AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThirty-Four and Three-Tenths Seconds
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
34.3 seconds…that’s what separated the Detroit Red Wings and their fans from partying at Joe Louis Arena on Monday night. But that’s when Pittsburgh’s Max Talbot shoved, hacked and chopped the puck past Chris Osgood to tie the game at three and send the game into overtime. Actually, make that OT X3.
Petr Sykora then scored 3,003 seconds into overtime to send the series back to Pittsburgh for a game six. The game-winner came as Detroit’s Jiri Hudler was sitting in the sin-bin serving a 4-minute high sticking call. Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar assisted on the goal.
Pittsburgh had been held to just 18 shots in regulation by the stout Red Wing’s defense and was outshot 24-14 in the two and a half overtime frames…13-2 in the first OT alone. But Marc-Andre Fleury was equal to each volley fired at him and he gave his team all the time they needed to extend the Stanley Cup Finals to another game.
Marian Hossa helped the Pittsburgh cause with a goal and an assist. Pascal Dupuis had a helper on the goal.
Detroit had spotted Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead early on goals by Hossa and Adam Hall. Detroit’s Darren Helm scored in the second then Pavel Datsyuk and Brian Rafalski tied the game then put their team on top 3-2 with just over half a period to hold it.
They almost made it.
Now instead of gulping champagne from the cup, the Red Wings will have to motor their way back to western Pennsylvania for a game six Wednesday night…with the fat lady, the fork and the bugler in tow.
Twenty-Six Days
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made an offer to former Sharks coach Ron Wilson to be their man behind the bench according to TSN. Of all of the available bench bosses that have head coaching experience in the NHL, Wilson is the best of the lot, IMHO, and the Leafs just got a whole lot better if indeed they have landed him.
It took Toronto a whopping 26 days to take care of this business after parting ways with Paul Maurice. A few weeks back, Colorado went 13 days between seeing Joel Quenneville depart and naming Tony Granato has head coach.
Meanwhile, the Thrashers are into day 230 of the great coaching quest of ’07-’08.
But The Wait May Soon Be Over
If indeed the Thrashers are waiting for John Anderson to complete his duties with the Wolves, then that wait may be nearing an end soon. Chicago has taken a two games to none lead on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins following Sunday’s 4-2 win.
Games three and four will be played in northeastern Pennsylvania on Wednesday and Friday with a game five to be played on Saturday, if necessary.
Comments
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By THRASHYOU
June 3, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
HELLAVA GAME LAST NIGHT!!!! THAT WAS AS GOOD AS IT GETS.
By FormerIslesFan
June 3, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
My watch said something along the lines of it beinga bout 12:50am when Sykora potted the goal. Gotta love the post-game comments from the players about the pizza being delivered to the locker room in between the second and third periods.
RH, I have to take you to task for no mention of Ryan “Bugsy” Malone. Dude gets hit in the face with a puck and (re-)breaks his nose in the third period and then lays out to block a slap shot with 2 seconds left in the game to preserve the tie?? And then he’s on the ice when the winning PP goal is scored and you don’t mention that??
And what about Gonchar? He crashes into the boards in the third period and is not heard from again until the power play in the third OT. Even then, it was clear that his shoulder was so messed up that he couldn’t shoot but could only act as the pivot at the blue line and he still made the right passes to set up the play the ended the game…
And you call yourself a blogger. :-)
By Bob
June 3, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah. That was so sweet. Dead Things fans chanting for the Cup. lol. Sorry, kids, ya jinxed your own boys, hope you had a nice ride home.
Sykora calls his OT winner, stuff of legend. Fleury played lights out. Pens D steps up and plays great with their best dman out, who then comes back in the 3rd OT for the winning assist.
Who was the numbnut on here that kept claiming the Wings would just walk away with this due to the Pens awful d and bad goaltending? I’m sure we’ll be hearing plenty of lame excuses for why the Pens won this game.
Losing the lead with 30 secs left and then going down at home in the 3rd OT is something that will be very, very difficult for the Wings to come back from. All the Mojo be workin for the Pens now.
Boy, that Hoss sure is a playoff bust, eh?
By boone7
June 3, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Boy, when you watch the Red Wings or even the Penguins, you see how truly bad the Thrashers are…
By B. Thenet
June 3, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Let’s be honest here.
The Wings dominated that game for long stretches. Fleury was up to the task, but there is no way the Pens can win 3 straight games against the Wings the way they played last night.
Hossa has always been very good in 6-5 EN situations, get the puck to the net from whereever you are and good things will happen.
By Rawhide
June 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
FIF - Hey dude…If I mention everyting, what do ya’ll have to comment about???? LOL!!!!
Malone and Gonchar both showed a ton of grit and guts last night…especially, as you point out, how “Bugsy” lays out his body just after taking a puck to the face…
By RGS1943
June 3, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Geography Correction: Wilkes Barre-Scranton is Actually in NEPA (Northeastern Pa) Big difference if a PA native
By Stan Drulia
June 3, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Fantastic game last night… I got stuck watching it way past my bedtime but couldn’t walk away from it. Every Pens game I watch I can’t help thinking that Hossa made the right decision to leave here and must be soooo relieved. Don’t get me wrong.. I wish he was still with us, but he is competing in the Stanley Cup finals right now while the rest of the Thrashers are playing golf.
