BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 May 09 - 07:14 PM

I AM

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 26 May 09 - 08:28 PM

Not me. I'll wait till the Wings Win and the Penguins do as well before I eliminate Chi. and Carl.
I remember packing up the baseball equipment once in the bottom of the 9th because we were leading the team by 10 runs and lost, so never again.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: 3refs
Date: 26 May 09 - 10:18 PM

Pitt is going to be tough to beat! I thought 4 straight would be a bit of a stretch against Carolina, but they did it! I wouldn't dare consider it against Detroit, but stranger things have happened. My apologies to Chicago fans for already counting them out, but youth and enthusiasm isn't quite enough at this point in the playoffs. Out of Gas. I'll take Pittsburgh in 6 and like I said before, Crosby gets a trophy of Maple Leaf Gardens!
I know it's getting a little ahead of things, but I see Pitt and Chicago with lots of potential for years to come if they can keep it together. It all depends on how greedy the players are, and how stupid the GM's throughout the league are willing to get!

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 May 09 - 11:09 PM

Tonight we saw the game we THOUGHT we would see the last 3 games. Good game, good win.

GO HAWKS!

Well, I admit, I WOULD rather face them next.

GO HOCKEY!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: bobad
Date: 26 May 09 - 11:39 PM

There hasn't been much drama in the finals for someone who doesn't have a horse in the race. Here's hoping the run for the cup will provide a little more excitement.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 May 09 - 09:00 AM

?!?!?!?

People have said much the same thing in past years, and I still do not get it. Yes, it's GREAT when one has a team in the hunt, but even when we don't, hockey's still the most entertaining off-work interest, at our house.

If for no other reason that that half the players on other teams will eventually end up on ours, and that till they do it's good to know what kind of sh*t they can pull when they play us next year. The Tour de France is like that too-- the peloton is the peloton, regardless of which team jerseys a guy happens to be wearing at any one point in time.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 May 09 - 09:06 AM

I'd agree with the below (they agree with me), but I'd add "we made a better coaching change" as I said upthread.

~S~

Five Reasons the Pens are Headed Back to the Final
Shawn P. Roarke | NHL.com Senior Writer
May 26, 2009, 10:17 PM EDT

RALEIGH, N.C. -- There are a number of reasons why the Pittsburgh Penguins virtually lapped a very good -- and very game -- Carolina Hurricanes team in a stunning four-game ouster in what many expected to be a much more evenly balanced Eastern Conference Finals.

But here are the five most telling reasons why the Penguins are making plans to face either the Detroit Red Wings or the Chicago Blackhawks -- Detroit leads the Western Conference Finals 3-1 -- in the Stanley Cup Final.

Experience -- Losing to Detroit in the Stanley Cup Final last June was painful but necessary. It is a rite of passage most teams must go through before they are worthy of being called champions. The lessons learned in falling just short of your lifelong dream -- particularly on the mental side of the ledger -- are invaluable the next time around. All of Pittsburgh's key players -- Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury -- lived through the tempest of last year's Final, a six-game defeat to an experienced Detroit club, and came out the other side with a lot more mental toughness.

Health -- Pittsburgh had few injury worries in the Eastern Conference Finals. Yes, Sergei Gonchar hurt his knee in the previous round, but he was able to play in every game of the Eastern Conference Finals, getting better with each contest. How hurt could a player who saw close to 20 minutes a game really be? Carolina, meanwhile, saw Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole get injured in Game 1 and never fully recover. Plus, there were rather loud whispers that goalie Cam Ward was playing with an unannounced injury. Grueling seven-game series against New Jersey and Boston in the previous two rounds seemed to empty Carolina's tank before Round 3 even got under way.

Depth -- Because they dressed a seventh defenseman, the Penguins dressed just 11 forwards in each game. But that alignment allowed Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma to construct a stunning fourth line, which featured Miroslav Satan and veteran Craig Adams flanking Crosby, Malkin or Jordan Staal. Needless to say, such a luxury proved very hard for Carolina coach Paul Maurice and his players to handle when it came to game planning and matchups on the ice. But it wasn't just a revamped fourth line. Malkin leads the League in playoff points, yet he is only the second-line center behind Crosby, who's tops in goals.

