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Red Wings win opener

ERIC DUHATSCHEK

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 7:47 AM EST 25/05/08

Two unassisted goals by Mikael Samuelsson make the difference in Detroit's 4-0 win over the visiting Penguins ...Read the full article

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  1. Howard Young from Canada writes: I made a wager with my friend on the Cup final. He took Pittsburgh, I took Detroit. So far so good. Plus, Ozzie, Sammy and Z earned me points in the pool tonight. If the Penguins don't wake up, this could be over quickly like last year's Stanley Cup final.
  2. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Team Geritol showed what experience can do. Pens were clearly nervous. Excellent play on both sides. Confirmation that hockey is a chess game where the difference can be one or two mistakes, witness Samuelsson's two goals. Detroit was amazing in shutting down Pittsburgh. Can't wait for game two to see how Therrien makes his boys adjust.
  3. John Smith from Canada writes: Old Guys with Smart Draft Choices and Intelligent Trades/Agents - 4

    young Guys of High Draft Picks - 0

    Stuff that one:
    R Miller from Halifax
    Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere
    Tom Sawyer from Canada

    ;-)
  4. Alf Fartigan from Canada writes: Fleury looked nervous from the moment he 'stepped onto' the ice ...... the Series is young though ........ should get a LOT better from Game 2 onward ....... the Kids vs. the Vets ...... doesn't get much better than this!
    My money's on Sid and the Kids.
  5. Marc Chasseur from Snowdon, QC, Canada writes: Horrific officiating - and that's saying something considering the pitiful standards of the NHL. How they could call off Detroit's first goal, considering all the other crap that isn't called, boggles the mind.
  6. John Smith from Canada writes: We will add you to the loser list Alf Fartigan, along with R Miller etc. But a great hockey game overall which is all true hockey fans ask for.
  7. Barclay Logan from Bewdley, Canada writes: I guess sportswriting would be really, really boring without filler like:

    'Osgood picked up his second shutout of the playoffs and his first since Apr. 30, or back in the Nashville Predators' series. Now 8-1 at home in these playoffs, Detroit got an important leg-up in the series, as teams winning the first game of a Stanley Cup final have gone on to win the championship in 53 of 68 seasons since the best-of-seven format was introduced in 1939. The last team to come back after losing the first game at home was Tampa Bay in 2004 against the Calgary Flames.'

    Well, nice trivia, I suppose. If you like trivia -- but these nuggets are written suggesting some bent idea of statistical probability. Now, if Detroit wins the next two (that would be a shame, after waiting till summer to watch hockey), we'll be getting '... only two teams in history have come back ...'

    Ya know, ya talk about cliches ...
  8. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Crosby was asked in the post game interview about how the Pens have not met a team as solid defensively as Detroit, and he seemed genuinely concerned. Babcock's strategy is throw the Pens off their game by getting into their heads, especially Fleury; witness how hard Detroit went at him at the end of the game to run the score to 4-0. Michel Therrien will now have to get his kids to settle down and use their skill instead of running around when the breaks go against them. We saw how the Wings shrugged off the disallowed goal; that's the benefit of being seasoned pros who know that you don't let the officials fluster you--just win, baby.
  9. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Detroit was impressive. Pens should have clear speed advantage, but veteran smarts and just plain hard work had the Wings in their pockets all game long.

    Fleury will be fine - he wasn't bad tonight. But the skaters in front of him need a kick in the pants. How much worse will it get for them when Franzen returns?

    I had Wings in six to start, I'm sticking with that.
  10. M Warren from Ottawa, Canada writes: This is shaping to be a lot like the 1982-1983 finals, the year that the Islanders won their last Stanley Cup vs the surging Oilers. Next year could be like 1983-1984 w/ the same role reversal.
  11. Atlantica Party.ca Maritimers in 308 ridings from Canada writes:

    As much as I hope Sid the Kid gets a ring , they aren't ready. Malkin is either hurt or in a sulk playing second fiddle to Crosby but without him , they can't win.