Go Hossa!
By Rawhide
June 3, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
RGS1943 - Yes…it’s up north of Allentown and Reading…corection noted.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 3, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Malone and Gonchar did what any hockey player would do - put the team before the individual. Just one more reason to love hockey. Another reason to love overtime playoff hockey - no television timeouts! (Unless of course you are the Atlanta affiliate)
By FormerIslesFan
June 3, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
WFiGa
I agree with you entirely that Malone and Gonchar are great examples of players sacrificing themselves for the greater good of the team. My g/f was raised in SW Georgia and knew nothing about hockey before we started dating. She is now an avid Thrashers’ fan and we’ve been to well over 40 games together the last two seasons. I have tried to explain to her time and time again about how, when it comes to the chase for Lord Stanley’s Cup, that players will do things you would never think possible and make sacrifices that are unbelievable. While she believed me on that point, after watching the game last night (and we both were up til the final whistle last night), I think she finally gets it…
By Alan
June 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Rawhide - The idiot’s name is Jiri Hudler, not Jay. Though I would say with his huge error last night, he deserves to have his name screwed up in the media.
And just so everyone knows, I am indeed at work today.
By NASCAR Dave
June 3, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
NASCAR Dave was right again…
Yawn…
By R. Stroz
June 3, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Alan - Red Bull or coffee?
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 3, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Hockey players don’t even get paid while they are playing in the postseason. Does anyone know if it’s like that in any other league?
By Alan
June 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Stroz - I have to wonder if I’m still utilizing caffeine I ingested yesterday.
See… I couldn’t fall asleep Sunday night/Monday morning. At all. Period. Around 445am, I decided it might be wise to make coffee.
I ended up drinking the whole pot. Before 6am.
To top it off, I had two more large coffees before 11am yesterday, and one this morning from McDonalds while waiting for the bus.
Maybe I should switch to tea?
As for Red Bull… hate ‘em. Can’t stand the taste. Or the aftertaste. Or the taste after the aftertaste. It’s barely tolerable if I mix it with a diet pop like Diet Coke or something, though.
By HookyBob
June 3, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
So how will this looooong game affect play on Wednesday?
Normally, I’d think the Penguins (generally being younger) would recover quicker. However the Pens defensemen played a lot of minutes after Gonchar went down (Whitney was over 50 for the game). Rumor is that some of their forwards are also hurting.
Could injuries tip the scale? So who do you think is playing through an injury? Sykora, Malkin, Franzen?
Also, I wonder how many current Thrashers wish they could have been the “sweetner” in the Hossa deal. Best wishes to Pascal.
By Alan
June 3, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I’ll bet Malkin is playing through an injury. He’s been virtually invisible during this whole series, and I don’t think he did much in the series against Philly either.
By NASCAR Dave
June 3, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah. That was so sweet. Dead Things fans chanting for the Cup. lol. Sorry, kids, ya jinxed your own boys, hope you had a nice ride home.
YEP. I agree. That’s sad that SARA jinxed them by talking about the (Non) Sweep…
Who was the numbnut on here that kept claiming the Wings would just walk away with this due to the Pens awful d and bad goaltending? I’m sure we’ll be hearing plenty of lame excuses for why the Pens won this game.
They all did BOB. It’s quite funny to say the least!
Every Pens game I watch I can’t help thinking that Hossa made the right decision to leave here and must be soooo relieved.
Yep, no doubt about it. It kinda reminds me of the time the blogger SARA said: “As for Hossa, he’s not going anywhere”
Truly laughable, at best…
NUFF SAID.
By Hip Czech
June 3, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth (which generally ain’t much), all series we’ve heard about the advantage the Wings have at D. True enough.
However, it will be interesting to see how Lidstrom and Rafalski play in game 6. Lidstrom is 38, Rafalksi 34 or 35, let’s see how they respond after the 2.5 OT game.
Every time I see Detroit play I scratch my head why more teams don’t model their offensive strategy after the Wings. I am SOOOO tired of hearing ‘well, all we have to do is get the puck deep’ - ad nauseum.
How many times does Detroit dump and chase? They actually value the puck. Oh how I wish the Thrashers would become a non-dump and chase, non-get it deep and make their defensemen play it, team. Puck control, puck control, puck control.
But I guess it takes a plan and intelligent drafts and FA signings to bring the right players in and a coach to implement a system.
‘nuff said.
By NASCAR Dave
June 3, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
And just so everyone knows, I am indeed at work today.
Good for you ALAN. I am proud of you. See, NASCAR Dave is watching out for you… I got your back…
But here’s a tip… Don’t call in sick Thursday either. This sucker’s goin 7 games, just like NASCAR Dave predicted it would.
And don’t forget SAGE’s reference to the 1996 World Series — ANYTHING can happen, and as we have all seen, it has. So SAGE was correct also.
By NASCAR Dave
June 3, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
But I guess it takes a plan and intelligent drafts and FA signings to bring the right players in and a coach to implement a system.
YEP. All things WE DON’T HAVE!
Tell me, why is that???
By Alan
June 3, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t think I ever said the Wings would walk away with it. One of the worst things you could do is underestimate your opponent. It’s what the Wings seemed to do in game 3.
