F the Pens.

Gutless, cheap pussies.

Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/12/09 at 09:57 PM ET

Thanks, Chief.
Thanks, A2Y 19.

Let’s get ready to get it back next year.

To lose to the better team on any given night is honorable;
to give up and defeat yourself is a shame.
Our Detroit Red Wings did not give up.

Better days ahead, gang.

g’nite

Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 06/12/09 at 09:57 PM ET

Well… The summer is going to be easier

After all, there absolutely no f-ing way Holland will sign Marian Houdini Hossa, even as the joe’s janitor

The worst part was knowing that (not watching) Sidney Crosby Bettman lifted our Cup as a “limping hero”... This travesty of a captain will ridiculously take #19’s place as the league’s most time as a captain… That is pathetic..

Go Wings, always

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 06/12/09 at 10:01 PM ET

Unbelievable series, boys…. The Wings continued to fight to the very end…..

Posted by Tony F from Virginia Beach, VA on 06/12/09 at 10:01 PM ET

Now that’s classy.  Awesome stuff, Chief.

I’m not there yet.  I went down with the team, and I’m still down.  Pittsburgh won, yes.  They may have won on the “movie star status” principle, but they won.  I still don’t think the best team won.

But it doesn’t matter what I think.  But no one’s gonna change my mind.  I’ll take the loss like a man, proud of my team.  I’m proud of them for fighting to the end.  I’m proud of the way every skater stepped up when others went down.  I’m proud of them fighting through the blatant no-calls of the past two games.  I’m proud of them for the last gasp push at then end. 

It’s been awesome rooting for them.  I still am.  I love the character in that dressing room.  I’m happy to be a Wings fan tonight. 

And I still love life, precisely because life is more than hockey.  The Wings will bounce back.  Even they can’t win them all.

And they still have earned the right to be called a dynasty.  They are not on the decline.  Mark it down.

Posted by ludmeister from Kentucky on 06/12/09 at 10:03 PM ET

I’ll just leave it at this.

It’s a privilege every year to watch the Wings and this year was no different.  Very disappointing but still very proud of the boys.

Good series by the Pens as well, much deserved.

Posted by Heaton on 06/12/09 at 10:04 PM ET

Congratulations Pens fans. Your team definitely deserved to win this series. They earned it.

Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 06/12/09 at 10:04 PM ET

I gave the Penguins their credit in the liveblog.  I gave the Penguins their credit at the Pensblog.  I’ll start here by giving them credit again.

That said.  F*ck every last one of them.  F*ck this league. 

That said.  I was saving this up for after the playoffs and it still needs to be said.  Chris Osgood, I am sorry.  I was one of the people who said Ty Conklin should have been our playoff starter.  I was dead wrong.  Chris Osgood, I will never doubt you again.  You are my goalie..

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 06/12/09 at 10:05 PM ET

TeamDub… How does it feel to get your hat handed to you by a bunch of gutless cheap pussies?? Aren’t you speaking of Nossa and your so called stars Datsyuk and Zetterberg?? How many goals did they score ???

Posted by Pensin6 on 06/12/09 at 10:05 PM ET

I’m real curious about Sid’s injury…I wonder if it’s anything like Bo Jackson’s….

Posted by thethirdcoast from Rottenchester on 06/12/09 at 10:06 PM ET

Congratulations Pens fans. Your team definitely deserved to win this series. They earned it.

puke.

Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/12/09 at 10:06 PM ET

I just couldn’t understand with the game on the line, why doesn’t Babcock play Zetts and datsyuk on the PP together? May not have made a difference, but its a very confusing decision.

Posted by mormerod19 on 06/12/09 at 10:06 PM ET

Congrats, Tony.

Well done, Chief.

Posted by Bella on 06/12/09 at 10:09 PM ET

Said the great philosopher Jagger: You can’t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you’ll get what you need

Marian Houdini Hossa wanted a ride to the Cup. He thought carpooling to the Stanley with Nick, Pav and Hank was enough.

Well, he tried so hard to be invisible… He did it! And that loss was just what he needed… Now he has two paths to choose: battle hard to earn his trophy; or get rich with a fat contract.

