Anyone watching the Stanley Cup finals?

[F4n4tic]

I have to agree that the reffing in these last few games has been questionable. It seems that whoever is the hometeam gets the advantage. The first two games detroit seemed to get all the calls and these last two the pens have gotten the calls or more bluntly the missed calls like the too many men on the ice. 21sec! How do 4 refs miss that?! The NHL needs to look at its linesmen a little more. The head ref this series is actually IMHO one of the best refs, calls them evenly. Unfortunatly there are two refs and he cant counteract what the other one calls.

[David M]

Yup. Had Anaheim won, they would have steam-rolled whomever and won it again. Amazing how the advantage tilts tremendously in the "we know what it takes dept" and how far it can go.
Canes
Ducks
Pens as well obviously (although still cupless with Sid & Geno)
That element of experience - steamrolls them ahead.

I think our small world may be getting smaller.
That friend of yours who dated the Adler player...I may know her....very well.
Petra?
If you say yes I am going to be so amazed at the coincidence of life -or- our truly small world.
The story with her and me ends with me being the "bad guy" in that past drama but still, is it possible?
Red Head Petra?!?!? SAP.
Connecting two complete randoms, half way across the world via a messageboard? Say it ain't so.

Have a group of puck heads heading to my house tomorrow night to watch the game.
BBQ, Beer, Whiskey, Pipes, Cigars & Hockey - Can Life Get Any Better???
NO!

[tlempke]

Well I guess only one team showed up ready to play tonight, that being Detroit. Gotta hand it to them, they controlled the game for every second. I was again a little shocked by the reffing. They really aren't calling a thing! Other than that I really don't have anything else to say about the game. The PENS really need to step it up BIG TIME if they are going to hang in this series. 5-0 come on....

[David M]

The reffing in the NHL has and always will be, consistently inconsistent.

The playoffs are always 'swallow the whistle' time.
Teams that know how to properly walk that line and take advantage of this climate, where a lot less is called, always benefit enormously. The Anaheim Ducks with their excessively rough play are always able to exploit it. Its not really exploiting it though since its always there. Its no secret that the playoffs have less penalties called. Teams that do not play rough, they consistently feel like they get the short end of the stick (flashlight on my team, San Jose Sharks) but really they just cry foul because they dont play a rough game. It shouldn't be like that but it is. You would be wise to get MUCH thicker skin during the run.
The playoffs will always be rough so unless you adjust, you will suffer, especially and moreso when you cant deliver on your powerplay.

The league lets them play. And more often than not, penalties will not be called, especially close to the end of the game.

Moreover, I think that if you ever try to look for any element of consistency in the reffing, you wont find any. Now here is where it gets weird, the good thing however is, that you wont see a consistent pattern of bad calls only going against one team. Although lots of people see conspiracies, there really aren't. You will however see a consistent pattern of bad calls going against both of the teams. In that vain, although this isn't something thats "good", at least its fair. The refs are consistently inconsistent to everyone. They screw everyone. And since they screw everyone, it ends up being 'fair'.

Kind of weird to think of it like that but thats what I've come up with. Reviewing game day penalties is a simple way to analyze each teams powerplays and penalty time and more often than not (95% of the time) its always very even and equal. Both teams had the same amount of opportunities as the other.

***

What a horrific game.
Fleury looked off on that 1st goal. That was all the Wings needed. Pens leadership could do nothing to contain the onslaught and they sat back on their heels and played defense.
That 1st period was something special. Up until the goal(s) started, I was expecting to see a good battle. Pens just crumbled. Pens D, their main weakness, did not show up today playing a lot of puck, rather than man hockey.
All I wanted was to see a Game 7 in the Finals. That goal seems so far away right now. But, this is hockey. And all we need is a small flip of the switch and Malkin and Sid can both turn it on in 1 shift.
Yes. Datsyuk was a big help. The whole world noticed Mr. Byng Man ferocioucly (for Pavel) fore-check Malkin at the start and you could tell he was here to play.
Well. Fingers crossed the Pens have amnesia and forget todays game. Thats the only recipe for Game 6.

[youngjackdaddy]

Yea, Pavs showed up to play. There's no arguing that. I wonder if Kenny Holland intentionally didn't play him in Pittsburgh to give the Wings that huge boost at home. It sounds like one of those Jedi mind games they play in hockey.