The game 5 loss is on Franzen for being out of position during the 6-on-5 the Pens had due to the pulled goalie. Had Franzen skated into the crease to block the shot, any goal scored on Detroit at that point wouldn’t have been at 19:26.
And I agree, the fans chanting “we want the cup” only jinxed themselves. And the rest of us. While they were doing that, I was curled in the fetal position on my floor with a bottle of scotch in one hand, cursing the jinx of a chant that seemed to go on forever.
By R. Stroz
June 3, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
So, if the Thrashers fans start chanting “we want the lottery pick” next season, the Thrashers will make the playoffs?
By Alan
June 3, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
I don’t think jinxing works that way, Stroz. However, we could definitely try to get something like that going if it looks like the Thrashers season is heading for the dumps.
By dj
June 3, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
The officials helped out Pitt all night. I’m sorry, these goaltender interference calls need to go bye bye. It’s hockey. People are taught to drive the net hard with the puck. Bad calls by the officials.
By LAC
June 3, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Northeast or northeastern PA… who cares, same general location…
Boy did Hossa show some hustle last night, his beard looks so odd though.
Yeah, this quietness from “blueland” is very strange. I guess it just goes to show how out of control this franchise really is, a shame too, by this time in the Trashers existance we should very well be in the SCF, but we have only one person to blame… we ALL know who that jerk is.
Hey maybe they are getting ready for UFA’s… remember Nikko Kapenan IS available !!!!
By Pam in Pittsburgh
June 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I found this site doing a goggle search on my Pens (I like to read the news articles).
Second, I would love to say thank you to the Thrashers & Shero for making that last minute deal for Hossa & Pasqual. As I am sure you have seen, they have proved to be a fantastic addition to the Pens team. I can only hope that at the end of the season, we can keep them.(Hoss plays great with Crosby)
Third, I would like to say appreciate Army. He is a great player and an even better “locker” room guy. There is everything to love about him once you get to know him.
And lastly, I would like to say thank you for the support I have seen on this board. It’s great to see hockey fans rooting for the Pens rather than the great Berlin Wall that is the Detroit Red Wings (man are they a tough team to play).
Go Pens! Good luck next year Thrashers.
By Bob
June 3, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
The officials helped out Pitt all night. I’m sorry, these goaltender interference calls need to go bye bye. It’s hockey. People are taught to drive the net hard with the puck. Bad calls by the officials
And there it is, also no suprise to me to see who wrote that drivel. I love the excuses coming now, sure thing the Dead Things are on the run.
Uh, you can’t hit the goalie in hockey, never has been allowed, never will be. That is one thing the refs will definitely call in OT, it is not ok to take the goalie down, otherwise, everyone would run the crease and goalies would be hurt left and right. How long do you think Lehtonen would last if they allowed running the goalie?
these goaltender interference calls need to go bye bye
Classic, I missed ya, dj, great insight there.
By Hip Czech
June 3, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
by this time in the Trashers existance we should very well be in the SCF
I am not going to excuse the mess that this ownership group and GM have brought upon us. There is little doubt we should be a ‘perennial’ playoff team at this point in our existence.
However, putting things in perspective, Toronto has not won the cup in 41 years. The Rangers have won it once in 60 some years. The Sabres have never won the cup. Do Nashville and Columbus fans make the same claim?
It takes either a truly solid team in all facets of the game or a lot of breaks to get to the SCF. I am not upset that the Thrashers have never been to the finals, and only mildly upset about one playoff appearance.
What irritates me to no end is knowing that we are no closer now than when we started 9 years ago. We should have a solid base of high draft picks that should get us into the playoffs each year.
That should have happened with the first 3 or 4 drafts…now we are basically starting over hoping that starting with this draft we get a couple solid core players to build for the future. So another 2 or 3 years of ‘building’.
I like the ‘we want the lottery pick’ chant idea…
By kracker
June 3, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
TSN says Torts is out, he is not returning next seasion.
By Rawhide
June 3, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Alan - Glad you made it in today….I’m just glad I’m on vacation this week, (location undisclosed). And I would have though you would have said his name is MUD!
Pam in Pittsburgh - Glad you found the site…thanks for chiming in…
dj - I agree…let the guys play…if they are driving the net, well…that’s just hockey.
Sara, Alan, WFinGA - Blame it on me…I had a blog already written last night after they went up 3-2…praising them for winning.
I jinxed them….my bad :o(
By Tony C.
June 3, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Howabout a “Give Don a raise” chant? (in the same spirit as the “lotto pick” chant)
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 3, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
s—- happens
By Alan
June 3, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - To be fair, I really don’t blame anyone but the Wings for their failure to secure the cup last night. I certainly don’t blame you for having a blog written up. I felt really bad hearing the chant, feeling a jinx coming. But all in all, it really wouldn’t have gone that far if Franzen had been more defensively minded enough to block the attempt.
It really reminded me of how Atlanta’s defense left Kari out to dry a lot this season. Osgood, like Lehtonen, is a spectacular goalie. Both of them have stood on their heads to make some absolutely stunning saves this season. Osgood stepped that level of play up a notch for these playoffs. But the story of Detroit has mostly been their defense this season.
They made a couple of huge mistakes last night, and it cost them both the game, and the chance to win the cup last night. At home. In front of 20,000 odd Wings fans in the Joe. Instead, this thing heads back to Pittsburgh.
