Here's the Round 2 schedule:

Gm 1: Thursday at Detroit, 7:30, Versus
Gm 2: Saturday at Detroit, 3 p.m., NBC
Gm 3: Monday at San Jose, 10 p.m., Versus
Gm 4: Wednesday, May 2 at San Jose, 10 p.m., Versus
Gm 5: Saturday, May 5 at Detroit, 2 p.m., NBC
Gm 6: Monday, May 7 at San Jose, TBD, Versus
Gm 7: Wednesday, May 9 at Detroit, TBD, Versus
So, it is all decided. Dallas would not oblige and got kicked out of this year's playoffs leaving Detroit to face the dreaded Sharks. Wings struggled against Sharks this year, especially on penalty kill. They will have to stay out of the penalty box to have a chance in this one. Most of the sports writers don't give Detroit a snowball's chance in hell of beating the San Jose team. But I think it is the same as it was in the first round. Now we know they can do it, and the Wings know it as well. They are through the first round proving that they can be just as physical as the other team, maybe even more so.

Other things to ponder. Looks like we may be getting this series going without Holmstrom (eye injury) and Lebda (knee + concussion) in addition to Kronwall who went down even before the playoffs began. Quincy, who was called up for the final Calgary game, didn't look out of place and logged quite a bit of ice time.

If Holmstrom can't go, we'll have Hudler and Calder both in the lineup for game 1 since one of them was scratched in the past couple of games.
This is going to be a very tough series.

Go WINGS!!!

What was our season record against these guys?

What was our season record against these guys?

Not good.

"The teams posted similar numbers in the regular season: San Jose scored 258 goals to the Wings’ 254, and both allowed 199. But the Sharks won three of the four meetings with the Wings, including a pair of lopsided contests — by scores of 5-1 and 9-4 — in San Jose. And in those two games at the HP Pavilion — better known as the Shark Tank — the home team scored five and six power-play goals, respectively".

SHARK ATTACK (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070425/SPORTS0103/704250426/1004/SPORTS)

I think Joey MacDonald played goal in one of those blowout games.

I'm not scared of those punks. The Winged Wheel is starting to roll.

I think Joey MacDonald played goal in one of those blowout games.

I'm not scared of those punks. The Winged Wheel is starting to roll.

If I remember correctly Hasek was in during that 9-4 beatdown. We shouldn't be scared, just need to stay out of penalty box and keep up the same physical play we've held against Calgary. I am worried more about this being a long physical series and Anaheim having somewhat easier time with Vancouver. At least SJ is not a dirty team like Nashville and Calgary, although quite as physical.

If I remember correctly Hasek was in during that 9-4 beatdown. We shouldn't be scared, just need to stay out of penalty box and keep up the same physical play we've held against Calgary. I am worried more about this being a long physical series and Anaheim having somewhat easier time with Vancouver. At least SJ is not a dirty team like Nashville and Calgary, although quite as physical.


Right, I'm not "worried" either, but I expect a long tough series and the Wings cannot take anything for granted. We cannot afford to hand them even one game. Make them earn everything. We can beat them (thank goodness for Hasek), but I don't know that we will.

Early prediction:
I'm guessing we split in the Joe and go back to the tank needing a win. I think we get one there. After that...stay tuned.

Here's the Round 2 schedule:
Gm 1: Thursday at Detroit, 7:30, Versus
Gm 2: Saturday at Detroit, 3 p.m., NBC
Gm 3: Monday at San Jose, 10 p.m., Versus
Gm 4: Wednesday, May 2 at San Jose, 10 p.m., Versus
Gm 5: Saturday, May 5 at Detroit, 2 p.m., NBC
Gm 6: Monday, May 7 at San Jose, TBD, Versus Gm 7: Wednesday, May 9 at Detroit, TBD, Versus

PREDICTIONS FROM NBC'S NHL BROADCASTERS:

Hull: Sabres in 6; Red Wings in 7; Senators in 6; Ducks in 4
Clement: Sabres in 6; Red Wings in 7; Devils in 7; Ducks in 5
Olczyk: Sabres in 7; Red Wings in 7; Senators in 7; Ducks in 5

We know how close they came on their first round predictions. So take it for whatever it's worth.

