Your View

I grew up in So Cal and never knew much about hockey. I was given free tickets to see the Ducks three season ago and took my son. He seemed to enjoy it so we bought season tix the next day. He and I are now rabid fans who care greatly about seeing the Ducks win the cup. Anaheim has only had a team for 13 seasons. Give us a chance to become fans. We didn't grow up on skates but most are learning what a wonderful sport hockey is.

PS. What's up with Canadian Football?????

i think ottawa will win the cup in 4 games

Born and raised in Detroit, I have lived in ontario for 20 yrs now. 2 comments:

1) The Joe isn't sold out not only because of the Pistons and Tigers doing phenomenal, it's because Stevie Y has just retired. We are still Wings fans and watch on TV, but this is the first year I haven't schlepped my boys 300+ miles to see a home game. It is not nearly as much fun without the Captain on the ice
2)The finals will be Wings vs Senns (the Ducks will bury themselves with all their penalties). We are rooting for the Wings, but the Senators are a mighty opponent...and even if the Senns pull off a 7 game victory, I am glad the Cup will return to Canada where it belongs! (during the years the Wings have to share)

The Detroit Red Wings are to Hockey like how everybody loves to hate the New York Yankees baseball

I believe it's envy not hatred ?
LGRW's

QUOTE:
larry smash

Michigan

The wings choke every year in the playoffs???? The wings have won 3 championships in the last 10 years and have been the most winning team in the league. People outside of michigan love to hate the wings because thay always find a way to remain a good team even in this "transition" year. I think the wings have an excellent chance at adding another championship to the long list....

I think this series will go all 7 games.

The ducks will win Thursday, Redwings the first game in Detroit, ducks the second game, then for the final breaker.

This is going to be good!!!

Well, the Wings beat Calgary this year and the Ducks did last year so needless to say, I am not a fan really of either team, (I was never a big fan before anyway). The Wings have bin to the Cup too many times I am rooting for the Ducks solely cause they have never had the chance. However I gues it don't really matter who wins this series cause the Sens should, and most likely will take the cup. Sorry to say, but this is the first in many years I have cheered for and eastern team over the west. I ain't a big fan of some of the players or fans of both teams, but to others I give credit. I must say game 3, the Ducks didn't show up. Hopefully for them having Pronger out of the linup might make them smarten up. Cudos to who ever wins this series, it could go either way. (I kinda found it funny that there is nearly 400 posts on the Sens Sabres series and about 150 on this one. Not that fans are any less patriotic for these teams its just that there is a large differnce in # of posts) Ducks smarten up and Wings, perhaps its time to let someone new get the chance.

Matt, Matt, Matt.... I hate to be the one to break it to ya, but the Ducks are total hacks. In reality, they should be getting more penalties than they are. All I heard before this series started was how great Pronger and Niedamayer were...Well, game 3 proved just how worthy they are of that. At least that goon Pronger will be out at least 1 game although we all know it should have been more.

Out of any hockey fans in the United States the Detroit Red Wings are the most loyal and just simply the best! I know you Canadian fans agree. If the cup does go to Detroit you should be thankfull because fans here do care! I think everyone needs to stop bashing the wings and maybe give them a glimmer of credit. I think in the finals it will be Detroit and Sens. Great series! I am affraid of the Sens. think they are a great team and really want the cup! Just because we are in Michigan does not mean we want it any less though.
Oh yea, for everyone who is talking crap about the wings not selling out seats. Michigan has the worst economy in the United States. If anyone had some extra cash the seats would be filled. Don't talk crap you do not live here and the way things are now be glad you do not! Hopefully wings sens. finals. Great hockey teams and great hockey fans! Of course, GO WINGS!

I think there's blood in the water, and all 4 lines starting to heat up. can't wait to see bert start doing some damage. watch out sens.

Gord K....it sounds like those fumes in Sarnia have got to your head...age=experinece and discipline...something Anaheim obviously lacks!!!! Go Wings GO!!!!! Ottawa will be tough but I think the Dominator will pull them through

We should be up 3-0, instead of 2-1. The ducks had a goal in game two that should not have counted. The ducks are so cheap. Thank goodness that Pronger got a game. Pronger and Neidermeyer should have been out for the rest of the season but after game five they will be.

I am originally from Detroit, and I am so sick of hearing that the Detroit fans are apathetic and aren't filling the seats for the playoffs. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the U.S., the Wings playoff ticket prices are astronomical (even though they haven't been raised this year), the Pistons are also in the playoffs (and you can get in the door for less than $100), and the Tigers are playing well, too. Most fans simply can't afford a playoff seat at the Joe, even if they wanted to be there. I shelled out over $500 for four good (but not great) seats for round one, after that they were out of my reach (and I have a good paying job). Even the folks that are working don't often know how secure their jobs are, and can't afford to plunk down hundreds of dollars for playoff tickets. There is still a waiting list for season tickets, and most regular season games are sold out (at a more reasonable price). So give Detroit fans a break. There's more to life than hockey, like putting food on the table and your kids through college.

Having watched the game last night, this series is all but over. Not that the wings are overpowering (well last night they were)but the ducks just dont have it in them. Not enough discipline. No heart. Big names but wheres that getting them? Besides hockey games dont deserve to be won by Corporate Disney or for that matter, in cities where it is looked upon as the cool thing to do in May. Pathetic. There are at least 6 teams that do not belong in the NHL and Anaheim is one of them.

I laugh at the "surprisingly new" fan base for Anaheim in these parts of the woods but I know they are just Leafs fans in disguise.

That said, I look forward for Ottawa to play an original six team in the finals and especially to meet up with Gumby. At least both teams fans are there all year.

Niedermayer and Pronger's behavior speaks volumes as to why the Mighty Ducks are mighty no more. Go Wings, go with class!