And this is something I’m okay with. These are the Stanley Cup Finals, after all. May the best team win. And last night, Pittsburgh won it. This is why it’s a best-of-seven series, after all. You can’t judge the ability of a hockey team on just one game.
The Thrashers beat the Wings 4-1 in their own house last year, for example. Hell, the Thrashers were the only team from the “weak” Southeast division to beat the Wings last year. They looked good at that point, and somehow defended the lead after being deluged with Detroit SOGs. Alas, we know what else happened last season. Our record from last year reflects that, and reflects what we need to work on the most in the offseason.
Sorry for the Brendan-esque novella here. If you read this far, I hope you all enjoyed it.
By NASCAR Dave
June 3, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
The officials helped out Pitt all night. I’m sorry, these goaltender interference calls need to go bye bye. It’s hockey. People are taught to drive the net hard with the puck. Bad calls by the officials.
Here is yet another example of whining by WingDing fans. Instead of blaming Pitt for your teams choke job, why not blame KRONWALL???
NASCAR Dave saw KRONWALL shoot it on his own net… Os-Bad had no chance.
GO HOSSA!!!
By Tony C.
June 3, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Also, yes the Pens have gotten some calls their way, but let’s look at all these “super” hits that Kronwall keeps getting lauded for-dude’s skates leave the ice almost every time before contact. Just like Datsyuk didn’t trip Staal last night, and Orpik wasn’t so much hooking as Franzen was holding the stick in game 4.
So I think there have been bad calls and missed calls, but in general I think Koharsky(spl?) and crew have done a good job.
I do agree that the league needs to tighten up goalie interference as the rule is written and interpreted.
Maybe a graduated level of penalty, similar to high-sticking or roughing. I would propose that if it’s a guy in the crease, but no contact, then no goal, and faceoff to neutral zone. Then, unintentional contact that impedes the goalie’s ability to make a play would be a 2min minor-while deliberate restraint or otherwise impeding the goalie’s ability to make a play would be a 4min minor. As always any deliberate attempt to injure the goalie should be a game misconduct-and open to possible fines and suspension.
Of course what do I know? I’m just some idiot from a non-traditional market….
but isn’t that who the NHL is trying to market itself to???
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 3, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Yes, the goaltender interference calls were horrible, but they killed off the penalties. The high-sticking call was the correct call and congrats to the Pens for surviving. The Wings had a chance in OT on the PP on a questionable call but didn’t capitalize. They dominated the first OT but couldn’t get it done. They had the lead late in the game and couldn’t hold it. Once they tied it at 2, they had every chance in the world and couldn’t get it done. It happens. That’s hockey. Sometimes you get the breaks, sometimes you don’t. That’s life. These guys are pros, they will be back. I’m not going to put the blame on Kronwall alone, NASCAR Dave. You win as a team and you lose as a team. Yes he had a goal for the Pens (he know has more goals in the Finals for Pitt than Malkin does), but it wasn’t the game-winner. If he doesn’t score that goal, there is no guarantee the game goes the exact same way. Detroit might have never woken up and it couldn’t have been a lot worse. …As for chanting we want the cup, the fans did it in 2002 in game five with several minutes left like last night and they won. The fans had nothing to do with them losing. They lost by failing to clear the puck in the final minute. There is no such thing as a jinx (knock of wood)
By Rawhide
June 3, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Alan - I don’t get the blame…er, credit…for jinxing ‘em? Rats!
Seriously…you and Wings Fan in GA are right, this is a best of 7 series and most of the time the best team comes out on top. Things happen along the way, but in the end, if you are the one with the cup, none of it matters.
I’m just glad there is at least one more game to watch…
Oh….and the Thrashers beat the Wings 5-1….
Just sayin’….
By Alan
June 3, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Ah, so it was. I must have misremembered. Thanks for the reminder, Rawhide!
It’s games like that, though, which really make the case for Lehtonen to remain here. What a phenomenal goalie he is. He has great hockey sense, but he needs to grow a bit more mentally. Maintain his sense of the game and his confidence. Especially when playing in front of the defense we put on the ice.
By J (Z)
June 3, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Anyone know a good place to go to watch game 6 at a bar…with sound? (Besides TJ’s) preferably “ITP”
By hockeyman3944
June 3, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
any Tiger Woods sightings in Detroit? What an idiot, dumping on hockey in Hockeytown…
By ranallo10
June 3, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Bob and NASCAR Dave — Feel free to disagree with dj all you want, but his opinion of goaltender interference carries a little more weight (in my opinion) due to the fact he’s both a hockey player, and a goaltender.
What position do either of you play???
Notice how Rawhide agreed with him? Perhaps you should call Rawhide’s comment “drivel” or “whining by WingDing fans”.
On a side note, I was disappointed by Babcock’s media complaints, though I was happy he rightfully admitted he was doing “what the other guy has been doing” (referring to Therrien’s incessant crying over penalties in an effort to evoke change). I would have preferred he took the high road (which is easy to do when you’re winning) and only talk about what he CAN control (like marking an attacker during a 6 on 5 with 33 seconds left), and not what he CANT control. But as Brendan says, “bygones”.
This series is exciting, but I’m hoping for my inner Wings fan AND for my preseason Prediction that the Wings win this series, and do so in 6 games. (And yes Tony C. and NASCAR Dave, I’ve been a Wings fan since I learned to enjoy hockey, but I’m first and foremost a Thrashers fan. I’m from LA, so I’m a transplanted Atlanta fan to boot.)
