BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series

Subject: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 10:08 AM

This is a continuation of PART ONE.

The tradition emerging in Mudcat hockey threads has been that although we each cheer our partiular team on, we do it minus the "trash talk" that other hockey-board discussions tend to encourage. It's a notable departure from Mudcat political threads, where mutual... um, "discord" seems to be the common experience. :~) I like to think that here, altho we have not yet managed to pull of a Mudcat Gathering to actually see games together, we can interact much like fans at a game interact-- ever sit with a fan right up-close next to you, who has traveled to cheer their team? Or, ever been the fan cheering the "away team"? A fan is a fan is a fan, in person.

HOWEVER, that does not mean that a little friendly "wagering" can't occur. I'll start.

My team is the Pens, tho a longtime favorite team at our house had been the Red Wings (our opponentr for the Final). But I'm not conviced they can actually WIN the Cup. I HOPE they will, but if they win, I'll..... I'll..... I'll eat octopus (probably have to be squid), and post the pix to prove it. And I'll make the household beer run for July.

Please follow suit, with your "wager," eh.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 10:11 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 10:12 AM

Our prediction: Pens in 6 or Wings in 7.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: GUEST,Jack The Sailor
Date: 30 May 09 - 01:53 PM

I'm cheering for the Penguins and for Dan Cleary of the Wings who Grew up 10 miles from where I did.

In the spirit of your wager If the Penguins win I'll eat Penguin wings.(Probably have to be chicken wings) and I'll buy Canadian beer for Carol.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 30 May 09 - 03:38 PM

Well, I'm confused. I've read the Freep and the Gazette, and the Hockey News, and Fox Sports and it just doesn't make sense - so many folks looking for the Red Wings to lose - duh?

I believe, without argumentation, that the Wings are the best team in the NHL and the Penguins are the best in the eastern conference; but, I think the east is nowhere near as strong as the west team-for-team. All that being written, my boys are currently in the midst of an onslaught of nagging little injuries that keep sneaking up and pulling our stars out for one, two or more games; that's do-able in the early rounds, but this is the finals - you can't live like that!

The Swede is supposed to play tonight, but Dats is out and Drapes is still out. Ericsson just had an appendix removed - how in the hell are you going to play world-class hockey when you just had your appendix removed? So, I don't know.

In my heart? The Wings - I think they are deep enough, and strong enough, and smart enough to win it this year, and next year as well (boy, that's a mouthful; bet Babs would love to hear that - no wonder they don't call me for advice, huh?)but I don't know how many games it'll take to win this year's finals.

My thought is if you shut down Crosby and Malkin then the Pens are in trouble, but, can you shut down Crosby and Malkin? How much longer is Dats going to be out? What about the inner pressure on Hossa - if any - about playing against Pittsburgh?

Batten down the hatches folks - four hours till we launch. So the only thing left to say is - GO RED WINGS!...............mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 04:12 PM

Oh yes, you can shut down C&M, together or separately-- as long as they stick to their own lines. But if Bylsma continues the7-man defensive matchups, that means C&M take turns, each, centering the fourth line and, in effect, get themselves each TWO lines. That means either the 4 strongest Wings D's will also have way too many shift to do, or the rest of the Wings will have to try to do what they would usually leave to their best D-men.

And then there are the other Pens who have been racking up points, too. Stop Crosby and you leave yourself open to Guerin and/or Kunitz. Stop Malkin and you leave yourself open to Talbot and/or Fedotenko. Staal, Satan, Cooke, Kennedy also can snipe, bigtime, and have. Gonchar and Letang, pow'ful scoring D-men.... look out, look out, Osgood-- which of these guys is the one to watch?!?!?


In the games where the played well last year, other teams had the greatest difficulty dealing with these mulitple sources of shots-- whole lines worth of firepower, times 4 lines. What is better this year is that C&M use their wongs better, have better-for-them wings to play with, and have a better gameplan to play within. Plus experiecne, yadayada.... Plus great depth from their farm team-- people who have logged significant, good mintes in P'burgh the last two seasons who ALSO have relevant experience.

Add banged-up Wings to THAT (WingDings, nononono) and it looks a tossup.

But I am still freaked out to find we are down to the last 4 packages of frozen barbecue, our traditional hockey-dinner for winning games. I'd rather have 6-7 of them suckers.... but that's why I froze the chicken halves the Lions were distribting last week. I gots me 3 different BBQ sauces here to go on THEM. :~)

GO PENS!

Your bets, Tex?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 04:20 PM

Oh, and PS-- re: Hossa. IMO what matters is whether the Pens will have an advantage in knowing all about his bag of tricks, more than he'll have had an idea of theirs. He didn't play under Bylsma tho, so his bag of PenSecrets is limited. He played with Sid only a short time and Sid is a different Sid this year.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 09:35 PM

[nodding] First blood to Detroit's boards. Back atcha! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 30 May 09 - 09:56 PM

Two back attacks.
Wow!
great game so far and the third should also prove the same if not more intense.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 May 09 - 10:57 PM

Hope to see Pens adjust for Game 2. Great game though!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 30 May 09 - 11:21 PM

Yes - an outstanding game. Obviously we're thrilled in our house about the outcome, but from the get-go it was balls-to-the-wall and very exciting to watch; although, I get so involved with it and so intense that sometimes I think it might be easier to play the game than to sit and watch it when your team is involved. I did get a kick out of the fact that near the very end of the game the puck was in the Pens end for quite a while with an open net and we didn't get a score. Funny how those things go. Well, we'll be back at it tomorrow night, cheers to all and,.....GO RED WINGS!..........mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 09:14 AM

RedPals,

I'm genuinely sorry that, just as any team at the NHL level would, Pittsburgh is going to have to take advantage of a back-to-back game against a tired and banged-up team. IMO this is the must-win game-- the opportunity to win that necessary one road game, since y'all have home-ice advantage. If we cannot pull this one off, I think it's going to be a short series.

