Sure was... :redface:

And about that 1-16 playoff tree...

I like that Boston-Montreal series :D

Tomorrow's going to be a crappy day...

I blame the overhead (live) shots on RDS. There's always a goal when I can't see the action ( :| ).

*sigh*

Hate to say it, but my Iginla thoughts were correct. I know Chelios was out, but nobody else on the Wings stepped up to stop Jerome.

Intensity is being able to score after being scored upon. Flames did it twice.

I didn't think I would see the day when Lidstrom would get dumb on the blue line.

Good game for the flames. Left me very bummed.

DOLA:

Was it just me or was Steve Levey's mic a little muffled? Also, not being able to many games at the Saddledome, I was a little frustrated with the low main camera angle. Is that because of the shape of the stadium?

I thought it was amusing to hear that they opened up more seats for the game, after replacing the ones they auctioned off. 19000+. Good numbers.

I never noticed anything about the camera angle. I've never actually thought about it.

More seats were not opened for tonight's game but for the start of the playoffs because of public pressure. If the 'Dome could hold 30,000 it would be sold out.

What broadcast were you watching? Unless it's Chris Cuthbert, take anything out of a CBC broadcaster's mouth as false, unless of course they're discussing the Leafs.

Happy to see one Canadian team may make it out of the 2nd round...Go Flames :)

Lidstrom is ummm... getting old. He has been one of my favorite players for a long time, but my hatred for the Red Wings has been too strong to watch him play much anymore. What a great guy, though. When he gets schooled it generally means things are going badly for the entire team.

At this point, I am just pleased that the Flames are making a good series of it. If they had ANY kind of depth on the blueline they could really be making some noise. I've been a Montador fan, but it's obvious he is a step down, and you really take a hit on Commodore. They brought that Brennan Evans kid up (played in Lowell (AHL) this season) for the game tonight, but last I looked he only had 1 shift and that was 32 seconds. What a tough way to make your NHL debut. Somehow the defensive corps pulled it off, though.

What about Iginla? That guy is incredible. He's got a share of the Richard trophy for his 41 goals during the season, has 6 goals (9 points) through 10 playoff games, and has two fighting majors in the playoffs as well.

They (ESPN) could have said that the seats were open for the playoffs, not just for this game. My point was that I thought it was cool . Not because I am a Wings fan, but because it's cool to hear things like that when it comes to hockey fans.

This is what I posted about Iginla, after 2 games:



Then later:



Yes, he is incredible. Though in this series, up to this game, he wasn't more than a silent figure in the series. I was (right) wrong.

Lidstrom, I don't know. I would hope age doesn't have anything to do with it (after the contract extension). I would agree that his bad day reflects 10 fold on the whole team. It is unusual that he can have a 4 point game and then blow it in the next one. He needs to shoot more than once a game if the Wings want a chance to win Thursday.

Hrmmm...

Not good.

The only good thing to come out of all this, is that if the series goes to six games, I will actually get to see a Wings playoff game this year. Heading back to the states on Sunday for work. Will likely be there for the entire month of May. That's the only positive I can see.

Nah, Cole gets all his Leafs stuff wrong too.

It's part of his charm. Every sport needs a "crazy old man" broadcaster that you can't imagine not having around. Cole is the Summerall of the NHL.

Bobe Cole and Harry Neale are royalty....they could get every name wrong on the ice, and call everyone Orr and Howe, and I wouldnt care.....Cole's voice brings me peace ;)

I prefer Joe Bowen...He could make a lawn bowling game sound interesting.

It's just hard to believe that there are not two better colour analysts in the country than Millen and Healy. Cassie Campbell is occasionally a guest analyst on the Flames broadcast and she does a much better job. She's prepared, knows her stuff and has actually seen the Flames play during the regular season. Plus, she captained a team to Olympic gold, silver and countless world championships - something that gets much more respect from me than sitting on the bench watching Richter, Messier et. al. win you a Stanely Cup. [/rant off]

I'm glad we pushed it to a sixth game only for the sake that the organization can get some more coin with a home date. My only expectation for this series was to get to at least game six and make it difficult on the Wings. I'm satisfied regardless what happens here on out.

Plus Cassie Campbell is better looking than both Millen and Healy.

A few years ago, Ottawa fans complained loudly that CBC had an anti-Senator bias. It was the sort of small-town thing that fans do when their team makes the big time and they're not really sure how to react.

Millen = Ottawa homer.

So there's your explanation for his presence. Dean Brown would also fall into that category, but he's quite a good play-by-play guy most times so I don't mind him being there at all.

Looks like you got a little more than that. :)

Holy effin Leafs!

Lookin' good, lookin real good.

WORD!

I would take the CBC guys any day over the guys we get down here...

meanwhile, in the US I miss the beginning of the Avs game to watch the 9th inning of a gay baseball game.