Turn Bertuzzi loose.
And any other goon we got. Goon it up please!
I'm as scared as a little girl on a rollercoater.

Their starting goalie is 0-3 against us, while giving up 4.5 goals per game. It's their backup, who is 4-0 against us these last few contests. Let's hope they have confidence in their starter...............

Their starting goalie is 0-3 against us, while giving up 4.5 goals per game. It's their backup, who is 4-0 against us these last few contests. Let's hope they have confidence in their starter...............

Nabokov had pretty strong round 1 and they believe that he is their #1 goaltender. That guy is not soft, it's just that SJ hasn't had much success against the Wings in the regular season in their history until this year. They, however, beat us in the playoffs, long time ago when Larionov was still with them.

5 Sharks to watch (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/SPORTS0103/704260370/1004)

FACEOFF: JOHN NIYO SCOUTS WINGS-SHARKS SERIES (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/SPORTS0103/704260374/1004)

I don't think that's what Wings were hoping for - being 2:0 with only 10 minutes gone in the 1st. Timeout by Babcock.

Our penalty killing is atrocious. That's the only thing that kept Calgary in the series, and now SJ scores on their first power play. Wings have all the talent in the world. Why can't they kill penalties? Anything to do with coaching? I love Babcock, but this?
:confused:

This is going to be a tough hole to climb out of. They need to play better than this game ( if that's even possible). Lang needs to step up, not sure what's wrong with that guy. We miss Holmstrom, and SJ is just very big, skilled, and fast. Where did all the offense go? This series is far from over, but it will be tough and I'm not sure that Wings can get it done at this point.

Didn't Babs come from the Sharks?
I think the Dominant Hotshiat needs to steal about 4. Only giving up 2 goals is supposed to be good enough.

During our power plays, the Sharks did a good job of clogging up the net area. We need some tip-ins and some more effort killing off the penalties..............A shut-out at home - first game is a big stinker.

Didn't Babs come from the Sharks?


No, he was a Duck.

Dang,TFD. Better be careful when you go swimming if you can't tell the difference between a duck and a shark!!!!

:eek::help2:

check...

LET'S GO MIGHTY MIGHTY WINGS!

Sharks scored and it was only 30 seconds into the game and then another goal by the Sharks. Not a good start for the Wings.

This is as bad as the draft.

Datsyuk, baby. These Wings are back!

Now need to take game 3 to grab the HCA back

Now need to take game 3 to grab the HCA back

We need one of the next two. Preferably the 3rd one. But Wings struggled on the road the entire year and in the playoffs, so it is going to be extremely tough.

Good game today, though. Got that win that they had to have.

I got to dinner and it was a banquet with a lot of people I don't know. The guy in line in front of me is a friend, and as I walk in with him, I tell him the Pistons won.

He tells me the Wings won as well. All I had known at 6:00 was that the Wings started off the game down 0-2.

Fantastic. We can beat these guys. Now we just have to hope the 'Nucks can take out the Webbed Feet.

I got to dinner and it was a banquet with a lot of people I don't know. The guy in line in front of me is a friend, and as I walk in with him, I tell him the Pistons won.

He tells me the Wings won as well. All I had known at 6:00 was that the Wings started off the game down 0-2.

Fantastic. We can beat these guys. Now we just have to hope the 'Nucks can take out the Webbed Feet.
Hey, that series is tied as well, so anything is possible.

Fantastic. We can beat these guys. Now we just have to hope the 'Nucks can take out the Webbed Feet.


I'm still very worried about the webbed feet eaters. I dunno if we can beat these guys 4 times.

D H stopped the BS at 2 goals. The first one was him. :+[
I think he's ready for a shut out.

D H stopped the BS at 2 goals. The first one was him. :+[
I think he's ready for a shut out.