By ranallo10
June 3, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — Regarding the goaltender interference rule…I think the NHL has it broad and open to referee interpretation on purpose. Intent is easy to mask, and harder to pick up on. Instant replay and slow motion make us (couch viewers) have an advantage the referee does not, and that’s multiple angles, viewing speed, etc. Split second calls like “interference” cannot carry weights, because then it makes that lack of assistance even more obvious when the call is wrong. If a referee assumes intent, the player gets 4 minutes or a game misconduct, and the team loses…but replay shows he was unconscious and couldn’t have intentionally done the infraction, thus putting the outcome in contention. Referee’s discretion allows for such mistakes, as it’s up to the referee in the moment…right or wrong.
I don’t mind an interference call, but I despise the way I’ve been seeing it called during the entire playoffs. If the NHL is worried about the health of the goalies, they should re-incorporate the true crease rule. As of now many goalies feel the NHL isn’t doing ENOUGH to protect goalies (including Martin Brodeur, arguably the greatest of all time). I feel they’re doing too much. When a player is standing in front of a goalie and he (the goalie) initiates contact, I think it’s a fine play. If the player does not allow the goalie a chance to make a save (laying on top of him, charging the net shoulder down without the puck, etc), then a penalty should be called. But if the player has a skate blade in the crease and the goalie can’t make a save, or he grazes the goalie due to fighting for position with a defender, I don’t feel those are penalty worthy.
But to be fair, every time I see a hard play near a goaltender, I cringe and think “I hope ___ doesn’t get hurt”. Perhaps that reaction is why the officials have been calling the rule the way they have? Only they know.
By MB
June 3, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Helluva game, though I’m looking forward to catching up on my sleep tonight.
On the goalie interference calls, it seemed to me that the calls were made because Fleury seemed to have control of the puck and the shots he took knocked him off of it and gave the Wings a chance to score. I admit I don’t know the reading of the rule and am too lazy at this point to look it up, but at the very least it’d be a crappy way to lose the Cup.
As impressed as I’ve been with his play these playoffs, I was very disappointed seeing Franzed kick at Fleury with his skate after being taken down in the crease. Tensions run high, yeah, but kicking with the skate blade is just wrong.
Finally, if Malkin is hurt then I can overlook his lack of scoring, however it’s his exceedingly stupid decisions with the puck (and the high number of them) that are driving me crazy and giving the Wings numerous scoring chances. If Malone or Dupuis or Ruutu were playing as poorly as Malkin, they’d be scratched and big George would be on the ice. Hindsight, of course, but in a couple of the games I thing George’s energy would have been better than Malkin’s giveaways.
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
J(Z) and Everyone Else - If the series makes it to a game 7, which would be played Saturday night, we should find a location where everyone could meet. Then if the game goes to four OTs, we wouldn’t have to worry about work the next day.
By Sharon
June 4, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
Wings fan in Ga and ranallo10 - I appreciate your thoughtful comments. You’ve given your analysis without being baited into namecalling and nastiness.
I’m also a transplant to Atlanta, all the way from Detroit. I’ve worked for both teams (video crew) and I cheer for both teams. It would be the series of a lifetime if they ever met in the Finals!
By Tony C.
June 4, 2008 5:06 AM | Link to this
So, if you’re saying that Malkin isn’t giving you what you need, who do you put in his place?
He’s already leaning on Staal very hard already-Who takes Malkin’s time and slot on the PP?
Also, who do they move up from WBS? (especially considering they are in their finals as well).
By Alan
June 4, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
So, if you’re saying that Malkin isn’t giving you what you need, who do you put in his place?
If listening to the media was any indication of what to do, making a clone of Crosby and slotting him in to Malkin’s place would probably satisfy many.
If I were Pittsburgh’s coach, though, I wouldn’t change a thing. There are always so many players who seem silent in the playoffs. Some of them are doing things away from the ice, though. Others might be hustling on the ice, but working more defensively than offensively.
Malkin has problems with his game, no doubt. Some of those giveaways looked absolutely horrid, and he’s lucky Fleury has been able to stone them. But whether it’s inexperience or injury, this is his first Finals series. The pressure at this level is immense for him, and the rest of the Pens.
Moreover, think about Hossa, here. He earned a reputation in the media for being “silent” in the playoffs. Maaaaaybe playing on a line with Crosby helped his offensive playoff game some. He’s still good, though not great, on the backcheck. But at this point, none of that matters. The media has been silent about Hossa’s previous playoff stumbles this year.
When you’re a European or Russian playing in the league, no news about you is always better than bad news about you. Reps seem to unfairly find themselves attached to overseas players. Look no further than Nik Lidstrom (“soft Euro,” no Euro captain has ever won the Stanley Cup, etc) for that.
Malkin will have his day. For now, this is just a part of growing up for him, and the rest of the Penguins. Regardless of whether they win the cup, they’re growing up here, and the knowledge they’re taking with them can’t be obtained anywhere else.
By Bob
June 4, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Hindsight, of course, but in a couple of the games I thing George’s energy would have been better than Malkin’s giveaways.
Malkin has already done more in this series that LayRock could dream of doing.
