Detroit netcrasher, Tomas Holmstrom, seems to have made a speedy recovery and is likely playing in Game 4 in Pittsburgh. The Red Wings are looking to take a 3-1 lead in the series so they can clinch it back in Motown. The Penguins, however, did seem to slip back into their winning playoff mode after coach Michel Therrien switched the lines back to the old order.
Johan Franzen looked hot in his comeback after sitting out six games and I wouldn't be surprised if he adds a couple more tallys tonight.
It is interesting how much less disapointed the Wings seemed after losing Game 3 than they did losing twice to the Dallas Stars in the conference finals. To me that just speaks volumes of how confident they are in their ability to go all the way. Johan Franzen even told reporters it would have been less fun for the hockeyfans had they taken a 3-0 lead. Let's hope that comment doesn't come back to bite the Mule in the ass.
***
On a totally different note, the Boston Celtics (people in Beantown have had a lot to be happy about since the Pats lost in the Super Bowl) beat the Detroit Pistons to advance to the NBA finals for the first time since 1987, which is also the last time they faced off with the Los Angeles Lakers for the World Championship. Well, after twenty one long years these two classic teams, who both have had extensive dynasties over the years, they finally meet again. Being a Laker fan ever since I first saw Fletch in the mid eighties, I'm of course hoping the purple and yellow get to lift the trophy for the first time in six years. Go Kobe!
5/31/2008
5/26/2008
A GROWN MAN'S GAME
The Pittsburgh Penguins aren't enjoying all of the luxuries of the Stanley Cup finals. The team is staying in a hotel with no less than five 5-star restaurants. These, however, are owned by a gaming commission, since there is also a casino at the hotel, which of course excludes anyone under 21 from eating there. I'm not sure where Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal are eating, perhaps they have to order room service.
RETURN OF THE MULE
Watch out all Penguins, the Mule is back!
The one they call the Mule, Johan Franzen, has finally been cleared to return to the playoffs. Still tied for the scoring lead, even though he has sat out six straight games, he is a welcome addition to the Detroit line-up. I'm not saying that because the Red Wings are lacking anything up front, on the contrary. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins have their hands full trying to solve the Wings solid defense so to them Franzen's return is all but positive.
I wonder what kind of odds they give on the Mule scoring in Game 2.
***
As expected, veteran Gary Roberts returns to the line-up for Pittsburgh. Just one year ago, as the Ottawa Senators rolled past the Penguins in the playoffs, John Paddock told Roberts he should have been with them instead. The Senators had offered Roberts a contract but the veteran ultimately chose Pittsburgh. I doubt he regrets that decicion today.
The one they call the Mule, Johan Franzen, has finally been cleared to return to the playoffs. Still tied for the scoring lead, even though he has sat out six straight games, he is a welcome addition to the Detroit line-up. I'm not saying that because the Red Wings are lacking anything up front, on the contrary. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins have their hands full trying to solve the Wings solid defense so to them Franzen's return is all but positive.
I wonder what kind of odds they give on the Mule scoring in Game 2.
***
As expected, veteran Gary Roberts returns to the line-up for Pittsburgh. Just one year ago, as the Ottawa Senators rolled past the Penguins in the playoffs, John Paddock told Roberts he should have been with them instead. The Senators had offered Roberts a contract but the veteran ultimately chose Pittsburgh. I doubt he regrets that decicion today.
5/25/2008
THE DOMINATING RED
The Pittsburgh Penguins didn't get off the best of starts in last night's Game 1 against the Detroit Red Wings. Goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury, stumbled and fell as he entered the ice and moments later the PA announcer introduced the Pens' captain as Steven Crosby! An innocent slip of the tounge? I doubt it. Great stuff!
***
After his team was handed a crushing 4-0, Pittsburgh coach, Michel Therrien, said it was their worst performance yet in these playoffs but that it taught his team a lesson going into Game 2. That is sort of true. The Penguins did recieve a lesson, only it was given to them by the dominating Red Wings.
Experience is key in a cup final and the Wings have it in boatloads. The talented but inexperienced Pens don't have a whole lot of it at all and it showed. Why the immensely experienced Gary Roberts was a healthy scratch I have no idea, but I am fairly certain he will play in Game 2 and that he will show his young teammates what they have to do, that is to not back down.