Regarding goaltending. Fleury has the chops to keep them in the game. We didn't see them last night. This game also is a must-do-better one for him. He beat himself last night-- we know his face well, and in the close-ups last night we saw the willies left over from last year. He has a good record for metal recovery from such. He better get on with it! :~)

Regarding zones... The Pens need to figure out (if they have not already) that the Wings' defensive commitment means that they are not quite as ready to jump up ice as they need to be to equal our speed on the rush. And I have never seen so many opponents at a time put on a forecheck against our guys. These two things alone tell me Babcock is taking our firepower very, very seriously.

Regarding puck luck. Puck-luck PLUS skill is SO COOL! We had it, especially in the last series. The Wings had it last night (and those springy boards). But the Pens also know what it is to play through loss of puck luck. Some of those recent 6-goal games were the result of puck luck. Some were the result of patience, hard work, and coaching adjustments thru the other team's puck luck.


Regarding fan-tension as MWH mentions. They say Game 2 is usually the defining game in a Cup series. I will have to plan some extra-physical chores around the place today to even hope to sit still the odd minute or two before the game starts. Even Faulkner knows this is IT. (Hockey dog, gets treats for our team's goals, knows the electricity that leads up to them.) He lies around just wagging his tail over nothing, hearing and feeling the electricity in the air. Faulkner sez, "I dunno who is gonna win, but I know it's gonna be a treat!"


THANK YOU for your participation in this thread. Sometimes I'm on a slow connection and a different computer-- even on the 50-post method the other thread was no longer loading for me reliably and I need this thread!!! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 12:02 PM

PS, betcha they put in Datsyuk tonight. Well-rested "surprise."

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 31 May 09 - 12:17 PM

Speaking of "Faulkner", maybe spelled differently, he was the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL and it was for Detroit. Good name Susan.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 01:21 PM

LOL, Hardi named him after the writer, but he will prefer this angle as soon as I tell him! But... I ain't gonna tell the dog it's OK to wag for the Wings, at this juncture. He'll have to wait till next season to do that. He does, absolutely, always know which team we are rooting for. (Reads our attitudes.) He combines that with his memory of announcers' voices. He especially likes radio games.

He even tells us if "we" scored or had a good fight (he likes those too), if we were out of the room. He always lets us know if it's worth a re-wind. :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 31 May 09 - 05:58 PM

Hey folks, hello again. Just got off the Freep page and Dats will not be playing tonight. Susan, thanks for the tip on dealing with the dogs. Our "Murphy" gets all excited with Kelly and I shouting and jumping up, and yes - swearing; as a result, he runs off and hides. He hates thunderstorms and Red Wing games; but, the idea of treats when they score - that might be the key. Golden Retrievers can be wussies sometimes; however, can't you imagine if they let cats play goalie in the NHL?, or maybe we could just start an animal hockey league where cats could play goalie - they would be very entertaining in goal, but we can't, so there's nothing left to say, but,....GO RED WINGS!..................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 06:36 PM

Be sure Murph-dog learns one word at first, SCORE or GOAL. Also teach him what "bad goal" means so that he knows that when the Pens score at home (loud buzzer otherwise cues the dog), no treat is forthcoming and owners are growlingly not happy. Don't look at the dog-- he's not the baddie there, and he will understand you are talking to the TV. Really, he will, if he sees you are looking at it and not at him. By the end of October he will know which goals are whose and when to expect you to share your joy. :~)

Highlights via computer can be a good training tool-- many goals in a short period of time for him to hear to cues repeated. We also have fun in the warmup, with F, letting him see Hardi and I offer each other a treat before he gets his. Increases the desire to stay put for the treat, makes it all pack-fun, reduces begging.

Have fun! (Report back!)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 09:22 PM

We're a period behind on the DVR. But Faulkner, 1, Murphy 0.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: bobad
Date: 31 May 09 - 10:52 PM

The Pens are looking snakebit, will be lucky to win one game IMO.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 31 May 09 - 11:20 PM

Just got in. Listened to the third period on the way home from playing some music in Montreal. Missed most of the game. Heard that there was some penalty that should have been called on the wings. Anyway., up two sounds O.k. by me.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 11:31 PM

Pens do not look worried to us, who know their faces well.

What we see is that Bylsma's gotta man up and insist on letting Fleury-- yes, really-- handle incoming pucks and the rest of the team GET UP ICE. Especially Sid, he's gotta get off D and go O. Crosby needs to be COACHED or he just wears himself out trying to play all positions at once. This is Bylsma's first playoffs.

And they need to rack up the goals in the first two periods. Detroit's few mistakes tend to cluster up in the first period, then Babcock tells them to play harder (per gameplan). Then in the second intermission he tells them what to adjust (change gameplan) and they do. We have to do OUR plan in the first 2 periods and never look back.

Look at the period-by-period stats-- it's in there. A close game.


THANKS, BTW, to friends for using this thread. The other one is too long to load for me!

!!!


How did Murphy do, Mike? F is going to bed hungry and bummed.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 11:44 PM

A friend with good sources sez Malkin got a supension for "sending a message" at the end of the game-- it IS a no-no in the Rule Book that I think they HAVE enforced in these playoffs. Then he said it got lifted. Anybuddy else hear anything, maybe on a Canadian broadcast?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 May 09 - 11:55 PM

Found it:

NHL rescinds Malkin suspension
Sunday, 05.31.2009 / 11:48 PM / 2009 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit vs. Pittsburgh
NHL.com

DETROIT -- National Hockey League Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell issued the following statement regarding the instigator penalty assessed to Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin at 19:41 of the third period of tonight's Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final:

Rule 47.22 states: "A player who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation in the final five minutes or at any time in overtime shall be suspended for one game, pending a review of the incident. The director of hockey operations will review every such incident and may rescind the suspension based on a number of criteria. The criteria for the review shall include, but not be limited to, the score, previous incidents, etc..."

