2008 National Hockey League Stanley Cup Finals

Eastern Conference Champion Pittsburgh Penguins (#2 Eastern Conference seed, 102 points)
vs.
Western Conference Champion Detroit Red Wings (#1 Western Conference seed, best regular season record in the NHL, 115 points)

All games available in HDTV
All times 8PM ET

In the US, games 1 & 2 on Versus; 1080i & DD2.0, all remaining games on NBC; 1080i & DD5.1
In Canada, all games on CBC & RDS (French language network); 1080i & DD5.1

Game 1 - Detroit 4, Pittsburgh 0
Sat May 24, 2008
Penguins @ Red Wings
VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Detroit leads series 1-0

Game 2 - Detroit 3, Pittsburgh 0
Mon May 26, 2008
Penguins @ Red Wings
VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Detroit leads series 2-0

Game 3 - Pittsburgh 3, Detroit 2
Wed May 28, 2008
Red Wings @ Penguins
NBC, CBC, RDS
Detroit leads series 2-1

Game 4 - Detroit 2, Pittsburgh 1
Sat May 31, 2008
Red Wings @ Penguins
NBC, CBC, RDS
Detroit leads series 3-1

Game 5 - Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 3 (3rd OT)
* Mon Jun 2, 2008
Penguins @ Red Wings
NBC, CBC, RDS
Detroit leads series 3-2

Game 6 - Detroit 3, Pittsburgh 2
* Wed Jun 4, 2008
Red Wings @ Penguins
NBC, CBC, RDS
Detroit wins 2008 Stanley Cup, 4-2



From The Associated Press, by Ira Podell

Red Wings, Penguins offer marquee matchup for Cup

Sid the Kid is set to take on Hockeytown.

With all due respect to the NHL's other 28 teams, no other Stanley Cup finals matchup could sizzle quite like this one.

Sidney Crosby has lived up to the hype, and in his third NHL season has the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1992 — when Mario Lemieux took the black and gold to the title.

To earn their third championship, the Penguins will have to overcome Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Nicklas Lidstrom and the rest of the Red Wings. It all starts Saturday night in Joe Louis Arena, where fan-tossed octopi will smack the ice as they have for decades of playoff hockey in Detroit.

If a matchup ever was going to capture the attention of the casual sports fan and make the NHL matter during its showcase event, this seems to be the one to do it.

"It remains to be seen. I can't say I hope this series goes long," 46-year-old Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios said Friday. "On paper it's so even — the stats, the matchups. You look at the rosters and there are stars and skill.

"I couldn't think of a better matchup, and I think everybody is happy that this is the way it ended up turning out."

The Red Wings are making their first appearance in the finals since winning the championship in 2002 over Carolina in the last title series played entirely in the Eastern time zone. Detroit is the last team to repeat as champion, doing it in 1997 and 1998 — six years after Pittsburgh pulled off the feat.

Crosby already has a scoring title and MVP award on his mantle. Now, he is four wins from a championship.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland called him "the face of the game" moments before Crosby took the podium in Detroit for the first time since the Penguins arrived.

"I don't think I pressure myself to be that," the 20-year-old center said. "I've always tried to be a good professional and tried to be a good role model, but I don't think I let that hang on myself. There's a lot of great players in this league and guys who can bring excitement to the game."

A lot of them will be on display — from Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Norris Trophy favorite Lidstrom, to Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury on the Penguins' side.

"The skill level is going to be very high," Lidstrom said. "That's one of the reasons a lot of people wanted this kind of matchup. People were talking about it in the media before we got here. A lot of people wanted to see two highly skilled teams, two offensive teams, two puck possession teams in the finals."

Now the question remains if fans will watch. Judging from the conference finals, they just might.

The Motown buzz is that the Red Wings' television ratings in Detroit might top those of the NBA's Pistons, who will be playing Boston in the Eastern Conference finals at home on Saturday and Monday — at the same time as the Cup contests.

Versus, which will televise the first two games of the Cup finals in the U.S. before NBC takes over, earned its best rating in the network's history for Game 2 of the East finals between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. That was also the highest-rated and most-watched NHL cable telecast (playoff or regular season) since the 2002-03 season.

Adding in the Red Wings could boost the numbers that much more.

"I really hope so," Penguins forward Marian Hossa said. "What else would you like? You get superstars on one or the other side. It's just excellent for hockey. I know lots of people are happy because it's going to be one of the best finals in a long time."

Compared to last year, ratings in the conference finals were up 71 percent.

"I don't think as a player you can worry about that a whole lot," Crosby said. "I mean you do your best to help your team win, and I think that's where most guys' focus is. You can't control the other stuff. If that's the case, then great. That's great for the game and great for everyone involved."

The Red Wings earned their league-record sixth Presidents' Trophy this season by compiling an NHL-best 115 points. The Penguins weren't too far behind, finishing second in the Eastern Conference with 102.

"I cannot recall more stars in a final since 1987, when Edmonton had five of the best, but they were all on one team," NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick said. "This time we have the stars divided out on teams.

"The hockey gods are smiling so wide, we can count their missing teeth."

Malkin was second in the league with 106 points, and Datsyuk and Zetterberg cracked the top six in scoring with 97 and 92 points, respectively.

Crosby had a 72-point campaign that was limited to 53 games due to the Penguins captain's severe ankle injury in midseason.

"It's a pretty good group for sure," Crosby said. "You can look at the NHL awards and things like that that are going to come up, you'll see a lot of the same guys during this series at those. The two best teams in the playoffs are there. There's a lot of players that are pretty exciting to watch, so it makes for a great series."

Two players will be out for Game 1: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen, the NHL's leading goal scorer in the playoffs, and Pittsburgh's Gary Roberts.

Franzen practiced with teammates for more than an hour Friday, but has yet to be cleared by doctors for game action following concussion-like symptoms that began in the second round against Colorado and forced him to miss the final five games of the West finals against Dallas.

Roberts, who turned 42 on Friday, said he has recovered from leg injuries and a bout with pneumonia, but was told that coach Michel Therrien will keep him out of the Penguins lineup.

From The Detroit News

Chris Chelios won't be in the Red Wings line up Saturday for Game 1. Andreas Lilja, who replaced Chelios in the series-clinching Game 6 in Dallas, will remain in the line up against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Chelios had been nursing a knee injury but said this week he's now healthy. Chelios said Friday during Media Day he likely wouldn't play and understood the reasons behind not playing.

Babcock confirmed the reasons Saturday morning. "All we're doing today is, we won the last game and we're not changing (the line up)," Babcock said. "The bottom line with Cheli is, we have a lot of respect for his ability and what he brings to this team. But this isn't about Cheli, it's not about me, it's about the Detroit Red Wings and winning."

Man, is it 8 o'clock yet!

Man, is it 8 o'clock yet! I hear ya' bro! If you're getting bored, you can listen to Gary Bettman on NHLNetwork! :eek:

I haven't been this excited about a finals in a while, two great teams.

From an HDTV standpoint, probably the two worst arenas for a production. Maybe I'll duck downstairs and check out the game in HD.

Here we go again! :rolleyes:

Viewing on Charter in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. Looks good.

Exciting game, I can't understand the goal not counting. Ozzie playing very well.

Looking good on Versus HD (via Comcast) and CBC HD(via StarChoice). I've lost the CBC due to the downpours here in South Florida though. :(

The 5.1 on the CBC is nice. Good audience fill from the rears.

I'll have to take a peek at RDS during the second if this damn rain ever stops...

Charter VS-HD feed here on the Third Coast looks good. Wings got hosed on wave-off of Lidstrom's goal; that's not a penalty!

Looking OK on Versus on Cox in Phoenix. Versus HD is sharing the channel with Food HD and History HD, so there's some noticeable blocking on every pan and every time there's a camera flash. I wish Versus would stick with the high camera location rather than the usual one that seems to be in the middle of the crowd.

RDS looks good but I'm only getting 2.0 sound. Is anyone out there getting anything else? Picture looks a tad sharper on RDS with a bit less macro blocking.

Enough of that babble though! Pretty good game we've got going here! I'm rooting for the Pens, but the Wings really did get robbed on that goal.

Bob Cole still has the best hockey voice, but he really needs to call it quits. He's just to slow now.

You guys see the cans on the girl sitting behind Mike Babcock?

I thought Pens started stronger, but Ozzie kept things equal. Then, at some point in the middle of the second period, the Wings started to impose their will on the Pens physically and the next thing you know, they started to score.

Pens can still win this series, but now they know what they are up against. I look forward to more good hockey.

I thought Pens started stronger, but Ozzie kept things equal. Then, at some point in the middle of the second period, the Wings started to impose their will on the Pens physically and the next thing you know, they started to score.

Pens can still win this series, but now they know what they are up against. I look forward to more good hockey.
Exactly Ken. Wings physical presence and defensive system shut the Pens down. Actually it's more a way of playing than a defensive system. Kudos to Ozzie for making every stop. Mikael Samuellson, way to go! Such depth on both teams, not sure how the Wings pulled this shutout off. You're right though, just one game with plenty of hockey left to play.

You guys see the cans on the girl sitting behind Mike Babcock?

Very nice. Hope she's there for G.2

Stellar picture on CBC OTA 5.1 as always:)

If anyone from Tampa is reading, the saturday game will be on 38. Hope it's in HD. The last game on 8 (penguins & flyers) was their stretch-o-vision. They are moving the game because of a telethon.