***
Once again Tomas Holmstrom was called for goaltender interference, even though he was outside the crease and he barely, if at all, touched Marc-Andre Fleury with the stick. Like one of the Wings said, "Had it been any other Detroit player, there'd been no call on thet play." I sure hope the officials will sit down and disscuss this problem in the summer because this is getting rediculous. The interference calling is anything but consistant. In fact, the only thing that is consistant is how Tomas Holmstrom plays his game.
***
Even for a talented team, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, it must be frustrating playing against a solid defense like the Red Wings. In a sea of red the opponent isn't given any room to create any real chances. The fact that Detroit keeps getting scoring support from other lines than the first doesn't make things any easier for the Penguins.
The first line, led by Henrik Zetterberg did a great job against the Crosby line, while Niklas Kronwall was solid once again delivering his usual hits. The open-ice hit on Ryan Malone was a beauty.
***
After his team was handed a crushing 4-0, Pittsburgh coach, Michel Therrien, said it was their worst performance yet in these playoffs but that it taught his team a lesson going into Game 2. That is sort of true. The Penguins did recieve a lesson, only it was given to them by the dominating Red Wings.
Experience is key in a cup final and the Wings have it in boatloads. The talented but inexperienced Pens don't have a whole lot of it at all and it showed. Why the immensely experienced Gary Roberts was a healthy scratch I have no idea, but I am fairly certain he will play in Game 2 and that he will show his young teammates what they have to do, that is to not back down.
***
Once again Tomas Holmstrom was called for goaltender interference, even though he was outside the crease and he barely, if at all, touched Marc-Andre Fleury with the stick. Like one of the Wings said, "Had it been any other Detroit player, there'd been no call on thet play." I sure hope the officials will sit down and disscuss this problem in the summer because this is getting rediculous. The interference calling is anything but consistant. In fact, the only thing that is consistant is how Tomas Holmstrom plays his game.
***
Even for a talented team, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, it must be frustrating playing against a solid defense like the Red Wings. In a sea of red the opponent isn't given any room to create any real chances. The fact that Detroit keeps getting scoring support from other lines than the first doesn't make things any easier for the Penguins.
The first line, led by Henrik Zetterberg did a great job against the Crosby line, while Niklas Kronwall was solid once again delivering his usual hits. The open-ice hit on Ryan Malone was a beauty.
5/14/2008
LOOKS LIKE A DOUBLE SWEEP
I am sitting here watching the quarter final between Sweden and Czech Republic and, even though it is exciting (of course it is, I'm Swedish), I can't help but think how slow this game is compared to what is going on south of the border. At times during Game 3 in Dallas, the Red Wings seemed to be moving at fast-forward speed in the offensive zone. Needless to say, said Red Wing players were Datsyuk and Zetterberg.
Tonight, 2 am here, the "Red Army" will look to finish off the Dallas Stars and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 2002, when they beat the Carolina Hurricanes for their third cup triumph in ten seasons.
The Pittsburgh Penguins keep marching and are now only one game away from sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers. Not to take anything away from the Pens, they have been great, but it is painfully evident how important Kimmo Timonen is to the Flyers. Even if they can get it together enough to take Game 4, I can't really see them come back from a 3-0 deficit. The Penguins are way to good.
I am pretty sure most people are just waiting for the Wings and Pens finish their sweeps already so they can enjoy a Stanley Cup final between the two best teams in the NHL, and who can blame them. Datsyuk and Zetterberg against Crosby and Malkin. What a classic series it could be. By the way, has it ever happened before, that both conference finals have ended in sweeps? To be honest, I can hardly wait myself.
Tonight, 2 am here, the "Red Army" will look to finish off the Dallas Stars and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 2002, when they beat the Carolina Hurricanes for their third cup triumph in ten seasons.
The Pittsburgh Penguins keep marching and are now only one game away from sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers. Not to take anything away from the Pens, they have been great, but it is painfully evident how important Kimmo Timonen is to the Flyers. Even if they can get it together enough to take Game 4, I can't really see them come back from a 3-0 deficit. The Penguins are way to good.