I think the refs were better last night then they have been most playoffs. I think they called some good penalties. Malkin and Crosby are never going to win a cup if they can't keep their composure in the finals. They both took dumb penalties. Crosby's was REAL cheap, and it's the second game misconduct Malkin got at the end of a game this series. Luckily they gave him one or else Detroit would have had another 5 on 3 (which we didn't score on ).

What drives me crazy about the reffing is the no calls. They keep talking about how players can get hurt yet they let this horrible reffing go in the playoffs. That's how guys get hurt. Look at the Wings-Anaheim series, the play kept getting rougher and rougher and eventually someone's going to take a cheap shot like Crosby did and blow someones knee. That's not safe for the players and they should be angry when the ref sees it and dosn't call it. Sadly though, this has become part of the playoffs in hockey and the good players and coaches are adjusting and the bad ones aren't.

You're right, Fleury wasn't on his game. He's the opposite of Osgood. Ozzie is consistant to a T. You know he's always going to show up and make his saves. As long as the Detoirt offense gets it going you don't have to worry about him, if his defence dosn't set screens in fornt of him. Fleury got rattled and he's always going to have problems playing in Detroit for the rest of his career I bet.

The Wings always play better with the lead. You saw how the game looked before Cleary's goal, after that Detroit got the puck in deep and kept it there. They "pounded" out the Pens defence and if they have the puck in the offensive zone consistantly you may as well just put a point on the scrore board.

I was a little surprised and nervous after that first goal too. When Malkin and Crosby play together it's a scary thing for the other team. I think what they are lacking is a great playmaker on the D-line like Detroit has Lidstrom. Someone that can get the puck up to the great forwards on the team. Look at the teams that made it through to the round and their D-man: Chara in Boston, Mike Green in Washington, Pitkanen in Carolina, Bieksa in Vancuver, Neidermeyer and Pronger Anaheim, Keith, Campbell, and Seabrook in Chicago. Pitt's D-men have been making their forwards gain the zone on their own. They don't get enough stretch passes out to the wings cutting through the neutral zone. When they do it's dangerous as heck but they need to help more when detroit has 4 guys standing up on the blue line.

It's almost not fair to bring Detroit into that conversation. Lidstrom has 4 cups already and every other defenceman in the world basically looks up to him. When younger defencemen or "journeymen" defencemen come to play in Detoir Nic takes care of them and they learn. Watch the toe drags on the point, the head up shots, passes, or deflectable pass/shots, the stick play, the passes out of our own zone, it's great seeing the whole defensive squad learn from each other. Jon Ericsson may become one of the best D-men ever because his first seven years he's been watching Lidstrom play... Damn big swedes. (I'm just kidding I really love big swedes.)

I digress. David, you've been talking about the Penguins blue line being weak and it's starting to show. The forwards can do it without them, but Detroit has been making that a lot harder lately.

This next game is going to be hard fought. The Pens aren't going down like a prom date, they're going to fight for every puck and if they can keep Detroit out of the zone like they did in games 3 and 4 they will pull it to 7 games. If not, if Fleury gets flustered, and especially if the defense makes mistakes in their back end it's going to be another 5-0 game for Detroit.

David, it wasn't red-headed Petra. I forget the name now but did you ever date a Nicole Schroeter? GO WINGS! (and possibly San Jose for next year if I decide I still like you then)

Edit: By the way, do you know who's leading players with hits in the playoffs?

[David M]

I had to look it up and its the same guy whom everybody is referring to the same way this run.
"Who the heck is Helm?!?!?"
Good for him. Comes to play when needed. Good old Manitoba boy does good.

Gonchar is overall as good as any of those guys. Overall...A blue liner moving pucks up is always good. Our Dan Boyle does even more than that and pinches on such a regular basis it ain't even funny. I go back to that Sharks Wings on Jan. 17th - What an epic game that was. I seriously (like an idiot) thought we were watching the future Western Conf Final. I still have that game on my DVR. Holding onto it like a broken dream or something.

Ich kenn kein Schroeter. Too bad, I was hoping for a new (even greater) German connection.

By the way - You dont need to love Swedes. Or the Finns. Neither of them deserve love and or attention.
Except our big boy Doug Murray.

[92hatchattack]

Hardcore Rangers fan here. Loving this forum more and more now that i see some hockey fans. As for the finaly, i gotta root for Wings. There are very few EC teams that i would be able to root for.

[David M]

Originally Posted by 92hatchattack

Loving this forum more and more now that i see some hockey fans.