If anyone from Tampa is reading, the saturday game will be on 38. Hope it's in HD. The last game on 8 (penguins & flyers) was their stretch-o-vision. They are moving the game because of a telethon.Should be posted in your local forum.

RDS looks good but I'm only getting 2.0 sound. Is anyone out there getting anything else? Picture looks a tad sharper on RDS with a bit less macro blocking.

I can't recall that RDS did anything in 5.1 yet. And yes the picture is indeed a little bit sharper than CBC on Starchoice.

Hopefully the Pens will do a little bit more tomorrow...

I thought the first two periods were decent, not great and the 3rd period was terrible due in large part to the Pens packing it in after they were down 2-0. Whatever happened to that ''explosive offense'' that the Pens had? I don't really give a **** who wins, I just want to see a great SCF and both teams need to play great for that to happen. I don't want to see the garbage I saw last year. I want to see the kind of hockey that was played in the Calgary-Tampa series in '04 and the Edmonton-Carolina series in '06.

Red Wings’ Franzen to play Game 2

DETROIT (AP)—Red Wings forward Johan Franzen has been cleared by doctors and put in the lineup for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals Monday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Franzen hasn’t played since Game 1 of the Western Conference finals because of recurring headaches. He is tied with teammate Henrik Zetterberg for the NHL playoff lead with 12 goals.

Franzen was allowed to return to practice Friday and was on the ice Monday for the Red Wings’ morning skate. On Sunday, he said he had been symptom-free for seven to 10 days and was awaiting permission from doctors to play.

Hey Pittsburgh, thanks for making the 2008 SCF the shitfest that it is! Overrated bastards.

Hey Pittsburgh, thanks for making the 2008 SCF the shitfest that it is! Overrated bastards.

Tell us how you really feel. :D

Hey Pittsburgh, thanks for making the 2008 SCF the shitfest that it is! Overrated bastards.

:'(

Versus Toasts Best Stanley Cup Cable Rating Since 2002
Game 1 Detroit-Pittsburgh Series Netted Service's Second-Highest Nielsen Mark
By Mike Reynolds, Multichannel News, 5/26/2008

Versus’ May 24 coverage of the first game (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6564043.html?) of the series netted the best Nielsens for a Stanley Cup Finals contests on cable since 2002.

The Detroit Red Wings’ 4-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night averaged a 1.8 household rating and almost 2.32 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research data.

That marked the highest-rated and most-watched game in the Stanley Cup Final round on cable since 2002 and the best-ever on Versus. The Saturday-night shutout topped the 1.7 delivered by the Penguins-Philadelphia Flyers on May 11 (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6560719.html?q=Versus) in the second game of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Moreover, the 1.8 average, up 157% from the 0.7 mark for the 2007 Cup opener and double the 0.9 for the first game of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, was the second-best for the Comcast Corp.-owned service, which earned a 2.1 household rating on July 24, 2005, Lance Armstrong’s final ride in the 2005 Tour de France.

Locally, Versus scored an 8.4 household rating in the Detroit DMA, tops in all of cable for the time period. In Pittsburgh, Versus garnered a 19.0 mark, No. 1 in all of TV for that time period.

http://www.multichannel.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6564072

Pittsburgh showing their inexperience.

Been watching the game on Versus (Comcast). It's not the best picture quality that I've seen. There's a fair amount of grain, especially when the camera catches action along the boards.

Things not looking good for Pens. 2 games and 2 shut-outs. The series is turning into a bust, too bad I thought it would be a lot more exciting!

Ugly! Detroit is just that good.

More of the same, but it's far from over. We'll have to see if the Pens can elevate their game, in a big way.

The Penguins lost any chance of winning the Cup this year on the trading deadline day. No team, with Marion Hossa on it, will ever win the Cup.

Been watching the game on Versus (Comcast). It's not the best picture quality that I've seen. There's a fair amount of grain, especially when the camera catches action along the boards.

I don't know what's worse, CBC or Versus pq.

Penguins blame Osgoods "acting" for loss.

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&brand=foxsports&vid=f0756f48-b30a-4c37-b757-468a18f0e468&playlist=&editor=&from=FOXSPORTS&fg=/nhl/story/8179650/Wings-shut-out-Pens-again-for-2-0-series-lead&rf=http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8179650/Wings-shut-out-Pens-again-for-2-0-series-lead

There coach seems like a real whiner and so does Crosby. It looks like they are already telling themselves it's over and making excuses for there bad play.

When Malone brushed Osgood he made it look like he just got shot with a 30.06. Soccer flopper thinks that was a little over the top. Then he did it in the end when Sykora grazed his arm, resulting in a melee.

Penguins blame Osgoods "acting" for loss.
There coach seems like a real whiner and so does Crosby. It looks like they are already telling themselves it's over and making excuses for there bad play.

Holy smoke, talk about "sour grapes"! You know, I'm starting to lose respect for the Pens. I can't take anything away from them as far as their season goes, but their actions late in yesterday's game and the pitiful whining in the post-game is really bush league. I mean really, repeatedly punching Franzen in the head the guy's first game back from a concussion is pretty low. I suppose it just speaks to how frustrated they are now.

I'm not counting any chickens yet and hope the Wings don't start underestimating them either, but Pittsburgh had better step it up if they have any thoughts about turning this around. Therrien whining about "obstruction" is ludicrous. There have been just as many "missed calls" the other way when it comes to this and Nick Lidstrom taking two penalties in the first game pretty much answers any thoughts about "one-sided" officiating.

Pens need to face the facts, the Wings have effectively locked them down. They need to go back to the chalkboard and figure out what they're going to do tomorrow.

And the thing is, I thought this was going to be a goal for goal series with plenty of overtime decisions. Time will tell.

Then he did it in the end when Sykora grazed his arm,

Hahaha, we must have been watching different games, Sykora threw a check into him. It was wasn't a Kromwall check but it was a check, not a graze.

Let's be clear, the Wings are just beating the Pens in every phase right now, and the coach knows that. It's not sour grapes, it's his strategy. Therrien's carping about obstruction and Osgood's "acting" is simply him trying to deflect negative attention and pressure from his young team publicly, but you can be sure he's giving them the message loud and clear in private.

The Pens don't appear to have any answers for the Wings style of puck possession and forechecking, which they haven't seen the likes of in the East. Combine that with some missed chances and great play from Osgood on the few there are, and the Pens are in a world of trouble. I honestly don't know what Malkin is trying to do out there on most shifts. He's definitely too careless with the puck. And it seems that despite the Pens supposed speed advantage its the Wings who are reaching all the loose pucks first. Here's hoping for a big turnaround on home ice, but it's hard to be optimistic from what we've seen thus far.

As to the Pens getting a little chippy and taking a few shots, I have no problem whatsoever with that. When you're frustrated and can't even score a goal you have to try to do something to get a spark, even if it means causing a scrum or two. I found myself late in the game telling them to just hit some people, to show some life. If Detroit doesn't like it they can retaliate as they see fit, by all means. I wish the Pens could find a way to line up Kronwall and rock him good to counter his blue-line shivers. Normally they would beat that tactic with odd-man rushes, but there's always somebody back for the Wings.

If Detroit doesn't like it they can retaliate as they see fit, by all means..

Ha, ha! The fact that Datsyuk was seen throwing punches means they already have!

NBC TO BROADCAST GAMES 3-7 OF STANLEY CUP FINAL IN PRIMETIME BEGINNING TOMORROW NIGHT AT 8PM ET

"You have 23 Cups on the Detroit side against four for Pittsburgh. The theater was not too big for them." – NBC's McGuire on Red Wings dominance thus far

"The Penguins have an extremely loyal crowd and I expect them to give the team an extra boost." -- McGuire

NEW YORK – May 27, 2008 – NBC Sports, the network home of the National Hockey League, will broadcasts Games 3-7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings in primetime and presented in high definition beginning tomorrow night at 8 p.m. ET with Game 3 from Pittsburgh. The Red Wings lead the best of seven series 2-0, outscoring the Penguins 7-0 in the first two games.

Mike "Doc" Emrick (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Pierre McGuire (inside-the-glass analyst) call the action. McGuire will pull double duty in the on-location studio show alongside Mike Milbury and Bob Neumeier, the former voice of the Hartford Whalers. NBC's coverage is produced by Sam Flood, former captain of the Williams College hockey team and the son of a hockey coach.

The matchup features some of the NHL's marquee players, including Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marian Hossa against Detroit's trio of Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom. Detroit has won 10 Stanley Cup championships (last in 2002) in their long history as an NHL "Original Six" franchise and the Penguins, two (1991 & 92). Ten current Red Wings players have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup compared with just three for the Penguins.

MCGUIRE ON DETROIT'S DOMINANCE THUS FAR: "The experience really showed in the first two games. You have 23 Cups on the Detroit side against four for Pittsburgh. The theater was not too big for them."

MCGUIRE ON RED WINGS STRATEGY: "Their strategy is obvious, to shut down one player -- Sidney Crosby. Having the last change in Detroit really helped them accomplish that. I know I'm stating the obvious but the Penguins need to get Malkin, Hossa and Sykora going."

