Behind the Blog: Tom Benjamin’s NHL Weblog

Today’s Behind the Blog will feature the writer of Tom Benjamin’s NHL Weblog. Tom is a very opinionated guy, which is pretty clear when you visit his blog. His readers are very passionate and love to leave comments, which are almost posts of their own.

Q.1 – When did you create Tom Benjamin’s NHL Weblog and what made you do so?

I started it in September of 2003. I had been annoying people with my hockey opinions on various internet message boards since the early ’90s and so when blogging became big, it was a natural for me.

Q.2 – Have you always been connected with CanucksCorner.com and what made you join that webite?

Brian knew me because I’d played on the message board at Canucks Corner. About the time I decided to try a blog, Brian asked me to do some writing for him. It was a coincidence, but we both think it has turned out to be a good fit.

Q.3 – You seem to have the most involved readers who leave passionate comments regarding whatever topic you discuss. When did you first realize that you had developed a following of hockey fans who desired that interaction with the blogger?

My stuff has always drawn a fairly strong reaction in both directions. Some people really like my ideas about the sport, others really dislike them. It’s great that more than a few really smart people regularly contribute comments. They produce as much content for the blog as I do. As long as everybody plays nice, it works, and so far everybody has played nice. .

Q.4 – What advice would you give to fellow bloggers, especially newcomers?

First Find a voice and go for a different slant. I think blogs are popular because readers crave a diversity they can’t find in the mainstream media. It follows that we should be diverse.

Don’t take it personally. If you are going to start publishing your views – particularly ones that offer a different slant – at least some people will think you are an idiot and they will tell you so in no uncertain terms. (Sometimes, of course, at least some people will be right.) Disagreement is healthy and fun as long as nobody is mean spirited about it.

Q.5 – What do you hope to achieve with your blog over the next few years?

I don’t have any aspirations for it. I regularly resolve to give it up. I’ll be satisfied with the blog if it still exists in five years. If so, I’ll probably still be regularly resolving to give it up.

Q.6 – While you certainly discuss NHL issues in your blog, you are a Vancouver Canucks fan first and foremost. When did you become a Canucks fan?

When the Canucks first came into the league, I promised myself I would stay loyal to the Red Wings forever. The resolution didn’t last through the first season’s exhibition schedule.

Q.7 – What changes, if any, do you feel necessary for the Canucks to make the playoffs next year and become a Cup contender?

They have to become much better without the puck.

Q.8 – When did you attend your first hockey game and who was playing?

My Dad took me to an exhibition game at the old Forum in Vancouver. It was the Montreal Canadiens playing against the Western Hockey League Vancouver Canucks.

Q.9 – What first attracted you to the sport of hockey?

Again we can blame my Dad. Every Saturday night, it was Hockey Night in Canada. In those days, the game was picked up in progress about halfway through the first period. Dad watched Bugs Bunny with me until HNIC picked up the game and then I watched hockey with him. It was the only night of the week we got to eat in front of the TV. Mom always served burgers.

It was great.

Q.10 – Who is your favorite hockey player (either current or retired player)? Why?

Pavel Bure. I had more fun watching him play than any other single player.

Q.11 – What did you do to pass the time during the lockout last year?

I was blogging so I watched the labour dispute pretty closely. I watched more movies, read more books and I rekindled my relationship with baseball.

Q.12 –Which team has surprised you the most this season? Disappointed you? Why?

Carolina was the most positive surprise, Minnesota the most negative. I didn’t think the Hurricane would be good and I thought the Wild were going to take the next step.

Q.13 – Where do you see the NHL in 5 years? Why?

I’m not optimistic. I have zero faith in the people who own the league. I’d like to think that the game is good enough to thrive despite the greed and incompetence, but I doubt it.

Q. 14 – Of the teams left in the NHL Playoffs, who do you predict to win the Stanley Cup? Why?

Anaheim, almost entirley because I’m hoping for them. Any of the four teams left could win. Any of the 16 teams that made the playoffs could have won. I like the idea of Cinderella winning once in a while, but I also think we should be able to identify a favourite and be right once in a while.

