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Most Important Game 1…ever?

by IwoCPO on 04/10/07 at 09:14 AM ET
Comments (5)

Probably because we’ve walked the same Olongapo back alleys, O-Joe and I agree completely on just how critical a Game 1 win is to the Wings. He made some great points in the comment section of a post below and I wanted to give them a bit more prominence.

I feel a bit silly saying this, because it’s only Game One, but I don’t think there’s ever been a more important series opener in Red Wings playoff history.

If they lose, it paves the way for a possible “here we go again” meme (Joe, what the HELL Is a ‘meme’?), which could cause them to start squeezing their sticks early and dropping Game Two as a result. (Then there’s that rather lackluster record when playing in early afternoon games this year).

And the Flames don’t lose at home.

No. I’m not predicting a Flames sweep, but with the gag-factor, the travel and the Wings history of playing poorly out west, combined with the questionable health of Zetterberg, Bertuzzi and Lidstrom, I can’t see Detroit taking four of six from the Flames should they drop Game One.

I tried to discuss that very point the other day, but it could easily have been lost in my admitted tendencies to lose focus and babble. 

Calgary wins that one and the emotional pendulum tilts west.  Bad, sad feelings take over the Wing room.  Amazing confidence boost to Calgary.  I’d even go so far as to say this series hinges on the Wings taking BOTH of the first two.

I’m standing by that.  Games 1 and 2 aren’t “nice to have” for the Wings.  I believe both, not just either, are must wins.  Granted, a split isn’t a killer, but it would open the door to discomfort, and I hate playoff discomfort.  Throw in the back-to-back in 5 and 6.  Joe’s right.  This series could easily be decided, either way, by Sunday night.

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Comments

That desperate attitude is good.  But, I think the Wings have a lot more confidence than you give them credit for.

Posted by w2j2 on 04/10/07 at 08:40 AM ET

I think the Wings have a lot more confidence than you give them credit for.

I hope so. 

Nonetheless, I’ll have a vat of the following standing by just in case:

* 1 pint Rum
* 1 pint Cherry Brandy
* one 12 oz. beer
* one 12 oz. Coke
* one 12 oz. 7-Up
* one 12 oz. Orange soda
* one 12 oz. Pineapple juice.

That’s the recipe for Olongapo’s famous “Double Mojo.”

If the Wings come out flat in Game One, I’ll just slam a couple large mugs of that concoction and won’t have to worry about watching let alone remembering the rest of the game.

Posted by O-Joe on 04/10/07 at 08:56 AM ET

Is it too much to ask that they win the first two plus steal one of the games in Calgary (say, Game 4)?

Game 1 is a mental obstacle they need to get over, but they won it last time around too, and we all know what happened. I think they need to win the first two and then split Games 3 and 4, setting up a clincher in Game 5. If this series goes on too long, it plays into the Flames’ hands as the younger team and one more used to travel. Avoiding that back-to-back home-home BS is major.

Posted by Matt Saler from Grand Rapids, MI on 04/10/07 at 10:08 AM ET

It’s only Tuesday and I already feel like I’m going to throw up.  I hate the playoffs.  :(

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/10/07 at 12:09 PM ET

I understand completely, Baroque.  I feel the same way.  In some ways, I can’t wait for Game 1 to be over with.  Pass the Tums, please!

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 04/10/07 at 01:21 PM ET

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