It'll really be up to Hasek to come up big. It's hard to win at the Shark Tank and the Wings haven't done well away from JLA as Mikhail points out. Seems to me that you gotta win on the road in the NHL (and NBA) playoffs to get that trophy. They won on the road in the first series.

It'll really be up to Hasek to come up big.

As always in the playoffs...that is the KEY. We need great goaltending or forget it.

You gotta look at this series as a 7 gamer now.

If we steal one in San Jose, we've got a great opportunity to take the series lead in Game 5.

I think Anaheim peaked too early. Vancouver is going to give them all they can handle.

If we make it past the Sharks, we'll get Homer and possibly Lebda back for the next round. Opportunities abound because I think we're better than every East team except maybe Buffalo.

it's all about the team's confidence now. This group is fairly young. I like the way they battled back to STEAL game 2. Now let's go to the shark pond and filet some fish.....................

Go WINGS !!!!!!!

It'll really be up to Hasek to come up big. It's hard to win at the Shark Tank and the Wings haven't done well away from JLA as Mikhail points out. Seems to me that you gotta win on the road in the NHL (and NBA) playoffs to get that trophy. They won on the road in the first series.
We're lucky Sharks are nowhere as pontent at home as Calgary was. And we managed to win a game at Clagary. So, the chances are there, just keep playing.

I can't believe the stupidity of the NHL in scheduling the Wings games at the same time as the Pistons games.

Both clubs are having a hard time selling tickets. Why make it impossible for the people with means to watch/attend both events?

I can't believe the stupidity of the NHL in scheduling the Wings games at the same time as the Pistons games.

Both clubs are having a hard time selling tickets. Why make it impossible for the people with means to watch/attend both events?

When did NHL have any brains? Look at the state of the organization. Owners can't agree on things, players can't. They lost their TV revenues and the games are on Versus (???). The last thing their going to concern themselves with is NBA schedule.

I hear Shark steak is pretty good.
I guess Lebda never fully recovered or did he get brained again?

Lebda, twisted ankle and concussion.

Shark steak is really good.

Dang Rosc, is there anything you won't eat?
Tried monkey hips? Or monkey brains?

You don't wanna know. You can't handle the truth! :MusicBigGrin:

Very discrete of you. And I'm not surpised.

Tomas Holmstrom has been cleared by team doctors to play. He is heading out to California today and should play in Game 4. This is per Matt Dery @ WDFN 1130AM.

With Homer instigating in front of Nabakov, I like our chances a lot more! :D

Tomas Holmstrom has been cleared by team doctors to play. He is heading out to California today and should play in Game 4. This is per Matt Dery @ WDFN 1130AM.

With Homer instigating in front of Nabakov, I like our chances a lot more! :D

We don't need Holmstrom. Just his big butt.

Man, I'm worried about this. I am just hoping we can get one of two in San Jose. I'm fearful we will drop them both. Maybe playing at home will put some pressure on them. I sure hope so.

At least Ottawa beat Jersey! :)

The Wings lose a close one. San Jose is just bigger and stronger in the Wings zone. A little luck didn't hurt either. That equalizer had eyes - there was just about enough space between Hasek's pad and the goalpost for puck to squeeze through. I don't get the tripping call on Bertuzzi with 3 minutes to go. If that's a penalty, then the Sharks should've been called for exactly the same thing in the last minute when Datsyuk broke in. Anyway, it was a close game. The Wings now HAVE to have the next one, or it will be just about over.

Just one more reason for me to hate Bertuzzi.


I don't understand why players pick up so many penalties. I can understand about 25 percent of them. The rest just hurt the team. Are their tempers really that bad?

The Wings are in a bit of trouble.

I miss Scotty Bowman. :(

I miss Scotty Bowman. :(

Very good point. I think we all do. Sigh.

I don't think Scotty could help Wings in this series. The Sharks are just bigger and stronger. Wings get stuck in their defensive zone too much and can't even clear the puck. At times it looks like Sharks have a powerplay. And Wings scoring chances are far and few in between because they are spending way too much time in their defensive end.