I agree with the folks that think that the hit on Holmstrom was pretty vicious on the part of both Pronger and Neidermeyer in Game 3. Pronger should definitely be suspended by the NHL for intending to injure. Neidermeyer's hit wasn't any worse than Alfreddson's hit the other hit (which I was shocked wasn't called by the ref that could see the play) and I think his game suspension was deserved. But Pronger needs to be punished. I agree with Babcock saying that you should finish your checks, but this crossed the line - and I think it sends the wrong message about sportmanship for the "New NHL". Is that the kind of play that should be rewarded under the new system, or is that exactly what the league is trying to prevent? Pronger should be gone for 1-2 games. I will be shocked and disappointed if the NHL doesn't hand out something. And if a Wing did that to someone on another team, I would feel the same way. I realize it's an intense sport, but that's not an excuse - and Pronger has acted like that for a long time and this is not an isolated incident. NHL, please send a message.

LISTEN UP DUCKS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY OTTAWA FANS!!! DON'T LET THE GRAY HAIR FOOL YA, DETROIT AIN'T NO EASY WIN!!!

Corey Perry is on tape saying the Ducks will "get" some of the Wings players. I guess Pronger takes him at his word and uses his forearms to drive Holmstrom's head into the glass from behind, nice. Let's see if the N.H.L. condones this kind of play by allowing Pronger to play again in this series or suspends him as he so richly deserves.

i would like to comment on the posting about the state of the nhl. first, i do not see the direct link between a change in the game or the players competitiveness and the catoring to a US audience. seems to me that sports fans everywhere love competition.
as an avid detroit red wings fan i would say that i am embarrased by the turnout at detroit home games. despite many canadians feelings about the "hockeytown" title, there are serveral reasons for the attendance to consider. the economic situation in detroit is perhaps one of the worst in our country at the moment, leaving spare cash for things like sports hard to find. detroit also has two other very good professional sports teams to split interest with. ticket prices are so high that i cannot go this year, despite going in the past. even with all of that, on a night when the pistons, the tigers, and the red wings played at the same time, the red wings won the ratings war in michigan.
detroit may have the self-proclaimed title of "hockeytown" but no one in the US doubts that canadians are the true hockey fans. just please dont forget about your southern neighbors. many are fans but must fight a battle against the networks and ticket prices but if hockey is truely a game you love, dont be affraid to share it with americans, or even teach those in areas where hockey is not well known.

I have read some of the comments today about my beloved town and personally I am saddened by some of the comments made by our "friends" to the north and east. Here in "Hockeytown" we love our Red Wings but with the struggling economy here it is hard to afford tickets to the games and that's why you see empty seats. The TV ratings are through the roof (despite having to watch the game on a terrible low rate cable station). I have Direct Tv so I cannot get CBC :( so I am forced to listen to the US dopes call a dirty hit a "good check". I hope the Wings win and face the Sens. that would be a great series and which ever team would win at least the Stanly Cup would be in a place that appreciates it. To all of my northern brothers do not hate Detroit for we are just as passionate about hockey as you are. GO WINGS!!!!!!!!

All I want to say about game 3 is...HASEK!!!
Also congratulations Team Canada on World Gold...much respect!

The Sens are showing their experience, just like Detroit. I'd look for the Wings vs Sens in the finals. If that happens, it WILL go 7 games. The Wings are grittier this year, and may surprise even Hockey Nite in Canada!

Wings lookes awesome in game 3 and Hasek was unstoppable. The double cross check by Niedermeyer & Pronger was very cheap and dangerous. Despite all that, don't count out the ducks, they will bounce back and take game 4 at home I think. As for the series, Detroit in 6. The Wings PP is flawless with Zeteberg, Lilja, Chelios and Nick Lindstrom is great to watch. Too bad Stevey Y is watching and not scoring. I cheer for the Sens but in this Series, pick the Spicy Wings over the greasy Ducks!

To David Fromin...hold a little on the criticism of empty seats at "The Joe". Michigan's economy is not just hurting, it's on life support! Too many jobs leaving without any replacement jobs, and people will sacrifice. It's too bad, I agree, to see empty seats. The fact is people are cutting back, and unfortunately that is one spot where it shows.

I find it humorous that all most all of the …..”Experts?”.... Know so little about hockey.
They weren’t sure the Red wings could handle Calgary, “they’re too physical”
The Red Wings beat San Jose? “Highly unlikely, too big and too physical.”
Anaheim? “Not a chance, too big, too physical, too fast, too young.”
I’m sick of the so called experts acting like the Red Wing are lucky and just got some bounces going their way. The truth is; you can hit them, but they bounce right back and you can’t intimidate them. You may think you can out-skate them, but there always in position. Simply put the Red Wings use their experience and never give up, they never get frustrated they just stay focused. So dear Experts: start looking at the stats….How many PPGs does Anaheim have, how many short handed goals do they have, how many face-offs have they won, how many goals do they have? Now look at the Red Wing stats, if you call that luck you are no expert!

Bye bye ducks. Enjoy the par 3. :)

Goon play always loses to skill play. How about this: 4 good Red Wings lines vs. 2.5 decent Anaheim lines. Result: 5-0.

Good nite ducks, see ya next year. Hey Sens, take notice, you are next for the Red Meat Grinder.

(How about the Red Wings fans cheering on Detroit in Anaheim?) Did you hear the roar after each goal? I know you did. bye bye ducks. (No caps needed for a goon squad).

Go Wings Go!

I am getting a real kick out of hearing all of the Laugh fans in the Windsor area bashing the Wings and Hockeytown, and cheering for any team playing the Wings. Be honest with yourselves, you are angry with your own pathetic team and management. Windsor is about 40% Wings fans, 40% Leaf fans and 20% Habs. It has always been like this. A Wings-Leafs finals would be mahem in Windsor. Wait.....stop dreaming, the leafs in the finals? Now that is fantasy! Go Wings!

i think th redwings wil win but id like to see the ducks win

Pronger is a child and needs to be suspended. He went for the head when the team was out of the game. If NHL doesn't suspend then you'll know why the NHL is considered a joke in many areas. NBA just suspended Robert Horry for 2 games for a body check on Nash. Holmstrom ended up with 13 stitches. Let's see what the NHL braintrust comes up with.

the state of the nhl. i feel i must comment on the lack of intensity by teams on any given night, during this years' playoffs. when i feel compelled to turn of a televised game due to an apparent lack of interest by a team, it is far too sad. what has happened to the real competitive nature of this game. teams seem to just roll-over and play dead. maybe it is time to step back and re-evaluate the direction of the league. catering to a u.s. audience, where there is apparently not near enough interest, is only alienating canadian fans like myself, that have been avid hockey fans since coming out of the womb. it is pretty sad, when you see a team like the "hockeytown"(would like to know how that annointment was obtained$$)detroit red wings, with empty seats. obvious evidence of a real lack of interest in the usa. as a last observation, since when is "hockey night in canada" televised on sunday afternoons etc. i know, to accommodate us fans that don't even appreciate the game. i am sure my grandfather is rolling over in his grave, this time of year. too pathetic.