I am pretty sure most people are just waiting for the Wings and Pens finish their sweeps already so they can enjoy a Stanley Cup final between the two best teams in the NHL, and who can blame them. Datsyuk and Zetterberg against Crosby and Malkin. What a classic series it could be. By the way, has it ever happened before, that both conference finals have ended in sweeps? To be honest, I can hardly wait myself.
5/11/2008
THE GREAT OZ STEALS GAME 2
"The great Oz has spoken", was heard from the announcer at Joe Louis Arena after the Detroit Red Wings had beaten the Dallas Stars 2-1 and taken a 2-0 lead in the series. They weren't half as dominant as they were in Game 1, in fact Dallas was the dominating team for most of the second and final period. Chris Osgood was the difference in this one as he remains solid while going 8-0 in these playoffs.
Has anyone noticed how Henrik Zetterberg almost sound like a Canadian? How aboot that. Last night he, yet again, showed what a dominating force he is. He had one tally and was a constant offensive threat in the Dallas zone.
And what about Pavel Datsyuk? I'm am really beginning to believe this guy is the second coming of Sergei Fedorov. He has a way of making his opponents look really stupid and the crowd loves it. At one point late in the game he dropped the puck to Kronwall, at least that is what the Dallas forward (I think it was Ribeiro) and everyone else in the building thought, only to kick it back to himself as he skated past Ribeiro and out of the Red Wings zone. Pure magic!
Speaking of Mike Ribeiro, there is no excuse for what his slashing across the chest of Chris Osgood. This will of course heat things up between the two teams heading in to Game 3 in Dallas, but it will also diminish the Stars' chances of getting back into the series as they will most likely play without Ribeiro. The Stars also lost Jere Lehtinen who went off with a leg injury.
Marty Turco will be glad to go back to Dallas for Game 3 as his winless streak at Joe Louis Arena grew to 11 games.
Has anyone noticed how Henrik Zetterberg almost sound like a Canadian? How aboot that. Last night he, yet again, showed what a dominating force he is. He had one tally and was a constant offensive threat in the Dallas zone.
And what about Pavel Datsyuk? I'm am really beginning to believe this guy is the second coming of Sergei Fedorov. He has a way of making his opponents look really stupid and the crowd loves it. At one point late in the game he dropped the puck to Kronwall, at least that is what the Dallas forward (I think it was Ribeiro) and everyone else in the building thought, only to kick it back to himself as he skated past Ribeiro and out of the Red Wings zone. Pure magic!
Speaking of Mike Ribeiro, there is no excuse for what his slashing across the chest of Chris Osgood. This will of course heat things up between the two teams heading in to Game 3 in Dallas, but it will also diminish the Stars' chances of getting back into the series as they will most likely play without Ribeiro. The Stars also lost Jere Lehtinen who went off with a leg injury.
Marty Turco will be glad to go back to Dallas for Game 3 as his winless streak at Joe Louis Arena grew to 11 games.
5/06/2008
FINAL FOUR
The 'final four' matchups are a real treat any way you look at. Out west, Dallas, who had a tough time getting to the Western Conference finals almost blowing a 3-0 lead to the San Jose Sharks, will face the Detroit Red Wings for the first time in the playoffs since 1998. The Stars upset both the reigning Stanley Cup champions, Anaheim, and the Sharks, a team many thought would go all the way this year.
Detroit, who had a somewhat less bumpy ride getting here, are my favorite to advance to the finals. Sure, the Stars will prove a more difficult obstacle than the Avs were, but ultimately I have to go with what I still consider the best team in the playoffs. I think the key is that the Wings are finally getting sufficient scoring from their second line to take some load off the the dominant first line. On their way through the playoffs, Johan Franzen has been breaking several of Gordie Howe's old records while also picking up some early condsideration for a Conne Smythe.
The Stars have yet to face a team in the playoffs boasting the kind of scoring power the Wings possess. Also, Chris Osgood still haven't lost a game in these playoffs and is 6-0 since taking over from Dominik Hasek.
Pittsburgh seems to be everyones favorite to move on to the finals from the Eastern Conference. I'm not so sure. To do so they will have to dismiss the surging Philadelphia Flyers and that is no easy task.