I don't think Scotty could help Wings in this series. The Sharks are just bigger and stronger. Wings get stuck in their defensive zone too much and can't even clear the puck. At times it looks like Sharks have a powerplay. And Wings scoring chances are far and few in between because they are spending way too much time in their defensive end.

I'm not blaming Babcock for our troubles...but I believe Scotty somehow, some way figures a way to win this series.

Homer is back next game. Don't sweat it. Nabakov hasn't played very well, the Sharks have not annhilated us on the PP and we're better on the road than we are at home.

We win Game 4, we'll be fine.

Homer is back next game. Don't sweat it. Nabakov hasn't played very well, the Sharks have not annhilated us on the PP and we're better on the road than we are at home.

We win Game 4, we'll be fine.

:der: I've NEVER seen you this confident in a series where we were behind. NEVER!


What gives? I mean, don't give me false hope.

I have some hope, but not much. If the Wings play the same way they played yesterday, I don't think they'd be able to win this series. They need to be more active and not have more than half of the game spent in their defensive end. They also need some offense, some shots on goal, some rebounds.

The Wings are in some serious trouble. Down 2:0 with 2 minutes to go in the 2nd. They just don't seem to be able to score in this series. This is 4 goals in more than 3 1/2 games.

HUUUUGE goal with 5 seconds to go in the period. Very important. Wings finally break through. Now need to even it up in the 3rd. Hopefully they can do it.

Wings tie it with 29 seconds to go in the 3rd!!! Lang (out of all people) gives Wings a new hope. And now onto overtime.

Thank you Lang. He maybe saved our season. Thank you Thank you.

Just one more fellas. Please!

By the skin of their teeth.

:help2:

Where are the hilites...ESPN and FOX got nuttin'.
I broke out my Datsyuk bobblehead for luck.

Where are the hilites...ESPN and FOX got nuttin'.
I broke out my Datsyuk bobblehead for luck.

The game's not over yet. Playing on OT.

Finally Melrose is going to do something tonite.

I broke out my Datsyuk bobblehead for luck.

You have to smash it if we lose tonight.

He got chipped last year. Good thing he's sturdy.
Bloody goal off a Shark helmet. The guy looked like he was trying to block a teammates goal???

Powerplay now, let's end it, guys.

SCOOOOOOOORE!!!!! The series is tied! Go Roscoe! Never doubt the winged wheel.

I was going to jump all over Roscoe before the Wings tied it and sent it to OT. The man knows his hockey. Never doubt the Cannuckians when it comes to ice sports!

Wooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooo

What a huge comeback. I'm going to be honest, I didn't think the Wings had this in them. But the hockey gods are smiling upon Detroit today. I guess if you keep throwing stuff at the wall something will stick. So will over 40 shots in a game, something is bound to go in.

I dig Hotshots mask.
Sneider from the blue line!!!! About.

The powerplay that was struggling done the trick this time. Never say done Wings are back in the series.

What a catch and shot!

33 seconds away from 1-3 too.

Crazy sport.

I give the Wings tons of credit, but have we been lucky or what winning these two games?

We were a heartbeat away from being on the verge of elimination. Instead, we've taken control of the series.

We need a shutout from Dom next game. Who do you guys think has played better this series. Nabokov or Dominik?

Here is the story on the Wings victory tonight!

NHL - Detroit Red Wings/San Jose Sharks Recap Wednesday May 2, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/recap;_ylt=AgF3kxyoq7rYQPABYfwxeFQ5nYcB?gid=200705 0218&prov=ap)

I give the Wings tons of credit, but have we been lucky or what winning these two games?

We were a heartbeat away from being on the verge of elimination. Instead, we've taken control of the series.

We need a shutout from Dom next game. Who do you guys think has played better this series. Nabokov or Dominik?


I'd say Nabokov by just the amount of the shots he faced. But, Hasek has been able to shot everything down in the 3rd and overtime. And in hockey it's the timeliness of the save, not the quantity of them. So all in all it is pretty close.

Another thought on the goaltending. Is it me, or do the Wings manage to make every goaltender look like a superstar? It doesn't make sense, but it happens every year in the playoffs. And it annoys the heck out of me. :gun1:

I told you guys that getting Homer back would make a difference.

