Well, it's about damned time, Susan. I've been waiting to get going and I assure you that I will refresh this thread prn in order to keep it in our faces and quickly accessable to comments.

The first thing to write is that I agree with your assessment of the Pens winning the cup, in part, because the Wings were so banged up - we Winged folk didn't even know how much the team was damaged until it was all over and the truth of the injuries came out. But, hey, being healthy and/or injured is part of the game and you just have to deal with it - win or lose.

As for my guys,...hmmm, well, as far as I'm concerned we are in trouble for this year; but, again, I'm not maintaining a locker at The Joe, and Babcock still doesn't call me, so...

But, I do think that we have a big problem in the net. Ozzy will be fine, but I'm in the camp that does not think that Jimmy Howard will get it done, and, I'm also very disappointed that they were not able to find a way to keep Ty Conklin - I really like him.

Our penalty killing has been especially bad going back to last year and that needs to be addressed BIG TIME. I've seen all three of their games this year and the two that were played in Sweden left me wondering if there were "fake" Wings on the ice - I just didn't see that crisp puck-control and they seemed so slow; however, game #3, last night at The Joe saw the guys emerge a-new and they beat Chicago in a very good game, so...

Hey! Life's good - hockey is back. GO RED WING!............mwh