Q.15 – Is there any hockey blog or website that you look to for inspiration?

I read most of the blogs. Jamie Fitzpatrick, Sisu Hockey, Mudcrutch and about a dozen other bloggers I feel guilty I’m not mentioning are favourites. James Mirtle is the most likely to get rich and famous

NHL Playoffs – Round Two

I haven’t been able to watch any of the second round games because my TV doesn’t work in my room and I’m on bedrest right now. Anyways, I had picked Carolina to make it into the finals so I don’t care much about the Eastern Conference playoffs. I find it very interesting that the Western Conference top four seeds failed to make it into the second round – ouch.

Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks

I just don’t want the Oilers to go onto the next round; they made my surgery recovery a lot suckier! And yes, I’m bitter. It’ll be interesting to see how the Thornton/Pronger matchup works out in future games. The Wings didn’t have any problems with the Sharks (aside from the one game after the Olympics when we were missing all our Swedes) because Lidstrom and the rest of the defense were able to shut down Thornton, which apparently is the key to the game’s score result. Here’s some thoughts on this series from around the blogosphere…

Jon @ Sharkspage: Sharks in 6

Earlier in the season when asked how he would prepare for a specific opponent, Sharks head coach Ron Wilson said “I don’t care. They are going to have to prepare for us.” San Jose is going to roll Cheechoo-Thornton and the MBB line with an air of confidence that they can not be stopped. The Sharks have to focus on staying out of the penalty box, and putting forth a solid 60 minute effort each night. Edmonton will have to get on the board early, and apply constant pressure on offense.If the Oilers build a lead and let the penalties stack up for S.J., they could edge the Sharks in a seven game series. On the other hand, if both coaches roll 4 lines and let the players fly on the ice, this could be the most entertaining series in the playoffs for sheer speed and offensive ability. More likely, phantom slashes and trips will result in a parade to the penalty box and a lack of 5-on-5 play.

Sacamano @ Battle of Alberta: Edmonton in 6

It looks to me like the Oil have the advantage on the back end and in net, but that San Jose has some pretty good scorers. In other words, it looks an awful lot like the last series. Calculator has all the numbers, and they pretty much confirm that the two teams are pretty well matched and it is going to be a heckuva series.Conditioning might also play a factor as the Eggheads at the NHL head office again gave Edmonton a bizarre schedule — back to back Sunday/Monday games, and three games in four nights. I’m not sure what to think of this. Detroit seemed to have more jump than Edmonton in the OT periods, but in the short-rest afternoon games, Edmonton ran the show.

Mudcrutch79 @ mc79hockey.com: Edmonton in 6

The other way? If the hockey gods are against Edmonton. This series is close enough that I figure it comes down to whoever gets the bounces, with a possible slight edge to the Oilers based on their goaltending (which should hopefully nullify the Sharks apparently superior ES offence) and penalty kill. After witnessing the third period of the sixth game against Detroit (not to mention the Flames’ humiliating home ice exit from the playoffs), I believe that the Gods are with the Oilers. Edmonton in six. I would have said five, but if the Flames have taught us anything with the asskicking that they took in front of what was apparently a crowd of 19,000 mimes on Wednesday night after their fans insufferable behaviour since their team choked the Cup away in 2003-04, it’s that the Gods hate hubris.

James Mirtle: Edmonton in 6

Much like in the Ottawa-Buffalo series, the Sharks simply don’t have anyone on the blueline who is even close to the calibre of blueliner as Chris Pronger. What I expect coach Craig MacTavish will do is task Pronger with neutralizing Joe Thornton, which would go a long, long way to crimping the Sharks goal scoring. At the other end, Sharks coach Ron Wilson will lean heavily on Scott Hannan and Kyle McLaren, as his remaining four defenders are all very inexperienced. What the Oilers need to do is work the forecheck on this team, press hard and generate the kind of shovel-garbage goals they got in the Detroit series. Vesa Toskala has been phenomenal in the Sharks net since February, and Dwayne Roloson needs to match his first-round performance.