Our PP was 2-5, after going 1-10 previously.

It's just my gut feeling, but San Jose hasn't dominated us. We're still controlling the puck, we're still getting a lot of shots on net.

With a best 2 out of 3 now, 2 at the JLA, I really like our chances to advance. Hopefully we can, and Lebda comes back.

Stay positive!

Gotta love that 3-2 score. Wings need to win at the JOE next time out.

Red Wings win WoooHoooo!!!! Great comeback to even up the series and bring it back home for the next game. Any Detroit win is a great win. :nod:

Just keep 'm coming. Keep winning them games. We've been good at home the whole year, and I really like the chances to move on.

I am so worried about game 5...i hate day games for hockey, too!!!!...Funny story about Game 4 ..i dosed off two times in the game ..about 15 seconds b4 Lang's tying goal...and about 10 minutes into OT....At least I'll be up for this one.:MusicBigGrin: Wings win 4-1.

Rataasssss!!!! Sharks up 1-0!!!Im watching in HD though. Wow!!!

Why can't the Wings score the first goal in a game? Why do they always have to battle from behind? It is a recipe for a disaster. Now Schneider is gone for the remainder of the game with what looks like shoulder injury.

Its like were skating in Crisco oil...backwards!!!

honnnnnnnnnnnnnnnkkkkk

honkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk


honnnnkkkkkkkkkk!!!


tied at 1-1...wooo!

The Wings are playing hard in the second period. Needed to put the body on these guys. Gotta keep skating and keep the play in their zone.
Were at home................make these guys pay..............:gun1:

Next goal will be by Draper or Datzuk.......

Wing OT goals cancel opponent first period goals. deal with it!
get a persperation hanky.

I love Basketball.
Im a big fan of baseball.
Football is fun to grill to with beers.

HONKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!

hOCKEY IS MY PASSION!!


DATSUK!!
CALLED IT


DONT MESS WITH ME, THEE!!!!!

:pound: :pound: :pound:

Hate for 20 and a Piston win, deal with it!!!

HHATE'S stats: 5 minutes, 3 pts, 3 to's...deal with dat!

and with DAT..great goal!

3 pt win I'll take it.
Must be my Dat bobblehead working.

Octopi Love!!!!!! HONK!!!!!!!! 3-1 Wings!

woooooo-hoooooooo! HONK!!!!!!!!!


4-1 HOLMSTROM!!!!

Let's go Red wings! Mighty mighty Red Wings!

4-1

Gotta thank GREER for SNEEZING on Hasek.............Nothing like an insurance power play goal...........................
:pound: :pound: :pound:

this is the best warm up for tonight I could ask for!!!!

Its an 'Octopusses' Garden" by the sea......Great game!


HONKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!HOCKEYTOWN!!!!

Without Homer, 1-10 on the PP

With Homer, 4-10

Told y'all. BELIEVE.

Were the Sharks without Gerin? He took a puck to the face last game.

Yeah, Billy Gangsta didn't make the trip.

Were the Sharks without Gerin? He took a puck to the face last game.
yes.....the wimp. Game 6 dont matter to me cuz aint no way the JLA fans will let us lose Game 7.

Don't need game 7.............Wings win 3-2 on Monday Nite...........:cheers: :cheers: :shout: :shout: :party: :party: :burp: :burp:

Mathieu Schneider broke his wrist and now he's done for the rest of the playoffs. That's a big loss for the wings, especially on the power play.

I know it sounds like I am full of sweetness and light, but losing Schneider sucks for depth, but I liked seeing our forward lines handle the puck more on the PP and using Samuellson as another gun at the blueline.

I think the Wings were getting away from their strength of using skill and relying too much on Schneider pounding shots on the net for them to chase garbage goals.

We gotta play Red Wings Hockey.

I know it sounds like I am full of sweetness and light, but losing Schneider sucks for depth, but I liked seeing our forward lines handle the puck more on the PP and using Samuellson as another gun at the blueline.