Following that review, Campbell said: "None of the criteria in this rule applied in this situation. Suspensions are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight. A suspension could also be applied when a player seeks retribution for a prior incident. Neither was the case here and therefore the one game suspension is rescinded."

NHL Hockey Operations also determined that Malkin should have been assessed a game misconduct for not having his jersey tied down.


===

Since Malkin had Zetterberg's jersey in his hand as he skated off, I guess Z should have been assessed one, too. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 09:39 AM

Beer, here's the penalty you mentioned:

As Dupuis skated with the puck high in the defensive zone, Hossa lifted his stick into Dupuis' gloves to force a turnover. Dupuis said his stick was broken by Hossa, and he looked to officials for a call.

By then, Detroit winger Tomas Holmstrom had directed a shot on Fleury, whose crease was crowded by Red Wings and Penguins. Filppula found the rebound and directed the puck into the net to give the Red Wings a 2-1 lead.

"He hooks me in the hands and breaks my stick, and there was no explanation (from on-ice officials) on that," Dupuis said. "I thought maybe there should have been a call on that play. It's frustrating."

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 01:36 PM

If you click the little "d", Susan, the thread will load 50 posts at a time, in reverse order. You do not have to load the whole thread.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 08:01 PM

Next two games WILL tie it up. It's gonna go at least six.

If you got any spare change, bet against the Wings in the next game.

I'll still wager shaving my bald head.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 12:07 AM

You know, folks, logic and reason says that the Penguins will win the next game - maybe the next two - but I'm not buying it. The Pens have lost two in a row while we are without Dats and Drapes.
I think Babs Boys take it tomorrow night - I think the Wings are that good. Cheers, and,............GO RED WINGS!............mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 09:19 AM

I fear you may be right, but we have two BIG packs of treats ready for game time.

GO PENS GOGOGOGOGO!

What we have not seen yet is when Geno gets jiggy. Watch the body language of his legs. When he gets fired up he gets really weird on his legs, and his skating then becomes totally unpredictable towards the net. His hands get unusually sensitive at the same time.

When he is in this mode, it sticks thru at least two periods. When he gets a goal he becomes ravenous for several more. Watch for it. It's hormones plus raw, inborn talent plus well-schooled skill (plus teammates who catch the fire and have their own talent and skill).

He also distributes the puck to scoring wingers, in this mode. He may be given two lines, in the same mode Bylsma used him and Sid in the 7-D configuration. They can run 6 D and still double-shift the boys.

Or he can put them out together-- the two-headed monster is good anytime, but when both boys are lit up it is really scary.

If they capitalize on ANY of these they will never look back, EVEN IF THEY LOSE THIS GAME.


Geno's game-end fight was not to send a message, but to get himself pumped. I have never seen him stay pumped between games, but then this IS the Cup Final. So.... we have two BIG packs of treats ready for game time.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: GUEST,JTS
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 12:05 PM

Pittsburgh played a very good game on Sunday. A small few different bounces and it would have been 3-1 the other way. It is impossible to say how the bounces will go. But I would not be surprised to see the Pens tie it up.

I like the way Malkin played the last few minutes. It bodes very well for the next games.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 12:15 PM

Yup, he was starting to fire.

At least if we go down this year it will be with honor.

I got people-treats for tonight's game, too. :~)


MWH, how's Murphy's training coming along?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 12:53 PM

Susan - we had a graduation gathering of friends and family on Sunday and the only two Wings fans around were my wife, Kelly, and myself; everyone else were Stars fans and they refuse to cheer for the Red Wings. At any rate, the child has been graduated and tonight it should be Kelly and me and the animals, so his training will officially start tonight.

I expect this to be an exciting game - enjoy it and we'll all comment later. Oh, yes,.......GO RED WINGS!..................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 01:18 PM

No that's OK, you can leave off that last phrase if memory fails.....

I'm picturing how it would be for F and M to be in the same room during a game. "Treat, me!" "No, Treat, ME!" In no time I am sure the hoomins would relent and treat all dogs present for all goals scored and all fights called by the commentators.

"Iz hockey? Iz treats!"

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 08:13 PM

And the game has begun........
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 10:44 PM

Now that Ladies and Gentlemen was a great great game. Unfortunately the wrong team won.
IMHO.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 11:27 PM

Exhaaaaaaaalinnnnngggg........ saw a dynasty born tonight, win the Cup this year or no. A moment in the 3rd. "These are our young men," I said, "our brave, so-young men." And Sid's interview afterwards was GREAT-- he's growing up.

They just learned a heckuva lesson toniught. And F got BEER when we won. He loves that stuff! Only a drop-- bad beer farts.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 06:21 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 06:32 PM

Told ya.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 07:14 PM

Ya! well go..... Oh never mind. Get you in the next game.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 07:46 PM

Not necessarily, Beer. Unless it's gonna go five. >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 09:47 PM

Two things that the Red Wings have been known for, for a long time, have been puck control and patience; this is true in a game, and I would suspect it to be true in a series as well. The one thing that has not been rectified in this series is that Pavel Datsyuk is out - he hasn't played at all. The Pens are good, no question; but, if Dats comes back, and can play at near 100%, well,................
GO RED WINGS!...................................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 10:35 PM

Excellent point Mich.... Do I finish typing the State name ?? or Michael? I guess I just answered my own thoughts.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 10:57 AM

I can't recall ever having had such a struggle deciding what to thaw for supper. Hm, OK, it's a hockey night, so that means BBQ.... yup, got a few pieces left, frozen..... they usually win if we have BBQ..... hm, running low on the pork-- the usual-- maybe the chicken halves from the Lion's Club smokathon...... what's luckier, which one-- do I wanna save the pork for the next games in Detroit? Yeah... we gonna have to win at least one there..... OK, the chicken for sure. It's a home game. We have all the advantage we need, already.