Either way, out of Detroit, out of Hockeytown, out of where it matters the most, out of the place that embraced lunatic brazilians like myself.

Hossa, I liked you. Now I thank you for the regular-season goals, for the Game 4 outbursts pre-Finals, but now I just want to thank you for going away. Thanks, man. Good night and good luck.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 06/12/09 at 10:09 PM ET

Congratulations to the Penguins.

The Wings were worn out.  They lost every race for the puck.

The Stanley Cup hangover finally caught up with them.

But the Wings gave it one hell of a run!

Kudos on a great season, Red Wings!

Posted by w2j2 on 06/12/09 at 10:10 PM ET

Definitely congrats to the Pens.

And as I said as the final post in the live blog, I’m also looking forward to every team in the league going after them because they’re the champs. Welcome to Hell.

I haven’t wanted Hossa since the beginning because it would cost too much; he’s not the reason we lost, but regular season success doesn’t mean much in Detroit Hockey. We’ll see what happens, but a resigning seems unlikely.

Posted by Osrt on 06/12/09 at 10:10 PM ET

TeamDub… How does it feel to get your hat handed to you by a bunch of gutless cheap pussies?? Aren’t you speaking of Nossa and your so called stars Datsyuk and Zetterberg?? How many goals did they score ???

Posted by Pensin6 on 06/12/09 at 11:05 PM ET

You *#$%@& off.  This is the handshake line. Show some manners.

I don’t care how the season ended right now - this team fought through all the injuries and all the bullshit and never gave up.  No matter how much I’m crying right now, I could not be prouder of them.  And they will be back.  No doubt about it.  Decline, my ass.

I can’t wait to see what Helm does when he gets more regular season games than playoff games for a change.  I can’t wait to see Ericsson when he has more experience under his belt.  I can’t wait to see Datsyuk again once his foot is fully healed.  I can’t wait to see this team open in Sweden in front of their other home fans.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/12/09 at 10:13 PM ET

What a great series.  Thanks Wings and their fans!  We’ll see you next June! 

I apologize for all the trolls who come in here.  It would be awesome to get a Penguins/Red Wings stanley cup 3 years in a row.  It’s only fitting, as they are the two best teams in the league.

Posted by TheTaxidermist on 06/12/09 at 10:13 PM ET

Pretty funny how Craig Simpsons comments about the whistles in the pockets got shuttup as fast as it was spewed… Same for Milbury’s , Keith Jones, Darren Pangs….  what a joke, people will have sid shoved so far down their throat that everyone will hate pitt

Posted by yzerman19 from Nashville on 06/12/09 at 10:14 PM ET

hey guys,

pens fan here, now i know how you guys felt last year.

your team played well, but no well enough. congrats. you guys were great, and made the victory all the more sweet because the pens can know they won beating the best opponent they possibly could. i know you will still feel bad but you should be happy with the season you have had it has been great and i hope i would be feeling the same way if my pens team lost.

While i do love the fact that the wings were worthy opponents, i love it even more with hossa’s decision. i guess in the end it worked out better for us.

learn from the conklin curse, no team with conklin on it has ever won a cup 2006 oilers 2008 pens 2009 wings

see you next year

Posted by lemay1945 on 06/12/09 at 10:14 PM ET

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Posted by GirlOfWinter from HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS on 06/12/09 at 10:14 PM ET

And as I said as the final post in the live blog, I’m also looking forward to every team in the league going after them because they’re the champs. Welcome to Hell.

Heh.  We’ll see how that goes.  Hell, indeed - in that case, they really need to keep Satan.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/12/09 at 10:15 PM ET

The Malkin non-suspension.

The too any men forever.

The Talbot slash on Datsyuk’s obviously injured foot.

The numerous attempts to injure and crosschecks to the head.

F the NHL,

F the pens,

Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/12/09 at 10:15 PM ET

I can’t wait to see what Helm does when he gets more regular season games than playoff games for a change.  I can’t wait to see Ericsson when he has more experience under his belt.  I can’t wait to see Datsyuk again once his foot is fully healed.  I can’t wait to see this team open in Sweden in front of their other home fans.

