becomes worth it, when The Red Wings of Detroit, Michigan, bring home those coveted trophy in sports.

GO WINGS. Forget pressing down the skate, behead the damn Penguins.

Posted by Alex in Cambridge, Ontario (Canada EH!) on 06/02/08 at 04:35 PM ET

I’ve kept the thoughts & hopes at bay.. but you’re pulling some strings here Chief.
Ya gave me goosebumps ferchristsakes....
Anticipation has been good so far today, not driving myself up the walls that is. Now I’m starting to get twitchy, my legs bouncing about 2,000 RPM’s… time to check out of the day job and grab a beer.
Now, one shift at a time. Win the small battles, win your shift. Keep the shifts short and roll’em over the boards.
And the comment about Oz being the worst to win is snot out the nose funny! Bitches.
Opting out of the live blog tonight, keeping the mojo from Saturday strong & refreshed.

GO WINGS.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 06/02/08 at 04:36 PM ET

Lilja will probably hand it off to a Pittsburgh player.

OUCH!

LMAO!!

Posted by Rumbear from The Hasek. I'll be here all day................... on 06/02/08 at 04:38 PM ET

“Lilja will probably hand it off to a Pittsburgh player.”

Oh that’s hilarious. Lilja will probably take a penalty during his Stanley Cup lap. If he gets to take a Stanley Cup lap tonight. Don’t want to jinx it. They still have to play very hard tonight.....nothing is a given.

Posted by TDeters on 06/02/08 at 04:39 PM ET

Oy Vey, I don’t know if I’m prepared for Stanley Cup-grade partying today. 2002 was the worst hangover I’ve ever had and I can still only barely remember Saturday night.

Go Wings!

Posted by Hippy Dave from San Francisco by way of Detroit on 06/02/08 at 04:40 PM ET

“Oy Vey, I don’t know if I’m prepared for Stanley Cup-grade partying today. 2002 was the worst hangover I’ve ever had and I can still only barely remember Saturday night.”

Ha Ha, my friend. Don’t blame the Wings for that. It was your gin martini’s at Zam Zam for the post celebration that was your hangover reckoning.

Will bring my autogrpahed Osgood puck and ugly doll “Batsyuk” to the pub for some mojo.

Posted by Puck from San Francisco, CA on 06/02/08 at 04:50 PM ET

Nice write-up Chief. My game-watching situation will not allow me to be near enough a computer to participate in the liveblog. Rest assured, I’ll be with the 19 in spirit as I watch tonight unfold.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 06/02/08 at 04:51 PM ET

You know what makes me ... well, not exactly sad, but a bit melancholy?

If Detroit wins tonight, this is the last time we’ll have a game to hash over until autumn. I’ll miss all you guys.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/02/08 at 04:55 PM ET

If...IF...I really would like to see Jiri Fischer holding the Cup, just like Vladdy in ‘98. He won’t get his name on the Cup so that would be the next best thing.

Since he works for the team as the director of player development, his name could go on the cup, right?
How many names from management and etc. go on the cup?

Posted by arelius19 from maryland… unforunately on 06/02/08 at 04:58 PM ET

I got one hour of sleep last night. I generally get up for work at 4 AM. I’ve been in this nervous sweaty-palmed sort of mania all day long, and being wise to the past it’s been nothing but thoughts that keep getting cocky in check.

I haven’t embraced the arrogance and its not in my blood to make it happen. But I couldn’t help but watch the games from the past that inspire great thoughts and memories: Game 7 in 2002 in the WCF and Game 4 in 1997 in the SCF, just to see Mac’s goal again in flowing action as it happens.

I’m ready. I’m belly up in the Hasek. I’ll be the guy slamming shots of Svedka and Pepto Bismol all night. I won’t be hard to miss.

Posted by HockeyJoe from NY on 06/02/08 at 05:00 PM ET

I haven’t embraced the arrogance and its not in my blood to make it happen. But I couldn’t help but watch the games from the past that inspire great thoughts and memories: Game 7 in 2002 in the WCF and Game 4 in 1997 in the SCF, just to see Mac’s goal again in flowing action as it happens.

Did you have a good look at Brian Engblom in the post-game interview with DMac (’97)? His hair didn’t look any better back then!

Posted by lilja4ever on 06/02/08 at 05:09 PM ET

At work in Atlanta. Will be watching though.