Could he be hurt? Sure. Could he just be having nerves? Sure. Could it simply be that the Wings are a hell of a team and are shutting him down. Ah, now you’re getting closer to the truth, grasshopper. Could he go off tonight? Wings better hope not, they don’t have an answer for a second Pens line playing at the level that Crosby and Hoss are.
Tonight will be very interesting. If the Pens keep playing with abandon, they have a chance. However, I have a feeling they tighten up and start squeezing those sticks, kind of like how the Wings did in the 1st period of the Game 5. I still expect the Wings to win this Series, but when you’ve got Crosby and Hoss skating like they are, all bets are off.
Any word on Gonchar? Is he good to go? Think the De-Toilet boys will be running him trying to take him out early? Sure wouldn’t put it past that class-less group. I sometimes feel sorry for Lidstrom having to play in De-Toilet, he is a class guy.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 4, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Tampa fired Torts this morning. The plot thickens…
By Bob
June 4, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
No way Torts comes here. I still think it’s Anderson from Chicago or one of the Wings assistants (which wouldn’t be a bad thing, that is one well coached hockey club).
By Adam
June 4, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Why is it we hear nothing of Franzen kicking at Fleury in the 1st over time?
Fleury’s got the puck covered and Franzen is on his a$$ kicking at the glove hand of Fleury blade 1st.
That’s a cardinal sin in hockey…
By GaVaHokie
June 4, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Notice that Ron Wilson still said he wants time to think about it… so, as I’ve said before, patience.
More and more coaching prospects are becoming available every day.
kracker… the link you posted about Mike Sullivan is interesting. Especially the Gordon connection. I know Ranallo wants Sullivan.
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Although I’m not pulling for either team, in light of the accidental blade to the throat of Zednik earlier this season, the intentional kicking at Fleury by Franzen is utterly reprehensible.
What happens if Fleury glove hand artery gets severed?
I’m not one for over officiating; but, Franzen should at the minimum be fined and suspension should be considered.
Otherwise, players might as well use their blades to shank other players.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I watched the entire game and don’t remember the kicking incident. Anyone have video?
By TableHockey
June 4, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I wonder if tired legs will come into play tonight. Some of those Dmen put up ridiculous time on ice. One was at 50 minutes.
Red Wings seem to have excellent conditioning and the Pens have a lot of young guys so it may not be a factor.
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Alan - Couldn’t find anything on youtube.
The incident occured during the first goaltender interference penalty during the last game.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Stroz - I remember the incident, at least as it was shown on CBC. Franzen wasn’t even in the picture, it was all Zetterberg and Fleury.
Pretty classless of Franzen, if true. Maybe someone has a TiVo of it or something they can snag a screen shot of?
By NASCAR Dave
June 4, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Dang, that sucks for John Smoltz…
The Pens will WIN tonight, AGAIN… HOSSA will score AGAIN… NASCAR Dave predicts a MALKIN goal as well…
I’m also a transplant to Atlanta, all the way from Detroit. I’ve worked for both teams (video crew) and I cheer for both teams. It would be the series of a lifetime if they ever met in the Finals!
Sorry dear, but that will NOT happen anytime soon, as long as Don FRAUDell constructs this team’s roster… Detroit yes, Atlanta, NO WAY!!!
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 4, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Tampa fired Torts this morning. The plot thickens…
Actually, that happened yesterday afternoon… I guess you are only a hockey fan (Detroit fan, at that) on days the Wings play??? Would this be an accurate description??? I thought so…
GO HOSSA!!!
NUFF SAID.
By the Operator
June 4, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
BEEP Paging Rstroz please check you email…
By GaVaHokie
June 4, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Pete DeBoer is interviewing with the Senators today.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 4, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Sorry NASCAR Dave, I just saw it on Yahoo this morning.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 4, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
One more thing, Dave. Don’t think. One - your description is wrong and two, thinking causes headaches. … Are one of those people who thinks Kyle Busch’s contact with Earnhardt Jr. at Richmond was intentional? Did that break your heart?
By Adam
June 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Alan - Yahoo has a vid here It’s not the best quality. Look at 4:50 on the vid. You’ll see Franzen come in late on the play and skate around Dupuis, he gets tangled in Dupuis stick & leg then lands on his a$$. While he’s own and getting back up he kicks at Fleury then gets knocked back on his a$$ by Gill.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
I see all of that, Adam, except the “repeated kicking” at Fleury. There’s a whole bunch of people in the way, so it’s really hard for me to determine intent based on the one angle shot there.
I’ll give you all the benefit of the doubt, though. Franzen’s game was really off that night, so maybe he did it out of frustraton? Who knows. I won’t argue it, it’s just hard to believe.
Hopefully the Wings will be more composed tonight.
By Adam
June 4, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
I know it’s impossible to see but that’s the only vid I can find of it.
It wasn’t repeated either. He made 2 quick kicks at Fleury. Maybe better footage will show up or a replay tonight.
The topic has been brought up on a few blogs and the consensus is, and I agree, that if a ref had seen it there would have been a 5min major. As there was no injury a suspension is unlikely and if we haven’t heard from the league by the start of tonights game nothing will be done.
By Bob
June 4, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
It’s pretty obvious that the Wings game plan was to get in Fleury’s face and knock him off his game, which is premeditated and makes Franzen’s actions even worse.