Agreed. The future is very bright, with our without Hossa, and this fantastic, Dynastic team will indeed bounce back and with renewed hunger.

p.s. Hossa is starting to look like poison to a team’s Cup chances. A loser two years in a row is a rough.

Posted by Osrt on 06/12/09 at 10:17 PM ET

The Malkin non-suspension.

The too any men forever.

The Talbot slash on Datsyuk’s obviously injured foot.

The numerous attempts to injure and crosschecks to the head.

F the NHL,

F the pens,

Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/12/09 at 11:15 PM ET

Don’t worry, Dub - they will have a target on their backs next year like they haven’t had to cope with before.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/12/09 at 10:17 PM ET

Pretty funny how Craig Simpsons comments about the whistles in the pockets got shuttup as fast as it was spewed… Same for Milbury’s , Keith Jones, Darren Pangs….  what a joke, people will have sid shoved so far down their throat that everyone will hate pitt

Posted by Yzerman19 from Nashville on 06/12/09 at 11:14 PM ET

WAAAAA WAAAA WAAAAA, if i am not mistaken the redwings had more PPs during the game than the guins

when the wings win it is because they are great, when they lose it is the refs, you sir suck as a fan

Posted by penismcdick on 06/12/09 at 10:17 PM ET

I have nothing but a lump in my throat and heaviness on my heart.  I want to throw blame around.  Some of it is deserved, some blame goes to the Red Wings, some to the “league”, some to the coaches and even the injures. But I wont do that right now.  Because right now is about reflection.  We lost.  We can not change that.  We can be poor sports.  I wont be.  That would not be very Red Wing like.  I thought we were going to win.  Even after I saw the Pens start to celebrate I was waiting for a “hold on a second there is some signal that the game isnt over”.  That never came.  That never will come.  its over.  Thats what hurts the most.  Not that Crosby got the cup.  Not that Gary got his way.  No.  We have always been better then that.  We are with out the Wings until September.  There is no puck drops left.  There are no “We will get them the next game”.  There is no more what can we do to get better.  Its over.  It hurts. 

We lost to a team that deserved to be there.  A team that outplayed the Wings at times.  A team that wanted it more tonight.  If you were to play 10 game sevens in Detroit against this team this year, Detroit wins 9 of them.  But tonight we didnt.  Tonight.  Tonight.  Tonight it was not meant to be.  It hurts.  I am not going to say I am proud to be a Wings fan right now.  That would be stupid.  I am the biggest Wings fan I know and I will always be proud of that.  I am not proud of our effort tonight.  Tonight we saw the team that to many times this year did not decide to win.  The talent was there.  Maybe even the effort was there.  The want was not.  It hurts.  To many times this year we saw this version of our team.  We saw it at times during the playoffs.  And we saw it one last time this year.  It hurts. 

In conclusion we will move on.  The Red Wings will move on a bit quicker because they will go to their huge homes.  They have their huge bank accounts.  They have families and travels and rest that is deserved.  We will move on because thats what we do as fans.  We dust our selves off and move on and talk about next year.  I only hope the Wings say the right things.  I do not want to hear they got beat by a better team.  I do not want to hear they will be back next year.  I want them to say it hurts.  I want them to remember this next year.  I want them to think about it.  This one will be hard to shake off for us 19.  But we will.  And as what happens so many times in life we reflect.  And we will get better.  But right now.  It hurts.

Posted by AxeMaster9 on 06/12/09 at 10:18 PM ET

I don’t care how the season ended right now - this team fought through all the injuries and all the bullshit and never gave up.  No matter how much I’m crying right now, I could not be prouder of them.  And they will be back.  No doubt about it.  Decline, my ass.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/12/09 at 11:13 PM ET

Miss B., as always, is right. I wouldn’t trade the Red Wings for any other team in the world.

Posted by Bella on 06/12/09 at 10:18 PM ET

Congratulations Penguins.