I’m way keyed up for this game.

Posted by Margot from Atlanta on 06/02/08 at 05:10 PM ET

Did you have a good look at Brian Engblom in the post-game interview with DMac (’97)? His hair didn’t look any better back then!

I made sure to take special note of it. Simply incredible - he should’ve been decked out in Hammer pants or a neon green t-shirt and Skidz. He belongs in an “I Love The 90s” type of show.

Posted by HockeyJoe from NY on 06/02/08 at 05:15 PM ET

Did you have a good look at Brian Engblom in the post-game interview with DMac (’97)? His hair didn’t look any better back then!

Engblom’s hair has never looked good. He and Melrose are the last hockey mullet hold outs.

Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/02/08 at 05:16 PM ET

Jesus Chief the testosterone is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Like most I’m a little superstitious to start writing those things down, but Hell that’s why I’m not the most Bodacious Red Wing Blogmeister in this whole Red Wing Nation.

Can you say 4/11 Bitches?

Bring on that Conn Smythe for the {worst! LMAO} starting goalie to win 2 Stanley Cups.

Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/02/08 at 05:25 PM ET

The Big Red Machine rolls on through tonight. Congrats, Wings. What a great year. What a great team.

Posted by PredNeck from Hicktown on 06/02/08 at 05:27 PM ET

A II R I don’t know but there’s probably more Wings fans per capita in Orange County but I don’t know the bars. The one across from the Pond (Honda Center Puke) might have some fans there.

Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/02/08 at 05:28 PM ET

To be honest, I haven’t been thinking that much about the post-game confetti of Red and White, just a little.

All I can think is: Just 1 game bitches, just 1!!
60 minutes of relentless effort.

I do have visions of Gary.Ass handing the Cup to Lidstrom, I admit it.

First things first, skate on neck, apply relentless pressure.

Pens have played well at home, in JLA—nada.
I think it is all about matchups, and the Pen don’t get them tonight!

First goal by the Wings, and the flood gates may well and truly open!!

Franzen pots the 1st goal tonite!

Ohh, and Hank gets the Conn Smythe! A SWEEP for the Swedes.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 06/02/08 at 05:31 PM ET

Rumbear LMAO, Lilja handing the Cup off to a Penguin. Ouch.

Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/02/08 at 05:31 PM ET

5 x 5 Red Wings 8, Penguins 2

Keep those whiny Bitches off the PP and they have no chance of delaying the SC celebration.

You guys are putting me in stitches. I am getting so jacked up, WTF.

Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/02/08 at 05:35 PM ET

BTW, How the F-- do you actually do a quote instead of copying and pasting?

I get the

boxes but don’t know what that means, WTF.
Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/02/08 at 05:36 PM ET

RWB...that was the brilliance of Gabriel on the Lilja line.

copy, paste, highlight then click “quote”.

Now if I ever figure out how to do fotos.....

Posted by Rumbear from The Hasek. I'll be here all day................... on 06/02/08 at 05:40 PM ET

You know what makes me ... well, not exactly sad, but a bit melancholy?

If Detroit wins tonight, this is the last time we’ll have a game to hash over until autumn. I’ll miss all you guys.

How do you think I feel?

My nickname isn’t going to make any sense at all after the summer.

Posted by lilja4ever on 06/02/08 at 05:42 PM ET

What you guys fail to understand is that it’s not a typical man/hair relationship with Engblom. Brian is more of a “host” body that the hair has attached itself to...Engblom is nothing more than a powerless life support system under the spell of the last of the desperate hockey mullets.

If Detroit wins tonight, this is the last time we’ll have a game to hash over until autumn. I’ll miss all you guys.

Same here, Baroque, but then again, there’s the draft, the free agent signing frenzy, and the inevitable drama surrounding some kid who manages to get himself into all kinds of contract problems.

But let’s say, hypothetically, that the 19 do take the summer off...I’d seriously like to say: Thanks Bill. It’s been a great season, and you’ve entertained through the whole thing. I think you need to treat yourself for a job well done...maybe go out and get a satellite dish so you’re not 5 minutes behind on the goals next year.

Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 06/02/08 at 05:42 PM ET

If...IF...I really would like to see Jiri Fischer holding the Cup, just like Vladdy in ‘98. He won’t get his name on the Cup so that would be the next best thing.

would be cool to see the Wings petition for an exception, to get his name on The Cup.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/02/08 at 05:44 PM ET

Lilja will probably hand it off to a Pittsburgh player.

