“is a definite maybe” Hilarious.

So Floppa goes from missing games one and two to “feeling great” in such a short time? I bet the guys not even 50% right now and the only reason he’s playing is because some folks in the dressing room are making subtle hints. Like, “you’re a waste of roster space, pussy.”

Floppa, no Floppa I don’t care. Will the Wings adjust for this? Probably, but FLoppa doesn’t play in goal. Thanks, Joel.

Posted by AndrewB from TN on 04/28/08 at 02:56 PM ET

And look.  I understand that a prolonged break between games leads to bad habits.  But let’s not forget a key factor.  Let’s not stray from the basics.  Dive fans are being nice to you today because they’re tired of being reminded of the position they’re in.  They are not your friends.  They are evil and, for the most part, very stupid.

Absolut and I are cheering for you, Chief — for penetrate their guile tactics!

Pacifists: Immolate your bibles by the door, thank you.

Posted by lilja4ever on 04/28/08 at 03:05 PM ET

*penetrating

...for make benefit glorious nation of Kazakhstan

Posted by lilja4ever on 04/28/08 at 03:06 PM ET

Noticed not many Dive posts today. And I thought we were all starting to get along. I guess they grew tired of our childish ways. Is this why there can never be peace in the world? Because of Wing fans?

Posted by AndrewB from TN on 04/28/08 at 03:11 PM ET

I’m not sure how Quenneville was able to catch a glimpse of Floppa.  I’ve, personally, never stuck my head up my ass. But I’d think that the view from up there can’t be too good.

Awesome.

Thanks for the reminder to hate coach but, honestly, its like trying to be mean to as stray limping dog. You know, the kind that you could use to fetch golf balls.

Posted by Osrt on 04/28/08 at 03:15 PM ET

They’ve upgraded his status from “hopeful” that Kronwall gets injured in the warmups to “definitely maybe”?  Please Q play him on that left wing waiting for an outlet pass…

Posted by WingInTO from Toronto on 04/28/08 at 03:16 PM ET

Andrew, you should know by now that Dive fans are really no different than Bubba fans.  They wanna talk shit when there’s even a glimmer of hope, then disappear when that glimmer fades.  Deep down, the Dive “faithful” (snicker) know that their screwed, and now the news that 3/4 is playing AGAIN tomorrow night.  They’ve scattered like roaches when the lights come on.  We’ll be hearing less and less from them over the next couple of days.

Posted by Chris from Columbia, Tennessee on 04/28/08 at 03:24 PM ET

Certainly it’s far more likely than it was before game two, but there’s no sense it speculating or worrying about Forsberg’s role in game three till the puck actually drops.

If there’s one guy that can (admittedly, unintentionally) find a way out of the lineup, it’ll be him.

The coaching staff’s job is to be prepared, but maybe more importantly, is to not over-prepare for a guy that can’t stay healthy. If the team puts too much attention to containing Forsberg, before you know it, he’ll start drawing attention that his performance and current physical ability probably doesn’t demand, and that will benefit the Avs massively, even if it spells ineffectiveness for Floppa on the stat sheet.

Sorry for the run-on.

Too much attention to Forsberg will result in space for other players. I say the Wings need to take the bait, and give Forsberg the same treatment as any other Avs plugger. As he proves his mettle and physical strength, adjust accordingly. If it results in him burning you for a goal, I think that’s a risk you have to take, because I believe over-compensating for a fragile shell of a player will yield better results for the Avs than getting burned by that shell once, or even twice.

Feel it out. Make him prove he’s worth the time and energy. Certainly, if you have a chance to crush him, do it, but that goes with ANY opposing player at this point.

Possessing the puck and making Petey play defense on that bad foot, ankle, and groin is probably the best plan, and requires absolutely no changes.

Posted by Nathan on 04/28/08 at 03:25 PM ET

OSRT: I hear ya. I’m not feeling it much today either.  That makes me a bit nervous.  Felt the exact same way before Game 3 against Bubba.  Dammit. I hate it when I lose the hate. 