I think the Wings were getting away from their strength of using skill and relying too much on Schneider pounding shots on the net for them to chase garbage goals.

We gotta play Red Wings Hockey.


I'll drink to that............................:beer: :cheers: :party: :burp: :greenapple:

I know it sounds like I am full of sweetness and light, but losing Schneider sucks for depth, but I liked seeing our forward lines handle the puck more on the PP and using Samuellson as another gun at the blueline.

I think the Wings were getting away from their strength of using skill and relying too much on Schneider pounding shots on the net for them to chase garbage goals.

We gotta play Red Wings Hockey.

Schneider's play is not only on PP. He was out on PK and he's one of the better Wings D-men in the even strength. He also played many minutes (I believe 2nd behind the St. Nick). His loss is definitely going to hurt, but I think Wings have enough depth and hart to pull through. Lebda should be back and he'll fill in.

yes.....the wimp. Game 6 dont matter to me cuz aint no way the JLA fans will let us lose Game 7.
I'm surprised they didn't just sew him up and send him back out there.
Talk about your tough love.:MusicBigGrin:
Let's get this game 6 now..."MO" change loyalty in 2 seconds.:yellowprison:

Sunday Practice Update
From Detroit News
No decision yet on Brett Lebda's status for Game 6. He spoke to the media before practice and sounded optimistic, but he admitted he hadn't really put the ankle to the test yet and planned to try Sunday. Based on his on-ice reactions, I'd say he was frustrated with the results. But we'll see.
If he's not quite ready yet, it'll be Derek Meech who gets the call. And that would likely mean a lot of minutes for the top four, with Quincey and Meech getting spot shifts with Chelios, et al.
As for the PP, I'd expect to see more of Chelios and Markov like we did in Game 5, in addition to Lidstrom and Samuelsson, who finally got a goal Saturday.
The news on Schneider is what we expected. There are multiple fractures in the wrist/forearm -- "shattered" was the word Ken Holland used to describe it -- and it'll likely require surgery at some point. Schneider didn't make the trip but Babcock plans to use him as an extra coach of sorts the rest of this playoff run. And it sounds like he's already playing that role. Schneider pulled Lebda aside for a 1-on-1 chat about filling the void even before he went to the hospital to get fitted for a temprorary cast during the game Saturday. Kronwall isn't close to skating yet and wouldn't be ready to play in the next round if the Wings advance, Holland said. Right now, it sounds questionable that he'd even be ready for the Cup finals.



Even if Lebda can play Wings are going to be shorthanded on the defense. Lebda is quick, but he's small. The way the calls are being made in these playoffs that may turn out to be an issue. And how much more can Wings hang on Lidstrom and Chelios? I know Cheli hadn't played many minutes during the year, but he's what, 43? And how much of this wear and tear can he handle?

Well, Lebda is going to play after all.

It's official: Wings' Lebda will return for Game 6 tonight (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/SPORTS05/70507027)

Let's go wings.

This is a big one.

Guerin should hopefully help offset the loss of Schneider. (gulp)

Sunday Practice Update
From Detroit News


Even if Lebda can play Wings are going to be shorthanded on the defense. Lebda is quick, but he's small. The way the calls are being made in these playoffs that may turn out to be an issue. And how much more can Wings hang on Lidstrom and Chelios? I know Cheli hadn't played many minutes during the year, but he's what, 43? And how much of this wear and tear can he handle?

Cheli is 45.

Lebda is not that small.

He's only 5'11" but he is 195.

If he can help carry the puck, which he can, that will be a huge help.

Markov will need to step way up also and stop making mistakes.

I'm not looking to trigger a big nit-picky debate about this, but could someone give me a top 10 Redwings player ranking for the current team with a short description of why they are good.

Hockey is much more subtle than basketball for someone who basically only watches 10 games/ year. There isn't the starting line-up and since there are so few goals, it is difficult to see the advantages. Most of what I know already is from listening to the announcers and the between-period analysis.

Again, just looking for an education... because it will make it more interesting to watch.