Anaheim vs. Colorado
As a loyal Wings fan, I hate the Avs. Ever since the rivalry, I root for anyone playing against the Avs – even if that means I root for the Mighty Ducks. Seemingly, there aren’t very many Anaheim and Colorado blogs…

James Mirtle: Anaheim in 6

One of the great secrets of this Ducks team is how strong defensively its forward core is. Sam Pahlsson, Rob Niedermayer and Todd Marchant all played more than 17 minutes a game in their first-round series, and it’ll be that trio that tries to key on Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk and Alex Tanguay. Colorado hardly generated any offence from anyone outside of their top four forwards in the first round, which should make it easy for the Ducks to key on those players. Much like the Calgary series, this will be a low-scoring affair, and Jose Theodore is going to really have to hold the fort and now allow any bad goals.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

These groupings are based on how the rest of the team performed and in comparison to what they are capable of doing from the regular season's performances.

The Good
- Steve Yzerman: He may only have had 4 assists in the four games he played this series and a -2 rating, he was out there working harder than the rest of the team in a desperate attempt to reach the second round. A torn rib muscle (ouch) sidelined him for Game #4 and Game #5. Most people expect him to retire in the next week or two; Wings fans hope he plays for one more season. If he does retire, I had the honor to watch him play in his last game at the Joe (Sunday, Game #2) since he did not play the last time the Wings were at the Joe, Game #5.

"You're so wrapped up in the game, and then they score with a minute to go, I don't really have a whole lot of thoughts other than, it just came to a quick end," said Yzerman, who turns 41 next week and is the longest-serving captain in NHL history. "As far as my personal situation, it's best to wait a few days, then I can pretty much make a quick decision."It's amazing that such a long career — 22 seasons, all in Detroit — actually could end so quickly. The spirit is always willing but Yzerman's body, ravaged by injury and time, has betrayed him often, and that's likely to be the deciding factor.

- Henrik Zetterberg: Hank had twice as many goals as the second highest Detroit goal scorer with 6 goals. He had 2 PIM, 0 assists, a -2 rating, and four power play goals. Zetterberg appeared to be one of the few who saw Yzerman's vision and played at that same level. Whenever Yzerman retires, I would really consider making this guy the new captain.

- Robert Lang: Sure he may not have been all that amazing during the regular season, but he's one of the few Wings who actually picked up their play. He had three goals and three assists (6 points), 2 PIM, and -2 rating. Two of his goals came while on the power play. He also won 55% of his face-offs.

- Kris Draper: Draper is never going to lead the team in scoring, that's not his purpose on this team. He may not have earned a single point this series, but was one of five players to actually have a + rating (Draper: +3). And in the elimination game, Draper was out there grinding away.

- Kirk Maltby: I actually noticed Maltby in the postseason. He scored two goals in Game #1, including the game winning goal in 2OT. He also had one assist for three total points this series. Like Draper, he was out there trying to generate chances.

- Chris Chelios: How is this 44 year old defenseman playing better defense than guys half his age? He played with more passion and just plain better skill than many of the other defensemen. He had zero points, 6 PIM, and a +2 rating.

The Bad
- Pavel Datsyuk: What is with Datsyuk in the postseason? I realize he had an injury and needed to catch up, but not even one little goal? Datsyuk got three assists in the five games he played. He had 0 PIM and a 0 +/- rating. Aside from some decent scoring chances and nice set up plays to Zetterberg (who would then score), Datsyuk wasn't so hot this series. When you lead your team in points, I expect at least one goal in the playoffs.

- Nick Lidstrom: What happened to Lidstrom, Mr. Norris? After a fantastic year with some high offensive numbers, Lidstrom gets two points (one goal, one assist), 2 PIM, and a -4 rating. -4! His one goal (the controversial "pick" goal) came on the power play and was also the game winning goal.

- Mathieu Schneider: Surprisingly (at least in my opinion) was the fact that one of our defenseman actually led the team in points this series. Schneider had 8 points (1 goal, 7 assists). He also had 6 PIM and a -1 rating. He didn't look too sharp this series; I'm not sure how much had to do with just returning from a groin injury that looked like it hadn't even healed yet.