    18.8 POINTS towards my trip to Sweden . I had Detroit in 7 but it could be 5 at this rate.

    Regardless , good hockey if the refs stay out of it.
  12. george simko from Canada writes: It was my general intention to spend some time expressing
    some of my views on the game.What I witnessed was a hockey
    team being dismantled by another. I cannot recollect The Kid
    looking totally so ordinary. From my perspective,I cannot see
    Detroit being denied. This series was described as being one
    for the ages. I sincerely have my doubts. I hope I am wrong.
    I may sound a little presumptuous, but Wings in five. Regards.
  13. Sean O'Reilly from Canada writes: You know it was just nice to get the series finally started, enough with all the talk from posters and ''experts''

    Chalk another one up for the old boys eh wings haters on the comment board!

    Its nice that on another night when goalie interference is called it does not bite the wings in the you know where.

    The penalties the wings took were my biggest concern, and going forward will still be. The wings though got secondary scoring and dominated as both team settled in.

    Interested to see how the adjustments in game 2 will look as now the teams have an idea. The series is going to be decided on who handles the puck better.

    Looking forward to game, bring it on!

    Go wings!
  14. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes:
    Wow.
    Hope my Pens show up in Detroit for game 2.
  15. g h from Canada writes: Good grief hockey's back on TV after what seems a long absence. I've been doing yard work, running and attending my son's grad ceremonies. But I digress...so are these cup finals or preseason games for 08-09? Hey just askin.
  16. Open Mike from Canada writes: '...so I took a chance to throw it at the ent and it went in.'

    Jeez, I don't know about that strategy: the last time someone threw something at an ent, he went and got his buddies and they ended up trashing Isengard. I shudder to think what the Joe would look like after a bunch of irritable ents got through with the joint.
  17. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: The hockeytown...Detroit will take it 4:3......

    Will come down to the goalies....
  18. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: Come on young Pens!! I know these teams are competitive enough to make a long series out of these finals.
  19. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: game one and in Detroit. Of course the old men would come out flying and win. Osgood keep kissing those goal posts. Detroit played well but I was glad to see the Avery wannabe got called....he is quite nullified now without the ability to interfere with the goalie. Detroit also got secondary scoring which wont happen two games in a row. Oh and Crosby and Malkin wont be held off the scoresheet next game. Roberts is coming in next game, Pittsburgh will win..fight through the obstruction. Going to be a good series.
  20. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: That first goal, that was disallowed...what a joke. GO WINGS GO
  21. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Seems like Tom Sawyer didn't see the crossbar Fleury kissed. And comparing Holmstrom to Avery? Roberts coming to rescue? Dan Cleary and Mikael Samuelsson won't score again? Malkin suddenly 'comes to life'? Pittsburgh will 'fight through the obstruction'? That's what smoking Penguin feathers will do. Cliches don't win hockey games. Even the most neutral hockey observer last night could see that only Crosby, Dupuis and Hossa posed any kind of threat in Game 1 (and the team getting just three shots in the final frame is even more remarkable). Yes, the Penguins were that skittish. Yes, the Wings are that good. But the realists know that Game 2 is the true test. Nothing to be taken for granted. As for Mr Sawyer, perhaps a Sunday morning shot of Geritol will help; his 'old men' mantra is getting old.
  22. Mark H from Columbus, IN, United States writes: It took the Wings a while to get going, but when they did, LOOK OUT!

    The Pens have no response for the Wings physical play. I think the 3rd and 4th lines (checking lines) will probably grind up the Pens and win this series for the Wings. Good to see the muckers making a difference.

    Oh and it should have been 5-0! What a bunch of crap!

    This could shape up to be a real rivalry, though you'll only see it during the Cup finals.
  23. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: 'I don't know if it was the nerves, but definitely that was the worst performance of the playoffs. We didn't compete like we were supposed to compete. And it's a good lesson.' These are the words of Michel Therrien. 'When you've done something, you're not overwhelmed by the situation. You've just been through it. You understand it. So, I think you're more likely to be prepared for what you're going to face. Does that guarantee success? No.' Those are the words of Mike Babcock. Those gentlemen pretty well sum it up. Can't wait for Game 2!
  24. Kraka Toa from Canada writes: Pittsburgh played like it was it hadn't caught up to the time zone change - one step behind the play, miscues on passing and failing to pick up their man. What's that you say? No time zone difference?