A painful night, but you have to man up.

Whining is always weak, my friends.  I need a freaking Dos Equis, and all will be well.

Posted by Jayne Cobb from Colorado Springs on 06/12/09 at 10:19 PM ET

DEPTH. PROFESSIONALISM. CLASS

Posted by Alberto on 06/12/09 at 10:19 PM ET

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Wings fought to the very end, for which I am proud.  Fleury was incredible in this game.

Trying to dry my tears because I have upset my family.  It just hurts.  I did sit and watch the Cup presentation and it was even more painful than 95.  I just don’t know what else to say.

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/12/09 at 10:19 PM ET

I’ve lurked here for awhile and have learned to hate you guys; in a sports fan rivalry sort of way of course. At the end of the day the Wings are an unbelievable team and I respect you guys for sticking with your team win or lose, just as I would the Pens. Regardless of some of the wacked out calls or non calls of the series it was a hell of a ride to watch and I hope our team has earned your respect. Gratz on a good season and a hard fought playoff run. Look forward to seeing you guys again next season!

Posted by Keldath from Pittsburgh on 06/12/09 at 10:20 PM ET

Dub,

Agree… I don’t want to wouldda couldda shouldda, but you have to wonder if the NHL had any backbone and actually suspended Malkin, would the Wings have won in 4 or 5?

We’ll never know.  But that’s just one reason why this loss feels hollow.  And one reason why I’m dealing with it so well.

And yet, congrats to the Pens.  They did the best with what they were given.  I too look forward to next year to see how they handle the crosshairs on the backs.  They won’t get any games off next season.

Posted by ludmeister from Kentucky on 06/12/09 at 10:20 PM ET

I’d just like to see Michigan stop getting kicked in the balls, but apparently that’s too much to ask for this lifetime.

Posted by thethirdcoast from Rottenchester on 06/12/09 at 10:21 PM ET

P.S. -

FU, O-Joe.

Season wrecker.

Posted by TeamDub from The gratch. on 06/12/09 at 10:21 PM ET

Well, the target has moved to another team’s back, and they have to fight the Cup hangover.  And hell, they deserve it because they came to play.  More than their superstars, the character of that team is defined by the guys like Talbot that came to give everything they had for the last push to the summit.

If we’re not invaded by classless hordes, I’ll see you 19 real soon.  If not, Stockholm, baby.  Bring beer money.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 06/12/09 at 10:22 PM ET

About Helm: you see my avatar, and I plan to spend some money to import his jersey downhere… In few words, I’m a fan.

I love to see him. Every time he’s on the ice something happens. He’s intense and electric, yet focused and thinks faster than strides.

But I’m concerned… I don’t know if his arcade style of play will go well in the regular season. 82 games are a long way, you gotta save some gas for the next days, weeks, months… Uncle Mike have a great guy on Helm, but also gonna have to work on the kid.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 06/12/09 at 10:23 PM ET

@ Keldath,

Respect given both ways.  Thanks for stopping by.

Posted by ludmeister from Kentucky on 06/12/09 at 10:24 PM ET

So, I’m a lurker.  I was writing something else at another forum-thingy when the shit came down; although, admittedly, I wasn’t feeling it, ever.  In my rather arrogant opinion, 12 should be difficult to come to.  I could reason out a reason - rationalize a rationale, if you will - as to why the Wings should have lost this.  The Rotten Leafs have 13.  The Canadialandereeyans have, er, 23.  They were 8th and 12th this year.

This is the Flightless’....3rd?

Because of Thid and Mangen?  Thid and Mangen?!  Srsly?!  (um…if you don’t get it, this) - I’m know to be obtuse in other venues, apologies.

I’m sorry, but Chief, this was not the series that would decide the Dynasty of the Wing.  My friend, that has already been decided.  We are already number 3 in Cups won.  We have, undeniably, some of the best prospects in the league.  This team will Reign for years to come.