(Pardon my Quebec'er, Patrick Roy style french but...)

F**K YAH BABY!!!!!!!!

[youngjackdaddy]

Originally Posted by 92hatchattack

Hardcore Rangers fan here. Loving this forum more and more now that i see some hockey fans. As for the finaly, i gotta root for Wings. There are very few EC teams that i would be able to root for.

Ya have to pick and chose who you root for sometimes. I cheer for Detroit always, then Boston since my best friend is from there and a huge Boston fan. After that it will depend, lately it's been the kids in Chicago and Columbus. I think I lean more towards the area around Michigan because I like the Great Lakes area to succeed.

Well the Wings have a chance to close the series tonight. Anyone want to make a few guesses? Who will win, score, OT or Non-OT?

[David M]

Originally Posted by youngjackdaddy

Ya have to pick and chose who you root for sometimes. I cheer for Detroit always, then Boston since my best friend is from there and a huge Boston fan. After that it will depend, lately it's been the kids in Chicago and Columbus. I think I lean more towards the area around Michigan because I like the Great Lakes area to succeed.

Well the Wings have a chance to close the series tonight. Anyone want to make a few guesses? Who will win, score, OT or Non-OT?

I think its easy to predict that Crosby will score.
Its gonna be desperation hockey out there and as long as Osgood stays solid, it will be like that till the final minute.
Wings smell blood in the water and they dont want to deal with another game.

I just hope we see a good battle.
Still would love for it to go to a Game 7.

[youngjackdaddy]

Originally Posted by David M

I think its easy to predict that Crosby will score.
Its gonna be desperation hockey out there and as long as Osgood stays solid, it will be like that till the final minute.
Wings smell blood in the water and they dont want to deal with another game.

I just hope we see a good battle.
Still would love for it to go to a Game 7.

Way to ride the fence on your prediction I actually think it's going to be much harder for Geno and Sid to get going. If Babs plays Datsyuk and Zetterberg on separate lines that means even less playing time for the two Pens normally. I think Pavs and Hanks defense is stronger then those 2 on offense. The line change strategies come into play again though. Bylsema has been doing great at home getting the matchups he wants. As long as the wings keep the turnovers in the defensive zone down it'll be an easy wings victory again. If not the Pens have a huge advantage.

I'd love for the Wings to wrap it up tonight, but I also realize the Pens will play desperate and make it a game for the ages. The only benefit I have is if it goes to 7 in Detroit the fans get to see the Wings lift the cup at home, and I get to party my ass off because I don't have to work Saturday (unlike tomorrow).

I'm thinking it's going to be a high scroing game. It'll start out slow but you'll see a goal late in the first, a few more in the 2nd, and maybe one or two at the beginning of the third. Unless a team pulls their goalie the late 3rd will be a slow grind with the goalies making big saves off turnovers from a hard forecheck. I have to go with my team on principle so I'm guessing Wings in regulation 4-3, but with this series and how the two teams are playing it could be a strong game by either side.'

Don't worry about Ozzie showing up to play. He's always there and always a rock behind the defense (unless they screen him more).

[youngjackdaddy]

I know this is kind of a gamer question, but it's a narrow demographic so I'm asking it in one of the few hockey threads around. Anyone play NHL 09 for 360 or PS3?

[smphilli]

Wings in OT......even i would love to go to game 7, i think the wings need to close it out here while they have pit on their heels

[David M]

Originally Posted by smphilli

even i would love to go to game 7

You and I get our wish.
Game 7 Here We Come.

Wings fans??
HELLOOOOO WINGS FANS!!!!
Its been over 5 hours since game time and no posts?
Que??

Well. I will be the first.
Great fricking game. Desperation hockey as expected and desperation won.
Did you guys notice how the Wings had ZERO shots on net for a period of over 10 minutes during the 1st! Thats hefty.

Maltby yelled over at Crosby: "Nice Flamenco Move on that Block!"
Good one.

Watching this game, the biggest thing that stood out to me was the insane amount of creativity and complete lack of structure in the Pens offense. You guys notice that? It has its positives and negatives.
Positive in that its very hard for the D to develop a cohesive strategy when someone is creating their offense on the fly. But then again with two immense talents like Crosby and Malkin, that type of system can clearly work....in some games. Long run, its kind of risky in my opinion but what do I know being an arm-chair here.