    Well there must besome sports psychology term for it

    anyone know?
  25. Kraka Toa from Canada writes: Interesting that our NBC station - one that broadcasts from DETROIT chose to play sitcom reruns instead of the game on Saturday night no less - which is often considered the 'dead zone.' Hockeytown??????????
  26. John Matthewman from Ninh Binh, Vietnam, Canada writes: Agh, slept through the game -- sounds like Pittsburgh got thumped pretty badly. I'm pulling for the Penguins, but I'm not so sure they can do it this year. Maybe next year? Red Wings in five games sounds like a definite possibility, but I hope Pittsburgh can stretch it out some more.
  27. Gordon Howe from HockeyTown, United States writes: It was a good defensive game for the Wings. Pitts. going to have to rethink their play a bit. It's obvious Pitts. hasn't faced the quality that the Wings faced. Pitts. got through their rounds pretty easy, and know they have a fight on their hands. They're an impressive team to watch though. They have a great future.
  28. Bill Weston from Grand Rapids, MI, United States writes: Kraka Toa from Canada.. NBC, in its infinite wisdom, isnt picking up the finals until game 3 for some unknown reason. At least you got sitcoms, we got a night full of reruns of Most Outrageous Videos (from 2006 no less) and a repeat of Last Comic Standing.
  29. Durward Saar from Canada writes: A great game between two great teams, but Pittsburgh ain't playing a fluff team and had better learn to not just throw the puck around, pass tape to tape or it's going the other way.
  30. W R from Stratford, PE, Canada writes: Game went pretty much as I expected. Vets outplayed the kids but Wings are so boringly good who cares? Fleury is now rattled and Malkin seems to have decided to head home (mentally). Game 2 will be just more of the same.

    Detroit is just too much this year. Wings in four. Season ends next Sat. night.
  31. ron from hamtown from Canada writes: I loved Detroit's fourth goal after Ruutu took a two handed slash to the gut of Samuelson. How assnine is that, a guy scores two unassited goals and he gets a spear from Ruutu in the last minute of the game. On one hand I hope he gets some supp discipline, on the other I hope Pittsburgh keeps running that goon out there. I hope Detroit wins the series 20-0 in combined score.
  32. He Shoots! He Scores! from Chicago, United States writes: The Wings can roll 4 very good to excellent lines. The Pens can't.
  33. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: One musn't underestimate the Pens even if the Wings blanked them in Game One. We saw how Detroit dominated Dallas in the early going before the Stars clawed back to take two. Right now Therrien is no doubt telling his boys to forget about this one and going over all of the mental errors his team made with each of those players. The dilemma Pittsburgh has is that Detroit has very few evident weaknesses to exploit. Watching the Wings control the puck, and their remarkably disciplined positional play, one can see why they are so tough to beat. IMHO Roberts, at this stage of his career, while injecting some emotion, will not make the difference; he can't play his style without getting hurt again. Agitator/enforcers like Ruutu and Laraque are essentially non-factors against a team like the Wings, who can demolish opponents with clean open ice checks and flawless forechecking. Malkin's struggles can be attributed to several factors: one, he's still a kid, and he doesn't have the extroverted personality of an Ovechkin that allows him to rebound easily. Malkin is somewhat like Frank Mahovlich was, in that respect (and in many others in his style of play); Ovechkin is more like a Bobby Hull. If Therrien shuffles his lines, maybe putting Malkin together with Sid on some shifts, maybe they can bust loose. Hossa was probably the Pens' best in Game One, and he looks ready to compete. Malone and Staal will need to step up. On paper, Pittsburgh is a better team than Dallas, so in principle, they can come back and make it interesting. Remember how the Pens shellacked Philly 6-0 after losing that fourth game in the previous series? Therrien knows his kids did not play 'their' game this time, and that with a break or two, the momentum and outcome could have been different. Of course, the Wings know this too. And unlike any of the Pittsburgh's previous foes, Detroit can execute. That's why this series should be a great one.
  34. Hap Stokes from Canada writes: Congrats Bill Weston & Gord Howe.
    Did either of you go to the game?

    Guys thought it was a game of two games.
    2nd and 3rd periods total Detroit domination.
    1st period surprised me, thoughts Pens had the better of the play.

    Not predicting your Wings (just yet guys) but 'leaning' (a little).
    If the Pens can get back to the similar style of the 1st period then it could be a LONG (and very good) series.

    No two hockey arenas or any/all sports parks are exactly the same. Never thought of it B4 last night but noticed when the Pens were in the corners they didn't seem to know how to play the puck. Then I realized most of them probably didn't know the boards or glass in The Joe. Several of those younger guys may not have played many games in the Detroit arena or maybe never.