"We came out and did the things in the third period we didn't want to do," defenseman Mathieu Schneider said. "We didn't play well enough to win. We put ourselves in this position. The only thing that would have made this a successful season was to win the Stanley Cup."

- Manny Legace: Ah yes, the goaltender always gets blamed upon for the loss. Well, I don't think Legace was the primary reason for our loss (our team just had a total and complete meltdown). He played decent and even had some strong saves (as well as allowing some pathetic goals). But we needed him to be great. It's looking like Legace can't handle the pressure of being the starting goaltender in the playoffs. Plus his constant whining about his teammates did not help the matter. In this series, Legace had a 2.65 GAA and a .884 save percentage. His opponent's goalie, Dwayne Roloson, played these six games and ended with a 2.50 GAA and a .929 save percentage.

Manny Legace, who took the defeat hard in his first playoffs as a No. 1 goalie, summed up his mood, and possibly some of his teammates. "I feel like going out and hanging myself," Legace said. "I really feel hollow inside."On the winning goal, Legace said, "I didn't even see (Hemsky). I thought it was a one-and-one and (Samsonov) threw it across and bang, he was there."

- Brendan Shanahan: For having so much experience and actually reviving his game in the regular season, what happened? He had 40+ goals during this season and could only manage one goal and one assist in this playoff series. I wonder what he'll do this off-season: retire? Or will Holland offer a significantly reduced contract?

"We were in such control, and then to give it away like that, it's just embarrassing," Brendan Shanahan said. "It summed up the whole series. We were playing great hockey, playing great hockey, and then it was a 6-7 minute collapse. Who has an answer for that?"

The Ugly

- Jason Williams: He had two points this series (1 goal, 1 assist) and that's all the good he did in the past six games. I like the guy, I've personally interviewed him and whatnot. But he had so many errors (-3 rating) that really impacted the game and series. His stupid penalty caused a power play allowing the Oilers to tie it up in the elimination game. The Wings need to get rid of him – I don't care if we have to send him to Grand Rapids, we cannot afford his mistakes and he has too many of them.

- Andreas Lilja: He had one assist and a -4 rating. Yikes. His poor defensive coverage resulted in numerous goals at critical points in the game. Unfortunately, Holland recently signed him to a 2 year, 2 million dollar deal. I don't have much else to say aside from yikes.

- Mikael Samuelsson: He's been streaky all year and then the Wings go and sign him to a bloody three year deal! He had one assist, -1 rating, and 6 PIM (4 of which came in the elimination game). Why did Holland not wait until the postseason to sign Samuelsson to a contract? Why?

Mediocre
I'm not going to detail this guys; they weren't bad/ugly but they weren't good either.
- Tomas Holmstrom (3 points, 6 PIM, -1 rating)
- Johan Franzen (3 points, 4 PIM, 0 rating)
- Niklas Kronwall (3 points, 2 PIM, 0 rating)
- Dan Cleary (1 point, 6 PIM, +2 rating)
- Brett Lebda (0 points, 4 PIM, +3 rating)

+/- Rating
Only five Detroit players actually had a + rating in this series: Draper, Maltby, Chelios, Lebda, and Cleary.

Thank You
I'd like to thank all my readers for checking out my blog, especially during the postseason. I enjoy writing for BtJ and I plan to continue doing so over the summer and into the 2006-2007 regular season. I appreciated your comments on games, signings, and other random stuff I have posted on in the past.
I will not have internet connection while I'm in Cincinnati for surgery. So until I return home and feel up to posting (either Thursday night or later), there will be no further updates on this blog. Please check out Abel to Yzerman, On the Wings, and Kukla's Korner for any Wings updates or playoff reactions during the next week. Also check out the blogs that I've linked to on the right side of this page for comments on playoff action around the league. Thanks again!

Game #6: Oilers 4, Wings 3

Pregame
- The Captain is playing in tonight's game. Knowing that Steve Yzerman will be playing makes me feel a whole lot better about the game today. Obviously he's going to be in pain, but hopefully that will inspire the Wings into action. It will be Yzerman's 196th playoff game; his experience and passion will certainly be an asset.