I'm not looking to trigger a big nit-picky debate about this, but could someone give me a top 10 Redwings player ranking for the current team with a short description of why they are good.

Hockey is much more subtle than basketball for someone who basically only watches 10 games/ year. There isn't the starting line-up and since there are so few goals, it is difficult to see the advantages. Most of what I know already is from listening to the announcers and the between-period analysis.

Again, just looking for an education... because it will make it more interesting to watch.
Here is how I see the Wings:
#1 - Lidstrom - Top 3 if not the best defensman in the league. Always on the top in playing time and scoring among defensmen. Rarely if ever misses playing time due to injuries. Not physical, but very intelligent, shuts down opposition's best. The best there is in the NHL.
#2 - Zetterberg. One of the better up and coming forwards in the league. He is a great two-way player and has a knack for scoring important goals. Had troubles staying healthy. Also, he manages to cure other players' scoring problems - if you put anyone with talent on his line - that guy will score.
#3 - Datsiuk. Can't call him up and coming anymore since he's been in a league for a few years. The guy reminds me of young Larionov, but with a better shot and scoring touch in general. Has history of disappearing in the playoffs, but has been great so far this year.
#4 - Hasek. One of the best goaltenders in the NHL in the past 10-15 years. Very unorthodox, but just stops the puck. Sometimes his temper and attempts to draw penalties hurt his team. Sometimes allowes soft goals. But with the game on the line - there are none better. He also manages to get into the opposing team players' heads.
#5 - Schneider. The guy blossomed in his mid 30's playing for the Wings. Has an awesome shot from the point, great on powerplay. Very smart with the puck, makes great decision, and not a liability defensively.
#6 - Thomas Holmstrom. The guy can't skate, his shot is OK at best. But he manages to get into all scrums in front of the net, screen the goaltender, dig out the puck, and score from in close. He's a real pest for the goaltenders, and doing even better since defensmen can't clear him from the front of the net. Very important ingredient on the powerplay.
#7 - Cleary/Franzen. The guys had stepped up huge in the playoffs. Franzen seems to be stronger, but Cleary is just as physical. Arguably the best two forwards in the first series against Calgary. Both can score and play well defensively.
#9 - Chelios. Guy's been great in the playoffs. Helps on the penalty kill, makes great decisions with the puck. Doesn't get as much playing time due to age. He's been a mentor to the young defenseman, helping them along the way to learn all the intricasies of the NHL defense.
#10 - Draper. The guy's speed is great. He is a great forechecker. Often plays against the other team's top line. The best penalty killer on the Wings. Very hard to knock off the puck.

I am not sure where to put Bertuzzi, since the guy only played a handful of games and not in the top shape as of yet. Otherwise probably be in the top 5.

Thanks Mikhail! It is strange how defensive ability gets so much more respect in hockey.

Holmstrom's skating ability is something that I would have never noticed.

So, Schneider's loss hurts a bit, eh?

I'll agree with that list. My unmentioned but notable Wing would include;

Kirk Maltby - a speedy pest who draws penalties and takes teams out of their game through frustration. I have no idea how he does it, but I reckon he knows a lot about the opposing player's personal lives. Probably in the Darth Tater class of trash talker. :)

I don't know if I will have the endurance to watch this game tonight after the Pistons. A big Detroit victory around 10:30 would help me ride the wave of euphoria into the early morning.

The loss of Schneider will hurt us more in the next series if we make it. Anaheim is very deep.

Homer is a notoriously slow and bad skater, but he does all of the dirty work. I once saw a segment on how much leg padding he wears because the opposing goalies hack away at him, hoping to take away his resolve, but the guy is just fearless in front of the net.

He's the Ben Wallace of the Pistons. A self-made player.

I'll agree with that list. My unmentioned but notable Wing would include;

Kirk Maltby - a speedy pest who draws penalties and takes teams out of their game through frustration. I have no idea how he does it, but I reckon he knows a lot about the opposing player's personal lives. Probably in the Darth Tater class of trash talker. :)

I don't know if I will have the endurance to watch this game tonight after the Pistons. A big Detroit victory around 10:30 would help me ride the wave of euphoria into the early morning.