    Even some of the older Pittsburgh guys probably haven't played 10 games at The Joe in the last few years, what with these stupid NON-interlocking NHL schedules now.

    Bet the Wings will be error prone too when the games move back to Pittsburgh with different corners/glass. Especially if somebody doesn't get that terrible SLUSHY Pittsburgh ice frozen better.
  35. Ottawa Rocks from Ottawa, Canada writes: Looks like this will be a good series. Was predicting Detroit to take this one (4-2) and so far Detroit has shown their experience.

    I think the Pens can play at a higher level but I believe Detroit will be able to control the puck a bit more throughout the series (creating sustained pressure in the Pens end more often than not) and that will make a difference. Still think the Pens at best will take 2 games, no more.

    Well, let the good hockey continue. May the best team win!
  36. Ziad Fazel from Calgary, Canada writes: The way Detroit plays with a lead, the Penguins are dead if they don't score first. Out for dinner with friends last night, but I am looking forward to the hockey clinic of Games 2 through x.
  37. george simko from Canada writes: Another reason for the Wings success, has been the presence
    of one Scotty Bowman, universally acknowledged as the finest
    mind in hockey, and architecture who laid the present foundation
    for the Wings good fortune. I have my reservations that Therrien
    can outcoach the dynamic duo of Babock and Bowman. I just
    cannot visualize Pitts garnering any success, even if some
    adjustments are made by the club. Detroit has still to play their
    full complement. Detroit in five,if good fortune smiles down on them.
  38. Eric Kirkpatrick from Vancouver, B.C., Canada writes: The CBC cameras panning the dressing rooms told a lot. The Pens had a lot on their minds, the Wings were getting pumped up for the game. This is just the first game, now that they know what their up against, and with good coaching they'll be back. Makes for a good series. Go, Wings, Go!
  39. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Tom Sawyer - having trouble seeing through your black and gold tinted glasses?

    Kiss the goalposts? Try Fleury - TWICE.

    Pittsburgh has FIVE players in double-digits for points in the playoffs....Detroit has NINE.

    Fight through the obstruction? Don't make me laugh. The Pens already got a gift with the Holmstrom call. Every analyst watching the game stated that was a BS 'reputation' call.

    I'm sorry Sidney got his a$$ handed to him. I'm sorry Malkin looked like a lost puppy out there.

    But at least give the Wings their due.

    Gawd, could you sound like any more of an idiot?
  40. Bill Weston from Grand Rapids, MI, United States writes: Ricky for a Centrist Canada..

    Thank you ;)
  41. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Where are the 3m's on this thread? I mean.... I said all along I was golfing in Niagara.. so I have an excuse. Whole bunch of Pens fans missing in action.

    Pittsburg came out flying and I must admit I was thinking this might be closer than I originally thought... But after having a valid goal called off and reallizing that the Pens had 4 power plays my thoughts turned to "How is Detroit going to counter this".

    It was over after that.

    Lesson number 1 for the young Pens. (schooled).

    Can the Pens come back? Yes.... they will win one game... either 3 or 4.. my guess is game 4.

    Cheers
  42. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Ricky , your last sentence must have been written while you were looking in the mirror.

    Bill Weston - Detroit is only in the finals because Dallas went through murderers row and Bob Mackenzie wrote...they took out Anaheim and San Jose and were spent by the time they hit the 3rd round.

    Pittsburgh will win next game getting the split in Detroit that they wanted. The longer the series goes the advantage switches to Pittsburgh as Detroit's age will catch up and they will slow down.
  43. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Holmstrom has been warned for three games that the refs were cutting off his Avery wannabe act. He kept going and they made the correct call as he interfered with Fleury. He looks lost out there when he cant interfere with a goalie.
  44. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Tom Sawyer from Canada writes:

    Bill Weston - Detroit is only in the finals because Dallas went through murderers row and Bob Mackenzie wrote...they took out Anaheim and San Jose and were spent by the time they hit the 3rd round.

    ---------------------

    Sorry that is BS Tom.

    Dallas only took out Anaheim and especially San Jose because of their stifling defense first BS. A San Jose/Detroit Semi final would have been much more entertaining.

    Detroits puck control game will win them all.

    Easy bet.

    Cheers
  45. John Stanton from Canada writes: Ricky....your team won and you are still bitter.