Defense -- This isn't usually the first word that pops into the old cranium when you think about the run-and-gun Penguins, but Pittsburgh's defense might have been more important in this series than its top line. Eric Staal is Carolina's main threat and had earned the respect of everyone for almost singlehandedly dismantling the Devils and the Bruins. But he never got on track in the conference finals. Staal had one measly assist through three games and was minus-6 (he did score in Game 4). So how did Pittsburgh hold down the same Staal who had put up 9 goals and 13 points in Carolina's first 14 games? It boiled down to a steady dose of defensemen Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi hopping over the boards every time Staal stepped on the ice. Oh yeah, Eric Staal also saw a fair amount of Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal, the Penguins' checking-line center and Eric's younger brother.

Star Power -- Nobody in the East could deny this Pittsburgh team if it got A-plus games out of its two superstars -- Crosby and Malkin -- and that's exactly what the two stars brought to the plate in the Eastern Conference Finals. Malkin was otherworldly, scoring 6 goals in the first three games -- including a dynamic Game 2 hat trick that turned the tide of that back-and-forth game permanently in Pittsburgh's favor. Crosby was all over the ice, contributing in every zone. Yet his production -- 2 goals and 3 assists in the first three games, plus a backbreaking assist in the second period of Game 4 -- was considered merely pedestrian when compared to Malkin's. By the same token, Carolina's top line didn't manage five points for the entire series. Yes, Pittsburgh's victory was the proverbial 20-man effort, but there was no denying that Crosby and Malkin were in the vanguard of the march to the Stanley Cup Final.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: GUEST,Jack The Sailor
Date: 27 May 09 - 10:31 AM

Bye Canes.

Go Pens!

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 27 May 09 - 04:11 PM

Well, the road to the Stanley Cup still goes right through Detroit. The boys may lose tonight but they will not lose the series being up now by 3-1; they will, therefore, play the Pens again this year for the final - and it should be great.

I have to believe that folks are simply tired of the Red Wings like baseball fans who don't like the Yankees and are tired of them, too.

I honestly feel, however, that the Wings are simply the best team in the NHL and should win the cup again this year. Heck, I'm expecting them to win it next year, too - I really think they're that good.
Nuts I am? Maybe, but I will write that there is not another team in the NHL that can lose (arguably) it's top two players and remain so strong that they can come out and win a road game 6-1, such as was played the other night in the conference finals - amazing, simply amazing.

Nuff said; there's a game in a few hours that includes pizza and beer down here in Hockeytown South - wish ya'all could join us. The winged-wheel needs to move with all deliberate speed tonight in order to wrap this thing up and prepare for the Pens. GO RED WINGS!
Cheers,...............mwh

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 May 09 - 04:22 PM

Best of luck to Wings and fans. DANG, if I was REALLY a pal we'd order pizza tonight..... hm, must talk to Hardi.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 27 May 09 - 04:38 PM

Don't forget to order "Little Cesar's" Susan.
I agree Michael, the Wings are more than just good. They are great and not just three lines but all four. And the line up for next year will have them right in the thick of things as well. Their rookies look great and will soon have to be filling in some big shoes.
Go Wings.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 May 09 - 06:56 PM

LOL, we are 32-57 miles from any "nearby" Little Caesar's.

Do they have Chicago style pizza? :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 27 May 09 - 10:50 PM

Bobad, I know it hurts when your team loses or are not in the playoffs. I, and my Wing partners have been there. Especially through the Ned Harkness years. But tell me, who did you cheer for before the Ottawa Senators came into play? And I can't believe your statement, "Here's hoping the run for the cup will provide a little more excitement". I'm sure you don't believe what you just posted. The best hockey last year was the playoff final. The best I have ever witnessed. The speed, precession passing and the Wings winning was great as well. But you know what? If Pittsburgh had won I would have felt a little bad but not to much. The reason is because even though I love my Wings, I also love the play of other teams. As an example, I'm very happy that Detroit won tonight. That is not to say that they were the better team but it was a great game no matter who won. I also believe that the two best teams in the NHL this year have made it to the cup. The only disappointment I have is that of Carolina. Not that they should have won against Pits., but they should not have won against Boston. That in my opinion was the only upset in this year's playoffs.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 May 09 - 10:56 PM

Adrien, LOL-- I agree!

Congratulations Wings fans and welcome to the most entertaining hockey you will have seen in some time.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: maire-aine
Date: 27 May 09 - 11:09 PM

Obviously, I'm thrilled that "my" Wings won tonight (Go Wings!). But, if not the Wings, I'd have thrown my support to Pittsburgh. After all, the Steelers are my football team, at least until the Lions win me back after their 16-0 season. (My dad was from western PA.)

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 27 May 09 - 11:57 PM

Here we go folks - strap 'em on! Yes, that was a good game tonight and either team COULD have won - surely, we are thrilled down here in Hockeytown South. Being "old school," if the Wings were not in the hunt I would throw my octopus onto the rink of an "Original Six"
team; after that, it would be a team with one or more players that I like, or a team with some former Golden Domers on it.