I thought Chipper Jones was on the DL.

:D

SUNDIN, WHAT A PASS
Kilger, Wilm, Belak, and yes Alex Mogilny played a great physical game...I love seeing Alex throw his weight around.....
2 stragiht games we outplayed em.....

GO LEAFS GO

Mogilny better watch those cheap shots. He should have done time for that clear boarding / hitting from behind (take your pick on what the penalty should have been) cheap shot. Oh well, still plenty of time left for him to get what's coming, at least 2 more games.

So I take it you aren't a Mogilny fan. ;)

Man, this Avs-Sharks game has been amazing...Nabokov is playing out of his mind right now.

I am actually not a hokcey fan but I am watching this game with great interest.

I feel so dirty now for posting in this thread. :)

I would much rather post in this thread than any stinking soccer thread.

You have your priorities way off...

Edit: If the Avs lose this series, who the hell am I going to root for the rest of the way? The Oilers didn't make it to the playoffs and the Stars lost to the Avs...

I'll take any suggestions that aren't the Red Wings or Devils...

Sharks, man! Come on :)

Ya Moginly, is a cheap shot artist, he's just like Alfferdsson....come on.....Mogilny wasn't trying to hurt Markov, and im glad Markov is ok......Sure, that hit was questionable, and he should of gotten a penalty, but I think the slash to the unprotected part behind the leg would qualify as getting what was coming to him......what do you think would be revenge....hitting him from behind into the boards.....risking serious injury....no one wants to see that.....Mogilny is a classy player....he doesnt try to hurt people.....

Do they still have Ricci?

If so, maybe...

Ricci is still a shark...

No shit. So far (OT) he's faced 37 shots.

Aebischer isn't doing all that bad either.

Gary Thorne has had about 9 close calls with coranarys since the game started.

Avs WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAMN. What a game...

Man, Rathje should have controlled that and dumped it. Ah well...now it's back to the Shark Tank.

Dola

Good goal by Sakic. Looked like an opportunity on a mistake.

Exactly what it was. Rathje should have had that, and just missed controlling it. Sakic still made a great shot...I don't think Nabokov was ready for it.

Jeebs...root for the Flames.

Flyers lost their composure this game.I don't expect that to happen again.

That being said...the Leafs won what is usually the most important game of the series,but it means nothing if they lose friday.Hopefully Newy will be back for that game.Is it me or did Eddie look like he was fighting it a bit tonight?Not a good sign if he is.

bbor-

Calgary is playing the Evil Wings, correct?

If so, there's no doubt that I'll be pulling for the "other" Alberta team... :)

Is it just me, or was the high-sticking penalty near the end of the Sharks game not worth 4 minutes? I'm not trying to make up an excuse or anything, but it looked to me like the Colorado player brought it upon himself by grabbing the Shark guy. Man, do I sound like a great fan or what? Can't even remember the damn names...I'm too tired.

Wasn't that last goal scored after the power play was over?

I'd reccommend the Red Wings. Repent. It's never too late to accept your hero and savior, Steve Yzerman.

Why must you be so hurtful? :(

Someone stop Billy Graham Cracker here and his evangelism.

SI

Jeebs...Cheer for the Flames. All the cool kids are doing it.

Yea Teemu pulled him and thats why his stick went up. It was maybe a 2 min penalty, but not 4 mins. It doesn't matter anyways, the Sharks will dump Colorado in a game or 2.

didn't see the play but was blood drawn on the high stick? Cause then it is an automatic 4 mins regardless of intent.

I thought Selanne already had the injury that *might* have been opened up by the "high-stick." Even if it wasn't, it is hard to say if the stick did it or him sliding his face across the ice trying to sell the incident was the cause. That guy is a loser. He has done almost nothing all season to help his team. The signing of Kariya/Selanne has been a huge bust for the Avalanche.

PHEW!

too bad Game 1 and the 2nd half of Game 2 were such stinkers - Games 3 and 4 have been great games (if you like defense and great goaltending). Can we PLEASE stop talking about the pressure on Aebishcher filling Roy's shoes now?

as for the high stick on Selanne - Selanne was cut but not badly; I've nicked myself shaving worse than that. 2 minutes would have been more realistic. I believe the refs DO have some leeway there - the rule says double minor for a high stick that causes "an injury". Usually, that means "draws blood" - but you'll see high sticks were more blood was drawn than Selanne that didn't get a double (Modano on Sakic in round 1) and high sticks were no blood was drawn that do.

that said, it's about time the Avs got a call in their favor - it's gotten MUCH better, but all the borderline calls have seemed to go San Jose's way. In particular, the goaltender interference stuff has been crazy.

hadn't heard that insight yet. thanks! :D

next you're going to tell me that Scott Hannan is the most underrated defenseman in the NHL or that Lecavalier and St Louis grew up rooting for the Habs.