The Flyers don't have the kind of young talent the Pens have in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but they have a solid group of hardworking players who play tough and with determination and heart on every shift. They have so far dismatled the fast and talented Washington Capitals and the Eastern winners, Montreal, and it looks like they're just getting started.
The Flyers also have Martin Biron, who has been spectacular so far, Daniel Briere, who has really stepped up to prove all doubters wrong, and R J Umberger, who has turned in to a virtual scoring machine.
The Penguins need more from captain Sidney Crosby than what he showed in Game 5 against the NY Rangers. On the other hand, whenever Crosby turns in a mediocre performance, Malkin is there to dominate the game. This guy is unhuman at times.
The 'Battle of Pennsylvania' will just that, a battle, and I think Philadelphia will be victorious in the end. Also, I would not be surprised if it goes to a Game 7.
* * *
Lastly, I want to say how pathetic I think it is the way the crowd at Mellon Arena boed Jaromir Jagr during Game 5. This guy spent almost eleven seasons with their team and helped them win two Stanley Cups and, I don't care what reason they say they have, they have no right to give him anything but applaudes. They should be ashamed.
Detroit, who had a somewhat less bumpy ride getting here, are my favorite to advance to the finals. Sure, the Stars will prove a more difficult obstacle than the Avs were, but ultimately I have to go with what I still consider the best team in the playoffs. I think the key is that the Wings are finally getting sufficient scoring from their second line to take some load off the the dominant first line. On their way through the playoffs, Johan Franzen has been breaking several of Gordie Howe's old records while also picking up some early condsideration for a Conne Smythe.
The Stars have yet to face a team in the playoffs boasting the kind of scoring power the Wings possess. Also, Chris Osgood still haven't lost a game in these playoffs and is 6-0 since taking over from Dominik Hasek.
Pittsburgh seems to be everyones favorite to move on to the finals from the Eastern Conference. I'm not so sure. To do so they will have to dismiss the surging Philadelphia Flyers and that is no easy task.
The Flyers don't have the kind of young talent the Pens have in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but they have a solid group of hardworking players who play tough and with determination and heart on every shift. They have so far dismatled the fast and talented Washington Capitals and the Eastern winners, Montreal, and it looks like they're just getting started.
The Flyers also have Martin Biron, who has been spectacular so far, Daniel Briere, who has really stepped up to prove all doubters wrong, and R J Umberger, who has turned in to a virtual scoring machine.
The Penguins need more from captain Sidney Crosby than what he showed in Game 5 against the NY Rangers. On the other hand, whenever Crosby turns in a mediocre performance, Malkin is there to dominate the game. This guy is unhuman at times.
The 'Battle of Pennsylvania' will just that, a battle, and I think Philadelphia will be victorious in the end. Also, I would not be surprised if it goes to a Game 7.
* * *
Lastly, I want to say how pathetic I think it is the way the crowd at Mellon Arena boed Jaromir Jagr during Game 5. This guy spent almost eleven seasons with their team and helped them win two Stanley Cups and, I don't care what reason they say they have, they have no right to give him anything but applaudes. They should be ashamed.
5/04/2008
THE COMEBACK FLYERS
Once again the Philadelphia Flyers showed what a tremendous comeback team they are. The Montreal Canadiens seemed to have the game under control as they led the Flyers 3-1 in the second period, but then, this Flyers team did what they have done so many times during this season, they erased the deficit to win the game 6-4 and clinching the series in five games. Who ever they face in the conference finals have their work cut out for them.
The fact that Philadelphia has reached the Eastern Conference finals, for the first time since 1997, is amazing considering this team finished dead last just one season ago. GM, Paul Holmgren, and coach, John Stevens, have done a fantastic job with the club.
Pittsburgh host the NY Rangers tonight at the Mellon Arena as they have a chance to eliminate the Blueshirts and go on to fight the Flyers for a place in the Stanley Cup Finals.
* * *
I did pick Montreal as Stanley Cup champions and that didn't happen. I was so looking forward to a Red Wings - Canadiens final. However, the Habs did surprise a lot of people this season and it was great to see and hear the crowd at Bell Centre cheer and applaude their team during the final minutes of Game 5 against the Flyers.