Those are the types of performances that define Yzerman, who usually saves his best for the biggest games. He has become comfortable in the suffocating atmosphere that is the chase for the Stanley Cup. He has learned to push the inevitable butterflies to the side and attack these games with the steely eyed determination necessary to make a personal impact as well as set the tone for his team."Early in my career, (I'd) be extremely nervous, where I found myself always extremely nervous without a lot of experience," said Yzerman. "I found in the last few years I've just gotten much more comfortable and you kind of know what to expect and you know what it's all about."

- We must get the first couple goals in order to establish our style of play. We also cannot afford stupid defensive errors and Lidstrom needs to be on fire tonight! Manny can't be average – he needs to be great or amazing for this series to head back to Detroit on Wednesday. The Oilers are going to be flying today with their crazy loud Rexall crowd behind them.- The Wings have over 1600 playoff game experience among the roster; let's use that veteran experience and knowledge to our advantage.

- I would get such joy in seeing the Wings score a goal while Pronger was in the box. I just can't believe he has 0 PIM this series – very impressive.

First Period
- The first three minutes provided numerous opportunities for the Wings from the likes of Henrik Zetterberg, Kris Draper, and Pavel Datsyuk. (Shots: 4-1 in favor of Detroit)

- Oilers get the first power play. Blast it. Mikael Samuelsson is heading to the box with 15:41 left in the first thanks to his hooking ability. The Oilers are 6/31 on the PP this series…The Wings were able to successfully kill this penalty.

- The PP gave the Oilers some momentum and have had some nice scoring chances of their own. (Shots: 6-4 in favor of Edmonton)

- Mathieu Schneider was called for high sticking so the Oilers go on the power play, again. Crap crap crap. Manny made a couple key saves and Maltby blocked the last shot of the PP. This penalty was also successfully killed by the Wings. (Shots: 12-6 in favor of Edmonton)

- Zetterberg scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Steals the puck from Spacek (who had intercepted a Samuelsson pass) and dekes Roloson to get his 6th goal of the postseason at 14:36 into the first. Lilja was also given the assist. It's the second time this series that the Wings have scored first. When was the last game? Game #1. Wings 1, Oilers 0

- Samuelsson is going to the penalty box. Twice in one period! Ugh. Way to get the assist, but the Oilers are going to score on the power play – it's only a matter of time. We don't want to give them 25 million chances tonight. We can't afford this.

- Draper and Maltby had a great shorthanded chance on the penalty kill. The two went 2 on 1, but Roloson made the save.

- Chris Pronger *finally* got a penalty for interference (17:09 into the first)! Woohoo! So it's 4 on 4 for 1:20 minutes and then we'll get 40 seconds with the man advantage. It's just very comforting to know that Pronger won't be on the ice during this time.

- Neither team scored on their respective power plays.

- Obviously, I would've liked a two goal lead but at least we have a lead. And Manny has been reasonably solid tonight.

End of First Period: Wings 1, Oilers 0
(Edmonton outshot Detroit, 15-10)

Second Period
- Apparently Cheli blocked a shot and hasn't played this period, yet. Don't know any more information than that. (a little less than 4 minutes into the second)

- Spacek called for hooking Robert Lang (15:06 left in second). Lets go Wings! Man…Tomas Holmstrom called for interference – this sucks. 1:36 of 4 on 4 hockey then a short Oilers power play. No goals scored.

- Shots favor Detroit, 5-1. Roloson just made a big save on Dan Cleary. Roloson has been playing pretty well tonight.

- Chelios is finally back in (9:20 left).

- Yzerman hit the goalpost making it two hit goalposts hit in 6 minutes. Craziness! I'm liking what I'm seeing – they aren't in their typical second period slump.

- Mickey Redmond: "You gotta say it's the Dwayne Roloson show."

- Pronger is going back in the penalty box thanks to a high sticking penalty. After winning the face-off, Yzerman makes a sweet pass to Robert Lang (to the left of Roloson) after receiving the pass from Lang (who got it from Schneider). Lang scores!!!!!!!!!!! What did I say about how sweet it'd be with Pronger in the box and a Wings goal? Goal came 14:02 into the second period while on the power play. Wings 2, Oilers 0

- Wings have outshot the Oilers, 10-1, this period. The Wings must keep up this intensity; we cannot afford to become lax and make costly errors.