About Datsyuk. Sorry, friends, but he is not going t be anywhere NEAR 100% if and when he "returns." It's simple logic. If he was anywhere NEAR being able to limp out there on one foot, he'd have been playing already!!! If he's not been able to do that, his injury is SO BAD that it will take time to get him anywhere near "healthy." So if they put him out there, ya better pray they found a pain med not traceable on a drug screen, and that it doesn't mess with his head or hands too bad. Poor guy, must be making him NUTS to sit on the side and watch.... He's got to have been hurt BAD to have missed more than one game-- it's the CUP for Lord's sake!

(Yes, I mean Lord Stanley.)

GO PENS!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 11:08 AM

Pavel"I ain't Bobby Baun"Datsyuk is probably done for the year. Even if he does come back, one little Bobby Clarke type stick check will put him on the sidelines again!

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 02:49 PM

Wings tonight and the the big party on Saturday night at home?

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 03:52 PM

So if I read this correctly Gnu, you are saying the Wings will take the next two games?
I like that.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 05:07 PM

DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! This series is so damned frustrating. I think you all are right - Dats is not coming back, and even if he does, he'll be nursing the foot and one whack would probably put him back out; but, ya' know - that's hockey, injury is part of the game and was certainly one of the reasons that the Red Wings won last year - they had very few injuries and everyone could play at top speed.

On another note, I'm happy to be working, but not pleased to have to miss the game on Saturday for a house concert. I expect my audience would not appreciate me watching a hockey game while performing; and, they surely wouldn't stand for my jumping up and yelling,"YES, YES," in the middle of some chorus after the Wings score. Then again, they would not like my negative statements like, "Oh, shit," when the Pens score or get a power play when I'm in the middle of singing, "The Dutchman." "The dutchman's not the kind of man, who keeps his thumb jammed in the...OH, SHIT!"
GO RED WINGS!...............mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 05:50 PM

Good one Michae.
You could always have the T.V. on and the sound turned down. I did that 2 years ago and it worked very well.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 06:07 PM

house concert.... why can't you incorporate the game? Get the crowd involved?

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 06:22 PM

YEAH! Murphy, the crowd-- treats all around!

GO PENS!

Tonight is a defining game. If my Pens really have their chops, this is the game to show it because I know the Wings are gonna try their best to eat 'em alive. If any team can do it (with or without Pavel), the Wings can. If we win, well, it will be an honor indeed to do it against the Wings, eh.

Nailbiter. Hardi just bought me a weight-lifting bar to work off the nerves.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: GUEST,Jack The Sailor
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 10:58 PM

Wow! What a game!

Penguins in six?

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: bobad
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 11:04 PM

Now we have a series.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 11:07 PM

Been sayin' Pens in six or Wings in seven.

I need to get fake nails now. I just want it to be OVER.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 11:16 PM

Great great game.
Close to being perfect.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 11:31 PM

Naw, I saw a lot of Penguin mistakes.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 11:46 AM

Heheheheheee.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 09:46 PM

~S~ - there may have been some mistakes by the Pens, but they ate our lunch and left no crumbs in the bag. If they repeat that performance trick on Saturday then - wings will be eaten for supper during game six next week.

My boys have lost the ability to score on the power-play; and, God, please tell me what the hell they are doing on the penalty kill? I simply do not know what it is they are doing. All they do is stand around while the Pens swarm and shoot until they score. I cannot accept that this talented team cannot devise a penalty kill policy that works! I'm sorry, but from now on, when the Wings get a penalty called on them, I submit that it would make the game more interesting if they just gave a goal to Pittsburgh and let them continue play, because that's what it has turned into - a goal for the Pens.

Personally, unless he's really hyped up, I don't think Dats coming back will make much difference; I mean, he's been out for many days now, he's probably not at 100%, and he'll probably be out of sync with everyone for at least the first game - and that's the game we'll need him for. If my guys don't win tomorrow - it's over.

I kinda feel like Datsyuk, myself, cause if I could cancel this gig tomorrow, I surely would; there are just some things that take precedent, and Red Wings Stanley Cup Finals hockey is one of those things. My wonderful Kelly will be relaying messages to me at the end of each period and whenever anyone scores.

Friends, if you liked last night's game then hang on because there's another one lined up for tomorrow night; and then, at least one or two more. I hope ~S~ and I have fingernails and guitar callouses left after these next few days. Ah, well, don't cha just love it!
GO RED WINGS!.....................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 11:09 PM

Wellll....... but how is MURPHY doing?

To answer your questions and concerns about Wings' perfomace, I think they are just beyond exhausted and banged up. And too classy to plead that as an excuse. And they never played THIS Pens team-- few did, till the first playoff series, because the Bylsma changes are still not well understood by anyone but the Pens. Not enough time for any team to scout him or his new way for the team to play. The Pens themselves are surprised thay are doing so well.

I say it's still a tossup.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 05:53 AM

One of our local commentators spotted something wrong with Lidstrom-- lower body, moving awkwardly, dragging a leg-- in Game 4. (Sounds like groin?) Anybuddy know whassup widdat?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 10:15 AM

~S~ yes, the Freep has hinted at a problem for Lidstrom, but that's as far as it's gone. He did make some uncharacteristic mistakes in the last game, and, well, maybe you're right - he's not healed from what kept him out early on. As I stated earlier in the series, being healthy is so much a part of winning the cup.

I have another problem and maybe you, or someone who reads this, can help me out. There are places on-line where you can watch the games in progress, but, are there any places on-line where you can watch the game after it has been played?

I can't believe this is happening to me, but the Free Press wrote today that the next game is Tuesday, and that (if necessary) Game 7 is on Friday night - DAMN IT! This is not fair - I'm booked into a festival show next Friday night and would have to miss Game 7 - DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! I must have pissed-off the hockey gods somehow; heck, I even changed my performace day from Saturday to Friday to accomodate another singer who was only available on Saturday. Although it really hurts, I can handle missing the game tonight, but Game 7?