MCGUIRE ON THE PENGUINS RETURNING TO PITTSBURGH: "The Penguins have an extremely loyal crowd and I expect them to give the team an extra boost. They haven't lost at home in something like three months. Still, you have to wonder about the Penguins' psyche."

MCGUIRE COMPARING DETROIT RED WINGS AND PISTONS: "Detroit has the great tradition of an original six hockey market and it's called Hockeytown for a reason. Fans are going to watch on TV and I think they're going to keep their eyeballs glued to what could be one of the best Stanley Cup Finals we've seen in a long time. Hooray for 'Hockeytown.'"

OLCZYK ON PITTSBURGH: "You have two great hockey markets and hockey cities. I was lucky enough to spend almost eight years of my hockey life there, as a broadcaster, player and coach, and Pittsburgh is an unbelievable hockey town and an unbelievable hockey market."

EMRICK ON THE STAR POWER IN THIS STANLEY CUP FINAL: "I cannot recall more stars in a final since 1987 when Edmonton had five of the best, but they were all on one team. This time we have the stars divided out on teams."

EMRICK ON NHL: "The moons are aligned properly for the NHL and its popularity."

MCGUIRE ON NHL: "Never before in the history of the NHL have we had this much talent come into the league in such a short period of time. So this is not just a one-hit wonder kind of a final. If the NHL were a stock coming out of the lockout that was the time to buy it."

EMRICK ON CROSBY BEING A CROSSOVER STAR: "He will probably be the first one in the United States since Gretzky who can appear in any number of settings that are hockey related or not and be recognized, particularly after this Final.

"We have wonderful star players on both sides. The thing that causes Sid to stand out more than others is not only his playing excellence, because you have to have that, it helps if you're willing to converse. He's so willing and cooperative to take that extra step that not many players in the past have. They either didn't have the playing excellence or the willingness to do it."

OLCZYK ON CHRIS CHELIOS: "He's the greatest American-born ever to play in the league."

MCGUIRE ON CHELIOS: "One of the advantages of being between the benches is I can hear the conversations and I can tell you, the way he talks to the players, he's been almost another coach on the bench. Chris is another set of eyes for the coaching staff, and when you're looking at somebody eyeball to eyeball and you're Chris Chelios, usually you can make an impact that way."

PRODUCER FLOOD ON HOW HIS TEAM WILL CALL THE FINAL: "When we sign a talent, their first obligation is to the audience. It doesn't matter what jersey you've worn in your career, or what eight or nine jerseys you've worn in your career, the only one that matters at the point when you come on board with NBC is the NBC jersey. Your number one obligation is to the fans and telling the truth about what's happening on the ice, good or bad."

FLOOD ON THE MATCHUP: "Our one rule is whoever wins the previous game, we're rooting for the other team so it can go seven."

STANLEY CUP FINAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE (all times 8 p.m. ET)
Game 3 Wednesday, May 28 Detroit at Pittsburgh NBC
Game 4 Saturday, May 31 Detroit at Pittsburgh NBC
Game 5 * Monday, June 2 Pittsburgh at Detroit NBC
Game 6 * Wednesday, June 4 Detroit at Pittsburgh NBC
Game 7 * Saturday, June 7 Pittsburgh at Detroit NBC

*if necessary

Find this article at:
http://www.nbcumv.com/sports/release_detail.nbc/sports-20080527000000-034thepenguinsh.html

I'm kind of worried that all the Penguins whining might get them some preferential treatment from the refs, I think if this series gets extended it should be from hard fought play and not from crying to the refs.

Gary Roberts, who appeared to get away with a semi-sucker punch to Johan Franzen’s face with about nine minutes left in Game 2, said after reviewing film of that play he believes Franzen goes to the same diving school as Osgood.

“It’s obvious he decided to skate back into the play and then he decided to go down,” Roberts said. “He obviously embellished it. If my glove got in his face, by no means was it a punch that should knock a guy down like that. He shouldn’t be playing if he falls that easily.”

If my glove got in his face? You punched him, you sore loser!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pSGShYjQX2s

I used to like the Penguins before this series, now I hope they don't score a goal all series and there team gets moved to Kentucky.

Good morning from sunny Pittsburgh. We'll look in throughout the day and after we get on the air.

Enjoy the game.

Wendel

Good morning from sunny Pittsburgh. We'll look in throughout the day and after we get on the air.

Enjoy the game.

Wendel

I will if Pit can score some goals

I used to like the Penguins before this series, now I hope they don't score a goal all series and there team gets moved to Kentucky.

That's kind of rude. I'd tell you I hope a Virginia professional sports team gets moved, but you don't have any; and D.C. does not count.

I'm kind of worried that all the Penguins whining might get them some preferential treatment from the refs, I think if this series gets extended it should be from hard fought play and not from crying to the refs.



If my glove got in his face? You punched him, you sore loser!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pSGShYjQX2s

I used to like the Penguins before this series, now I hope they don't score a goal all series and there team gets moved to Kentucky.

My buddy from Mich and I are on the phone a lot while watching games. He is saying the same things you are. If you read my post at all previously I NEVER said anything bad about Detroit and admit they are a good team, clean and the best this year.

This talk of the Pens now being different and whining more and saying different things is BS. Crosby is talking the same way he did all season long. The questions he was asked were brought up by the press and not him. It was the press that asked about obstruction. It was the press that opened the can of worms. It was the press that brought up Osgood's diving. Crosby never came out on his own and said the Wings are this and that. He ONLY responded to the questions he was asked. You heard him if you listened to the after game interview. He said the Pens need to execute. That was his main focus.

Amazing even with my buddy in Mich., Detroit is up two games, with two shutouts and if anyone is whining it is Detroit fans claiming the Pens are now dirty, whiny, etc.
Detroit fans should stfu and enjoy basking in the glow. I hear him whining more now about the Pens than he did about any team all season. He is saying the Pens are now worse than Anaheim. He is drinking the Kool Aid and delusional.

And the real issue for many from hardcore fans, to those just watching the cup, the press etc. is many want someone other than Detroit to win. Many see Detroit as a dynasty or not too different from the Yankees, Bulls of years ago, etc. Many want what they see as the underdog to win and that is why many are favoring the Pens.

The games even with shutouts have NOT been blowouts or even Detroit dominating. What Detroit is doing very well is capitlizing on the 3 or 4 mistakes the Pens are making on turnovers and turning them into goals. It is not like Detroit is just skating in with the puck and pass, pass shoot score. The Pens so far have been their own worst enemies. Again, Detroit is great and probably the best this year and forcing some of those turnovers, but almost every goal so far has been the Pens turning it over in their zone with several being right in front of the net. If the Pens stop making mistakes like they have here is what I believe will happen. First period, 0-0. Second Period, 0-0. Third Period, 0-0. Until someone makes a mistake and the other team capitilizes based on what I have seen so far the games could go 0-0 into OT. Tonight will obviously tell us what will happen. If the Pens can win tonight and look different, then it is game on. If not and they lose and Detroit does more of the same, then it is game over and Detroit is in a league of their own as many commentators have said and I would agree.

Oh and I agree about Roberts. Even if it wasn't that hard or whatever, IMO it is the Pronger mentality. Remember Pronger's suspensions? He claims that it is not his fault for being so tall that other player's heads are at his elbow height, like those players heads are looking to run into Pronger's elbows.

I used to like the Penguins before this series, now I hope they don't score a goal all series and there team gets moved to Kentucky.

Seriously, there needs to be an extermination of bandwagon Wing fans (like Droid) across America. It must suck to be a true Wings fan and sit and have to listen to what these ''so-called'' Wings fans have to say, while being miles and miles away from Detroit.

Seriously, there needs to be an extermination of bandwagon Wing fans (like Droid) across America. It must suck to be a true Wings fan and sit and have to listen to what these ''so-called'' Wings fans have to say, while being miles and miles away from Detroit.

Swish, IMO this is not a justification but an explanation of the mentality going on with some Detroit fans and even some of the team. Detroit and their fans egos have been so built up. It seems any detractions, any negative comments about Detroit or any time other teams call BS on Detroit, their fans ego's have been so elevated with all the wins, hockey talk and press chatter, that they immediately get rabidly defensive. Detroit is a great club. The best this year, but they are not OMNIPOTENT!

Seriously, there needs to be an extermination of bandwagon Wing fans (like Droid) across America. It must suck to be a true Wings fan and sit and have to listen to what these ''so-called'' Wings fans have to say, while being miles and miles away from Detroit.

Better yet an extermination of people who have no clue what they're are talking about. There wouldn't be any chance that maybe i'm actually from Detroit and have been watching the Red Wings for 25 years that's why I like them, of course not, no chance of that. Don't worry Swisher33 you're not the only not the only one on this page with limited reasoning skills (just the only one that suggested I be exterminated).

Amazing even with my buddy in Mich., Detroit is up two games, with two shutouts and if anyone is whining it is Detroit fans claiming the Pens are now dirty, whiny, etc.
Detroit fans should stfu and enjoy basking in the glow. I hear him whining more now about the Pens than he did about any team all season. He is saying the Pens are now worse than Anaheim. He is drinking the Kool Aid and delusional.

Your friend is a little delusional, but it doesn't excuse the Penguins players and coach trying to sway the refs to make up for there inadequate play in the finals. If your team doesn't match up then play your hardest and try again next year, that's what Detroit does, you never (go back to the interference call in game 4 of the Dallas series) here them blaming the refs or players "acting jobs" for a loss. I think the main thing about this mismatch is that these teams are from two different conferences and the Eastern Conference is just a weaker conference this year, in my opinion you saw the two best teams play last round when Detroit played Dallas.