This Chicago series was nice because I don't "hate" them and there is such a long history between the two teams. In fact, Kane's goal, as much as I didn't like it, was an excellent shot; I could never say anything like that about a shot off one of the Ducks sticks.

So, Saturday it is. Cheers, everyone, and,...GO RED WINGS!.....mwh

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: bobad
Date: 28 May 09 - 08:16 AM

I'm looking forward to a more competitive series than the blowouts that were the finals. The Cup series starts this Saturday, much better than the June 5 start date that was originally scheduled.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: gnu
Date: 28 May 09 - 01:50 PM

Well, I just hope that the chippy shit takes a back seat to what these teams are capable of. However, I am not naive enough to think that if the score is two or more apart in the middle of the third that the orders won't come down to "get chippy with it." Big money yells loudly.

GO PENGWINGS!

Of course, like Beer, I wanna see good skating and stick handling. I really don't have a dog in this fight, but, I gotta cheer for the Pens on accounta that there Crosby fellah comes from a small coastal hamlet a few hours drive from me.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 May 09 - 03:51 PM

Thanks, gnu, I felt so alone! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: 3refs
Date: 28 May 09 - 04:53 PM

I'm thinking that defence vs offence is going to be the deciding factor in the final. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it could be like the Oilers of the 80's who didn't care if you scored 6 goals, because they'd score 7. Which brings us to the Crosby-Malkin factor. Aside from their skills, the one thing that I've really noticed is their willingness to take it as well as give it during this years playoffs. Detroit is going to have their hands full and maybe their net at well. I predict a long series with Pitt taking it in...............6 games!

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: gnu
Date: 28 May 09 - 04:59 PM

If ya wanted foam in the Beer, ya coulda said 5... er 4... hehehehe.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 May 09 - 06:53 PM

NO POSTS in 24 hours?!?!?!? What kinda hockey fans ARE you people!

GO PENS!

The talk at brekky with some strangers (fellow Pen-fans) was, Pens in 6 or Wings in 7. If it goes to 7 the Wings will nab it. Dunno why this feels right but it does.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 29 May 09 - 10:24 PM

Very dedicated but sometimes folks do other things.
I have been entertaining guest that put on one of the best concerts I have ever witnessed. I'm still flying high. Hopefully i can send some of it to the Wings.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 29 May 09 - 10:28 PM

Seeing as there is no money involved, and to upset a few folks, Wings in 4.
It is possible but highly unlikely.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 May 09 - 11:06 PM

Best of luck. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 10:11 AM

Please continue in PART TWO.

Thank you for your cooperation,

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: gnu
Date: 30 May 09 - 12:29 PM

But, in future, when someone searches the threads, there may be confusion. Why do we need two threads when one will do?

Any Canucks notice the price of potatoe chips, nachos, salsa and such has been knocked down? I was at two grocery stores today.... every second cart was rife with snacks and pop and ice and such.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: GUEST,Jack The Sailor
Date: 30 May 09 - 01:58 PM

When I came to the USA Wal-Mart Brand (Great Value) Frozen concentrated Orange juice was 82 cents a container. Yesterday it was 1.72. Chips, Corn chips and salsa hasn't really changed, in spite of increases in the per bushel price of corn.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 30 May 09 - 06:49 PM

Now if they would only drop the beer prices. Bought a six pack and it cost $13.01
Bunch of rip off's.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: bobad
Date: 30 May 09 - 07:22 PM

You must be drinking some premium beer there Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 30 May 09 - 07:45 PM

No Bobad, that was for 6 Bud at the local corner store. Of course I get 60 cents back on the empties. So I guess you could say it cost $12.41
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: gnu
Date: 30 May 09 - 08:07 PM

Da da da da dahhhhh dadda!!!!!!

Have fun.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: gnu
Date: 31 May 09 - 07:35 PM

Ditto.... I expect a Winger of a game again tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: Beer
Date: 31 May 09 - 11:24 PM

Just got in from playing a little music Gnu. I heard that it was a great game by the Wing goalie. Up two and still calling a 4-0 win for the Wings. Call me nuts but I like what i see and they are not at their top as yet. Injuries still on the team. Paval will be back and will give the Wings an even more advantage.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey: Stanley Cup 2009 (08-09 Season)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 11:32 PM

gnu, would you please let this thread drop off the daylist. It's too long to load for me, and Joe can always combine them LATER.

~S~