The First Concentrated Juice: Random Thoughts on the Wings - Rounds 1-3.

Random Thoughts on the Wings: Rounds 1-3

Caveat reador: if you aren’t a Wings fan, just move along, because the following post is a lovefest- albeit a well-deserved-capable—of-backing-up-their-“shizz”-up-lovefest, but a lovefest none the less.

Old Habits Die Hard
Living through that Nashville series was like sitting through Games 6 and 7 of the 1996 St. Louis series. Wasn’t until midway through the 3rd game of the Wings/Avs series that I even started to relax enough to enjoy myself. My brother and I watched the first two series like any good (good) redwing fan – sick to our stomachs nervous and sometimes breathing into paper bags- even when they were playing their best … H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks: I didn’t even crack a beer until after Zett’s goal in the second period of game 6 against the Stars. You don’t make it through 17 years of consecutive playoffs without knowing what I am talking about.

The Depth of this Red Wing Team
My god, Dats and Zetts are amazing. Not just puck handling and play making- but they are so great defensively too. Sometime as they race down the ice deftly passing and flying, I feel like I’m once more watching Larionov and Kozzie at their very very VERY best.

There were two or three occasions (maybe more) when Rafalski pulled a gorgeous little move that made me think Vladdie was on the ice again. Konstantiov’s signature style, he always looked like a great white out there on the ice- so smooth and deadly.

How freakin good have Draper, Ozzy and Lids looked? Draper blows me away, the way he just takes off and flies down the ice, and in the faceoff circle? He’s the very very best.

Lids still as cool and calm as ever, but now more than ever I am loving his leadership presence and his blue line shots! We are so lucky to have the best defenseman and one of the best players ever in Hockey.

Should go without saying that Ozzie is the most underrated Stanley Cup Winning Goalie to play the game. Nobody beats the Wiz. And I love when the post game interviewer gets him to talk! How funny is it to see Chris actually speak more than a three word sentence, and even throw a little sass out there?? I giggle like crazy, wondering where that shy towheaded kid who could barely look an announcer in eye went. I love that he is enjoying himself and I want this cup for him, more than anyone. Put all the naysayers to rest Ozzie. We LOVE YOU!

Franzen- obviously amazing run in these playoffs and we want him healthy.
Dallas Drake: on the verge of his first Cup giving us the spark when we need it-
Nothing but love for our boy Homer!!!! Just do what you do big brother.

And PS- What a fantastic idea to bring McCarty back- Thanks Kenny and Babs. Love seeing him tear up the ice, the opposition, his laughter, joy for the game and (o course)the menace. Darren is so freaking fun and amazing and has a helluva story. We all love Big Mac. He makes me feel like I am home again.

Better than imagined or are the others overrated?
Been wondering since the end of Nashville which is the truer statement: (a) These Wings really are this much better than the rest; or (b) the Avs, Stars, and Nashville were overrated (Let’s throw the Ducks in there too…). Based on what I saw this last month, I am cautiously inclined to believe the former.

Detroit does Dallas: Game 3 and 4 against the Stars
Game 3 should never be spoken of again-BUTTTTTTT- “Buttgate” was shameful and embarrassing for the league. Not just because of stealing a legitimate goal and artificially penalizing Homer, but for the disparity in penalty calling, the unaccounted for late hits, behind the puck bruising and evil cross checking, high sticking elbowing crap Dallas doled out without sanction throughout the entire game.

I still wish the Detroit Fans had thrown “Buns of Steel” DVDs onto the ice for Game 4 in lieu of the traditional Octopi…

Even with the slow tired look of Game 4 against the Stars, I never once thought we wouldn’t win the series (Or if you hate double negatives, “I knew we’d win the series”) I was worried about intentional injuries and about the toll of 7 games if Pitt won Number 5. But now that it’s said and done, I am almost glad to get that loss out of the way- shake it off and get ready for the finals.

Versus/NBC
Oh how I long for Mickey Redmond’s commentary. I realize that a certain amount of energy should go into pumping up the underdog: it generates interest in a playoff series especially where nearly everyone thinks the dominant team should win, and after all this country loves an underdog. But both networks and the league should just be embarrassed by the unwavering bias against Detroit. It would be one thing if the Detroit team and its fans were arrogant like Lakers fans, or if this Detroit team weren’t so amazing and hadn’t earned every last win, but neither of these things are true. Accordingly, I simply can’t understand all the hate. And I think its shameful and highly unprofessional of Versus, NBC, and NHL commentators to allow their personal prejudices to sneak into their broadcasting.

Most disgusting anti-Wings commentating moment not associated with Barry Melrose or Don Cherry?
Hard to say, there were so many, but the most recent one rings pretty clearly: Keith Ova-whatever, talking about Dallas during the Campbell Cup Presentation.