I too think it was an excellent list, although for the playoffs, I would move Hasek and Holmstrom up some more.

LOL@Maltby comment. I'll go get a Maltby avatar in a minute. Sounds like my kind of guy.

I'm with you on the double header thing Roscoe. I just want the Wings to end it tonight, and this is by far the most excited I've been for a Pistons game all year.

Thanks Mikhail! It is strange how defensive ability gets so much more respect in hockey.

Holmstrom's skating ability is something that I would have never noticed.

So, Schneider's loss hurts a bit, eh?
I does hurt. He was a #2 defenseman on the Wings soaking up the minutes.

The loss of Schneider will hurt us more in the next series if we make it. Anaheim is very deep.

Homer is a notoriously slow and bad skater, but he does all of the dirty work. I once saw a segment on how much leg padding he wears because the opposing goalies hack away at him, hoping to take away his resolve, but the guy is just fearless in front of the net.

He's the Ben Wallace of the Pistons. A self-made player.
Hey, Roscoe, Homer is slow. It is funny though, but St Nick is not all that fast himself. He manages to make up for that with his thinking and game vision. And Cheli is very very slow, because of that he's more of a stay-at-home defensman now.

Chellie and Nik are both superb with their sticks. Very good at poke checking, which has become somewhat of a lost art.

Red Wings have won the last 10 playoff games in a row when faced with eliminating an opponent...............

Sharks have lost the last 5 playoff games in a row when faced with elimination..........

Wings win tonight !!!!!!!!!!! 3-2

T. H. scores the WINNER !!!!!!

Another great late Doubleheader tonight. I told everyone that I wouldnt be in til 10AM tomorrow for work. Lets get this OVAH WITH!!!:gun1:

WoW! it's hard to speak of the Wings without McCarty, Yzer and Shanny and some of the other old muckers.

The Red Wings are up 2-0 at the first intermission. Things are looking good and if they can keep it up they're headed to the next round!

Babs vs his old team. should be interesting.

ON TO ROUND 3 TO SHOOT DOWN THE DUCKS!

LET'S GO MIGHTY MIGHTY WINGS!

The pubs and bars just hit the jackpot.
Ahhhh pour me a cold one.

Anyone seen Superstarov around? He's gotta be lovin' this. I know I am. :)

I noticed Samuelson wasn't on the top 10 lists. What depth!

What a great win. I got to watch the third period - Sharks never threatened, even though they had a couple of power plays. Great job by D and by Dom. Bring on the feathered friends.

I noticed Samuelson wasn't on the top 10 lists. What depth!

Hey, there are only 10 in the top 10. I mean Wings have 2 very good lines, 1 good line, and 1 very serviceable line. So, you can pick any line to be successfull in any game. Also, Cheli assisted on both goals. What a job he's doing. I wonder if he plans to retire at all, not meaning this year?

What happened to all this size the Sharks have and was to blow the Wings off the the ice?
Let's see what the Ducks can offer.

Hats off to the new Red Wings. Without the savvy veteran captain and his sidekick Shanny. They've extended hockey excellence in HOCKEYTOWN................Our next series looks to be just DUCKY !!!

:) :) :) :) :)

What happened to all this size the Sharks have and was to blow the Wings off the the ice?
Let's see what the Ducks can offer.

Wings have some size of their own. And then you can't win if you can't score no matter how big you are. They seemed to fold like a deck of cards in the 3rd period of game 4 blowing the lead in the last minute and losing in the overtime.

When the Round 3 sched is out, can someone make a new thread and add the sched into the first post please? :)

From what I understand, Chellie wants to keep playing.

Bits from the game 6.

• FSN's Mickey Redmond, after the Sharks came out hitting: "Ronnie Wilson's got 'em ugly, that's what they want. They got lots of fire in 'em."
• Mick again, on Sharks fans booing a non-call: "I'm not sure they even know what a penalty is out here. ... I mean, if you want to just cry for everything, go ahead and do it. But let's get real once in a while."