I would expect that the league has had a talk with De-Toilet before tonight’s game to let them know further attempts like that will not be tolerated.
Best way for the Pens to handle it is to simply score on the ensuing power plays.
Still makes me laugh at the clueless fans that think players should be allowed to do whatever they want to goalies. Drive the net, sure, but you CANNOT and will never be allowed to touch the goalie in his crease.
By Russ
June 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Jim Balsillie is still trying to buy a team and has talked to the Thrashers ownership group among others according to this story.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239724&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
If FUBAS sells the Thrashers causing them to move, I will personally take a bag of dog sh!t and dump it at their Marietta Street office.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Russ - I find the story relating to the Thrashers dubious at best. Fact is, the ownership is still undetermined. The court battle hasn’t been settled. There’s no way the “ownership group” (whether or not it was the ASG or Belkin who talked to him) could sell the team while the ownership of the team is contested.
By Bob
June 4, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Remember the owners have Philips rights as well, if they allow the team to be moved, they’re cutting off 43 dates a year of selling hot dogs, etc. In addition, this is the 8th largest market in the U.S. (I think), no way Bettman allows a team to leave here.
Long story short, I could see the Thrashers being sold off, but no way they move.
By B. Thenet
June 4, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
I am pretty disapointed by the lack of response by the Atlanta Spirit LLC to these allegations.
By Tony C.
June 4, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Screw that. I would understand if the team were doing poorly financially, but I can’t believe that that is the case.
Nashville has had some very well-documented financial woes. FUBAS has only recently been the subject of negative financial reports, and that’s mostly due to poor ST sales/renewals…I’m pretty sure those will pick up once the team starts winning.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
btn - I’m a bit disappointed as well. But surprised is something I’m not. Mum seems to be the word when the going gets tough around here these days.
Someone needs to contact them and ask some questions. Hopefully it’s something Craig is working on for us. I want a confirmation of whether or not it was the ASG, Balsillie, or Belkin who initiated contact - at the least.
By Tony C.
June 4, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Where is FUBAS’ offices anyway???
I’m prepared to spend some time being as annoying as the law allows there. I mean maybe I might even get some decent info.
Also, somebody told me a nifty little rumor….CC’s replacement is Scott Burnside.
JUST A RUMOR. But if I had to loose Craig, then Burnside is a great consolation prize.
By Bob
June 4, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Burnside would be great. He knows hockey, is local, and holds their feet to the fire re. the mismanagement of this club.
Ya know, if they are trying to sell the club to facilitate the buyout of Belkin, that would make it a lot more understandable why they kept Waddell and haven’t hired a coach. A new owner would want to make his own calls with those important positions.
By HookyBob
June 4, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Me thinks the outcome of tonight’s game will be determined by how well Fleury plays.
What do you think will determine the winner?
90 minutes til the puck drops.
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
What do you think will determine the winner?
Hanging Curveball: The team with the most goals.
By Tony C.
June 4, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
I think the key is who is able to have the most off-puck support going through the neutral zone.
Last game, Pittsburgh came out with much more jump than the ‘wings…Detroit was able to adjust and then carried the play, but I think that if Pittsburgh can remain disciplined regarding their spacing and puck-movement through the neutral zone then they have already shown that they can keep up with Detroit (who are, let’s face it the best positional team on the planet right now). Also, I think a key is going to be if Detroit can exploit Pittsburgh’s tendency to over-collapse down low once the ‘wings get the puck in deep-there have been tons of opportunities for Detroit to kick the puck back out high and then take shots from the point or the high half-boards area. If Pittsburgh doesn’t tighten that up, then you will see Detroit exploit this tendency.
Also, if Malkin snaps out of his funk, then all bets are off and detroit is no longer the favorite. Pittsburgh has been basically a one-line team for much of the series-full marks to the ‘wings defense for making the Malkin line such a non-factor, but if they can step up their play, I don’t know that the Penguins would be able to force game 7 and perhaps win The Cup.
But they lost an awful lot when Gonchar went down.
By Tony C.
June 4, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Wow
Gonchar is out there…impressive
By Tony C.
June 4, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Malkin also looks a lot better tonight.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Stroz - Thanks for the laugh. That would indeed do it, methinks.
By Bob
June 4, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
More classy play from De-Toilet. They go after Gonchar early, that was a 5 minute in my view, he clearly went at Gonchar’s head and threw him face first into the glass. Bush league.
By Rawhide
June 4, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Dammit, Stroz…you beat me to it. Yes, the one who scores the most goals is indeed on the right track to win!
Wolves up 5-1 on the Baby Penguins after 2.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
More classy play from De-Toilet.
Like S** is playing any classier, with their jabs after the whistle.
By Nix
June 4, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Wow NASCAR Dave! You actually called that Malkin goal.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
I thought that Malkin goal was beautiful, too. Osgood just wasn’t quick enough. The guys on CBC said Malkin was shown video of all the mistakes he was making in the finals thus far, then told by the coach to “cut the friggin’ crap and keep it simple.”
Looks like it’s working for him.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 4, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, do not start to write any blog right now like you did with game five. Please wait until after the game (just in case, ya know). Thanks.
By Rawhide
June 4, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Wings Fan - What’s it worth to ya? :o)
By Bob
June 4, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
rest easy, the Wings aren’t blowing a 2 goal lead.