Gearing up for the Finals
I know I am really into the swing of playoffs when I start watching the Eastern Conference games. Now you must be made aware that I am a “WCS” (Western Conference Snob)- Quelle surprise???? I simply think the East hasn’t been on par in decades. However, given the way the ducks waddled out, the Wings complete dominance of a once proud Colorado, and how well the Wings were able (when we tried or weren’t cheated against) to shoot the Stars into black hole oblivion, Well, I am starting to worry that the eastern confy might not be less capable than the these teams. Could be a real series. No matter what- my heartfelt thanks and complete adoration goes out to my Detroit Red Wings- for all these years- for your class, legacy, poise, grace and amazing talent.

Game one will tell all.

I can’t wait!

Originally posted on Tuesday May 20, 2008 @ 02:27 PM EDT at
http://fans.nhl.com/members/JuiceinLA/blogs/14839

Concentrated Juice: I might be a little over excited- what of it???

FILPPU-ORR! Did anyone else wake up today thinking about Filppula’s goal?


First thing I did at work today (besides beg my boss to dump a ton of work on me because otherwise I was likely to obsess about hockey all day) was pull up the google image of Bobby Orr in that overtime final against St. Louis.


Of course it’s not exactly as iconic (yet), but Filppula’s flying goal against flightless birds was really pretty.


I just can’t get enough of these Wings. Was grinning ear to ear as I walked into the office today. So much so, that a co-worker said “Juice got some this weekend.”


LOL! I had to chuckle and give a slight nod, but in honest admission, My goofy earsplitting grin? Well its just all about the Finals and these Wings.


Eat these words? Maybe. I could end up eating these words, but I actually got a little bored, er,um, distracted at times during yesterday’s game. My brother said it was just that sort of relief and release from all the nervous tension that has been building for these last two months. But srsly- I even got up once during the game (not intermission) to go grab the pizza from the kitchen.


I’m trained to believe the Pens will come out guns blazing tomorrow, and they have to. but I was sure they would have to do that last game, and they didn’t. Everyone keeps saying they will come out to play tomorrow- but I don’t believe it.


I realize they did hang in there through the end, no better or worse than their previous 120 minutes of play. But everyone knows when you get schooled in game 1 like they did, that they needed to bring blazing guns into game 2. All I saw was a slingshot and elbow and a pea-shooter.


If they don’t make a game of it tomorrow, well, they’ll be spending the summer writing “I will NOT target a guy’s concussion-like injury ever again.” on the blackboard and cleaning erasers- sooner than they thought.


Bottom line? For Crosby’s sake, I hope the guy finds a way to stop whining and dig deep, at least end the series with poise and showing some potential for leadership and grace.

The Mule is Back! But jackazzes just he-hawed their way into Pleasure Island: As this series goes on, I am really feeling the Pinocchio analogy, works really well for the Pens: Boys, fenwick, etc…


Franzen showed amazing poise and intellect in his response to Robert’s hit: he said “…I’ve got to get my arms up and protect myself…” This is the statement of a true sportsman: looking at what he could have done to prevent it and not engaging in finger pointing. I sense a Yzerman influence, for sure. Franzen for Lady Bing!!!


No respect for ESPN- I repeat this only because I have no respect to ESPN, so I think they can’t jinx anything: ESPN called for the sweep, and then they showed 45 minutes of baseball highlights on sportscenter. Are you kidding me?


Sports media just sucks when it comes to hockey. I just don’t get it: How do they not see this is the most exciting, toughest, most skilled, athletic sport out there?


Seriously. Take the all around athleticism of your Barry Sanders, and David Beckhams, throw in the endurance of a soccer player, the strategy and team work of a basketball team, the physicality of a rugby or (even a football) game, and combine it all with the deft precisions skill of Tiger Woods, AND put all those bad boys on two thin blades of steel, less padding than a line backer and a field of ice, and you have a Hockey game.


Imagine Shaq on skates?

‘nuff said.

Originally Posted on Tuesday May 27, 2008 @ 02:19 PM EDT at
http://fans.nhl.com/members/JuiceinLA/blogs/15431

Copyright Protected, 2008 All Rights Reserved No reproduction or use without the express written permission of the author.

Concentrated Juice: Of Dreams, Ketchup and Sax....Here we go!

Alright boys and girls, here we go. How are you feelin’? What are your plans? Where will you watch, who will you watch with? What are you gonna eat?

I knew I was in trouble when I dreamt about Dats and Zetts last night.


Yea yea yea. Makes me giggle too. But come on! Get your mind out of the gutter- Er box? ew-No. Um- crease? No. Er, five hole? nyet. (Sigh) The gutter, out of the gutter! (Who knew hockey analogies were all so dirty???).


It wasn’t that exciting of a dream. Although they were wearing their gear- including helmets- and there was a lot of ice involved…


Still. Sorry to disappoint, but the dream was more like Shanny’s infamous “Coach said no sax before the game” quote. (Do you hear his (then) thick Canadian accent in your head when you read that, like I do? More giggles.)