Are we having fun yet?? You betcha! Our "sweeties"(Hi Grapes)keep showing up, taking the hits, back checking, doing all the little things, while Hasek stands on his head and keeps us in every game. Babcock makes line changes for game three and it pays off big time! Most of the experts predicted Ducks in 5-6 but the Wings just keep showing TEAM determination.....I love Hockey in May!

Has anyone noticed the picture quality of VS compared to CBC? Maybe it's my cable provider but the CBC picture has shadows and looks like they are playing in rec. rink down the street.

Cheers!

The wings choke every year in the playoffs???? The wings have won 3 championships in the last 10 years and have been the most winning team in the league. People outside of michigan love to hate the wings because thay always find a way to remain a good team even in this "transition" year. I think the wings have an excellent chance at adding another championship to the long list....

No doubt Detroit dominated Game 3. Ducks were caught flat-footed and were shut-out BIG TIME. Ducks did not want to play hockey instead they just were looking for fights and were trying injure Detroit players.

Holmsrom can be a pesky bug sometime, but that gives you know reason to gang up on him and attempt to take out his head.

I take my hat off to Holmstrom. A strong player to return to the game for the Third period of play is unbelievable.

Detroit will take the series! Some of the goals that the Ducks let in is actually hilarious. (Some of the D, was just standning in front of the net like statues)

Again. Detroit will take the series!

There is rough and tough playoff hockey and there is headhunting. The hit by Niedermayer and Pronger on Holmstrom crossed way over the line and was an attempt to injure a player on purpose. You can call it what you what but this shows little regard for a player or their physical well being. Niedermayer and Pronger are excellent players, but this was uncalled for. Shame on you both.

GO ANAHEIM GOOOOO!!!!
This series will go to 7 games but the Ducks will come out on top.
The Leafs are my team,but i like the Ducks for a '2nd' pick,if my Leafs arent in just yet.
When this series is over & Anaheim kicks those stupid wings to the curb,someone will have to call a 'waqhhhhmublance' coz they will be 'wahh wahhh'ng'..also get some 'Depends' for those dinosaur Red Wings.
Like I said before...'GO ANAHEIM GOOOOO'!!! :P

landon if winning 3 cups in the last 10 years is choking, what? also scottie, robbie, & chrissie can start their vacation plans.

I'm all for hard hitting hockey, but the league is a complete joke if Pronger doesn't get suspended for 1 game. He's taller than Holmstrom...by about 5 inches! The game was out of hand, went out of his way to put his forarm on Homer's head. Plus, Pronger is known for being dirty. Hit to the head with intent. NHL?

In a bygone era we had the Broad Steet Bullies. Today the Goony Birds made their mark (On Holstrom's forehead)

I can't believe that pronger wasn't thrown out of the game for the elbow to holmstrom's head .... but that didn't stop the wings from getting the job done ... you never know what team will show up ... this is the team that needs to play the rest of the way to the cup ... keep my fingers crossed ... we need to play physical too ,... GO WINGS !!! ... i really think they are out to see me eat my words ... gladly ... see you all next game .. godd luck to the SEN"S ... what a playoff that would be huh !!!!

Ow. 5-0 They played like an all star team.. I see them takin the cup against the sens.

No suspention.

Both guys had a play in mind, one to hit, one to get the puck in his skates. There is not enough time in that instance for you to even judge somebody blaightantly.

looked like they were playing boxing more than hockey.

Isn't it obvious that Pronger is nothing more than a goon. Game 3 is shows with Lidstrom is a class act and true Norris Trophy winner. Rob who or is it Scott that's the other finalist? Nick is the best, maybe all time....sorry Bobby, but he's that good!

i agree w/ cern when the wings made it to the confrence final back in 2002 they didnt play teams nearly as good as the wings did this year like calgary and san jose.besides this has been the wings best playoff run in many years despite being 1st seed in the western confrence they were underdogs in their first two rounds and r once again in this one. ducks had an easy first round against wild and the canucks were just too worn out from the long first round. also gigurer is a good goalie but hes nothing like kipper for the flames he can be beaten if u get bodies in front of him and move him side to side

wings in 6 or 7 GO WINGS GO GO WINGS GO

Anaheim will beat Detroit in the 5th or 6th game.(I hope!) The Neidermayer Brothers will get together and score some goals as well as Pronger, Moen, Getzlaf and the rest of the team. Also, J.S. Giguere is an awesome goaltender. The Red Wings always die down in the semifinals. GO DUCKS! GO ANAHEIM!!

The Wings are now set up to take the series in 6.Todd Bertuzzi is starting to come on and
will be a factor yet!!!!
How come we havn't seen Scottty Bowman on T.V. as he is the father of all coach'and know's the game better then anyone..

I think that the NHL should make a rule change that allows video review to determine more than just whether the puck is over the goal line or not. That goal that tied the game for Anaheim would not have been a goal if they had the power to say that he was pushed into the net. That's kind of stupid that it HAS to be called a goal just because the ref didn't say the goalie was pushed in and the video review says that the puck is over the line.