You know, I'll bet that damned Bettman is behind this somehow; after all the bad things I've written about him, why, he probably....
GO RED WINGS GO!................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 11:01 AM

Oh my. Any way you can tape it and wear a Tee that says, "Tell me the score and you _____."?

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 02:09 PM

MWH,

I do not know if the Total Recorder software's video-capture add-on can process a 3+-hourlong event. I've mostly used just their audio recording feature. Your best bet is to canvass local friends to see who has a DVR they can put at your disposal, but transferring the game from DVR to DVD takes a DVD burner in addition to the DVR (recorder), if you don't want to watch the game on their TV but make it portable.

A game takes at least 2 DVDs, so the friend has to be willing to swap in a fresh DVD for the second half of the game (and a third one if it goes into overtime). VHS, on the other hand, can carry up to 6 hours of medium-quality videotape if you have or can use someone's VHS recorder/player. But the reality is that even if the Wings win, it's just not as exciting if you know what happened.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 02:12 PM

I have 8:10h VHS tapes.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 08:00 PM

And, I WILL be taping the game for future reference.

BTW... I must comment... the refs are doing an AMAZING job at the calls. I saw penalties that I hollered at and even jumped up out of the LazyBoy over (true strory!) and then said, yeah, I understand why you didn't call that. It is a true testement as to how to ref a game. Some stuff you gotta call, some stuff you gotta send a dirty look to the guy and put him on notice for the sake of the flow.

It's been great so far, including the fans and the refs. I am actually getting into it, even tho the Habs are golfing.

So... since I called it perfectly so far, I think I should bow out of any predictions as I don't wanna spoil the ending for anyone.

But, I got fifty bucks riding on the game tonight... >;-) (Canuck thing.)

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 08:42 PM

That's what my old man taught me.... put that puck on that net!

Go Mounties!

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 09:30 PM

Music to my ears... er, wallet... a musical ride! 4 up... I may go pot some double impatiens and begonias and watch the rest of the game on tape... if the Pens win. Haaaahahahahaa.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 11:17 PM

I been wondering where those guys were....

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 03:27 PM

Well, needless to write, but this is one happy household. When I arrived at the gig house last night I pulled in behind a car with a Dallas Stars logo on it; the driver got out of the car, looked back at me wearing my Chelios shirt/jersey and said, "Nice to see you - GO PENS!" Heading into the house there were more cars bearing a Stars logo and I knew I wore the right shirt and ballcap.

Before we got started several of the guests and myself had a long discussion about hockey: what the Stars could have done if not for all the injuries this year; what they'll do next year; how much the Red Wings are hated by everyone in North Texas, and whether or not the Pens will take the cup in six games or seven. Of course, I stood alone in the crowd. Gordie Howe would be proud.

Some of the Stars/Pens fans wanted the tv on with the sound off but our hostess would have none of that, so, I advised everyone that my wife was going to leave me a voice-mail - at the end of each period, and, whenever anyone scored. One guy, who was there with his wife said that he did not want to know the score because he was taping the game and would watch it when he got home. As it were, I put the phone on silent/buzz and took to the stage. After about two songs I got a buzz, then sometime later I got another buzz, etc.

After an hour or so I told everyone that there had been several buzzes in my pants since we started and I took a break to listen.
One Stars/Pens fan came up and asked me the score and then she just hung her head; then, after another buzz the wife of the man who was taping the game came up, leaned into me and said, "Please, I can't stand it, just whisper the score to me." She didn't like what she heard at all.

The evening was really a great success from a music/entertainment standpoint, but at one spot, fairly late, our hostess came up to me and said that I had given more than enough for the evening and that I could quit whenever I felt like it. I told her I'd take a beer and that with a minute-forty to go in the final period and my guys up 5 to nothing - "Hell, I'll sing all night if they want me to!" GO RED WINGS GO!.............mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 04:49 PM

Glad YOU had fun. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 06:10 PM

I know I have been told not to comment any more on the chippy shit, but, I gotta say.... Sidney really pissed me off with that cheap slash. I mean, if I was gonna get a guy for the crap rained on me that was not called, I would wait for it to be a tad more tastey that that little tap. That wouldn't have even made a bruise bigger than the smile Crosby got sent when he went in the box.

I can understand the frustration he felt after the crap he had to put up with, but, come ON. A slash? a wee little slash? Show a little CANUCK and fuckin NAIL the guy with a wicked check. Not like he couldn't set it up because he was busy playin hockey or somethin.

I am bettin on the Pens next game. It's a gamble, because it's best out of three now, but... I gotta go with the money bet. No sense in layin money down to make nothin if ya can't afford to lose it eh? Come big or stay home, Me Mere used to say.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 09:30 PM

My greatest joy last evening was sitting back listening to the commentators expressing their wisdom as to how Detroit is so tired. One even asked one of the players as to what they will do because of it. Stupid assholes. Did they think that the Wings were going to roll over and die? But here is the best. At about the 15 minute mark they started the same thing again. No, not the Wings this time but the Pens.look awful tired.
If I recall they also spoke in the recent past games how much Crosby has matured from last years finals. Yep! right!. In my books he is still as immature as last year and I also think he should get some cat to lick of his mustache or not grow one at all. I said it last year and I'll say it again. Crosby has not learned to control his emotions. When the Pens are loosing you can read the expression on his face and it does not help his team.

The Pens hopefully come out and play in the next game otherwise it will be another 6 game Stanley Cup final for the Red Wings.