Granted, sticking some whale blubber into a penguin’s mouth would have been amusing.  But this?  The Flightless from Rustville have today secured the rights to the Cup for a year.  Today they have done this exactly 1 more time than the….Colorado Avalanche.  I’m guessing Thid and Mangen’s jersey’s will be strung up from the rafters next year at the Bailed Out Arena of New York Bank Mellon.

Good on ya, kidz!

Oh, btw, this was the actual caveat to a rather wretched post I made on another board…

To wit…

By the way, most of this was written during the 3rd period of Game 7.  Played in Joe Louis Arena against the Flightless from Rustyville.  Well.  We’ve won 11, anyway.

The 3rd most Stanley Cup wins in history - which suits this town just fine, thank you.  Shit, we’re only two Wins behind the Rotten Leafs, and an ungainly 12 behind the Canadialanders from Qbert’s Mon Tre Ahl.  Which, do either of those teams still exist?  Oh.  Right.  Thanks, Mr. NHLG-Friggin-ary’slapdog.  Did that look like slapdog to you?

For now, this grail will reside in a town that does not deserve it.  Of course, that opinion may be a bit biased, but have you actually seen the commercials the NHL put out between our victory last year and now?  Talk about media bias.  Kidcon, you ain’t gotta clue.  But thanks for trying.

Still.  We will be back.  We, Detroit Rot City, will reclaim our one and only crown that does not decay with the passing of fads or league-sponsored supastawz.  *#$%@&, dawg, we gots Kenny Holland.  Ya’ll FAIL.  Epically.  And such.

And so I recede.  Gracefully, of course.  Just like that sobbing kindergartener did last year.  I want to see you next year, Thid and Mangen.  I want you to rub your ill-gotten gains in our faces.  And then.  I want to see you fried.

Yes, I will tease you.  I have no inhibitions regarding you knowing that.  I have none because I know you.  I know you will stoop, and I know how far.  But, child, even in your ignorance you must know that I will leave you on your knees at center ice just as Ye Ol’ Man Commish will, has already?, to accept the actual glory of helping to lead an entire legion to the dear, dear Cup.  While you dream of a repeat, I will make sweet love to your goal tender even as he serenely, blissfully, even, attempts to play coy against my tender assaults.

I will tease you.  I will leave you one the ice.  I will prove you, yourself, have no claim -at all - to this trophy.  And I will do that by any means necessary - short of being a whiny, zebra-nagging child, of course.

...To be continued.

Posted by jrl123 on 06/12/09 at 10:26 PM ET

Ugh. As I found myself shouting to no one in particular tonight—the Penguins played like they wanted it more. Whether the Wings succumbed to injury, fatigue, taking-it-for-granted-ness, whatever the reason—again, I won’t pretend to know why—the Penguins simply wanted it more tonight. They went harder after the loose pucks, they skated their butts off, they had more jump all around. It pissed me the hell off to see, but regardless of whatever else may be said by way of comparison between the two teams, the Penguins were better tonight. Whatever else I’ve said in the past, and whatever else I may say in the future, the Penguins did indeed earn this one.

I’m lucky in that fan rage seems to wear off quickly for me. I’m not really angry anymore, just heartbroken. I I feel like my lover of several years just split for Cancun with the incredibly slow-witted but physically flawless pool guy. Time to binge drink for a while, stay at home on weekends watching porno and feeling sorry for myself, until I feel well again—and get out and find somebody who will make me forget the slut ever existed.

Some time around, say, September.

I’ll be hanging around, but to those of you who’ll be taking a hockey vacation for the summer—it’s been a fantastic time, and see you soon.

Posted by Bio on 06/12/09 at 10:27 PM ET

It may be a bit premature, but I’ve got a little optimist in me yet: we still got Kenny Holland right?

We have the MVP of the offseason.  And he’s just getting warmed up.

Posted by ludmeister from Kentucky on 06/12/09 at 10:31 PM ET

Yes Jrl….Print your shirts “We’re #3…”  Hockeytown…We’ll take that name. Thank you.
You can’t even fill your arena…Don’t worry… Lions training camp should start soon!!

Posted by Pensin6 on 06/12/09 at 10:32 PM ET

GREAT SERIES GUYS !!!!