Rookie goalie, Carey Price, did seem rattled in round two of the playoffs, but remember that this kid is just twenty years old. He has many years to shine ahead of him, and he will shine pleanty, trust me.
The fact that Philadelphia has reached the Eastern Conference finals, for the first time since 1997, is amazing considering this team finished dead last just one season ago. GM, Paul Holmgren, and coach, John Stevens, have done a fantastic job with the club.
Pittsburgh host the NY Rangers tonight at the Mellon Arena as they have a chance to eliminate the Blueshirts and go on to fight the Flyers for a place in the Stanley Cup Finals.
* * *
I did pick Montreal as Stanley Cup champions and that didn't happen. I was so looking forward to a Red Wings - Canadiens final. However, the Habs did surprise a lot of people this season and it was great to see and hear the crowd at Bell Centre cheer and applaude their team during the final minutes of Game 5 against the Flyers.
Rookie goalie, Carey Price, did seem rattled in round two of the playoffs, but remember that this kid is just twenty years old. He has many years to shine ahead of him, and he will shine pleanty, trust me.
5/02/2008
IT'S A SWEEP IN DENVER
It's a blow-out win for Detroit as they sweep Colorado. The Detroit Red Wings were just too good for this Avs team. This series was a physical mismatch from the start. There were just too many injuries for the Avs to have a fair shot at upsetting the bast team in the NHL. 8-2 doesn't reflect the Avs' effort. They did put up a good fight, but Detroit are just an unbeatable juggernaut right now.
I sure hope Joe Sakic will be back next year because this is no way to end such a fantastic carreer.
I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep my eyes open so it's back to bed for me. Good night!
THE SWEEP GETS CLOSER
What can be said of Henrik Zetterberg that hasn't already been said? Not a lot. This guy is such an awesome offensive force and the fact that both he and Pavel Datsyuk are nominated for the Selke Trophy, as the leagues best defensive forward, says it all about him being the total package.
6-1 with less than five minutes left to play in the second period and the Red Wings are playing like the game was tied at 1-1. They are totally commited and focused. They let Nashville into the series in round one and they are determined to not give Colorado the same opportunity.
The Mule scores his third of the night, his second hat-trick of the playoffs, as the Detroit takes a 7-1 lead.
6-1 with less than five minutes left to play in the second period and the Red Wings are playing like the game was tied at 1-1. They are totally commited and focused. They let Nashville into the series in round one and they are determined to not give Colorado the same opportunity.
The Mule scores his third of the night, his second hat-trick of the playoffs, as the Detroit takes a 7-1 lead.
WINGS COME OUT FLYING
It is do or die in Denver but the Colorado Avalanche didn't get the greates of starts as they try to stave off elimination against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 4 at the Pepsi Center. The Red Wings got of to a flying start as Michael Samuelsson scored what looked like a soft goal on Jose Theodore.
The Avs did get an equalizer from Tyler Arnason, but the Wings took back the lead late in the first when Henrik Zetterberg served Tomas Holmstrom with a perfect pass. With a minute left of the period the Avs gave up the puck in the neutral zone and red-hot Johan "The Mule" Franzen did what he's been doing all playoffs, he scored.
It's 5:12 am here, the second period just started and Peter Budaj has come on for Theodore. Here we go!
Just as I was about to post this, Henrik Zetterberg scored on a rocket as the Wings were on the power play.
The Avs did get an equalizer from Tyler Arnason, but the Wings took back the lead late in the first when Henrik Zetterberg served Tomas Holmstrom with a perfect pass. With a minute left of the period the Avs gave up the puck in the neutral zone and red-hot Johan "The Mule" Franzen did what he's been doing all playoffs, he scored.
It's 5:12 am here, the second period just started and Peter Budaj has come on for Theodore. Here we go!
Just as I was about to post this, Henrik Zetterberg scored on a rocket as the Wings were on the power play.
RANGERS LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER NIGHT
The New York Rangers finally did what they couldn't do in the first three games, and what the Ottawa Senators never could, that is to beat the seemingly invincible Pittsburgh Penguins. The question is if they can do like the 1942 Maple Leafs and the 1975 NY Islanders and mount a history-making comeback from 0-3. I doubt it, though it seems more likely the Rangers would than the San Jose Sharks or the Colorado Avalanche.
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