whinge

Oh whine whine whine the boards at the Joe are lively. It's not like it's a new arena.. you have played there before Pittsburgh (and apparently turned down a chance for an extra practice Friday). That's why it's called home ice advantage.

The first Wings goal was a bit lucky, it kinda sneaked past Fleury. The first Penguins goal was a little fluky too- Osgood played the puck but it didn't bounce off his stick like he thought it would and he couldn't recover. Great heads-up play by the Fedotenko to put it in. Such is hockey.

The second Wings goal was just putting it on the net and seeing what happens. One of the oldest rules in hockey- put the puck on the net. The boards had nothing to do with it as the puck bounced of a flailing Fleury. And as for the third goal, that was some sick hand-eye coordination by Abdelkader, and you can't take anything away from him for that.

So quit yer bitchin, Pens and go play game 2.

Also, I'll say that the Wings may have gotten lucky when Zetterberg covered the puck that was on Ozzie's back- I don't think anyone could tell if he had closed his hand on it or not (it would have been a penalty shot if he had)- and I doubt the ref even knew where it was. However, the Penguins got a bit lucky when Helm had that breakaway- Gill should had gotten a hooking or slashing penalty when he chopped at Helm but the refs turned a blind eye and Detroit didn't bitch. Gill definitely interfered with Helm's shot and possibly prevented a goal, but I don't think it was legal. It's a moot point but if you look at the game, the refs were letting things slide a bit.

Osgood was amazing, especially on the Malkin breakaway and Sid's little spin-o-rama- he had some help from Rafalski there too. Ozzie owns. :O)

I love the Wings. They are so unbelievably poised and calm. I really noticed it in the later parts of the Chicago series, when the 'hawks were running around their own zone, but it was still in evidence against the Pens. They look unshakable and it's really neat to see hockey played with such precision. (not something we saw much of in Buffalo LOL) That's not to say that the Red Wings don't make mistakes, but they don't get flustered easily and that makes a world of difference.

GO Red Wings! I say they win it in 5.

I smell rematch

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a Stanley Cup rematch- for the first time since 1977 and 1978 when Boston and Montreal faced off two years running. For the record, the Habs won both series.

I am (obviously) cheering for the Red Wings. I may have flirted with the Blackhawks, and come to love them a little more than was seemly, but the Wings are still my boys, as they have been for 15 years. Plus I really don't like the Penguins so unless it was the Ducks or Sharks in the West (excuse me while I laugh) I would be pulling for the western champ for sure!

And now it's time for this week's Hockey SAB- a day late but better late than never. I am proud to say that I came up with this one on my own, but upon researching for pics, I am not the first person to make this comparison. LOL

Also, if anyone can tell me who Chris Kunitz looks like, that would be great. He is familiar but I can't place him.

Anyway on to today's SAB:



-Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin

AND



-Ty O'Neal or Dwayne from The Mighty Ducks 2 and 3.

Separated at Birth? YOU be the judge.

I can't stop laughing.

I know I have spoken of this before, but I really love Chris Osgood. Just wanted to point that out... again.

And one more thing before I go- what is up with the schedule for the Finals?
Game 1- Saturday May 30
Game 2- Sunday May 31
Game 3- Tuesday June 2
Game 4- Thursday Jun 4
Game 5- Saturday June 6
Game 6- Tuesday June 9
Game 7- Friday June 12

WHAT THE HECK? What happened to one day between games? This is all over the place jacked up. LAME.