By the Way, I'm a hockey fan as well as a Red Wing fan. If Pits. win a well deserved game I am sad for my team but I will also acknowledge the fact that the Wings did not deserve to win.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 07 Jun 09 - 11:15 PM

Yeah, Beer, I think I'm pretty fair mined too. Sure, I'm a big time homer, but if our guys make a mistake, play bad, stink up the joint, vis-a-vis Game 4 - I'll be the first to admit it and jump all over them for it. I'll also be the first to jump on them for cheap shots, and yes, the Wings do make a few cheapo's but not that many compared to some other clubs (Ducks). So I'm now going to take a moment to piss on the skates of the Pens Talbot for taking a whack with his stick at Datsyuk's injured foot - that's not hockey, that's just plain, simple B.S.! No, I didn't see it, so I'm commenting blind, but, I've heard about it from several people and read about it in the Freep and the P-G. I'd feel the same way if Dats did it to someone else. You've got to beat them up-and-up, fair-and-square, or a victory is meaningless.

I'm gonna be selfish here and hope for a Red Wing victory on Tuesday.
I don't care if it's by a half of a goal - I'll take it. Let's get it on, get it over, and prepare to go again in the fall. GOD, I LOVE THIS GAME - GO RED WINGS GO!.........................mwh

Subject: Abrazos: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 12:59 PM

LOL, the different ways we use this thread.... (I'd be rich If I had a penny for every bum check the Pens have put up with in this series alone, never mind the whole playoffs-- but I know it looks different depending on which team a fan is protecting in their heart.)

Me, I had a hard stop an hour or two ago I think my hockeypals here may be able to rerlate to.... I find it quite amusing....

I had slept late (a rare luxury) and was rushing thru the AM chores which, in this pastors' home, includes thawing what may, later, be a really fast supper (we are awaiting another one of those "just died" phone calls from a parishioner family just up the road). I admit, I was not yet fully awake. "Which BBQ for the GAME?!?!?!?" was all I was thinking. "Gotta get the right BBQ for a WIN!!!" (I thawed both chix and porx.)

It was not until I'd tossed them in the oven to be ready for the game that I realized-- (A) it's TOMORROW (so I moved them to the fridge and yanked out a steak). And (B) I'd committed to be GONE for the first hour of tomorrow's game, at least, picking up a Freecycle item MILES away. (Good thing!!!)

Nervous? Uh, YEAH..... looking for a tin roof for that dance routine.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 02:07 PM

Well, fact is, when it comes down the the final finals, that is, the best outta three series, it's all or nothing every game.

My money is on the Wings for the next two games.

Of course, deep in my heart, I am still not snuffing out the candle. But, it's getting pretty drafty.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 02:40 PM

Yup, I'm about right there, too.

That was what I meant when I said I'd been wondering where those guys were, all this time. They showed up. In plenty of time.

I could readily see, for example, how Datsyuk is like our Gonchar, in terms of how he affects the whole team dynamic technically and via chemistry.

But, the Pens have been surprising me for the last several months, on a nightly (gamely?) basis. I will welcome any more surprises they can give me.

GO HOCKEY!

GO PENS! GO BYLSMA!

Any an early prediction: Pens vs. Wings, next year, in the Final, again. I think I may be the first one with THAT one. Epic uber-rivalry.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 02:42 PM

Nah... Montréal and Tronna.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 02:48 PM

Hoping no Tronna-fans are here-- first they would have to win a SERIES. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 03:33 PM

Hey! Don't leaf at the Maple Laffs!

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 03:45 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIa_708Fbn4


Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 09:58 AM

That is priceless.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 02:36 PM

When I first came across it a while back I immediately sent it to my Toronto Maple Leaf Die Hard brother-in-law. He wrote back saying "You really know how to hurt a guy". We had a great laugh over it.
Ad.
About 6 hours away.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 05:31 PM

I don't EXPECT it to go this way, but here's my version of the perfect scenario.

The Wings go down tonight 7-0 and there are numerous fights in the game. The Pens goals include a hat trick for Geno, a hat trick for Sykora, AND a shortie from Staal.

Then Game 7 is a nailbiter, goal for goal every 5 minutes, with all the goals coming from role players, not stars. It finally goes into overtime. About 3 minutes into the second OT (I don't think I could take 3 OTs again), Crosby goes on a breakaway and dekes, completely pulling Osgood off center position, and flicks the puck across his body into an open side of the net. Or he takes a pass from the other head of the 2-headed monster-- because really, so few goalies can count to 2 when they are both right off the crease, one to each side-- and it's a power wraparound/stuff.


But my money is staying in my pocket. (I think we go down, tonight, AGAIN.) May puck luck be ours.

GO PENS!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 05:46 PM

Well, tonight is a crapshoot. Like Vinny said... on any given Tuesday. After all, we are talking about two of the BEST hockey teams in the world. Lives, livliehoods, many millions of dollars hang in the balance.

Really... crapshoot.

All I hope is that the refs do a great job. If so, it will be great hockey.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 06:55 PM

I have just discussed, by telephone, for over a half hour, in depth, the series, especially the last game, including everything from rosters to attitudes to coaching to strategies, and the impending game, with one of my best friends, a die hard Wings fan all his life.

So, it is written by Vic.... Wings 4 to 2 on an open net with less than 30 seconds left.

Now, I don't care WHO it is, but I hope he's right one the scoring!

Well, I kind would like that scoring to be on Friday night... selfish me... one more game, eh?

Da da da da dahhh dadahhhhhh....

Hmmmm.... big decision... deluxe or pepperoni? or Parisienne? You try that McCains Parisienne? Darn good for $4!!! And, believe it or not, extra mozz and canned corn beef... TRY it! (Yes, I was when I discovered this. How else?)

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 07:26 PM

gnu - pepperoni. This thing goes to bed tonight. Wings 4 - Pens 2.
GO RED WINGS GO!...............................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 09:51 PM

End of the second Michael, but with a 0/1 score were still in there.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 10:44 PM

I forgot to drink BEER in Game 5-- but I had one tonight, for luck. Puck luck.

Friday evening is our Diocesan Convention banquet. My motel TV will be calling me to do an early powder!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: GUEST,Jack The Sailor
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 10:48 PM

Woooooo Hooooo

GAME SEVEN!!

Its down to one game!!