How the heck is losing in the Conference final 'choking'? This is a team that lost its two best offencemen and wasn't expected to make it into the top four of the playoff cutoff, let alone top the west yet again and tie in points with the President's Trophy winners - all of which was faced against a division rival that gave them a serious run for their money for most of the year. This is also a team that had to face both the NHL's best home team and the NHL's best road team - largely expected to lose in both cases - and sent them packing (not 'barely' either - remember that both series were won in 6, not in a toss-up 7). Even if the Wings do lose this series, they've had arguably their most difficult year in over a decade and made it farther than most of their seasons with Steve Y and Shanny. If that translates into 'choking' I have to wonder what the Ducks' numerous recent conference finals appearances with almost nothing to show for it would be called.

Met Danny Heatley in a bar in Atlanta a few years ago. His grandfather and his uncle where in town. The looked out of place at this bar called Fado's in Buckhead at midnight. A friend and I told them to have a seat with us, obviously we didn't know who they were, and then they started talking about Danny. Low and behold he shows up and we had a few beers and closed the place down. Very cool. Heatley was extremely nice. I tell my friends up north about this story and they still don't believe me LOL. I'm a Red wing fan but things like that make you take notice of other teams and when he went to Ottawa I thought there might be some magic there. Like to see the wings win it but if they don't GO OTTAWA!!

Anaheim is going to win in game 7. Detroit is a good team, but they choke every year in the playoffs. Ottawa is going to beat Anaheim in the finals and take the cup home to Canada where it belongs.

Personally, I am glad they are going to the Pond for the next 2 games. The bias officiating that has been occurring at Joe Louis Arena throughout this entire playoff has been absolutely embarrassing to the NHL. It's been so in favour of the Red Wings, that's it's sickening.

Just look at how many Power Plays they get per game as compared to the other teams. It's not because they draw them.

Go Ducks.

Hey Adam Chambers,

It's been 3 games. Who's been whuped? The toothless Sabres are getting a s#@t kicking courtesy of the Sens. LOOKS LIKE A SWEEP BABY! LOL...

I hope for a Detroit-Ottawa final. Either way, that Cup is coming home to Ottawa where it belongs.

GO, SENS, GO!

well it's happining ... big and tough, plus some bad calls by the REF"S ... i can't believe that they let the goalie get pushed into the net ... anyway, the ducks are big and tough, i don't think the wings can play their style of hockey, they pushed our guys around the whole night ... the wings are too small to get into a physical game of hitting ... the teams we played each time got bigger and bigger ... i hope i eat my words, but i feel it's the ducks in 7

Detroit in 6 despite the horrible goal reviews that cost them game 2.

Ducks-Wings. Great series I just wish the zebras would decide on how they are going to call the games. So far it seems like penalty de jour.
Anyhow, that goal where Hasek was pushed in should never been counted. Maybe he still would have gone in but he was obviously pushed.
Since they let the goalies get knocked around when the puck is near them, Bertuzzi needs to wake up and run into crease for some wacking fun when he's got the chance!

I'm a long time Red Wing fan and have been watching hockey since I was a kid. I'm now able to afford sharing season tickets with a friend of mine.
I've been to Round 1 home games and my friend did Round 2. I'm doing the first 2 games of Round 3 and here is my problem. The referee (number 12) in Friday's game was the WORST official I have ever seen. You know what he did and what kind of calls he made. AND the NHL does not care to hear from a guy like me who had just spent over $200.00 to see the game. I tried to leave this message on their web site (nhl.com) and their server is down, not accepting emails.
I know our team and coaches can not complain because the NHL will fine them, we as fans can not complain because the NHL won't listen to us....

I see most people are picking the ducks in this one. I would have to disagree and i'm picking the wings in 6 or 7 games. I was mad last night with how the ducks pulled off the win because of how hasek was pushed into the net for one of the ducks goals...the wings would have won if not for that...the refs could have called that and should have called it. Wings will get revenge!

Water Bottles blocking the view? Solution - velcro. Wrap the bottle with "loop" and attach a piece of "hook" to the rear part of the top of the net. Bottles stay out of the way, goalies can get a drink, refs don't have to babysit the bottle and the boys in Toronto will alwasy have a clear view of the replay. Any other problems?

Water Bottles blocking the view? Solution - velcro. Wrap the bottle with "loop" and attach a piece of "hook" to the rear part of the top of the net. Bottles stay out of the way, goalies can get a drink, refs don't have to babysit the bottle and the boys in Toronto will alwasy have a clear view of the replay. Any other problems?

Last night's loss was a tough one for the Wings.The Duck's tying goal should have been not allowed as it looked like Hasek was pushed into the net.Also the Duck's are getting away with a lot of interference in their own end.It seems though those boarderline hooking and holding penalties are not missed.Wake up refs you are missing a good series!!GO WINGS!!

I don't understand why "the folks upstairs or in Toronto" can determine whether a puck is across the line, but they can't determine if it crossed the line because a player pushed the goalie. Its either a goal or it isn't based upon all the rules.

The Wings playoff run has made for some nerve-wracking games. The Ducks are a fine team, and are shaking their Mickey Mouse roots. They are playing tough. They deserve credit for that, but I wish Bertuzzi could find it in his heart to give Corey Perry “the business”. There is a real possibility of a Sens-Ducks finals. Admittedly, the Sens have been a fun team to watch these playoffs. Good on them if they win the cup and take it back to Canada.

Concerning the Ducks' 3rd goal in game 2:
It's true that only the on-ice refs--not the video replay officials--could have ruled that the puck went over the line because a Duck (or his stick) pushed Hasek into the goal. (The video officials could only decide whether the puck crossed the line.) BUT--perhaps the refs didn't call off the goal on that basis (because Hasek was pushed) BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T THINK IT WAS OVER THE LINE in the first place. Once they found it was over, it was too late to call the "push-in."
A very similar thing happened in the Red Wings-Sharks series. A Red Wing goal was called off after video replay. But it was clear the attacking player was (severely) hooked as he came in to score. Of course, the refs didn't call a penalty--because they thought it was a goal. When the goal was called off, it was too late to "retroactively" call the hook.
Maybe something can be done about these situations.

What a great matchup! After 2 games we can tell this series will be a classic.