Still, I don’t recall ever dreaming about the team before. At least in the context of hockey, right?


Again, no not really. People. Come on (Most of) these boys are a little young for me. Now, you start talkin’ the Professor, and that’s a whole ‘nother story.

A whole ‘nother story that NOBODY really wants to hear. Enough! Boy that dream segue was tough corner to get out of, but as I always say: “When nothing funny comes to mind, go with TMI.”

I expected to wake up today feeling that old (faithful) sick feeling. Instead I feel good. Nervous, hyped, antsy and with mild disgust for Heinz ketchup and Carly Simon.

I am ready, hope you are too. I am skipping the idea of going to a bar watch. Want to be able to focus, no distractions. I’ve invited only my sister and brother over to watch, and we’ll likely have the Pistons on the second tv, sound off. I hate to admit it though, the second TV will be merely a show of support, I know I won’t watch a second of the Pistons until the Wings game is over.


I love em, but this is the Finals and this is the Wings, and we only have 4 more wins before I have to wait until mid-October to see another game. That thought makes me sicker than anything else.

Originally Posted on Saturday May 24, 2008 @ 01:53 PM EDT at http://fans.nhl.com/members/JuiceinLA/blogs/15121

Copyright Protected 2008. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction or use without the express written permission of the author.

Concentrated Juice: Things a Wings Fan can do while waiting for the finals

Well geez. If you are like me (and the fact that you are reading this blog strongly suggests you are), then you’ve spent the last 5-6 weeks of your life scheduling everything around the playoffs.

If your as sick as me you’ve been obsessed since the trade deadlines.
And now you have 4 straight days of unscheduled time. I know you are feeling a little shell shocked with all this free time, maybe even a little lost, Jones-ing for a hockey fix, and no way to get one. Well my friends, with only 4 wins away, our playoff season is (too quickly) coming to a close, and we should probably use this brief break to reacquaint ourselves with the real world- sort of a short quick immersion, like shoving your head into a bucket of ice water. Just to remind yourself that one day in the next few weeks you’ll wake up and the first thing on your mind won’t be “I can’t wait for the game tonight!”, its likely to be “Crap there is no game tonight, what the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks am I gonna do?” So to help you (and not so coincidentiallly to occupy my “free time”) I came up with this list of things you might do between today and Game 1 of the Finals:

1. Count down the days until training camp starts.
2. West Coast fans: Put in some extra time at work to make up for all those days you had “offsite visits” that corresponded with 4:30 P.M. puck drops.
3. Call your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband – don’t get mad if they don’t recognize your voice.
4. Take off your playoff shirt- just for a few days. Wash all your red wing gear- unless you’re superstitious.
5. Take that ridiculous infant sized Osgood sweater off of the cat.
6. Go to the gym (Ha ha just kidding!)
7. Paste photos of Melrose, Doc Emerick, Jones and Olczyc and Engblom onto different areas of a dart board, hang board over your TV, play along with the game: Throw a dart at the corresponding announcer each time he says something negative about the Red Wings, or when they praise the Pens when the Wings do something good. Put Don Cherry in the center of the board, throw a dart at the bulls eye every time the Wings score. (two points if every time you hit Cherry you yell “Hit the bull win a steak”)
8. Build your own “MO’ Cheese” Hat, wear it around the neighborhood until your spouse yells at you.
9. Test your dog, see if he really believes you when you shake his leash and say “go for a walk big guy?” If he growls, he no longer recognizes you.
10. Print funny pictures of the Crosby, Hossa and Fleury, cut out heads, tape them to your blue foosball players; Print cool pictures of Homer, Dats Zetts, Mule and Ozzy, tape them to your red foosball players; sponsor your own mini Stanley Cup playoffs.
11. Write blogs about the Red Wings, because you just aren’t ready to let go of the day to day and you want to stay tough, sharp and “in the game”
12. Read blogs about the Red Wings because you just aren’t ready to let go of the day to day and you want to stay tough, sharp and “in the game”
13. Pretend you aren’t watching “Dancing with the Stars” If you get caught, tell them you just wanted to see Jason Taylor “Pop and Lock”.
14. Practice your face painting- come up with something more exciting than one white side one red side.
15. Build your own backyard penalty box, tell your kids if they misbehave during the finals, they are getting two minutes.
16. Make huge Get Well Card for Franzen, make all your co-workers sign it, send it to the Mule.
17. Cheer Pistons on!
18. Check to see if your lawn has gotten longer than neighbors, if so, accuse him of not being a loyal enough fan. Paint face for lawn mowing duties.
19. Endlessly troll the ticket scalping websites and dream about being able to be there at the Joe, Section 108 ten rows up for Game 1.

Good Luck my friends!

Originally Posted on Wednesday May 21, 2008 @ 12:37 AM EDT at http://fans.nhl.com/members/JuiceinLA/blogs/14876