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 10:51 PM

FUCK!!!!
Oops, did I say this?? Sorry.
Great game for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 10:52 PM

FUCK! Did I say THAT!?!?!?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 07:34 AM

I DID!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 10:55 AM

Well, SON OF A BITCH! Yeah, I said that, because - THERE IS A GAME SEVEN IN THE STANLEY CUP FINALS, MY TEAM IS PLAYING, AND I HAVE TO WORK! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!

Beer, I don't think we played well last night and I sure don't know why; but, this morning's Freep and Mike Babcock agreed with my assessment - the Wings just didn't play like it was the last game and the Penguins did - end of story. I also agree with Mitch Albom who wrote that without Ozzie the score could have been 4-1 or 6-1 because our defense was simply not good. They spent too much time in our own zone and turned the puck over in the neutral zone too many times. Ozzie is a great goalie - period.

Well, whatever happens, I'm a Wing-Nut, win, lose or draw - and that doesn't change. You all enjoy the game on Friday and always remember these four words - GO RED WINGS GO!..................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 11:07 AM

F, no! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 11:07 AM

Relax, pal. It's in the bag. Think game 7, think the number of Stanley Cup winners on the team, think game 7 IN THE JOE. Pittsburgh ain't chopped liver, and they are to be commended for getting this far. But make no mistake about it, the Cup stays in Detroit this year.

Now. ..... let's talk about the officiating last night.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 11:10 AM

Hopefully, if we go there (the officiating), Mudcatter 3refs will provide helpful comments and/or clarification-- he's a Cdn on-ice official with Hockey Canada?-- Juniors?-- if memory serves and if I understand Cdn hockey rightly.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 11:41 AM

Mick, not to complain but I picked up on 3 calls that should have been made in Detroit's favor. However let us hope that the game is not decided on some mistake by a ref.
"Go Wings Go"
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 11:49 AM

Yes, but we saw an equal number of calls the other way. Surprisingly, by experienced refs I actually respect.

And hey-- I didn't know until this year that Cup Final refs are assigned by merit from performance in the preceding rounds' games.

If one of the Detroit concerns was the Scuderi "goaltneding," I can speak to that one. Our DVR allows good highlight review and we saw clearly-- no hand on the puck.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 12:25 PM

No, I don't dispute that call. His hand never touched the puck. But the wings ended up in the penalty box twice early on, for infractions that the Penguins were guilty of minutes later. They were so obvious that even the NBC commentators commented, and they (IMO) have shown a complete bias towards Pittsburgh throughout the series.

I hate posting from an iPhone, but it's all I have right now.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 12:53 PM

I don't put much stock in Versus and NBC commentators. We've seen the bias run the other way. I think that's natural-- esp. if we fans are the age of the players' parents, we want to protect "our boys" and we tend to see incursions against our own team while not even physically seeing what "our" boys do, absent a slow replay. The game's just too fast, inherently, to see it all, from the fans' view, and the commentators' view too-- which is why we have referees ON the ice WITH training AND seniority.

Backed up by the War Room, which watches it all and which is always looking for chances to apply additional discipline. But in the Final, even moreso than the preceding series, the refs are supposed to "let them play."

When a call is missed, under normal circumstances, officials get a "review" of the call for their own edification, and notice that they must enforce that rule in the next opportunity. They also get briefing before each game (all year) on what kind of crap individual players are mostly likely to pull. Coaches get briefed on what and how to warn their players. And then, yes, stuff DOES stil happen, but it's not quite the Dodge City out there that the paid-to-hype commentators seem to like to suggest.

Checks and balances. The losing team is almost always "robbed."

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 12:59 PM

PS, Mick, but I agree-- the Wings probably DO have it in the bag.

GO PENS!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 01:16 PM

Susan, IMO your post Is incorrect in it's assertion that the "on the ice" crew has a better vantage point than the cameras do. You need only look at the replay on that last goal save to know that. And the commentators are hired because they are pro's and have forgotten more about the game than you or I know. And it was the opinion of all 4 commentators that the crew was inconsistent and the Wings were the victims of it. That is not taking anything from the Penguins, the right team won last night.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 01:42 PM

I cried when The Cherry broke up talking about the last Canuck death in Afghanistan. Hockey didn't seem too important at that moment.

If I may comment... refs let stuff go SOMETIMES when it's...

1. not injurious.
2. does not affect the outcome of immediate play.
3. is not done repeatedly.

As has been said, it tends to balance out.

Now, just one more thing about what the refs CAN see. Everything. Unless you are at the game, you only see what's on your TV. You might see a ref ten feet from a "penalty" but you may not have seen what he saw 50 feet from that penalty.

Anyway, there aren't any refs in Afghanistan and hockey is just a game.

Yes, I do get very upset at times, but usually only about dirty play and chippy shit.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 02:21 PM

Summary of last post:

On-ice view PLUS War Room view = checks and balances.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 11:30 AM

It's hell, waiting!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 12:51 PM

I just got back from the beer store. Some of you may know that in Canuckville, we have two seasons - winter and construction. I live in a neighbourhood essentially bounded by two arterials which meet at a 30 degree y. One is being paved is down to one lane each way. The other is being widened, same deal. Each carries about 40k vehicles a day (rough guesstimate). It is June, tomorrow is Friday, Game 7 is on tomorrtow night. Doesn't take a transportation engineer to figure that today is the day to go to the beer store.

gnu, M.Sc.E. Transportaion Planning and Engineering (I also majored in beer.)

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 01:14 PM

Just received this from a relative living close to Detroit. Some of you may have heard it but I thought I would share it anway.
Ad.

A True RED WINGS Hockey Fan

It's Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, and a man makes his way to his seat right at center ice. He sits down, noticing that the seat next to him is empty. He leans over and asks his neighbor if someone will be sitting there.

"No," says the neighbor. "The seat is empty."

"This is incredible", said the man. "Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the final game of the Stanley Cup play-offs and not use it?"