Also, Ottawa fans are the biggest trash talkers and have no class. I hope they beat buffalo just so the Wings can beat em for the cup. Sorry for that one buffalo fans, I have respect for you guys.

The Wings have to be rock hard, gritty and intense beyond that of the Ducks. Positive thinking might go a long way in this series. Players trying to do too much creative play in the red zone has hurt the Wings. Speed, speed speed - Hussle and be there for the rebound is what the playoffs are usually about. Somewhere in this series the wings will catch their second wind and hammer out 3 more wins. GO WINGS!

I can,t for the life of me see how they counted the goal last nite when wings goalie was pushed in the net .On the video replay in games and replays past they didn,t count goals in the playoffs because one was said to be directed in with the glove and another showed a kicking motion , to say the video replay is to determine if the puck was over the line and thats it ,is not really true .Some hockey (know it alls) say the video replay is to make sure they get it right ,they screwed up bigtime this time . If they can make a call on video replay for a kicking motion and a puck hitting a glove and going in the net ,why not when a goalie is pushed in the net ,it just dosn,t make sense

The 3rd goal by the Quacks should not have counted - Hasek was pushed in - and no call. The reffing in this series has been in favor of Anaheim by far. I would love to see Bertuzzi hammer Pronger a few times and both Neidermayer brothers too.

It seems to me that the Ducks are getting away with a lot of obstruction. Especially when the Wings dump the puck in the zone. Their defensemen are always in the way of the Detroit forwards. Good defense in the old NHL, but today's game, don't understand why it's not getting called. I thought the whole thought of the new rules was so players could skate freely. At least thats how it seems, the way the game have been called this year.

wings are nothing 5 on 5 only good with the man advantage. so ducks smarten up and stop taking dumb penalties. i'd like to see the ducks win but also i'd like to see the wings win so my SENS can dismantle them just like all the others, especially flipping flopping old goat hasbeen. thank god ottawa got rid of him. wings is gonna lose because they're in such a weak division. good luck wings.

Can anyone explain to me why Dominic Hasek did not receive a throwing the stick penalty when he dove across the crease on the partial breakaway early in the first period. There was no outside influences that caused the stick to come out of his hand. He just released it as he stretched across the crease. If it is illegal for a goalie to place the stick across the opening of the net when he is pulled for an extra attacker then it should be illegal for him to deliberately let go of his stick to make any other play.

Yo yo go red wings go bring it all and dont ya stop tell ya win ya rock amys coloured socks so BRING YA SCILLS TO THE FRONT AND WIN ahahhahh YOU ROCK I LOVE YOU RED WINGS wowooowooo

RED WINGS SUCK!!!!!!! GO DUCKS GO!!!!!!

Besides being a loyal Wings fan it is already apparent that the Ducks only hope is to cause injury to the Wings best players. Perry's cheap shot to Chelios and his recorded threat to get other Wing's players shows they can't win playing hockey. The Wings aren't afraid of the bigger Ducks and instead will use their smarts and hearts to win in 6 games.

The series has just begun Jocko. Don't count the Ducks out yet. Remember the Wings lost game one against the Sharks. And not ALL the experts pick against Detroit, just the majority of them. Just look at Scott Morrison, he would probably be 12-0 if he would stop picking against Detroit.

Please, I'm sick of hot places winning the cup. If nothing else, Detroit, please win just to ensure that whoever does get the Cup is from a place where people actually care about the game.

Ducks suck. Detroit is going to rip the ducks apart. And then Ottawa is going to kill the wings. Emery is going to pay Hasek back for last years being deserted. Wings, enjoy your playoff-run while it lasts, cause our parade plans are already being made. This years cup is reserved for Ottawa. Emery is on fire and get set to get burned chumps.Have a nice day.

Wings in six, wings-sens finals, i can't wait to watch the finals on cbc, canadians know what they're talking about, it just doesnt feel the same whens its not on cbc

ALL THE EXPERTS PICKED THE FLAMES IN 7! WRONG....THEN THE SHARKS IN 6 GAMES.....WRONG NOW EVERYBODY AND THEIR MOTHER, OUTSIDE OF DETROIT ARE PICKING THE DUCKS....WELL GAME ONE WENT TO DETROIT, EVEN AFTER THE REFS GRIFT WRAPPED A VICTORY FOR THE DUCKS BUT COULD NOT PREVAIL...WELL IF HEART AND DESIRE WITH A LITTLE DUCK....I MEAN A LITTLE LUCK I SEE THE WINGS WINNING IN 5. HASEK IS ON FIRE AND WE ALL KNOW WHAT A HOT GOALIE IN THE PLAYOFFS CAN DO FOR TEAM MORALE. SORRY BUT THE DYNASTY CONTINUES WITH A CAP OR WITHOUT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Having been raised on HNC, I'm really disappointed that your Cup coverage is dictated by the where teams are located and your favorites by how many Canadians are on the squad. Be for great hockey wherever it's played and whoever's playing it. National networks shouldn't be so parochial.
Go Wings!

Take a look at game 5 of the wings-sharks game and the goalkeeper-interference of Greir and then look at the goal by Holmstrom. The calling of a game anymore is as bad as the judges of figure-skating and this is from the top down.

Andrea - HNIC have always kept most of their coverage to canadian teams in the playoffs, with the exception of perhaps a few round one games. Also consider that broadcast rights are being shared with NBC and that it only makes sence for CBC to take coverage of the remaining Ottawa team. They always broadcast the finals regardless of who is in them.

Could this be the lowest scoring series ever? First team to 2 wins!

Cory Perrys cheap shot hit from behind against Chris Chelios was not called in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Has Colin Cambell revieved this and will there be a suspension?

Why would someone that lives in Windsor pull for anyone else other then the Red Wings?