Thoughts on game three:

- Good win for Toronto, but nothing to get excited over. Down 2-0 at home is the easiest game to win in any series. We didn't see the real Flyers tonight.

- Still, one good sign for the Leafs: they've been better every game of the series, and Philly has been worse

- I admit, before the game I hated the idea of putting Belak in there. I'm still not sold. Yes, he played probably the greatest game of his career. Let's see if he can keep it up without crossing the line and costing the team, especially when they go into Philly.

- I was also wondering how Belak, Antropov and Ponikoravsky were expected to produce any offense when none of them have hands. I guess we found out the answer: I've never seen a Leaf line try so hard to get the puck back to the point at every opportunity. Not even an attempt to do anything themselves. Good strategy.

- Marchement, you like the big hit in the neutral zone, we get it! How about hanging back and playing a little defence every now and then.

- Mogilny is a Lady Byng candidate and one of the cleanest players in the league, so he's not out there trying to hurt guys. Still, how is that not a penalty? Terrible non-call in an otherwise well-reffed game.

- I love Danny Markov. He could play for my team any time. He's just plain crazy. A perfect playoff hockey player.

I was just venting... Not that I care that they are huge flops, I actually like that, but they still get too much hype despite sucking.

just playing around.
now that I have to watch the ESPN broadcasts, my tolerance for repeating the same stupid storyline over again and again and again gets annoying.

I will never cross over to the Dark Side...NEVER!!!!!!!!



OK, since both bbor and klayman say rooting for the Flames is cool, I'll be doing it... :)

Aww, come on! The Red Wings are cool, man. :cool:

klayman and bbor are dorks. They don't even capitalize their names for crissakes! How can you take them seriously? ;)

Besides, klayman has already outed himself as a closet Wings' fan.

I am going in search of this post!

Root for the Flames. Detroit security molested the chicken and stole his megaphone.

And they think their ratings are bad because nobody likes hockey. Their ratings are bad because ESPN sucks!

Oh...sorry about that, it's one of those repeating storylines again...

Great game, DD. Sorry to hear that we seem to have been getting all the calls. And can I say that I really HATE that I am worried about a series that we're up 3-1 in?

just to be clear - it's not the refs fault the Avs are down 3-1. they've earned it with their sloppy play, while San Jose has been excellent.

I think Saturday's game is key...the Shark's still have the considerable motivational edge going into that game. but, if the Avs steal it, suddenly it's 3-2 going back to Colorado, and I think the Avs will have a leg up. that's a big IF though, as it's going to be a tough, tough game to win.

(also a tough game for me to avoid...we'll be in Boston during the day, and I'll have to avoid tv/radio until we get home to fire up the Tivo)

A high stick which cause an inury(read:blood) and is ACCIDENTAL is always 4 minutes.

According to the rule book.I seem to recall a few years ago when you cut someone with your stick it was an automatic get the hot shower water and cold beer.:)

HB.....The Winged wheel are the evil empire in Toronto..going back to the (Chuck) Norris division days.It hurts us to see a cup so close to Toronto...yet so far away in Detroit:D

Clark still kicked Probert's ass.

(Looks around for a Leaf fan to high-five and chug beer with.)

ML....4-1 is a good win...but.....if you look back at the goals....Ponikarovskykazjcifhgeuicgfhienuxc's goal was a pure luck deflection.....Tuckers' was 5-3 where you SHOULD score....Kilgers was a fluke.Mogilnys' goal was the only real goal of the bunch.The Leafsgot the bounces..wheather they were due for those bounces or not they got them,but you are correct that win does not instill as much confidence as JohnnyG thinks it does.

HB...BTW.....3-1 Flames tonight,with an empty net goal.Iginla gets a goal and an assist:)

I'm shocked at the speed Iggy has...i never pegged him for a quick player...but the dude has wheels.

Sure, we got bounces, but its hockey...the best team usually gets the bounces.....It was a good bounce on Brashears goal in game 2.....and a lucky bounce on Mogilny hitting the post in game 2....and a unusual bad goal that won game 2 for the Flyers....and Amonte's goal yesterday was a lucky bounce.....and Mogilny was lucky the puck bounced right to sundin before his breakaway....see what im saying..... Im confident in this team....Through 3 games....I think Toronto has outplayed Philly twice.....game 1 was pretty even, but the Leafs were coming off game 7, and a let down was expected......based on that.....GO LEAFS GO!!!

Agreed on all counts, but at the end of the day a win is a win. I think we get too caught up during the playoffs in analyzing the games and looking for trends. What happens in one game doesn't have much to do with what will happen in the next.

Some little known facts about the Wings:

1) They supplied the Nazis with Hockey sticks during the late 30's and early 40's.