And the real issue for many from hardcore fans, to those just watching the cup, the press etc. is many want someone other than Detroit to win. Many see Detroit as a dynasty or not too different from the Yankees, Bulls of years ago, etc. Many want what they see as the underdog to win and that is why many are favoring the Pens.

They should find a way to respect what Detroit when they draft these amazing players. Zetterberg was a 7th round pick and Datsyuk in the 6th round. The Yankees pay for championships and the Bulls had Michael Jordan the best player ever to play in the NBA. If Detroit wasn't in it I would have rooted for the Penguins also, I love the under dog, but blaming the refs for being shut out 2 games in a row is a little weak.

The games even with shutouts have NOT been blowouts or even Detroit dominating. What Detroit is doing very well is capitlizing on the 3 or 4 mistakes the Pens are making on turnovers and turning them into goals. It is not like Detroit is just skating in with the puck and pass, pass shoot score. The Pens so far have been their own worst enemies. Again, Detroit is great and probably the best this year and forcing some of those turnovers, but almost every goal so far has been the Pens turning it over in their zone with several being right in front of the net. If the Pens stop making mistakes like they have here is what I believe will happen. First period, 0-0. Second Period, 0-0. Third Period, 0-0. Until someone makes a mistake and the other team capitilizes based on what I have seen so far the games could go 0-0 into OT. Tonight will obviously tell us what will happen. If the Pens can win tonight and look different, then it is game on. If not and they lose and Detroit does more of the same, then it is game over and Detroit is in a league of their own as many commentators have said and I would agree.

You just pointed out the key difference between these teams, Detroit is able to capitalize on there chances and that's what good teams do. Pittsburgh has had there chances and blew it or Detroit was there to clean up there own mess.

That's kind of rude. I'd tell you I hope a Virginia professional sports team gets moved, but you don't have any; and D.C. does not count.

See above (post #47). And I don't really want them to get moved to Ketucky that was a joke. I would be embarrased if our coach acted like Therrien, he should be more worried about what he's going to do to win a game than what our goalie does when one of his players checks him. I wonder what Mario thinks of Therrien right now.

I just don't want this series to turn into something that it's not from the refs trying to appease Pittsburgh. Dallas complaining about goalie interference carried over to this round, i don't want to see a bunch of unwarranted diving calls on the Wings for the rest of this series. Let your teams play win the game, not your ability to pressure the refs into bad calls. It should be a great first period today, I can't wait for the game to start.

Pregame sounds great Wendel, top notch as always.

Audio here sounded like mono or bad stereo from at least the start of the game until 3:16 or so when the screen flashed and the audio went to true DD5.1. Sounds great now that it's real 5.1 and not an upmix. KPNX-DT Phoenix via Cox cable.

WNBC-DT NYC FIOS TV

Getting the usual macroblocking on all camera shots but a least all the cams are HD.

Audio is out of sync, ahead of the video by about 160ms. Commercials seem OK, so I don't think it's the station.

NBC's PQ looks worse then Versus. WNBC via Cablevision.

Versus's HD looks quite a bit better than NBC's[on WMAQ via Comcast]......just looks kind've dull[could be the arena lighting or NBC's video equipment].

Video seems to be a little "hot" on all cameras, they need to be shaded down a bit, as some of the players' jerseys are washed out a little. Watching OTA on both WMAQ-DT Chicago, which they get from NBC via fiber; but the picture looks a bit less hot and not washed out on WREX-DT Rockford, who receives it via satellite.

Wow! Did someone give the Penguins a Red Bull? It looks great here on Cox, NBC.

NBC's PQ looks worse then Versus. WNBC via Cablevision.
All looked and sounded great [WNBC 4-1 OTA HD] ... except the final score!
I didn't know a penguin was a diving bird ...

All looked and sounded great [WNBC 4-1 OTA HD] ... except the final score!
I didn't know a penguin was a diving bird ...

What was wrong about the result? Looks good to me:)
I actually hope that we get another game like this. The Wings still look like the the more complete team, but it'll be great, if the Pens can stretch this to at least 6 games.

Well, this was a lot more like I expected this series to look. Good to see Sid the Kid living up to his hype. Nice to see Franzen getting back in his groove. I'm looking forward to Saturday and hope Holmer is back; feeling better about that extra day between games now.

Pens simply played better tonight. I don't think we'll see that again.

Well, this was a lot more like I expected this series to look. Good to see Sid the Kid living up to his hype. Nice to see Franzen getting back in his groove. I'm looking forward to Saturday and hope Holmer is back; feeling better about that extra day between games now.

I agree this was a fun game to watch. I have no horse in this race so all I want to see is great hockey like last nights game.

Good game. Pens need to continue to work hard. I've been really impressed by Detroit. Not much to dislike about that team. Very business like and mucho skill. Players are well aware of what it takes to win the cup. Damn, I wish the Pens were playing another team.

Gooooooooooooo-wings!

Could the camera have been any farther away?!?!
I felt like I could have looked out my window and had a closer view -- and I live in Detroit. Seriously, I have a 70 inch Sony and felt like I was watching ants on ice.
And what was with that horrible above center ice view of the Detroit power play. Again, waaaay too far away and jerking all over the place - made it almost unwatchable.
Horrible coverage (of a great game - even though the Wings lost) by NBC.

Games like last night is what has made the NHL playoffs so enjoyable to watch the last 10-15 years. I hope the Pens can win the next one and make a series out of this because if they don't it will end in 5.

I must say that was one of the loudest crowds I have ever heard for a hockey game, did anyone else get that impression?

Could the camera have been any farther away?!?!
I felt like I could have looked out my window and had a closer view -- and I live in Detroit. Seriously, I have a 70 inch Sony and felt like I was watching ants on ice.
And what was with that horrible above center ice view of the Detroit power play. Again, waaaay too far away and jerking all over the place - made it almost unwatchable.
Horrible coverage (of a great game - even though the Wings lost) by NBC.

I also noticed that the picture seemed to be almost hazy as though the contrast was turned down too much.

It was nice to see some life from the Pens. There were some very exciting sequences in this game, like the long stretch of uninterrupted play in the 3rd with rushes in both directions and lots of good checks. Edge of the seat stuff.

I hope the Pens can do it again, but I fear that they will be hard-pressed to keep up this pace. Even with all that energy they brought it was a close game that could have turned the other way. I don't know how they can change things back in Detroit even if they can win game 4. The Wings still seem to be able to gain the offensive zone too efficiently and they get lots of good chances. Fleury has to continue to come up big. I was real disappointed with that play where Scuderi let Franzen walk straight in on goal. Good play by him, but a defenseman has to get inside position and stand the puck-handler up on that play.

I also noticed that the picture seemed to be almost hazy as though the contrast was turned down too much.

This seems to be typical of NBC's NHL coverage. In contrast, hockey on HDNet, looks incredible.

In contrast, hockey on HDNet, looks incredible. +1! As does everything else.

This seems to be typical of NBC's NHL coverage. In contrast, hockey on HDNet, looks incredible.


Yes. I always praise HDNet's hockey coverage PQ. The only one I have seen better and it is only slightly better is the NHL Network HD. When they replay the games from NBC or Versus though at midnight my time, I have two banners to contend with. The NBC/Versus banner up top and then the NHL Net one below. Without exaggeration, my 60 in tv loses half or more of the screen with two banners. Yes HALF Ridiculous!

The Pens have to play the way they did last night to even have a chance. I know Detroit is relatively clean, but they are good at hiding the "little" obstructions, hence tying up other teams almost with a neutral zone trap that true hockey fans abhor.

Anyone see Draper antagonizing Crosby when Crosby was slightly behind Draper and he was following the puck in? Draper was holding Crosby back with his stick in his gut, technically interference. As a hockey player who plays clean and likes clean hockey, I know exactly what Crosby was thinking and saying to Draper when Crosby slashed Drapers stick out of the way. He was thinking, get that fing stick out of my gut and let's play "hockey". Look, when clean players who know rough, dirty hockey get frustrated with cheap tactics that are borderline penalties like Draper's, they react exactly like Crosby did. Someone or Crosby himself realized that if he keeps playing fairytale hockey and doesn't step up his physical game, Crosby and the Pens will get stepped on. There were several times Crosby was slashing at the puck and I had NEVER seen him do that all season. There was one time he actually broke his stick when slashing at someone's stick behind the goal. It really could have been called a slashing penalty. That was during that intense, non stop action that had several players breaking there sticks within minutes of each other.

What is also true is that is a relatively clean player like Crosby goes to using those tactics, he looks twice as bad as a usual suspect of those tactics. For example if a Pronger or even a Pens player like Roberts goes there it is expected and we know they are jerks, but if a Zetterberg or Crosby does it, they look evil.

There were many examples of both teams using some cheap crap last night, like Roberts two hands to the head of I believe it was Lilja?. I don't care for that crap at all. The difference was the Pens made less mistakes, were more intense and more physical than the other two games.

Even as a Pen's fan I have to agree with Ken H. I think we won't see that again from the Pens as much as I would love to.