Why is Canada not playing the western conference playoffs? Is it sour grapes? I think maybe you should start calling yourself France! It seems that cbc is doing the same thing to American hockey teams as the French television did to Lance Armstrong. I can't understand why when half of the players on American teams are Canadian! What will cbc do if buffalo and detroit make it to the finals?

ducks will win in 5. but it doesn't matter, because the sens will go duck huntin, once they are done buffalo huntin..go sens, but for this one, go ducks

Adam Chambers, this is a forum about the wings vs the ducks (not sabres vs the ducks). If you wanna make some boasting happen, do it in the other view page ok? Secondly, buffalo has a good chance of taking the cup just like they have been after all these years of coming o so close and yet so far to not even get to the stanley cup final. Yeah, I'm sure I'll bet money on the sabres.

The ducks are not my team by more then just a little, but it would seem that wings fans are seriously under estimating the web toed wonders. But alas the cup is headed for the hill I'm afraid.... GO SENS GO!!

I don't think the Wings will pull it off against the Ducks. They have a few too many injuries on defense. I think the Ducks defense will have a strong series because they need a little redemption after the last series. I think defense will be the difference in this series.

Hasek vs Giguerre is a classic.
3 Norris Trophy contenders are present on the ice. Detroit has the experience and the Stanley cup banners, Anaheim has none of that. However, the Ducks have an excellent team, powerful defense, great offense and a brilliant goalie. Despite it all, The wings are too eager to win the series and they will in 6 games. Bravo Chelios for being such an inspiration to this cool game. Should be a great series with 1 goal difference all the way through the end.

Everyone knows that being the hot team going into the playoffs can pay huge dividends. The Ducks had the 2nd best record in the last half of 02-03, won something like 25 of their last 30 games and then swept he Wings.

Vancouver was the 2nd half team to beat this year after their dismal start. They cruised into the playoffs after almost being written off completely in December. From January to April they won 29 of 42 games. Minnesota was also hot entering the playoffs having won 10 in a row in March and 20 of their last 30.

Vancouver and Minnesota were not soft competition. It just looked that way because the Ducks were able to dictate play. Don't overestimate the 'Redwing' mystique. The Ducks are the better team and will win this series in 6.

my guess is that the ducks will take it in 6 games:
ducks: 4-1
ducks: 3-2
wings: 2-0
ducks: 3-1
wings: 2-1
ducks: 6-2

GO DUCK!!

This should be some excellent hockey. Hasek is on fire. Remeber Hasek has a FAT playoff incentive contract. Lots of $$$$$$$ with each series the Wings advance. By the way those of you who think this team is old will be in for a shock at how well they play. This team is in excellent physical condition. AND the main reason they will win this is they are simple a smarter team. Don't worry about size and speed. The Wings are simple a SMARTER hockey team. WINGS IN FIVE.

With the loss of several good defenseman, Detroit will have a difficult time getting things going. I would say Anaheim will win in 6, unless something big happens. Let's just hope that Hasek's groin stays in place, or else this will be a short series.

Let there be no doubt - the Red Wings and Ducks are two exceptional teams with great goaltending... the Ducks big, young and strong, the Red Wings smaller, older and no doubt a little wiser. The Red Wings have faced adversity in these playoffs and responded, whereas the Ducks have essentially waltzed into the Conference Final. Given a choice this time of year, I’d prefer to see my team challenged early. There is no easy way to the Stanley Cup... Go Wings!!

Anaheim in 6
Stanley Cup Finals: Ottawa vs. Anaheim
Stanley Cup Winner: Anaheim

Wings Rule!!! They will beat the Ducks in 6 and go on to beat the Sabres, and once again hoist the "Cup" over their heads. Wings are a first class organization with style and unmatched attitude...."Go Wings"!!!!!

I've been posting comments on the Sens-Sabres site, but thought I'd pop over here to fan the flames. The sweetest thing I will ever see will be when Ottawa beats Detroit (especially Hasek) to take the cup, hopefully in Detroit so that I can witness it live!! GO SENS GO!! THIS IS MY TEAM, THIS IS YOUR YEAR!!

Ladies and Gentlement,

We all have being waiting for this moment for the best four best teams to showcase what team work and determination is all about when you know each team only has to win 8 games to lift the all mighty Stanely Cup.

Having said that, the finals and no doubt in this is Ottawa vs. Anaheim. The difference is no one in todays sports society give credit to the under dogs and the love of the game. It is not about how much you know and how many years of experiences you have in the sports itself but how determine and how much you want to win no matter what the challenges are ahead.

Remember Carolina last year. Keep in that in mind.

Therefore, this years Stanely Champions will be Ottawa without a doubt.

Wings in 6, Weeehaw! Team Disney is going down!

This might be the year for the NHL to showcase the best of the game of hockey. The 4 teams left in the cup-hunt are the best the league has to offer. In Wings -ducks, Wings in 6, better goalie, better skill-players and Babs knows Anaheim. In Sens - Sabres, Senators in 7, better skills, bigger and stronger, and most importantly, smarter.

The wings are going to win tghis series in 5 and then storm the nations capital. GO WINGS GO!!!!!!!!

Watch for draper he will be very influential on the outcome of the open DUCK season

As Rick Jeanneret would ask..."Now do you believe?!!" I believe in one team for hockey's ultimate prize. GO SABRES GO! GO SABRES GO! Whup those s-naters, whup 'em good! Whup 'em as you can and should!

I am going to say this once and I'll say it now.

It's time for Buffalo Sabres Play-off Action!
This is my team! This is the greatest hockey fan city in the NHL! GO SABRES GO!!!

This series will be like Super bowl bound Baltimore and Denver. Who ever wins will be the Stanly Cup champs. This series will probably go seven games and the winner will win the cup in four games.

"whoever wins will just lose to buffalo"

This is physically impossible, since the Sens will win in 5.

The Red Wings have played great this year, I've seen the wings over the past decade play hockey and this squad seems to love adversity.

I am an x leaf fan from back in my childhood because it was forced upon me from my dad, but once the whole Colorado/Detroit rivalry came about and what happened to Draper, I jumped on the Red Wing Band Wagon and I got 3 cups for doing just that. Leaf fans have been waiting since 1967, so forget about them leafers. If you want a cup, there's still room on the best band wagon out there, and its free of charge and this year, it guarantees a Stanley Cup, so why bother going for a duck, when the Wings have been flying since the beginning of the playoffs and duck season isn't in session for all those hunters out there. LET'S GO RED WINGS!!!!!!

