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
http://fans.nhl.com/members/JuiceinLA/blogs/14839
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