Helm, once again, what the heck is that guy eating?!?!?
He jumped in and created some spectacular chances for the Wings.

Osgood. I think every Wings fan can agree that he is such an overall, completely average goalie. Has been and always will be. Put in a position to play the last line of defense on a team that has everything but the kitchen sink playing the 'just befoe' last lines of defense. Sticking a low-key goalie on the Wings allows them to put money into their Forward & Defense positions and its amazing how that strategy has been so effective for them for so many years. Usually, all he needs to do is just be 'above average' and on a team like the Wings, thats usually enough. Tonight, not so much.

Fleury had the hockey angel on his shoulder tonight. The angel stepped in TWICE and saved his hide. The angel comes and goes and picks whichever goalie it likes, whenever it wants.

Gill played the game of his life.
Scuderi made the save of his life.

Watching that pile up on the Scuderi save. Franzen tossing his body into the mix.
Seeing the horrible call on Malkin when he midly cross-checked Filpulla (??) and he fell into Kronwalls reverse Butt back-check to Filpulla's head, sending it on a pinball course to the ice, which was the actual thing that caused the call - all of that shite, is just another example of not only the horrible officiating ALWAYS going both ways, but also showing how neither team is below the potential to be classless.
They do whatever it takes to get the call.
They do whatever it takes to get the puck in the net.
And thats that! Its hockey.
None of us should ever whine anymore.

Actually, if someone ever punches somebody in the hand-shake line (the only real time to be classy in hockey in my opinion) then!!! we can whine about something being unfair. Up until then. Nope.

I would like to think that a Game 7 in the Cup Final is territory that the Wings are unfamiliar with and thus at a disadvantage. And while that actually is true. And this Game 7 is only their 2nd Game 7 in something like....10 years or so. I still think the Wings got the advantage.
The Pens have a big leg up in that now they have been given a second life and they will not come close to bowing down till the very last 0.1 second ticks off that clock. But as usual, its the Wings game to lose.

Many of us are hoping for a miracle now and to see the PITTSBURGH PENGUINS do something that has not been done in a while.
Fingers crossed for you Penguins.
GO PENS GO!!
GO PENS GO!!

[youngjackdaddy]

Well as you know the game got over here around 0430, so I had enough time to get around 3 hours of sleep to wake up and go to work. I will be able to have friends over for a party Friday so I'm looking forward to that already.

Overall a good game both ways. Osgood did what Osgood does and make the stops. Fleury played PHENOMENALLY, but a good game by both keepers anyway. Not every "average" goalie can play in Detroit. You really need nerves of steel when you may not get a shot for 10-15 minutes then all of a sudden have to make a great save on a break away or a sniper on a one-timer. Look at Hasek last year. Couldn't hack it and got pulled for Ozzie. He may be average, but he's above average when it counts normally... Normally.

I thought Ozzie played well last night. The two goals that got scored he didn't have much a chance on because the defensmen either made the wrong play or the Pens made a near perfect play. Staal's goal was clean cut, Ozzie had no chance. Kennedy's goal was just a great play by him. Put the puck on the net and good things happen. The Wings D-man sitting next to him wasn't smart enough to put him on his butt. Goal Pens. Well played for them on both ends of the ice.

I was most impressed with the Pens blue line. They turned away the wings almost all game even when we had the puck deep, they blocked shots, and cut off the good angles. Yea, we didn't have a lot of shots but we did have some great scoring chances that Fleury took away, but like you said, "That's that. It's hockey."

Speaking of that saying, you're right people (including myself) need to lay off the refs. It's going both ways so no one can really bitch all that much. It happens every year, every game of the playoffs. I am surprised I'm not emotionally numb to it yet. But then again, my emotions run higher then the Toronto sky line during the playoffs. I'm pretty sure my boss thinks I'm on drugs because of how I look and my outlook during the finals especially.

Even Don Cherry (who is awesomely oppinionated and a gas to watch and hear) said Setroit in 7, the Pens won't beat them at the Joe. It's going to abe a legendary game. Legendary I tell you!

By the way, congrats to Scuderi. What a hard worker. I don't care what team you play for I can respect getting out there and doing what you have to do for your team, your town, and the win. Props to him. I'd rather have a Scuderi, Helm, or Staal(pick one) on the ice then a Malkin anytime.

3 cheers for a game 7 bring in awesome ratings!!! I hope this really brings in more fans to realize hockey is so much more awesome then baseball.