LMFAO!!

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/02/08 at 05:45 PM ET

RWBill: (I think it was you, the post is kind of broken?)

Not sure if this is the right way but this is how it works for me:

* To quote, do a copy and paste of the text into the text entry box.

* Highlight the copied text that you want to quote within the text entry box.

* Press the “quote” button just above the text entry box.

Hope that helps.

Posted by lilja4ever on 06/02/08 at 05:45 PM ET

Sorry for duping rumbear, didn’t read your entry before reposting.

Posted by lilja4ever on 06/02/08 at 05:46 PM ET

@ Baroque:

If Detroit wins tonight, this is the last time we’ll have a game to hash over until autumn.

No, not really. We get to gloat for at least tomorrow, and the day of the parade! We also get to gloat at the NHL Awards show!! (we can also discuss Ken’s brilliance at the draft).

If we win tonight, and we will; we still have more time to share the joy!!

But you are right, it’ll be a strange summer without trading juvenile barbs!!

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 06/02/08 at 05:47 PM ET

Gabe, that line was fantastic, and oh so true.

Although, it’s just as likely that twinkle toes bites it at the blue line. If he harms The Cup, he’s banned from hockey forever.

Also, I don’t wanna hear none of this goodbye crap. There’s plenty of room for talk this summer. Like when we sign Sundin!...no?

Thank you’s are OK by me tho. Thanks to the Emperor for hosting, the Chief for his insights and a special place to hang out, and to the 19 for fantastic hockey banter!

Tonite, it goes to 11.

Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 06/02/08 at 05:48 PM ET

To post a picture rumbear, use the following HTML code (again, this is how I’ve done it):

Posted by lilja4ever on 06/02/08 at 05:53 PM ET

Drake has played 1097 games without hoisting Stanley—The Man is past-due!

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 06/02/08 at 05:53 PM ET

Although, it’s just as likely that twinkle toes bites it at the blue line. If he harms The Cup, he’s banned from hockey forever.

Oh holy crap. Can you imagine Lils doing to the Stanley Cup what the Chiefs did the the Memorial Cup this year??

I think I’m going to be sick…

Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 06/02/08 at 05:54 PM ET

If Detroit wins tonight, this is the last time we’ll have a game to hash over until autumn.

No, not really. We get to gloat for at least tomorrow, and the day of the parade! We also get to gloat at the NHL Awards show!! (we can also discuss Ken’s brilliance at the draft).

If we win tonight, and we will; we still have more time to share the joy!!

Knock, knock, knock.... my knuckles are going to be bloody by the end of this night. I can see it coming now.

Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/02/08 at 05:54 PM ET

If Detroit wins tonight, this is the last time we’ll have a game to HASH over until autumn.

Can’t wait to see what Andrew from A2 has to say about that choice of words…

Let’s not get all bleary eyed just yet. There’s a game to be played! And if anybody in the Hasek starts singing Kumbayah....well, I still have a nine iron and the hubris is kicking in.

My office closes in 4 minutes. Time to start the pre-game festivities.

Posted by Rumbear from The Hasek. I'll be here all day................... on 06/02/08 at 05:57 PM ET

Rumbear, {img}imageurl{/img} works too.

replace { } with square open/close brackets

Gabe, that’s exactly what I was thinking, but didn’t want to put words to it. I’d imagine it’s a bit more robust than the replica Memorial Trophy. I understand Stanley has gone through its share of dents and dings.

Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 06/02/08 at 05:58 PM ET

But let’s say, hypothetically, that the 19 do take the summer off…

Wait, this group take the summer off? The same group that has huddled together in the Hasek, cheered and bitched together, and analyzed every freaking move in detail together… somehow I don’t think we’ll be going away. Not completely anyway. Anyway, I know that this has been great fun for me. I’ve been glad to have this group of Wingnuts to get crazy with.

Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/02/08 at 05:58 PM ET

Bring on that Conn Smythe for the {worst! LMAO} starting goalie to win 2 Stanley Cups.

What RWBill said.

Tonite, it goes to 11.

What Nate said.

Here’s to a great night, and a great summer (with no more trips to Pittsburgh!!!).

GO WINGS

Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 06/02/08 at 05:59 PM ET

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