I live in Vegas for the past 5 years now, originally from Detroit, thank goodness for the hockey package. I love all you expert guys picking the Wings not to get out of the first round, just keep talking, we love it and so do they. See you in the finals for the Holy Grail

First off ... if you dare to just look past the Wings you are either 1) Not very hockey-smart or 2) just hate the Wings because they are ... well , the Wings. Every time the Wings have made it to the Conference finals since '96 ... they have won The Cup. The Wings will win this series and the Cup because of Hasek. Yes, the rest of the team has to stay healthy and contribute ... but nobody wins The Cup without hot goaltending ... and Hasek just keeps getting hotter. Wings in 7.

Just have Barry Melrose keep picking against us & we'll let hime take a picture with the CUP as that will be as close as he'll ever get to it......

The Ducks are deep in both defense and offense. Our kid line is hot and our first line is impressive and for us the scoring is contagious as our defense contributes too. Contrary to popular belief, our two Norris contenders on the blue line are not the only D we have. The rest of our D is under rated, as are our defensive forwards. Case in point our shutdown line vs Gaborik and the Sedins so bring on Datsuk and anyone else. --Go Ducks

Just a question?
Are there no Canadians playing on the Red Wings and Ducks?
Have you ever heard of a guy named Steve Yzerman?
Then why is it that all the of the Red Wings games are not being shown on CBC. I love CBC hockey but I am really disappointed. I would love to watch the western finals but I don't have cable or satelite I do have bunny ears and I can get CBC.
thoughts?!

The Wings have a much more balanced lineup
than most thought . A real contender seems
to get the most out of some 3rd and 4th lines.
Wings are getting that . The Ducks are younger
and bigger, but looked subpar vs Canucks.
If Ducks can suck it up , they should be
able to take Wings in a long series. If they
play like they did vs Canucks , Wings in 7.
However , a long series will only benefit
Buffalo . Travel will take a bite out of
West again . It is what it is.

I have been a wings fan since 1955 when some older boys would come to our house to listen to hockey on the radio because we didn,t get T V till 1957 . I think the play of Cleary and Malby and Draper is a big reason for the wings success . I hope the management of the Wings realizes this and pays them (especially Cleary what he justly deserves ) Cleary is really making us N.L.ers very proud . GO WINGS GO

While I love the "new" NHL, evil voice in my head is telling me that what I really want is for Pronger and Bertuzzi to brutally take each other out.... at least for the rest of the playoffs...

GO DUCKS!!! can't stand the self proclaimed chokeytown. it's funny how the flags is starting to come out now after beating the sharks. wing fans make me laugh. i didn't remember there were too many so called fans around before they won their first stanley cup. hey Windsorites stick to a REAL Canadian team like the SENS!!! CANADA stand by your SENS!!!

Ok this is going to be a great series and i am a Ducks fan but the Red Winds do worry me. I think that with Holmstrom in front and strong shots from the point by Lidstrom and Markov there really wont be much of a way for the Ducks to defend against the wings dynamic offense especally if Datsyuk is getting ice time same as Zetterburg. If Hasek plays well the wings will win but the Ducks could bust throught with point shots by Pronger but there is no man in front to create traffic so i think it will be hard for the Ducks to score. Wings in 6 in Anaheim what a series this will be.

This series will undoubtably be tough, but the Wings are a banged up aging team against a fresh younger Ducks. The Ducks beat arguably the two hotest teams entering the playoffs 4-1 in both series. The Ducks have best defense and the best stopper line of the remaining teams and have better scoring depth than the Wings. Hasek is great, but he's no Luongo who was the only reason Vancouver kept the games close. The only question for the Ducks will be regaining momentum after a long break. Ducks in six.

Detroit in 5.

I think the Roughriders will take it all the way to the Rosebowl.

whoever wins will just lose to buffalo

The Wings must stay healthy! If they lose another key guy (like Lidstrom or Hasek) against an opponent like the Ducks it would be too much to overcome. Detroit must stay patient in the powerplay because the Ducks allowed only three power-play goals in the playoffs and owns the top penalty kill. Maybe Babcock gives the Wings an advantage because there a still six Ducks players from Babcock´s 2003-04 season. The Wings showed that they can win the tight games ... Wings in six.

QUACK, QUACK, QUACK

Ottawa fans are already planning the trip down to Honda Pond to watch our Sens give ya the beat down in the Final!!!

I have not missed a wings game in over 4 years and let me tell you this is alot different team. They are bigger stronger and more defensive minded than previous red wing squads, dont get me wrong losing guys like Shanny, and Yzerman is going to hurt any team. But they have all seemed to buy in to Babcocks defensive style. After two physically demanding series this one should be a little higher scoring with more finess play. With Hasek looking like the guy who won 6 Vezina trophies,and Lidstrom just being Lidstrom, along with Bertuzzi improving game by game the Wings should be able to take them in 6 as long as there are no more crucial injuries, especially on the blue line. I haven't heard an official report but rumour has it Kronwall could make an appearance late in the series, or early in the cup finals. GO WINGS GO! Only 8 wins away from the cup.

Well..on paper it looks like the ducks all the way, but perhaps we should remind the fans once again this is all about economics and commercialism.This series is definetly going seven games with the the Red wings coming out on top through the misguided underbelly of "grey area" penalty calling. Mark my words, there are going to be a lot more goalie interference calls in this series than there has been in a while.

jerry
regina

"Ducks-Wings? Like it matters! These teams are just playing to see who will lose to the Sens!"

Ron...dont you mean Buffalo?

I'm a wings fan and I have a lot of recpect for this ducks team. This will be a great matchup. Although the wings still have players left over, this is a very diffrent team than the one who has won the cup so many times over the last 10 years. One thing is the same though - nobody outside Detroit realizes how much depth this team has and this goes for all detroit teams who have had a lot of success over the years, besides the lions of coarse!