- Yzerman has been coming out to take the face-offs and then go to the bench. Yzerman has been looking fantastic today – the Captain certainly is something else!

- I love this comment from someone on the Lets Go Wings forum: "Man, any more whining by the Oilers fans in the arena, and they might as well start handing out free pacifiers." I thought Horcoff really was offsides, sharp call by the officials.

- Another great LGW comment about the Captain: "I think I've run out of words to describe how much I appreciate Steve Yzerman these days. What he's done tonight (in the second period especially) on that back of his is just amazing."

End of Second Period: Wings 2, Edmonton 0
(Detroit outshot Edmonton, 17-2)

Third Period
- For a change, we're actually seeing the Wings actually playing like themselves. Let's just hope that they can keep this up in the third and make it 3-0 or 4-0!

- Jason Williams took an incredibly stupid penalty; it didn't save us from a potential goal and it had no value whatsoever. Oilers PP starts with 17:17 left. And 13 seconds into the PP, Fernando Pisani scores at 2:56 into the second. He scored off of Ryan Smyth's rebound. We cannot take stupid penalties – ugh. The Wings must rebound from this; we cannot hand the momentum over to the Oilers after we've dominated for most of the game. Wings 2, Oilers 1

- We cannot lose our composure. We still have a lead, but we won't for long at this rate of stupidity.

- Brett Lebda got injured and went off to the bench – from the quick look at Lebda, it appears to be shoulder related. Edit: He is now back on the ice.

- Wow, the Wings have only spent 4 nights at home. While the Oilers have been in Edmonton eight nights. So much for home ice advantage.

- Pisani makes a nice deke to tie the game up at two and get his second goal of the game with 13:20 left in the third. Crap. The Oilers have momentum and the Wings were playing so well in the first two periods. Ahhh. I'm panicking now; we need to go on a PP or something and get some offensive opportunities. Wings 2, Oilers 2

- Kronwall is tripped and the Wings go on the power play with 12:08 left. We have to score here to get some of the momentum and back in the game. Plus it would be nice to quiet the Rexall Crowd – man they are loud! Couple good chances in the PP, but no goal.

- Wooo!! Johan Franzen drills it into the net with 9:53 left in the third for his first goal of the postseason (and the career). Cleary and Maltby were given credit for the assists. Wings 3, Oilers 2

- Lebda has now left for the training room. Shots are now even at 5 apiece.

- Crap. Oilers will go on the power play. Please let the Wings kill this penalty – ahh. Dan Cleary called for interference. You can see Yzerman giving some words of advice to his teammates and then winning the face-off.

- Man! The Oilers bloody scored. Manny is arguing about the call. Please no goal. Please! Crap – not looking good. There was a high stick in the play – that should've been called before. This sucks! Oh wait, there was a kicking motion by Hemsky's left foot, will they notice that? There was a high stick and kicking motion – ahhh. Wings 3, Oilers 3

- That was an awful awful awful call. The goal should not have stood and I'm bloody pissed off. The Wings better be angry too and respond! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I don't understand how that could be a goal. I realize they couldn't rule no goal because of a high stick, but the refs should've made that bloody call before Hemsky even started kicking. Absolutely fricking ridiculous.

- Hemsky scores with 1:06 left in regulation. If the Wings lose, I'm going to be so pissed off. I want to cry. Who was guarding Hemsky? Man. Oilers 4, Wings 3

End of Third Period: Oilers 4, Wings 3
(Edmonton outshot Detroit, 13-9)

Overall
- I am so fricking upset. It would be one thing if we lost because the Wings played poorly / the Oilers played great. But that didn't happen – that third goal never should've happened. The Wings played mediocre for those first two goals, but I am sooo pissed off about the third.

- The Wings deserved that game. Ahhhh. I can't even talk right now. I'm so upset and frustrated. And I am asking all Oilers fans to please not leave a comment and gloat because I am so upset about tonight's game. I'm not an idiot thinking that the Wings deserved to win all the games, they got themselves into this precarious position. But, tonight's game is a different matter.