With the small puck, Hockey is just perfect for large screen high def. I am not a huge hockey fan but being from the Detroit area it is fun to see the Wings in the finals.

I am a hockey fan first over all other sports. I believe that hockey benefits from HD more than any of the other big 3 (baseball, basketball and football). I myself would still watch the games if they were only in SD (please don't though!!) but I have some friends who never watched much hockey but now since getting HDTV they have been watching it a lot more. Their reasoning is that the play is easier to follow and the small details that you couldn't see before but can now make them have more respect for the game and the athletic skills that hockey players have.

Onto the topic of this series, I just wish Game 4 was on tonight only because I have nothing else to watch tonight. Oh well, it should be a great game tomorrow night. I still think the Wings will take the series but I am hoping it goes 7 games just for the added drama of a long series. I'm glad that for the first time in awhile the 2 best teams (IMO) from each conference are playing in the Finals.

With the small puck, Hockey is just perfect for large screen high def. I am not a huge hockey fan but being from the Detroit area it is fun to see the Wings in the finals.

I've watched all games on my 106" projector but Wednesdays game I went to bed and watched the last period on my 36inchsd tv. I couldn't see what the heck was going on.

I hope we get a game like we did the other night, to me that is the way hockey should be played.

Good morning from Pittsburgh.

WS

Good morning from Pittsburgh.

WS

Good afternoon please bring more goals to the Pen's tonight.

Good afternoon please bring more goals to the Pen's tonight.

One of us wants the series to last longer. One of us wants to go home. You decide which is which. :)

One of us wants the series to last longer. One of us wants to go home. You decide which is which. :)Ok Wendel, I expect you to handle this today....

Ok Wendel, I expect you to handle this today....

???

Either way, there's a drive to Motown in my Sunday morning plans.

Looks pretty good in HD up here in Toronto ... [and in SD on a monitor near me tuned to WGRZ Buffalo/NBC]

Looks and sounds good on WDIV via Comcast in Detroit.

NBC, needs to stop using the scoreboard robo to show power play coverage. Its a great replay angle but not meant for game coverage.

Even though NBC did its own tribute to Luc Bourdon it would have been nice to show the moment of silence and the national anthem instead of commercials.

I agree that NBC needs to stop using the camera over the faceoff dot during power plays. It's too hard to follow the game action, especially when the puck is down low. I'd rather see the shot from behind the net being used if the director feels the need to do a straight-on look during power plays, but the main TV camera is still better.

homcom,
i right there with you. we have 1 game so far this series with the Anthem and that was on Memorial Day. I sent NBC an email once the game started tonight about not showing the Anthem. The CBC NEVER skips the anthems US and Canadian.

WDIV in Detroit again makes the poor decision to cut from network coverage as soon as the clock hits zero for a local post game show. They then immediately went to commercial.

Please WDIV let the network finish its coverage before doing your post game show.

I just flipped on the end of the game after work here in DFW and it was in SD. I am guessing it was HD everywhere else.

Great game! Do you think Crosby was asking Zetterberg for an autograph at the end of the game?

Good night from Pittsburgh. I'll check in from Detroit.

WS

Malkin certainly didn't live up to his billing as a star in tonight's game. He screwed around way too much on the power plays and cost Pittsburgh a number of chances.

Glad to see the refs finally call the Wings for interference in the defensive zone. However, Pittsburgh's inability to score on the resulting 5 on 3 tells me the series will be ending on Monday since Detroit will again have last change and will be able to continue to shut down Crosby.

That 1:27 Wings 5 on 3 PK was awesome. With 6 penalties tonight, Detroit's PK has really done a job on Pittsburgh's PP. Z was playing both ends of the ice all night.

Ozzie remains stellar in net. The Wings really controlled that 3rd period, otherwise I thought the game could have gone either way. Stuart made up for his cough up the other night.

Great game! Do you think Crosby was asking Zetterberg for an autograph at the end of the game?

No he was asking him to show him how to do the one hand on the stick and one hand around Crosby's arm move everytime there was a puck battle. Actually Crosby was doing it too, so he must have said "I can play that way too, thanks for the tip. I am sure by the time I am a few years older like you I will have my wasteful youthful exuberance gone and have mastered the "legal" clutch and grab that makes all you NHL vets so good".

I would get so pissed out there if I was playing. I wouldn't be pissed at the players though. Hey if they can get away with it, more power to them as cheap as it is. It is the refs that are the issue.


All BS aside, as much as clutch and grab has been called in the NHL, it and some other types of interference goes on and on. It is interesting because the Euros particularly the Swedes like fast, open skating hockey, but they have been coached in the N.A. style. I believe Crosby really likes the free open skating and like the play where he drove in to the net during the third and got interfered with he gets pissed. I would be too and it is part of hockey, but it sure is frustrating.

What a time for Malkin to have a slump. :mad: He not only has no energy, but all kidding aside that one pass I think it was during the power play, he totally blew, and I could have got that one. It was an easy pass to receive. Even one announcer said it is like he has no energy. And Detroit as good as they are playing can't take any credit for Malkin's poor play. He looks like his own worst enemy out there. He is one of maybe the top three players in the league this year and he is sucking in the most important series. :o

What a time for Malkin to have a slump He reminds of fellow countryman Yashin.

Wings are simply a better team.

Too bad the first two games were not as good as the last two. Anyway the game was won on how the Wings killed that 5-3, to me the Pens looked very tired in that 3rd period and probably because the Crosby line has played way to much and it had finally caught up with them. Yes it is good to have superstars but if you overplay them, they will turn in to just your average NHL players and I think this is what is happening now. The Pens are burnt out, series ends Monday!

I agree that NBC needs to stop using the camera over the faceoff dot during power plays. It's too hard to follow the game action, especially when the puck is down low. I'd rather see the shot from behind the net being used if the director feels the need to do a straight-on look during power plays, but the main TV camera is still better.

I agree that the overhead angle is awful, and even Mike Emrick commented on it. I think it was Pittsburgh's second power play in the first period. Emrick must have looked at his monitor and said, "That's an interesting angle." I am sure he was referring to what he was seeing on the monitor but then quickly changed the subject. It actually disappeared for the next period and a half after that comment but reared its ugly head again in the third.

This is what happens when you get directors who have new toys and know nothing about the sport they are covering. You have to remember that hockey has a very loyal following but does not have a large fan base in the U.S. Supposedly, they are trying to attract more fans. Did last night's director actually think it helped people who don't know hockey follow the power play? Heck, I've been watching for over 40 years, and I could barely follow the puck.

SMK

NBC, needs to stop using the scoreboard robo to show power play coverage. Its a great replay angle but not meant for game coverage.
Viewing WDIV-DT NBC Detroit, via Charter. Looked good and sounded great.

Agree 100% about the robo cam. It was making me slightly ill, and of the ten people I was watching with, none of them liked it.

As I had hoped, the Wings stepped up. The 5 on 3 kill was the turning point; Zetterburg was everywhere. Cleary did a solid job replacing Holmstrom on the #1 line. McCarty was solid on line 4. Ozzie was solid in the net.

Not sure how Lidstrom was the #1 star, as I thought he was giving away the puck a lot more than usual.

The Wings out hit the Pens from the get go. By the 3rd period, the Wings were winning the little battles, because the Pens were out of gas.

He reminds of fellow countryman Yashin.

Wings are simply a better team.

Yes. And while there are some Euros on the Pens, over analyzing it a bit it seems Detroits Euros are better than the Pen's Americans . Detroit has so much depth, so much talent, but that alone isn't even enough. Everything has to line up to have the kind of season and quality of play Detroit has. Management made the right initial moves. The coach and his style have to meld right with the right players. All those superstars have to get along on and off the ice. Zetterburg even said it in the on ice interview right after the game. He was asked if he was speaking English to his fellow Swedes during game play. He said it was all Swedish at the end. :D You are not going to get that kind of melding with a Crosby and Malkin, etc.

Simply, I am saying the stars have aligned perfectly for Detroit. From the front office, to coaching, to the players everything is coming together for them perfectly based on CHOICES.

Hi from Detroit.

Hi SNF. Glad you got there safe. I think you said it was going to be a drive. How long does it take from Pitt?

http://msn.foxsports.com:80/nhl/story/8197824/If-Red-Wings-win,-look-for-teams-to-copy-style

While I agree with some of it, I don't buy all of what that link is trying to say. It is even simpler than that IMO. Detroit player for player is better than virtually every player on the Pens and the experience plays into that. Zetterberg is better than Crosby, because Crosby is still making those youthful mistakes as in blind behind the back passes like yesterday's game. Franzen, Lidstrom, Samuelson, are better than...

And even if that kind of style of playing is effective, I still maintain that is NOT the reason Malkin is doing so poorly. He really just seems to have hit a slump and is taking away tremendously from what Pitt could do.

Hi SNF. Glad you got there safe. I think you said it was going to be a drive. How long does it take from Pitt?

Drive is 4.5 hours. During the playoffs, we drove it once and flew it once. Time-wise, with checking bags, security, and rental cars, it was almost the same. So the audio guys stayed on the ground and burned $4/gal fuel.

pittsburg isn't even in the same league as detroit, they could play this series a hundred times and detroit would come out ahead 99 times, now in a few years that might change, maybe :)

A behind the scenes look at us NBC folks...

http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=2

'NBC Production' on the right

It's obviously a PR piece, but a good look inside the mobile unit and the arenas...

