The answer to ‘who wants it more’ is… Gary Bettman.

I would be stunned if tonights game doesn’t feature a ton more powerplays, and especially a ton more early powerplays for the Pens.

Posted by HockeyinHD on 06/02/09 at 08:22 AM ET

My opinion is that I’m going to be sick with nervousness and fear prior to and during the game. I base this opinion on past experience.

I think it’s going to be a real barn burner tonight.

Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 06/02/09 at 08:24 AM ET

Hopefully the Doc has nothing but good news for you, Paul.

I do think this is a “who wants it more” -type game. It also is reasonable to expect the Pens will play like a wounded animal tonight, which is always dangerous.

A big unknown will be answered tonight: just how important is last line change to the Pens? Home ice advantage really means something in this series.

Also, Detroit must control their turnovers. For a team to commit the number of defensive zone turnovers as the Wings have the last two games, and still be up two games, is sort of amazing. Yes, there has been an element of luck in that (though nowhere even close to the amount of luck the Pens fans say Detroit is having).

Marian Hossa had a monster game in his regular season debut in Pittsburgh as a Red Wing. That is a huge intangible. If Hossa has a big game, any positives accomplished by Malkin and Sid may be neutralized.

And does anyone else get the feeling The Mule is about ready for another offensive explosion?

Pitt has more to lose, thus should be the hungrier team. If Detroit is to lose one game in Pittsburgh, I would say it’s probably this one.

If Detroit wins, however, it’s over.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/02/09 at 08:25 AM ET

I put up most of my thoughts in my Game 3 Pre-game, here’s the shameless plug:

http://smilinlikeabutchersdog.blogspot.com/2009/06/game-3-stanley-cup-finals.html

Posted by Ozman51 from Oklahoma City, Ok via Pittsburgh, Pa on 06/02/09 at 08:33 AM ET

Pens win tonight by the skin of their teeth.

Posted by DrW from Royal Oak, MI on 06/02/09 at 08:51 AM ET

I’m not watching the game at all, I’m going to wait until 11:00pm then check the boxscore.

Posted by pgoody on 06/02/09 at 08:54 AM ET

Good luck at the Docs today Paul. I hope the only bill you walk out of there with is, a clean bill of health.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/02/09 at 09:40 AM ET

Best wishes, Paul. Get restored, you’re a gift.

Posted by Gunnar from ada mich on 06/02/09 at 09:44 AM ET

Thanks everyone, Doc says everything looks good and I appreciate your concern.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 06/02/09 at 09:46 AM ET

Doc says everything looks good and I appreciate your concern.

Most excellant…...Stay the course Paul!

Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 06/02/09 at 10:26 AM ET

I for one don’t believe in a “who wants it more” type of game.  Obviously any team that makes it to the finals wants it just as badly as the next team.

What’ll make the difference in this game is the home-ice advantage, and the last change.  I see the Pens winning this one, Lieno going down and Drapes coming up for Thursday’s Wings come-from-behind victory.

Of course if the Pens don’t win, that’s fine with me too…. 

Posted by Hippy Dave from Portland by way of Detroit on 06/02/09 at 10:39 AM ET

The Penguins used the same line combinations as in Game 2 during the morning skate suggesting that Dan Bylsma is done sniffing the 7 Dmen Koolaid and we should expect to see Pascal Dupuis dress again tonight. One note of concern/Bill Belichick-ness for you. While the pens worked on the Powerplay during the morning skate, Babcock and his staff were watching from the stands.

For the Wings, Mikael Sameulsson was not on the ice for the morning skate. Kris Draper did skate with Helm and Dan Cleary. Jiri Hudler was out with Zetterberg and Johan Franzen. No changes to the fourth line. Babcock has said lineup is a gametime (gamesmanship) decision due to bumps and bruises but I think you just saw Draper come out to stir the pot a bit and get in some work.

Copied from my blog.

Posted by Ozman51 from Oklahoma City, Ok via Pittsburgh, Pa on 06/02/09 at 10:56 AM ET

BTW the Belichick-ness statement was a JOKE, so laff before flaming.  Just thought you’d all like the info if you didnt have it.

Posted by Ozman51 from Oklahoma City, Ok via Pittsburgh, Pa on 06/02/09 at 10:57 AM ET

Datsyuk skated with the black aces

Posted by Ozman51 from Oklahoma City, Ok via Pittsburgh, Pa on 06/02/09 at 11:11 AM ET

Datsyuk out, Draper depends on if Samuelsson can go per Babcock.

Posted by Ozman51 from Oklahoma City, Ok via Pittsburgh, Pa on 06/02/09 at 11:36 AM ET

My opinion is that I’m going to be sick with nervousness and fear prior to and during the game. I base this opinion on past experience.

I’m right there with ya. Except I have to miss the game tonight for Derby practice. I WILL remember to set the freaking Tivo this time though. Argh.

Thanks everyone, Doc says everything looks good and I appreciate your concern.

That’s awesome news Paul! Good to hear.

Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/02/09 at 11:40 AM ET

Good to hear everything’s OK, Paul.

I’m nervous and anxious. It’s like time is simultaneously going too slow but also too fast. It must be June.

Have fun at practice, Jen. I’ll down an extra drink for you during the game. I’m thinking White Russians this time.

Posted by Aphaea from Pennsylvania on 06/02/09 at 11:53 AM ET