Only temporary. I’ll pick a fight with my wife tonite and that will set the stage for tomorrow.  She understands the sacrifices required.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 04/28/08 at 03:25 PM ET

Lilja4ever, be careful about using the word “penetrating” around any of the Dive fans.  They might start telling us stories about their Friday nights.  NASTY!!! (shivers)

Posted by Chris from Columbia, Tennessee on 04/28/08 at 03:28 PM ET

Is this why there can never be peace in the world? Because of Wing fans?

I don’t know about you Andrew, but when I’m making this much cash from the illegal arms trade, it’s not in my best interests to stop the suffering.  Speaking of which, I have a sale on knock-off Kalashnikovs-- wear a Dive jersey and get a .38 snub-nose for free!  Perfect for swallowing the barrel and ending the misery shortly after Game Five!

Half-price on RPG-9s for anyone who still has a Scotty Parker jersey left in their wardrobe and the cojones to wear it.

And as we’re on the subject of heavy offensive weaponry, I’m sure Kronner and Stuart are watching Floppa’s progress with substantial interest.  And while that warms my cold heart, it’s not that it matters if he’s on the ice or up in the press box doing his nails.  He’ll have the same effect in either place, and that won’t be because of what he does or doesn’t do.  It’ll be because of Paris Hilton’s Propecia-addled cast-off sitting in front of the net trying not to stare at the Winged Wheels bearing down on him at approximately Mach 2.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from a dusty road somewhere in Central Asia on 04/28/08 at 03:30 PM ET

Theodore starting is the main point.  That’s a great development for us.  Budaj has only one goal against in two games!  And they’re still starting Theodore!  That’s more important than an injured Forsberg playing.

Posted by TDeters on 04/28/08 at 03:34 PM ET

A lacerated/detached lung would please me.

Posted by O-Joe on 04/28/08 at 03:35 PM ET

While I definitely think Quenneville is a terrible coach, I think Wings fans are making a bigger deal about the Theodore/Budaj thing.

Budaj came into games where the Wings had big leads, and as such, were spending more time just grinding it along the wall and throwing it in on him from all angles, regardless of net-front traffic.

I certainly think a change is in order for the Avs, but I would imagine that Quenneville, as stupid as he seems, has somewhat legit reasons for going with Theodore again. And for a guy that’s obviously on the brink of losing his job, I don’t think Quenneville would be putting 3/4 in there for loyalty’s sake.

Bottom line? Any team playing against Detroit needs STELLAR goalkeeping. The Avs won’t get four games of that from either keeper, in my opinion, so it makes no difference who plays.

Posted by Nathan on 04/28/08 at 03:42 PM ET

To quote Frank Vitchard of Channel 2 News, “this is gettin’ ri-goddamned-diculous!!!”

Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 04/28/08 at 03:44 PM ET

And for a guy that’s obviously on the brink of losing his job, I don’t think Quenneville would be putting 3/4 in there for loyalty’s sake.

I don’t think it’s obvious at all.  Remember, you’re talking about a town that continues to put its faith in the collective wisdom of George Karl and Mike “Where the F*** Did Elway Go?” Shanahan to lead its teams to victory.

I’d say Q is safe, for better or worse, no matter what happens in this series…

Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 04/28/08 at 03:47 PM ET

Touche.

I guess I’m used to a higher standard of success than Vagalanche fans. Fair point.

I stand by the statement that neither Budaj nor Theodore is capable of performing at the level that would be required of them for the Vag to win four games against the Wings, though.

Posted by Nathan on 04/28/08 at 03:53 PM ET

Yep, lying right there on the ice next to his writing body.

And Al Sobotka comes out, picks it up, twirls it over his head a few times, then flings it at Cody McLeod.

Posted by O-Joe on 04/28/08 at 04:04 PM ET

Dive fans are being nice to you today because they’re tired of being reminded of the position they’re in.  They are not your friends.  They are evil and, for the most part, very stupid.

What the hell are we going to say? There is nothing to say. Your team has had it’s way with us like a frat boy in a brothel. I mean geez trashtalk is only good if your team can back it up. So far the Avs clearly haven’t. I mean talking shit when you’re getting your ass kicked makes you look pathetic.