2) The beef on little Caeser's pizzas is made of orphaned babies!

3) They once gave a contract to Dean Houston to play net for them in the 80's.

How can anyone cheer for that monstrosity?

:D Go Flames!

Man! My ears are burning. Allow me to retort...

1) Those sticks were given to the Swiss. What the Swiss did with them after we gave them to them, we cannot be blamed for.

2) Those babies were not orphans! They were donated by good, loving families.

3) It was a dark time the PH-BY era. (Post Howe/Before Yzerman) Ilitch was giving away a car at every home game. They thought starting the "legend" would draw a crowd.

Stop the hate!

Get with the love! :cool:

Wendy's a pussy.

I hope you are wrong, you bastard.

If you are wrong, H_B = :)

If you are right, H_B = :(

Hello hockey fans, (RIP, Ed Whalen) don't forget to check out this thread:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/for...ad.php?t=25020

Wow. I'm not a leaf fan...but that's just wrong.

Lets play ......Red Wings we hate.....past and present.

Joey Kocur
Chris Chelios

Dino Ciccarelli.

Kirk Maltby....but not for hockey reasons.

He broke my nose in a baseball game a few years ago. I respect the hell out of him as a hockey player, but I'll never forgive him for that. :)

It's hockey...hasn't pretty much every player played for every team in the league? The trade deadline is what...May 20?

Curtis Joseph...still pissed even though it was for the best...
I second Dino Ciccerelli....
Shawn Burr....I never liked him....
Brett Hull.....nough said....
Oh and my father can't stand Steve Yzerman....I actually dont mind him....but my dad thinks he's shifty

This sounds like a story i'd like to hear :)

Steve Yzerman is the only reason that I've never been able to develop a serious hate for the Red Wings.

He could play for my hockey team any day of the week and twice on Sundays. The definitive hockey package of class and ability. How can you NOT like the guy?

He's got his ring(s) though....no sorrow in seeing Detroit eliminated early on a yearly basis anymore. :)

HB is gonna shit when he sees this game....and the score of the Hockey game...2 goals in 18 seconds for the Flames?...damn

lol...

I was playing Junior Intercounty in Waterloo, and he was playing for Cambridge...pre-season exhibition game.

For starters, dude is NOT small (he hit two HRs in a game later in the season against us, the day after he was drafted by Edmonton), but for whatever reason, he's up there bunting. I was playing 1B. It's a harmless bunt right back to the mound, but my pitcher hung me out to dry on the throw. The ball got there at the same time as Maltby did, and I had to stretch into foul territory to catch it. He comes in with his elbows up and his arms folded across his chest...caught me right under the nose. Literally knocked me out of my shoe....one cleat ended up in short right field. Landed on my ass, nose broken and bleeding....but I held on to the ball. :)

I also played house league ball with Manny Legace in Toronto when I was 14...he left the team early to go play Junior C hockey in Alliston or something. First indication I had that he was a pretty damn good goalie.

No kidding. I really wish Calgary was playing any other team, because I'd love to root for them as the story of the playoffs, but...no can do. Unfortunately, it's starting look like I might be able to root for them next series without a problem. :(

Ok, after 2 periods I have noticed something.

It looks as if the Wings are playing to advance 1 more game while the Flames are playing to win the cup.

Flames are lookin' good.

How can anybody hate Yzerman?

How can anybody hate Hull?

er...umm...

How can anybody hate Yzerman?

;)

Hasek

I'm mystified by the Yzerman thing as well.

it's like hating Joe Sakic.

It's like hating the Leafs :D

I would agree with that.

No matter how much I have learned to hate Colorado since 96, I still appreciate Sakic.

ditto with me and Yzerman, of course.

I can't hate Chelly. He'll always look like this to me:

Is that Belfour on one of his drinking benders?

;)

I don't think Belfour was ever that young.

I feel dumb for not getting that.

I still love the urban legend about how he dented the Stanley Cup at the drunken pool party. Or it may be true. After all, who would believe that he would offer a cop a billion dollars.

Actually, I've been jonesing for a former Blackhawks three pack with Eddie, JR, and Chelly but no such luck. Unfortunately, McFarlane hasn't made a Roenick or Belfour 'hawks variant :(

SI

Eddie as a Hawk seems like lifetimes ago.

What about Eddie as a Shark? :)

just that the action figure looks like a young guy. not your fault - I'm not as funny as I think I am.

Uhoh. Things have taken a turn for the ugly.

SI

I got you...now it's funny.

I was making fun of his drinking... ;)

looking back, it might have helped if I'd quoted the right post!

need. sleep.

Why the hell would you slam a goalie with no chance of winning? The puck wasn't even around him.

Not a classy move.

Good game, except for my scalp.

btw - Hurst is here and in a good mood. Wings must have won?