WS

A behind the scenes look at us NBC folks...

http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=2

'NBC Production' on the right

It's obviously a PR piece, but a good look inside the mobile unit and the arenas...

WS


Thanks for posting the link it was interesting however Carrie was more interesting ;)

A behind the scenes look at us NBC folks...

http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=2

'NBC Production' on the right

It's obviously a PR piece, but a good look inside the mobile unit and the arenas...

WSWho was that handsome guy in the striped shirt?

Who was that handsome guy in the striped shirt?

Here's what I learned from the video....my hair is too short.

Here we go! Is tonight going to be it?

[QUOTE=SNF Mixer;13997840]Here's what I learned from the video....my hair is too short.[/QUOTE

It's all fun and games until the Flowbee gets out of control.

LOLLLLLLLLL @ Kronwall. Wrong net, buddy. 2-0, Pens.

Here's what I learned from the video....my hair is too short.

I laughed very loud at your comment. :D

Anyone else notice the movie ad animation with blue hockey player shooting the puck?
It was not placed correctly for 4:3 safe and half of it was off the screen on the SD feed.

How we look/sound?

How we look/sound?

Sound is super. Video is typical NBC, good but not great with some blocking.

How we look/sound?

You were looking good until Malones face got blasted with the puck! Real blood pouring out like a faucet in high definition. :eek: Oh yeah, sounds good, also.

Go Pens go! I'm not ready for Hockey season to end.

Go Pens go! I'm not ready for Hockey season to end.

:(

:)

Great audio Wendel.

Almost time to go to the high game camera too many people standing to see action along the near boards.

Great audio letting us hear everything the fans chear.

:(

You could hardly hear the buzzer sound. Is it really that loud or is Wendel pumping it up for us? ;)

I hope the Wings win it so we don't have to see that thing on Crosby's face during any more press conferences.

Son of a

I'm glad I took a nap today, this one might take a while.

You could hardly hear the buzzer sound. Is it really that loud or is Wendel pumping it up for us? ;)

I hope the Wings win it so we don't have to see that thing on Crosby's face during any more press conferences.

'tis quite loud.

Is it just me or is Detroit a much better passing team than Pittsburgh. It seems that Pittsburgh is just a little sloppy.

Go Pittsburgh!!!

What is with the blurry graphics on the NBC feed in 1080i on DTV? It looks just like the same blurry eye killing graphics that sort of fade into focus over a second or so that I had to suffer through with Sunday Night Football.

I guess I'll switch the receiver to 720p (my native res) and see if it goes away.

Anybody else notice this?

Sleepy.

the abysmal effort by the pens in the game 4 5on3 and this game5 OT PP in terms of pass-pass-pass-try-to-set-up-the-clinic-highlight-tap-in-shot instead of shoot-chase rebound-shoot-chase rebound-etc should cost Therrien his job. those 2 possessions alone are emblematic of why the pens have no chance at this point-- they're coached into not utilizing their best assets. this team doesn't have the skill at all positions/lines to do what they are trying.

WDIV in Detroit over D* is having all kinds of problems right now. Pixelating and went off the air for 2-3 minutes.

There will be no driving to the net.

Is it sleepier or more sleepy?

Problem with either the clock or the NBC score bug. More then 3 seconds left on the NBC score bug when the horn sounded for the intermission.

Tuesday morning muster, everyone still awake!

WILXHD just disappeared from my TV in the middle of the 2nd OT. Just flat up went to black screen. Just did a rescan of my QAM channels and they aren't there. Checked all channels with my HDHR, no WILXHD or WKARHD(PBS). WTF!

Unbelievable game!!! Refs: Put the whistles away!
I have to be up for work in 5 hours. Oh well. It's worth it!

Problem with either the clock or the NBC score bug. More then 3 seconds left on the NBC score bug when the horn sounded for the intermission.

So someone else caught that also. I noticed it on the SD feed.

WNBC-DT NYC FIOS TV

Slomo replays look nice, video has the standard macroblocking but still looks ok.
I'm listening to a 2.0 down mix on my PC speakers and it sounds good.

What is this? I've been watching since the third period and there haven't been any fights???!!! I thought I was watching Hockey? ;)

One heck of a game. You have to give Fluery credit, 50+ saves.

One heck of a game. You have to give Fluery credit, 50+ saves.

Fleury won that game for Pittsburgh.

WHDH-DT Boston went SD for the close of the broadcast.

Guess I need gas money...back to the 'burgh.

See you Wednesday night for game 6.

W

Great game! Too bad it got over so late and a lot of people probably missed the ending.
Have to give the Pens credit for never giving up even though they were getting outplayed badly there for awhile. This has to be a tough loss for the Wings since they were so close to winning it, lets see how they bounce back for game six. This series is getting very interesting, it is now possible to go the distance if the Pens have anything left to win another one.

Great game! Too bad it got over so late and a lot of people probably missed the ending.
Depends where you live. It ended in perfect prime time on the west coast. I actually watched the end live, after catching up with my dvr:)

Go Penguins!

What is with the blurry graphics on the NBC feed in 1080i on DTV? It looks just like the same blurry eye killing graphics that sort of fade into focus over a second or so that I had to suffer through with Sunday Night Football.

I guess I'll switch the receiver to 720p (my native res) and see if it goes away.

Anybody else notice this?
*Dusts off the stock reply*
Blurring on high-motion shots is almost certainly due to your local affiliate using an improperly-configured Harris Flexicoder. The station's engineer needs to go into the config for the encoder and set the prefilter (aka "prefilt") to 1 or disabled. Having it set to 0 or adaptive causes the encoder to blur when high motion is shown, such as a fast pan across a detailed screen, or a logo flying across the screen after a replay or whatever. This issue (and the fix) is known by all the networks, and the station engineer should be able to contact the network's engineering department to confirm this.

Glad to see my earlier prediction of a Wings victory was wrong. Pittsburgh played great for the first half of regulation, then fell apart and were damn lucky to force OT. Malkin still made too many cute plays that resulted in turnovers, and if I was the coach, I'd be having a few words with him about that.Unfortunately, Pittsburgh seems to be totally out of gas and with the addition of the injuries tonight, I don't think they can withstand Detroit for another game.

Is it sleepier or more sleepy?

tired! :D

What a marathon. The Wings certainly had their chances, and at the least should have had the empty netter before the end of regulation. Oh well, game 6 on in, what, 20 minutes.....

Game 7 should be a doozy.

I can't believe I stayed up that late. Oh well it was worth it, nothing beats sudden death playoff hockey! Today is going to be a rough day at work on only 5hrs sleep.

Picture and Audio looked great on TWC in Syracuse, NY. At least once they went HD (around 5 min. mark of 1st period), not sure if that was NBC or TWC, but no biggy.

Wendel, If you are taking suggestions... I can't be the only one not fond of the scoreboard cam during powerplays. Using it for replays and such is fine, but during live action, it just can't seem to keep up with the play. I don't know, maybe I am alone on that?

On to the game, even though Sykora scored the OT goal (and called it!!), Fleury absolutely won the game for the Pens. He was dynamite! I almost turned the game off after Rafalski scored the go-ahead-goal in the third as I thought the Pens were done and even believed the Wings would score a few more to put it away. I will give 'big props' to the Pens players and coaches for never giving up, and 'huge props' to Malone for coming back in the third after getting a slapshot to the face with an already broken nose. I'm a goalie and I get slapshots to my noggin' all the time and even with a mask it leaves a ringing in your ears and sometimes hurts a little, I can only imagine how much pain Malone is feeling this morning.
Game 7 should be a doozy.
You mean IF there is a game 7. :)

Can't wait until tomorrow's game!!

Guess I need gas money...back to the 'burgh.

See you Wednesday night for game 6.

W


Sorry Wendel, but I'll take two more games like that. I hope you got OT pay.

Did not stay up - as I would have had only 4 hours sleep (driving into DC - you have to get out early). But if the Hurricanes had been involved, I would have stayed up. I hope it goes seven.

(via iPhone on Ohio Turnpike 190 miles from Pittsburgh)

We're tired but we'll be ok. We're still set up in Pittsburgh. We'll stop by Mellon and do a quick check of everything this afternoon.

I won't comment on video shots used during the show. It's not my department. I know you understand.

W

*Dusts off the stock reply*

Quote:
Originally Posted by tivoklr
What is with the blurry graphics on the NBC feed in 1080i on DTV? It looks just like the same blurry eye killing graphics that sort of fade into focus over a second or so that I had to suffer through with Sunday Night Football.

I guess I'll switch the receiver to 720p (my native res) and see if it goes away.

Anybody else notice this?

*Dusts off the stock reply*

Quote:
Originally Posted by coyoteaz
Blurring on high-motion shots is almost certainly due to your local affiliate using an improperly-configured Harris Flexicoder. The station's engineer needs to go into the config for the encoder and set the prefilter (aka "prefilt") to 1 or disabled. Having it set to 0 or adaptive causes the encoder to blur when high motion is shown, such as a fast pan across a detailed screen, or a logo flying across the screen after a replay or whatever. This issue (and the fix) is known by all the networks, and the station engineer should be able to contact the network's engineering department to confirm this.