The neighbor says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Stanley Cup we haven't been to together since we got married in 1967."

"Oh ... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else, a friend or a relative, or even a neighbor to take the seat?"

The man shakes his head. "No. They're all at the funeral."

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 01:20 PM

LOL.... and I bet that road of gnu's was at least starting to get crowded, too.

I think I gonna empty out the Convention banquet by announcing, if I am called to the podium for anything, "Stanly Cup, our room, BYO chairs and beer." The VETERAN players on the Dicoesan stage, I know, will go over the wall with us!

Hm, take DVR to motel room....... nononono....... VCR maybe!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 03:35 PM

Beer! An oldie but a goodie... and perfect timing! Hahahahaaa.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 10:54 AM

...eleven hours until stage time - "SON OF A BITCH!"
GO RED WINGS GO!.....................................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 01:49 PM

I was just standing outside in the warm rain figgerin out how to set up for my new snowblower during construction season. I am gettin me a Honkin mother Honda on accounta North Americans can't build a good one yet.

I debated with me on the merits of constructing a walkway from the rear door landing to a landing with a doored enclosure for the blower and a ramp from there returning to near the first landing.

I had to consider the prevailing snowstorm winds in realtion to the house, the garage and the new construction, amongst other factors.

That's when I drifted (yeah) back to my youth. The large apartment buildings that abut my property on the rear used to be a field and there was a large swamp and pond. That is where I learned to skate, to play hockey, to wrassle with girls in a kind way. Fond memories of getting a puck in the nuts and getting kicked in the nuts. No refs in that field.

mwh.... sniff

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 02:09 PM

"wrassle with girls ". In the fields eh!. I'm not touching that one.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 02:44 PM

I did... got kicked in the nuts for it. Wish you'd told me which one not to touch.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 06:31 PM

Butterfly Joe.... a title for a song about a toothless hockey player just before Game 7 in Detroit. Anybody got a tune to sing it to? Hehehehe.

Here ya go, Butterfly Joe.
Game 7 fer the Stanley cup,
And don'cha know.....

Kinda late to make up a song, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 10:49 PM

Ummm ......... Errrrrrr .......... anyone got any crow they could spare???? Congrats to the Penguins and their fans.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 11:08 PM

Yes, Congratulations. No excuses. The Pens were definitely the better team. Great goal-tending on both sides. I would have picked Flurry as MVP despite Melkin's output in goals. !2 or 13 I think.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 11:16 PM

Agreed, Ad. I think Flower got hosed. He was magnificent. Actually I only got to listen to the third period. I had to play a gig at the Pierce Cedar Creek Environmental Center. Every few minutes a teenaged kid updated me on the score. Managed to catch the last10 minutes. The better team won tonight. Our guys were just too beat up.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: GUEST,Jack The Sailor
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 12:58 AM

So is Hossa kicking himself? ;-)

WAY TO GO PENS!!!

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 07:16 AM

Great series. Great final.

Go Patriots!

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 10:04 AM

Congrats to all the "Gopens" folk. I didn't see a play. This, from Mitch Albom's column in this mornings Freep kinda says it all from this Red Wingers view:

"A great run finally ends …
Chins up. No complaints. The Red Wings, who led their series, 2-0 and 3-2, lost the last two chances at the Stanley Cup, and then lost the Cup itself. It was no cheapie. No cursed bounce or haunted ricochet. The Penguins were the better team this night. Their defense was better. Their offense was better. Their pressure was better. And their puck protection was better. You aren't likely to win when you give away that little rubber thing 11 times more than the other guy, as the Wings did.

So they can't complain. They were at home. They had three days' rest. They had more power plays and more shots. And — as if that weren't enough — Sidney Crosby didn't play half the game due to injury. Say the truth. The Wings looked tight. They got no goals from the stars. It was fitting Lidstrom was thwarted on the last shot. He had no goals all series. Neither did Hossa. Neither did Tomas Holmstrom. Neither did Pavel Datsyuk in his three games.

Defense matters. Grinders matter. Goaltending matters. But they keep score by goals. And the Wings were one short of tying, two short of winning.

Tip your hat to the Penguins. They did what no team had done in 38 years — win a Game 7 on the road to take the Cup. They were supposed to be younger, less experienced and less talented overall. Don't tell them that.

"We couldn't get it done," forward Kirk Maltby said. "...We'll be back next year.""

What a game! What a series! Congrats Pens - enjoy the cup.
Red Wings forever. Cheers,...................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 11:17 AM

Excellent article. Really tells the truth of it all.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 12:36 PM

I called my buddy Vic one minute to game time and he said the same as last time, "4 2 Wings with an open netter". Bet him a Loonie. He hasn't called me yet today. Of course, I am not going to mention the Loonie... the nurses at emerg would laugh too much.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 02:26 PM

Just back from Convention. Saw per. 2, 3. !Sorpresa completa!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 04:32 PM

HARBOUR GRACE, N.L. - The mayor of Harbour Grace, N.L., says he intends to honour a Stanley Cup bet struck with his counterpart in Halifax.

Harbour Grace is the home of Detroit Red Wings forward Dan Cleary, while Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby hails from Cole Harbour, just outside of Halifax.

The Red Wings won hockey's most prestigious prize in 2008, but the Penguins came out on top when both teams faced off for the Cup for the second consecutive year on Friday.

Don Coombs, the mayor of Harbour Grace, says he and Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly once again bet on which team would skate away with the Cup.

Coombs says a package containing partridge berries, scallops, boots and seal meat will be sent within the next two weeks to Kelly.

But Coombs says it remains to be seen if he'll don a Penguins jersey at the next town council meeting.
**************

Boots?

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 04:37 PM

BTW... partridgeberry jam is my fav.

Subject: RE: BS: NHL Cup '09, Pt. II: The Final Series
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 07:15 PM

Yes!
Excellent jam Gnu.
Good bet to win also. Eh!
ad.