Detroit's first real challenge in this year's play-offs and the end of the road for them. I'm an Oiler fan and don't like Chris Pronger much but I have to keep that hate from making a real prediction. The Ducks are a very good team and will pound those old and tired wings into submission. Anaheim in 5.

I think this series comes down to Pronger/Neidermeyer/Giguere versus Lidstrom/Chelios/Hasek. My money is on the younger Ducks in 6.

Wings will win in 6 games they are steamm rolling and will be a surprise to WIN the cup again this year. They have everything going recently, with good goaltending, secondary scoring, exceptional leadership, patience and stars life DATS and ZETS stepping up and proving they are superstar material. Also Chelios playing like he is 20, they are very deep and somewhat underestimated when the playoffs started, espicially with their early exits within the last number of years. I am a core redwings fan and I feel very positive about their play.

GO WINGS GO

cRAIG

The Wings have more depth than people realize, which is good. With unknown players contributing, Fillipula, Franzen and Lang scored too, The Wings have more depth than CBC'c analysis and prediction for them against the Ducks mentioned. The penalty killing unit is a momentum-killer against teams and if the Ducks rely on their power play they will find out what Detroit has also. Thes eare the kinds of intangibles that are always never mentioned in predicting a series. Their unknowns have really picked up, Cleary against Calgary and Lilja on defense, it has even shown me, a Detroit fan, they are a force that can be reckoned with and perhaps the most clutch team left, if you followed the 2 series they were in, you would know what I mean!

Go Wings!! I was pulling for the Sharks to beat Detroit... but now I've seen the light.
They went into the Shark tank and came out without a scratch. I am lost in admiration for the men in red. Wings in 5.

Detroit is a very good this year...but ducks is real.
Ducks have beaten defensive Minnesota and Vancouver, and so they shouldnt have problem scoring.
Also, Marchant, who was the best player last playoff, and Jackman are comming back and thats certainly HUGE.
AND ducks knows how to win!

what i am scared of though....is Babacock. He knows Giggy....

Being from Edmonton, I know how much last year hurt for the Detroit Red Wings. "I feel awful. I feel like going home and hanging myself. That's how I feel" said their goalie. Now here they are (most of them anyways) after having the entire off-season and the entire camp, and the entire pre-season, and the entire regular season to really... really...really hate Chris Pronger. This could be a great series.

Ducks-Wings? Like it matters! These teams are just playing to see who will lose to the Sens!

Why not delay the first of the third round game's for another week? What is the hurry?

Scheduling the next round so soon after the end of round 2 makes no sense. The players are tired and can not stand up to the rigors of back to back games despite the fact that they have done it all winter. Hell, lets let the NHL drag things out into July or August.

My cheek is very sore from pressing it with my tongue and I am VERY unhappy.

It's gonna be a fun series

Both teams are damn dangerous and well-rounded. I'm still picking Detroit (in 6 or 7), because I believe it will come down to goaltending, and they have a multi-Vezina winner who seems to have shaken off the rust.

I'm a Canuck fan, and I hope Pronger and company get smoked by the Red Wings!

GO DETROIT the mixture of defence golie and offence ottawa and detroit for the cup =)

Sounds like an Anaheim sweep to me!

red wings against the ducks.

this is for the birds.

ok. dumb joke, but someone had to say it.
actually should be an awesome series, maybe the best hockey of this years playoffs. two great goaltenders, lidstrom and co. against pronger and co. quick change offense on both teams.

detroit in 7 only because being an oiler fan i do sooooooooo want pronger to not go any further.

i can't believe that the wings made it this far ... i didn't pic us to get out of the first round, but now that we have made it to the conf. finals ... well shut my mouth ... i really felt that the canadian teams had it all over us , but now you watch out, the wings are in a groove, they just might make a fool out of me and make me eat my words ... they look like the wings of old when they played hockey, hitting, and checking, thats what makes a playoff team ... and the wings are standing up to the biggest teams and winning ... this will be one of the best playoff runs for the wings in many years, i only wish the ref's would get their sh** together and make real calls, not false ones just to take and keep control of the game ... remember what Don Cherry tells us, when you don't remember the ref's names, they called a good game, let them hit and protect the net area ... then it will be canadian hockey at it's best ... GO WINGS ....

LET'S GO RED WINGS

The Ducks are a very good team....strong defense and all kinds of speed and size up front.......same as the Sharks......
Detroit is smarter......and barring further injuries.......Hasek will get us to the Finals.

The Ducks are supposed to win this, right? I don't buy it.

While Pronger indeed strikes fear in the hearts of mere mortals...the Defensive corps is only three deep. The wings will be challenged with the injury to Schneider...but the young legs brought in to fill the void will actually help contain the quick first line of the Ducks.

By the way...Lidstrom is in another league.

Obviously 6 or 7 games, they are both playing well, however, Detroit has played better teams and has gone through more adversity, which should give them an edge as they are playing with a lot of heart. If Hasek keeps the soft goals out, Detroit should win the series. Bertuzzi will need to build on his improving ice presence, as he could very well be the difference maker for the next round. Chris Chelios is absolutely unbelievable and should Detroit win the cup, he will add another layer to his growing legendary status, all products of his hard work ethic. Everyone else is playing very well as a unit. Anaheim hasn't had to much difficulty advancing, and that speaks to the quality of opponent they faced. Minnesota dissappeared and Vancouver just did not have the scoring to match the Ducks. As a life-long Wings fan, I am hoping the easier road for Anaheim will lead to there demise.

I'm thinking the Ducks will trounce the Red Wings. The Ducks are just the better team and play a better game.

Too bad though, I usually root for the Red Wings in these situations.

This series should pose a bit more of a problem for the Wings. Nonetheless, they should be able to take the Ducks in 7.
I think a Wings / Senators final would be a great matchup.

The wings are definitely showing some grit this year. Will it be enough ?

Detroit is just too strong, too powerful and will be the western team fighting for the cup this year.

At the end of it the Redwings will add some colour to the Ducks beyond the typical black and blue ... I'm thinking "a l'Orange!"

Red Wings in 7.