I saw the same issue as tivoklr and I'm not sure that it is the same problem as what your stock reply is referring too. The blurring didn't occur when there was any motion or fast camera panning. It was quite the opposite - basically nothing was moving. I noticed the picture being blurry when they would be coming back from a commercial break and showing a face off. Over a second or two, the picture would become crisp and sharp and I wouldn't notice it again for a while.

Yes, that is the same issue. The proper settings should correct the out of focus issue when returning from breaks (also when coming out of a replay, IIRC from the NFL).

(via iPhone on Ohio Turnpike 190 miles from Pittsburgh)

We're tired but we'll be ok. We're still set up in Pittsburgh. We'll stop by Mellon and do a quick check of everything this afternoon.W


That's good that you're still set up in PA, you can catch up on some sleep. I guess that means you're also still set up in Detroit. So if this ends Wednesday you still have to go back to Detroit to break that down?

Great game last night. Maybe it's my local NBC affiliate (KNTV) but the overall quality of the picture was OK but not really up to the best HD standards. I have no dog in this fight but Pittsburgh was very lucky to get out of this one alive. All of the OT periods were thoroughly dominated by Detroit. Only Fleury kept the Penguins from a Summer of fishing. Detroit had waves of offensive rushes via puck carrying and forechecking while the Penguins were weakly trying to dump the puck put of their zone. The Penguins had some offensive skirmishes but there was no consistent offense. You could see that the Detroit players had far more jump as the OTs went on. Pittsburgh looked like they trying not to lose while Detroit was playing to end it. One nice thing was that the game was won on a first class wrist shot off of a good setup feed. Sikora's shot was beautiful and real old school.

I would say just the opposite, the Penguins played much better in OT2 and OT3. Heck, in OT2 they were tied in shots! If you watched the entire series, you would know how rare that is. The pens have the much younger team, so they should have had decent legs down the stretch.

It was a miracle the Pens survived the 3rd Period and the first OT, those were thorough domination. Especially, playing without their top defensemen. Pretty amazing.

That's good that you're still set up in PA, you can catch up on some sleep. I guess that means you're also still set up in Detroit. So if this ends Wednesday you still have to go back to Detroit to break that down?

From rainy, rainy, rainy Mellon Arena....

We're still set up in Detroit, yes. Some folks will have to travel back to knock down. I don't know whom or if I am on the list. NBC has us on the clock through Sunday.

W

From TV Week

Stanley Cup’s Strong Ratings No Match for Reruns
By Michele Greppi

Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals was a triple-overtime thriller on NBC that scored the best metered-market ratings in nearly five years for a Stanley Cup game. However, entertainment repeats on Fox and CBS kept the Pittsburgh Penguins-Detroit Red Wings match from skating away with the ratings crown on a Monday night with no runaway winners.

According to preliminary national data from Nielsen Media Research that is likely to be refined later in the day, Fox’s lineup of “Bones” and “House” repeats averaged a 2.4 rating among the 18- to 49-year-old viewers most desired by advertisers and 8 million viewers overall.

CBS’ all-repeat Monday night lineup averaged a 2.5 rating in the demo and 7.9 million viewers.

ABC’s combo of “The Bachelorette” and “The Mole” mustered up an average 2.1 in the demo and nearly 5.9 million viewers to finish fourth behind the hockey game, which posted a 2.5 in the demo and 5.8 million viewers. “The Mole” barely poked its ratings head up, averaging a 1.9 in the demo and 4.7 million viewers, the lowest showing of the night other than The CW.

The CW’s lineup of “Gossip Girl” and “One Tree Hill” repeats averaged a 0.6 rating in the 18-49 demo and 1.3 million viewers. In The CW’s chosen target of women 18-34, the average for the night was 0.8.

If it were me I would hope for Game 7 if I was the Detroit truck crew... more guys to help tear out!:D:D Wendel welcome to Pittsburgh. Looks like rain for yinz guys tomorrow as well. Game sounded great last night. Pictures weren't too bad either.

Get some sleep. I'll be heading out to see the boyz on ND3 for the open...any messages?

Yes, that is the same issue. The proper settings should correct the out of focus issue when returning from breaks (also when coming out of a replay, IIRC from the NFL).

I think even with the proper encoder settings, there's still a bit of blurring after major scene changes. I remember when NBC started doing SNF, the blurring was absolutely terrible on WKYC here in Cleveland (and judging by AVS feedback, pretty much everywhere else), then the "memo" went out and the picture was much improved. But we still get a bit of blurring coming back from breaks or a switch from a full-screen graphic. WKYC does have a WeatherMinus subchannel, so I don't expect the PQ on NBC here will ever be perfect.

With that said, I thought the PQ was pretty good for the hockey game, and I'm watching on a 50" 1080p plasma.

The trademark of the Flexicoder blur is that it goes back to sharpness in distinct steps as it works back through each of the 6(?) settings. If the picture just looks like crap for a second and then gets better all at once, it's just the encoder not having enough bits to accurately represent the video.

If it were me I would hope for Game 7 if I was the Detroit truck crew... more guys to help tear out!:D:D

Are you referring to the rioting, or packing up the equipment?:D

Are you referring to the rioting, or packing up the equipment?:D

I would guess rioting:eek:

I hope the Pens can get another win tonight so we can watch a game 7.

Good afternoon from Mellon. Here we go again...

Some snapshots from here...

All right the wings are going to play the game of the year tonight (so are the pens but it won't matter) and the cup will be presented to Captain Nick at center ice at the Mellon
at least the house full of people at our home tonight are planning on it happening that way
GO WINGS

Boy my wife would really go crazy with all those wires

Some snapshots from here...

Is that an F&F truck?

Is that an F&F truck?

F&F GTX-14 in Pitt.

F&F GTX-11 in Det.

We out-boarded a sub-mix room for each truck.

4-2, Pens tonight. Wings will win on Saturday. Though, I would love to see Pittsburgh pull out the miracle series win on Detroit ice. Imagine if that happened? Chokejob of the Millenium?

Boy my wife would really go crazy with all those wires


Those wires justify, well at least explain my wire mess at home. :o great inside views by the way SNF. thanks.

4-2, Pens tonight. Wings will win on Saturday. Though, I would love to see Pittsburgh pull out the miracle series win on Detroit ice. Imagine if that happened?

It took them 5 and 1/2 periods to score 4 on Detroit the other night, I don't think they can do it in 3. If Pit wins the score is more likely to be 2-1.

Chokejob of the Millenium?

I can think of worse.

Doc just voiced our 'tease' for tonight's game. It's a good one.
Check us out at 8.

(Shameless plug ending)

WS

Doc just voiced our 'tease' for tonight's game. It's a good one.
Check us out at 8.

(Shameless plug ending)

WS
That's 8PM Eastern, to be specific. I spent Games 1 through 4 in Alaska where the games started at a very different time... ;)

I thinik the difference tonight will be that the Wings show up to play for the first two periods, instead of waiting until the third period. They have been so dominant in the third period all year long, it rarely has made a difference. I'll bet Babs has hammered on that message ad nauseum. We'll see. If this isn't a great game tonight, I'll be amazed.

No HD on WBAL-DT (Baltimore) or WRC-DT (Washington DC) due to Weatherplus (there are tornados in the area). No DD5.1 either! D'oh!

No HD on WBAL-DT (Baltimore) or WRC-DT (Washington DC) due to Weatherplus (there are tornados in the area). No DD5.1 either! D'oh!

that's ridiculous. is this 2008? is HD something brand new that we didn't anticipate having to mix a weather feed into ?
:rolleyes:

that's ridiculous. is this 2008? is HD something brand new that we didn't anticipate having to mix a weather feed into ?
:rolleyes:
That's nothing -- WRC-DT just cut away from the game for a weather alert.

No HD on WBAL-DT (Baltimore) or WRC-DT (Washington DC) due to Weatherplus (there are tornados in the area). No DD5.1 either! D'oh!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH CRUD!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH CRUD!!
Good thing you didn't miss anything during that weather alert. ...Oh, wait.... :(

HD and DD5.1 are back on WRC-DT for the moment.

WTHR in Indianapolis is showing the game split-screen with a weather map. Yes...a weather map...showing weather that is currently outside of the viewing area. Bunch of freakin' morons...


UPDATE: A note of interest...the storm is currently tracking away from the viewing area...not towards it. Nice job guys...

another game complete with hideously inconsistent calls/no calls on interfence.

*two thumbs down*

another game complete with hideously inconsistent calls/no calls on interfence.

*two thumbs down*

No matter, Pittsburg seems to have no effective power play......

another game complete with hideously inconsistent calls/no calls on interfence.

*two thumbs down*

I thought there was no call at the beginning of the game because Fleury was farting around behind the net, admiring his pass, instead of getting out of the way. That other non-call was bad though.

Nothing like consistent inconsistency. Hopefully the league and owners get together this summer and clears up the rules on obstruction and goaltender interference. Also, it's time they make goaltender interference be a valid reason for video review when determining if a goal counts or not. Way too many bad calls this year that would have been overturned on review.

Quiet in here.

Quiet in here.

I'm just paralyzed thinking there's probably no fire extingisher near that Mellon patch board...

Proceed with caution, dude

Damn Wendel you should give classes to Versus and all the RSNs on how to mic and mix a hockey game. Once again it sounds great.

Congrats to Detroit. A great team and classy organization. Hopefully the Pens have gained some experience make it back in a few years. Still a very young team.