I certainly think a change is in order for the Avs, but I would imagine that Quenneville, as stupid as he seems, has somewhat legit reasons for going with Theodore again. And for a guy that’s obviously on the brink of losing his job, I don’t think Quenneville would be putting 3/4 in there for loyalty’s sake.

The current hypothesis in Avsland is that Budaj slept with his wife. It’s the only explanation for the gigantic shaft that he has gotten this season (yes i intentionally lobbed a big softball up there for the juvenile minds here)

Posted by Jibblescribbits from San Jose, CA on 04/28/08 at 04:05 PM ET

I probably meant writhing.

Posted by O-Joe on 04/28/08 at 04:06 PM ET

jibble:  Well said!

Posted by w2j2 on 04/28/08 at 04:18 PM ET

Since we’re all making nicey nice to our new friends in Colorado, perhaps we can get one of our new found buddies to hold a cool sign next to Pierre’s head with a nice picture of a native american watercraft during his next interview?

I’ll pay money!!!

Bonus if he/she is wearing a Foppa jersey.

Posted by Scott H from Kalamazoo on 04/28/08 at 04:49 PM ET

Crap...sorry....the only way Pierre will get the joy of being on home, I mean happy, turf is if we lose a game.

Oh well...next round maybe.

Someone has GOT to get a banner/sign in on a DC interview/ramble session. I’d rather have that than an octopus ANY day....perhaps we can pay Al Sobotka to do it.

Anyone have Al’s phone number?

Posted by Scott H from Kalamazoo on 04/28/08 at 04:55 PM ET

(yes i intentionally lobbed a big softball up there for the juvenile minds here)

Too easy, Gobbles.

Here’s something juvenile for you (but true):  An anagram for ‘Peter Forsberg’ is Best Ref Groper.

*snicker*

Posted by O-Joe on 04/28/08 at 04:59 PM ET

Jibble,
Oh no you don’t....this is a new low.....we are in the Danger Zone here.  Trying to use reasonableness and logic to soften us and then lobbing in a softball....that’s evil, pure and simple. 

Heed the words!

They are not your friends.  They are evil and, for the most part, very stupid.

Nice try though.

Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo on 04/28/08 at 05:01 PM ET

Someone has GOT to get a banner/sign in on a DC interview/ramble session. I’d rather have that than an octopus ANY day....perhaps we can pay Al Sobotka to do it.

If someone hits him with a box of douche during the segment I’ll send you $100. Hell, I’ll give you $50 if you hit him on camera with a box of any other female hygiene product.

Posted by wingsfanindenver on 04/28/08 at 05:13 PM ET

Here, will this make you feel better?

The Wings got lucky the first two games. Half their goals were lucky bounces and the other half were fluke goals.

Theodore obviously had the bubonic plague and that’s all that stood between Colorado and a 2-0 series lead heading back to home ice.

So far, Joel Quenneville has completely outcoached Mike Babcock but thanks to the Wings gooning it up, they haven’t been able to get any pucks in the net.

Oh, and your team is old.

Enjoy

Posted by Shane from Saskatoon on 04/28/08 at 05:37 PM ET

I found this interesting:

sked if that meant he would play in Tuesday night’s Game 3 against the Detroit Red Wings at the Pepsi Center, Forsberg responded: “We’ll see tomorrow.”

He added, “It’s very hard to sit on the side, especially if you lose. If you win, you don’t care.”

Doesn’t exactly sound like a man burning to play the game, does it?

F****** toolshed.  IKEA f****** toolshed.

Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 04/28/08 at 06:01 PM ET

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  We need an intensely focused game tomorrow, a 1998-esque defensive clampdown.  We can’t be assuming Colorado will roll over.

Posted by TDeters from Washington, DC on 04/28/08 at 06:03 PM ET

An anagram for ‘Peter Forsberg’ is Best Ref Groper.

Brilliant! College done me good.

F****** toolshed.  IKEA f****** toolshed.

Wow shark, good find. I hope it was out of context, misquoted or qualified by other statements after that one. If not, just wow.

Posted by Osrt on 04/28/08 at 08:54 PM ET