Your team Went Down like The Champions they are!!!

But Now It’s the Pens Turn !!!!

I think I shit Myself!! Pissed Myself & Had a Heart Attack at the same time at the end !!!!

Chief You are a Great Red Wings Fan !!!

Posted by Evilpens on 06/12/09 at 10:33 PM ET

About Helm: you see my avatar, and I plan to spend some money to import his jersey downhere… In few words, I’m a fan.

I love to see him. Every time he’s on the ice something happens. He’s intense and electric, yet focused and thinks faster than strides.

But I’m concerned… I don’t know if his arcade style of play will go well in the regular season. 82 games are a long way, you gotta save some gas for the next days, weeks, months… Uncle Mike have a great guy on Helm, but also gonna have to work on the kid.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazil on 06/12/09 at 11:23 PM ET

He played a less physical style in Grand Rapids when he was playing more minutes.  He still hit, but it was a bit less frequent.  Still effective, though.  He’s smart, determined, and speed doesn’t slump.  I’ll be interested to see how he does as he learns to think the game a bit better at the NHL level, and learns to judge exactly when to hit for maximum effectiveness.

It will be exciting to watch.  And think, he’s just 22 years old. 

I think the same thing now that I thought after last season and after the season before that: I *#$%@& love this team, I love their character, I love their heart, I love their determination, I love the way they avoid cliques and play as a team, I love the style of hockey they play - and I wouldn’t trade them for any other team in the league, regardless of the end result of a particular season.

I am so proud of this team, and in my eyes they are always champions as long as they never give up.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/12/09 at 10:33 PM ET

I’d just like to see Michigan stop getting kicked in the balls, but apparently that’s too much to ask for this lifetime.

Seriously. The Wings parade would have been fantastic just for that.

Malik said that Crosby basically skipped the handshake line? Is that right?

Posted by Osrt on 06/12/09 at 10:34 PM ET

Pensin6,

You can have the Hockeytown name when the Penguins have been in Pittsburgh longer than the Wings have been in Detroit.  Not. Gonna. Happen.

Posted by ludmeister from Kentucky on 06/12/09 at 10:35 PM ET

I know two things after tonight:

1.  Marian Hossa is officially a curse.

2.  Mike Babcock is the coolest, classiest coach I’ve ever seen.

Buck up, Wings fans.  Your guys will be fine if they don’t blow their money on No-Show Hossa.

Posted by PuckChick from My couch on 06/12/09 at 10:36 PM ET

Um.  No, I’m not really know around these parts.

Most of what I write should be taken as is, without warranty, or guarantees as to effectiveness and durability (this is Bankrupt Town, afterall).

And.  We lost.  I can accept that.  Tomorrow.  Or a week from now.  Or whatever.

As the Good Chief has declared, however, 98 to 12.  Bitches.  98 to 12.

Which would make the Flightless, what…  They’ve won 3 now - according to here, so don’t flame me, just politely inform me my source is totally pwnorized or something.  So, 9*98 (or 882) to 12 for the Flightless? 

Would that be accurate?

I’m just wondering, really.

...or trying to find some sort of meaningful consolation.

Did we sign that no-playoff-performance Hoser for next year?  Was he really just a Flightless plant?  A conspiracy by the Wee Gee at the top to suckle into ah-sum his lacking supahaxorpwnzorz skillz to viktery?

I take none of this seriously.  Except the 882 games to 12, that is.  Thanks for playing, though.

Posted by jrl123 on 06/12/09 at 10:38 PM ET

Apologies if this has already been mentioned, but the Tigers have defeated the Pirates by a score of 3-1.

It’s s.hit like this that turns otherwise-rational people into superstitious little children when it comes to sports.

Posted by Bio on 06/12/09 at 10:38 PM ET

@ Baroque,

Given a 22-year-old Helm and a 22-year-old Malkin (I think that’s right) I am much happier knowing the Wings have Helm.  What a spark-plug.  The Anti-Malkin when things get tough. 

Posted by ludmeister from Kentucky on 06/12/09 at 10:39 PM ET