Great series and great ending to the final game.

Congrats Red Wings. Too bad they didn't win the other night so they could celebrate in front of the hometown fans.

I'm watching these guys skating around with the trophy held high and and kissing it. Isn't there a "Man Law" against swapping spit with your teammates??? :eek:

I'm watching these guys skating around with the trophy held high and and kissing it. Isn't there a "Man Law" against swapping spit with your teammates??? :eek:

All man laws are null and void when your holding the Stanley Cup, manlyness is implied.

Great series and great ending to the final game.
Man that one was a puck length away from going into another overtime!
Great work by the NBC crew ... probably seen next at Wrigley Field OR Yankee Stadium on New Year's Day!

Congrats Red Wings. Too bad they didn't win the other night so they could celebrate in front of the hometown fans.

I'm watching these guys skating around with the trophy held high and and kissing it. Isn't there a "Man Law" against swapping spit with your teammates??? :eek:



Great final game. Congrats to the Wings.

These guys sweat profusely and spit boogers on each other on the bench and on the ice. They brutally beat upon each other to the point of blood. I don't think they are too concerned about cooties from kissing the cup. :D

Good night from Pittsburgh. See you in a couple of months from Beijing.

WS

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Recap&gameNumber=416&season=20072008&gameType=3

Had a nasty burst of noise when switching to the PA announcer for the trophy presentation. Other than that, excellent work as usual tonight, W.

Congrats to the Wings. Malkin managed to score a goal when he stopped dancing around with the puck and started shooting, but went back to his old ways after that. That sort of crap simply doesn't fly around the best team in the league, and the sooner he learns that, the sooner he will become a true world-class player.

Now for a long summer of no sports worth watching. Is it hockey season yet?

Whew. It went the way I thought, but not without great resistance by the Pens. After the first two games, it was a war. Congratulations to the Pens and their fans, they made this one special for Detroit.

Good night from Pittsburgh. See you in a couple of months from Beijing.

WS

Thanks for your postings and hard work and look forward to hearing from you in China.

Thanks Pit and Detroit for a fun series to watch and congrats to the Wings and their fans.

12 weeks from today CFB starts

Thanks Pit and Detroit for a fun series to watch and congrats to the Wings and their fans.

Yes, the last 4 games were a treat to watch.

I was sorta hoping the Pens would win. It will be a while before they will be in finals again with Malkin, Malone, Orpick and Hossa on the greater $$ with other teams next season.

Yes, the last 4 games were a treat to watch.

I was sorta hoping the Pens would win. It will be a while before they will be in finals again with Malkin, Malone, Orpick and Hossa on the greater $$ with other teams next season.

Malkin is under contract for next and a restricted free agent after that where the Penguins can match any offer. Additionally, they can negotiate an extension July 1st. I don't see Malkin going anywhere. I also think one of those other three will be back, probably Malone.

Good night from Pittsburgh. See you in a couple of months from Beijing.

WS

Thanks goes out to you and the NBC crew for all your hard work! I thought the PQ and AQ of NBC was terrific all throughout the season. Good luck in Beijing!

It was a good game last night, but all-in-all the better team won. This was one of the better Finals I have seen in years. Last year's would have been the best for me but the Sens stunk out the joint. I thought Osgoode should have won the Conn Smythe trophy though. Don't get me wrong Zetterberg had a great playoffs, but Osgoode came into the playoffs as being the #2, and ended up stealing the show, and a few victories.

Congratulations to the Red Wings on a well deserved Championship!

Doc just voiced our 'tease' for tonight's game. It's a good one.
Check us out at 8.

(Shameless plug ending)

WS
I didn't get home until almost 8:30 so I missed the opening, what was this all about?

If the Pens played the first 58 minutes like they did the last two minutes of each of the last two games they might of had a different outcome. They stole one in game 5 and if they came back last night ( it came dam close) that would of been highway robbery. Someone should have told them they need to play in panic mode from the beginning of the game. Anyhow the better team did win but I just hope we don't have to see them again for a while.

Anyhow the better team did win but I just hope we don't have to see them again for a while.You bring up an interesting point. Detroit has been dominant for quite awhile now, even though their runs for the Cup in the preceding 5 seasons have been short. I think Mike Babcock deserves a lot of credit for this year's Cup, as I don't perceive a lot of change in talent (or perhaps, level of talent) in the Club in the last few years. I liked Dave Lewis, but I don't think he commanded the respect he needed as Head Coach, largely based on his history with the organization. Hence the difference this year, once Babs had the time he needed to make the team work like it should. The style of play and egalitarian nature of the locker room has been there for a long time.

The Red Wings have certainly answered the criticism that payroll was the main reason for their performance over the last dozen or so years. Ken Holland deserves most of that credit for managing an organization of scouts and "making the deals" under the constraints of the salary cap. Which brings me to my point.

History of the league tells us that no one remains dominant forever. This has to be even moreso in today's NHL, with the perceived and real parity throughout the league. How long can Detroit sustain this level? Many consider the President's Trophy meaningless, but it certainly means a team's fans are watching a lot of hockey with their team winning. Four Cups in 11 seasons is pretty spectacular. I don't know what next season will look like, but it makes me wonder how long Detroit can continue to perform at this level.

I see a lot of comments like yours and understand them completely. Other fans want to see their teams in the run and hopefully hoist that Cup someday. As an aside, I do have to chuckle at the comments of those who are "tired of the Wings". I've been a Wings fan for over 40 years and that means that I grew up in the era of the "Dead Wings". I just see this as making up for all the time they were the laughing stock of the NHL. Oh yeah, thanks to Mike Ilitch, too, for delivering Red Wing fans from the Norrises.

^^ It doesn't hurt to have 9 players all from the same country/background. I think even Lidstrom make a mention of it, or some analysts did last night. Having those 9 Swedes who are all excellent players surely helps on and off the ice. I really believe that it maybe the factor taking into account coaching, management etc. more than any other as to the Wings success. It is like having a line and a half of the Soviet Red Army team out there.

The Pens and no other team has that kind of melding. They are even talking Swedish during play. This is huge and can't be overlooked.

^^ It doesn't hurt to have 9 players all from the same country/background. I think even Lidstrom make a mention of it, or some analysts did last night. Having those 9 Swedes who are all excellent players surely helps on and off the ice. I really believe that it maybe the factor taking into account coaching, management etc. more than any other as to the Wings success. It is like having a line and a half of the Soviet Red Army team out there.

The Pens and no other team has that kind of melding. They are even talking Swedish during play. This is huge and can't be overlooked.It's not quite that simple. European hockey is considerably different than the game Babcock has the Wings playing, so it's not like they are good just because of that. Considerable adjustment has been made by any successful European hockey player in the NHL.

At the same time, Zetterburg was quoted as saying him, Lidstrom, and Kronwall were all using Swedish when strategizing for the 5 on 3 kill in game 4. It's definitely a big advantage, but most of the time Zetterburg is teamed with linemate Pavel Datsyuk, who was born in the Ukraine, which is no advantage.

Hugh, I think that is an excellent and salient point. There was a point in time, as you might recall when the team was predominantly Russian, as far as Europeans, and the Swedes were in the minority. It would be interesting to break down the demographics and records over that time period/transition and see if there was a correlation between common primary language (other than English) and team performance.

I seem to recall in the "old days" when Montreal was dominant and used to pretty exclusively roster French Canadians, there was debate about whether it was language or style of hockey where they came from that played more in their favor.

It was pretty telling that in game 4 after the 5 on 3 PK, Zetterberg commented post-game that they spoke in Swedish before he, Holmstrom and Kronwall went out on the ice. Even though their English seems more than passable, there is nothing like communicating in one's primary language.

Hugh, I think that is an excellent and salient point. There was a point in time, as you might recall when the team was predominantly Russian, as far as Europeans, and the Swedes were in the minority. It would be interesting to break down the demographics and records over that time period/transition and see if there was a correlation between common primary language (other than English) and team performance.

I seem to recall in the "old days" when Montreal was dominant and used to pretty exclusively roster French Canadians, there was debate about whether it was language or style of hockey where they came from that played more in their favor.

It was pretty telling that in game 4 after the 5 on 3 PK, Zetterberg commented post-game that they spoke in Swedish before he, Holmstrom and Kronwall went out on the ice. Even though their English seems more than passable, there is nothing like communicating in one's primary language.

Doc, of course what I said doesn't take away from Detroit's players being better player for player than most if not all the other NHL teams, the coach and management being the best, and the stars lining up perfectly . What Ken said makes sense as well. I just believe that the unity of same country, language, etc. makes for a better melding of players than having a few from Russia, a few from Chech, and so on. I don't mean it in predjudice way either, that's not even close to what I am trying to point out.

I believe that if all things were equal and you took the best 6 players from 6 different countries and the equivalent best to those 6 skill wise from the same country, the camaraderie and melding would favor "like" minds to enable the 6 from the same country to possibly play better. Again, this is only a part of the success of the Wings and there is so much more that makes them a great team.

And talk about class act. Comparing Detroit to Anaheim is...there is no comparison. Anaheim from Burke on down is garbage. Notice Detroit let go of Berfluzzi and Schneider, two more bad black barts to who, Anaheim. Meanwhile Burke and Bettman are buddies unless I heard wrong.

Fans sure do hate Bettman though. They booed him last year and this when he came out.