    Loucks, try not to pump yourself up too much dear. Flyers bettor.
  46. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Stanton... had the Flyer top two been healthy they would have beat the Pens.........

    Watch as your kids get schooled.

    Cheers
  47. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: I did pick Pens in six because I thought the offence and defence were a wash and that Fluery was better than Osgood.

    I made a mistake in this series regarding the defence. I guess Osgood is underrated due to the defence in front of him. The Pens may have been 'schooled' in this game and I believe other teams hoping to contend should take note. Solid D allows potent O.

    After watching this game, both Gonchar and especially Gill are going to be exposed for what they are.
  48. John Stanton from Canada writes: Loucks...coulda woulda shoulda.....and if Montreal had scored more goals than Philadelphia, they would have won. Ridiculous argument.
  49. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Stanton - wanna discuss the series - or did you just come here to irritate the crap out of everyone?

    Idiot.
  50. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Ricky, try that yourself instead of throwing around insults.
  51. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Newbies on this thread.... not many that know what the hell they are talking about.... but please continue.

    I love being amused.

    Cheers
  52. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: For the record... I thought Sid the Kid and Staal were awesome last night. I am a serious fan of those two. Fleury played great as well.

    Sid will have his first ring in 2009 or 10.

    Cheers
  53. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Sawyer - go back to rubbing your Sidney doll.

    Read some hockey books too.

    Fool.
  54. John Stanton from Canada writes: ha, now there is a hierarchy on the globe thread..that's rich. Loucks, I am sorry I said you were blowing smoke up your skirt. I obviously hit a nerve. That and the fact that the Flyers got blasted out by Pittsburgh. If only Umberger kept on his streak...(I did love watching him beat Montreal though)
  55. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Stanton - troll.
  56. John Stanton from Canada writes: a new name from Ricky but such a simple word.
  57. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Stanton... new guy.

    Lets hope you show up with your apologies and kudos in about 4 more games.... when I get to gloat.
  58. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mr Loucks, you are normally one of the more astute contributors to these threads, but some of your laudatory remarks regarding the Pens last night lead one to wonder. You say 'Staal was awesome'? In what respect? When heading for the bench along with BooBoo Ruutu in a mental miscue (underlined with furrowed brow by Michel Therrien himself) that led to Samuelsson's pivotal goal? As for our Penguin-feather smoking Rush/Mark Twain fan (assuming this is the source of Sawyer's nom de plume), his comments represent wishful posturing and not much more; the supercilious Holmstrom-Avery comparison he makes is the stuff of comic books. Well, Fantasy Hockey Forums may be his true calling after all. The Pens may indeed come back in Game Two, but not unless they suddenly learn how to penetrate what proved to be a hermetic Detroit defense the likes of which they have not faced so far. Monday evening should be an exciting contest. And bear in mind, if you will, the words of the great French philosopher and hockey analyst (Don Cherry take note) Jean-Marie Arouet, also known as Voltaire: "I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it."
  59. John Stanton from Canada writes: we'll see Loucks old guy. and then your life will be complete I guess.
  60. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Dave...yes of course, I am hoping and wishing as all fans do. Somehow the Detroit fans seem to take offense. Maybe they are sad because Detroit is old like their team! Monday should be fun for sure.
  61. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: I would like to put this out for discussion - the Conn Smythe winner for Detroit is Holmgren - he has been the stroy throughout the playoffs and imposes Detroit's plan in the offensive zone.

    As a member of the Exalted Order of Goalies - I can assure you that I would have gone through a lot of big sticks on the back of Holmgren's knees.

    But if his antics frustrate the Pens as it has the previous three series, he should be considered the MVP.
  62. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: One of my fave quotes Dave the Rave.

    I was being kind..... we were watching the game in a bar at our hotel and believe it or not the game was secondary.... we had no sound.

    I like Staal. Personally I thought that only Crosby and Malone showed up after the first period.

    Oh and Fleury as well.... he kept it from being an embarrassment.

    "supercilious"... wow... another seriously literate poster... god I love the sprorts threads instead of the politicos..... only place we can find real intelligence.

    Cheers
  63. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Mariposa;

    18 of us in Niagara. 12 of us played together... no goalies.

    Damned if we could ever find a good one. Had one once.... and Teddy took him out with a slap shot to the head during warmup.

    Still won 10 trophies over 15 years... good team. :)

    Maybe you should come play with us in our over 50 tourneys...... we are always looking for one of those "I like getting pucks shot at me" kind of guys.