By stendec
June 4, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
No miracles tonight. Pens stunk out the joint! Maryann Hossa and Cindy Crosby invisible. Pen netminder gave up Kari Letemin-type goal. That was using his, uh, posterior. Too bad it proved fatal! Late goal just teased home fans. Octopussies were (are) better team. Now and forevermore. Well, Hell, uh, hail, to the champions! At least it was not those obnoxious Montreal Habs!
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Bob - They came pretty damn close to blowing a two goal lead.
By stendec
June 4, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Maryann Hossa did far more damage to Pen fans than he did with his apathetic effort earlier this season in a Thrasher uniform. The gutless wonder had a wide open net in closing seconds with chance to pull home team even. Guess what? Overrated pile of crap failed to deliver! Sound familiar? It should! Thrasher fans grew accustomed to such. Good riddance to him! Glad he hurts in defeat (if he does). The quitter sure as Hell caused all Thrasher watchers a lot of anguish!
By Alan
June 4, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
That was a nailbiter at the very end there. Hossa ripped one across the crease instead of into the net where it would have counted.
The Pens really gave Detroit a run for it. Congrats to the Pens for such a great season. I hope nothing but the best for them. Except when they play our boys in Blue.
As for my Wings, congratulations on your 11th cup!
Here’s to hoping Atlanta can bring the cup home someday soon.
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
The Wolves won their game by a score of 6 to 1. The Wolves are now up 3 games to none.
The “Coach Pool” entries must be posted before Friday at 5:00 PM.
By Alan
June 4, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Stroz - We’ll know who our coach is on the 9th by noon.
By Brendan
June 4, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
I caught most of the 2nd period in the Wolves-Penguins game. Chicago just exploded with goals in that second stanza. Pavelec looked great. 3-0 is a stranglehold on that series. I hope Pavelec is still in championship form when he enters training camp.
Congrats to the Pittsburgh Penguins on a great season. They were the #2 seed, 2nd-best defense in the league, Eastern Conference Champions, and gave us four (4) one-goal games in a competitive Finals.
Congrats to the Detroit Red Wings, 11-12, all-time, in the Cup Finals. That’s a fourth (4th) Cup since 1997. That’s a fifth (5th) trip to the Finals since ‘95. Six President’s Trophies now. And twice now, they also won the Cup in the same year they won the President’s Trophy. In 2007, the Red Wings were the runner-up to the President’s Trophy. Buffalo just edged them out. There’s a word that describes all that: “dominating.”
Good ownership. Good GM. Good Head Coach. Absolutely FANTASTIC scouting. And if the cap keep growing, it’s to Detroit’s advantage. Chances are … the Red Wings will be back in the Conference Finals next year, and maybe even the Finals. And heck, can you really “rule out” a repeat title??
By R. Stroz
June 4, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
I have a cure for Detroit’s success. Lets send them Dan Marr, the Thrashers head of scouting. The Wings will never see the playoffs again.
Dan Marr makes Earnest T. Bass look like a rocket scientist.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 4, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
OK Rawhide, you may now write your story…Holy crap what a game! My heart stopped several times in the game and the finish, yikes. As happy as I am right now, I am more relieved. Pittsburgh is a hell of a team and they put up a hell of a fight. But another great team prevailed.
You guys can call them De-toilet, or the Dead Wings, but you can also call them one more thing - the 2007-08 Stanley Cup Champions!
By Midfield
June 4, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
I began watching the finals indifferent to the outcome. Now I’m glad that the Wings won it in Pittsburgh. The whining and Crosby peddling all the way through from the announcers and - much worse - to the officials was appalling. I wonder if this is the way Bettman is creating a new NHL brand. Instead, it kind of reminds me Brezhnev’s Soviet Union throwing its entire state machine behind Karpov in his long forgotten chess championship contest against defector Korchnoy. Hey, Russian, do you remember that?
By Tony C.
June 5, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
What a game!!!
Despite my general dislike of the RedWings, you have to admit that the better team won.
Down to the last second. Incredible.
And yes Betteman’s aping of the NBA model is pretty annoying, but you have t admit that this Crosby kid looks to have a pretty incredible career ahead of him
Great game, glad Lidstrom is the 1st “Euro” Captain to win The Cup.
I would’ve been sick if it had been Sundin.
Congrats to RedWings nation. But I think yall should all go out and buy yourselves the proper team sweater for the 2007-08 Redwings
Just kidding, but who did Babcock put on the ice when the series hung in the balance? Zetterberg, Lidstrom & Kronwall.
Besides they look cool.
By Sharon
June 5, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Wings win the Cup! Wings win the Cup!
It sure is nice to be a Wing Ding from De-Toilet tonight!
By Rawhide
June 5, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
OK WFinGA - I held off just for you…so here ya go….
By stendec
June 5, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Octopussies were better team this season. Well done! Pens overrated. Offense inconsistent. Defense above average. Goaltending (with one notable exception) weak. Probably should have been over in four games. Pens delayed inevitable twice. Why bother? Once rooted for Pens. May do so once again if they boot Maryann Hossa! Good night all. Pleasant dreams.
By Bob
June 5, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Bob - They came pretty damn close to blowing a two goal lead
I know, my jinx almost worked.
Missed it by THAT much