    Cheers
  64. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Scot - the equipment is 20 years old - the last time I played in it was representing Canada in Strasbourg.

    It might take a while to collect it.
  65. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mr Sawyer, while your fandom is most certainly your prerogative, your flinging of insults at persons of advanced age is disturbing. In your opinion, what constitutes 'old' and what do you have against people, particularly hockey players, over 30 or even 35? Do you think Gordie Howe and Johnny Bower were less, or more, impressive because of their longevity? Do you dismiss Rod Brind'amour, Adam Foote and Martin Brodeur in the same breath as you shower Gary Roberts with affection? Do you not recognize (as the league clearly does, awarding him the Norris in five of the last six seasons) that 38 year old Nicklas Lidstrom is the finest defenseman in the game today? Mr Sawyer, as you may wish to consider, one of the wonderful qualities of hockey is that as players mature, they gain an understanding of the game that does not require them to utilize barbaric brawn instead of stealth and skill. This is one of the distinctive elements that elevates our favorite sport. For all this chatter about 'the kids vs the old guys', the Red Wings organization and its players are to be admired for an ability to blend youth and experience that has won them more Stanley Cups than any other team in the previous ten seasons (besides being one of only two teams to win the Cup more than once in that period, the other being the New Jersey Devils), and a very good chance to win it this year. They also show respect for their opponents--a sign of class.
  66. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Dave...I am 39 myself so am old by athlete standards. My point is that there are 7 or 8 35 and over guys on the Red Wings. I love "seasoned veterans" but when you have too many of them, you stand the chance of them getting injured....see Avalanche from this year. Maybe it is the only hope the Penguins have but we will see as the series progresses.
  67. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mr Sawyer, as I am older than you (while still active in extreme sports) and have had the privilege of watching legends like Doug Harvey and other ageless wonders, I can tell you with certainty that these Stanley Cup playoffs will be decided not by birth year, nor by nationality. The Penguins will not win or lose because many of them are younger than the Red Wings, nor will the opposite be true. Pittsburgh has an exceptionally talented team; their challenge, as I humbly see it, is to play their type of game successfully against an adversary as strategically and executionally sound as Detroit. Game Two is the acid test.
  68. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: I guess when I get as old as you, I get a crystal ball like yours. Boy, it's pretty thick in here. I am going to apply for the G & M union card to be able to post without backlash from offending...ha ha....better take your ibuprofen and get to sleep
  69. John Stanton from Canada writes: now Tom....you are a bad man...disrespectful of your elders. Dont you know that Detroit didnt just win the opening game at home, but they have solidified winning the cup. Cant you read that from all the other postings?! You silly fool - idiot - troll - newbie - putz - gremlin
  70. uncle rukus from Mississauga, Canada writes: I would take Draper and Maltby and Holsstrom or McCarthy any day over Gary Roberts. Hey I love Gary Roberts but if he was so valuable to the Pens he would of been playing in the first game of the series. When you look up Grinders in the dictionary you see a picture of Draper, Maltby and McCarthy. Youth is great but good solid leadership is not a 20 year old captain it's a team that has been there multiple times with veteran soldiers. Red Wings have Swedes that play like Canadians and a Russian sniper who backchecks as hard as he wants to score goals.
  71. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mr Sawyer's youthful rashness must not be held against him. Perhaps when he matures, he'll see the wisdom of doing his hockey homework before he posts. And for Sawyer's efforts, Gary Roberts will personally deliver a year's supply of Geritol to his doorstep. Let's play hockey!
  72. Gordon Howe from HockeyTown, United States writes: Where did all these Leaf/Sens fans come from? Must be biting at their butts that they're not here, or will be here for the forseeable future. Tom Sawyer sounds more and more like the so called proud canadian. Making up the same statements time after time. Repeating ad nauseum.
  73. John Stanton from Canada writes: the self righteousness in here is getting really thick on all sides. Let's let the kids play and see what happens.
  74. Marcel Dionne from United States writes: The game wasnt half as exciting as the comments here. For guys professing to support a team that is refined maturity and full of class, they dont display much of it here.

    Now for commentary on the game - Detroit continued playing their game and Pittsburgh was game but couldnt solve the team defense. Should be fun tonight as I think Crosby et al will increase the intensity and Roberts has traditionally provided them with spark.

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