- And now I have to drive down to Cinci tomorrow morning to prepare for an incredibly sucky surgery on Wednesday. Man this totally sucks. I want to hurt something – ugh.

Stats
- Detroit outshot Edmonton, 36-30.
- Detroit went 1/6 on the PP / Edmonton went 2/6 on the PP
- Edmonton won 62% of the face-offs. Wow.
- Edmonton defeats the President's Trophy winners in the series, 4-2.

Final Thoughts Tonight
- I'll post some more tomorrow morning before I head to Cinci after I've had the night to sleep on it. (Mainly I'll talk about who needs to go and who should stay…)
- If that was Yzerman's last game…I don't even want to think about it. Please don't retire Yzie.
- I would not want to be Ken Holland right now – he has a lot of work to do this off-season with this great regular season / early round playoff exit team mess.
- I want to say congrats to the Oilers; they played with passion and pounced on all the Wings mistakes. Roloson played a great series and really kept them in tonight's game. While I won't be cheering for the Oilers in future playoff rounds, they did pull off an upset and it was not by luck.
- Until the team learns to play a full 60 minutes of hockey in the playoff games, we're going to always be booted out in an early round. This whole series the Wings struggled to play 40 solid minutes per game, much less 60.
- Someone on the LGW forum brought up a good thought, we may have been screwed over by a ref's bad call (or two or three or four) but the Wings had many chances and could never capitalize. There has been bad reffing throughout the entire series; the Wings need to learn to rise above it and still win these games.
- Tonight's costly errors in defense cost the Wings those first two Oilers goals – not the refs. What happened to our coverage? While I totally disagree with the third goal standing, our coverage on the other three goals was just awful. I'm not placing complete blame on Manny. He had to deal with a breakaway, poor defensive coverage, and the puck being kicked in. He certainly wasn't great (like we needed him to be), but he was not the whole reason we lost tonight in my opinion.

Miss Sports Blogger 2006

Kent @ Sports Guy North is hosting a Miss Sports Blogger 2006 poll. All of his nominees were solely based on the writing and content of their respective blog. Unfortunately, I didn't realize the poll had started until Alanah brought it to my attention so the voting has already begun!The nominees include:
- Anne Ursu @ Batgirl
- Acid Queen @ Sweet Tea, Barbecue, and Bodychecks
- Alanah (1/2 of the VCOE crew) @ Vancouver Canucks Op Ed
- Stephanie @ Zany Sports Lady
- Christy @ Behind the Jersey (that's me!)

Here's why Kent nominated me:

Speaking of anti-Oilers, this blogger is a Red Wings fan through and through. Her claim to fame in my books is her Behind the Blog posts where she interviews other hockey bloggers, A classy move from a class act.

Speaking of the BtB posts, I'll be starting those back up after my knee surgery on Wednesday morning.Please go check out his website and vote in the poll on the right of the page. Whether you would like to vote for me or one of the many other awesome contestants, just go vote!

Detroit Sports Frustration

My world has been turned upside down with the Detroit sports scenario. Everything I once knew about Detroit sports teams is fading away and it all happened this past Saturday. Here's why…1) The Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins, 18-1, on Saturday.. The Detroit Tigers scored 18 runs. How in the world did that happen? The Tigers are now 15-9. That's not an amazing record, but considering the past few seasons – it's a miracle!

2) Saturday was NFL Draft Day. Over the past few years, the Detroit Lions have drafted wide receivers. These players would then sign for millions of dollars and then wouldn't be able to catch half of Joey's passes (even his good ones). Many people expected for USC's quarterback, Matt Leinart, to be one of the first five drafted in this year's first round. Well, the Lions had the #9 pick and Leinart was still available. We had the option to pick up this great QB. I know the Lions have just signed two QBs, but they are only mediocre – nothing amazing. And even if we didn't keep Leinart, we could've traded him to someone with a lower pick in exchange for Ernie Sims (the guy we actually drafted) and a lower round draft pick. But no, Millen has no balls whatsoever. Ugh. Why do I watch every single Lions game even though I know they are going to lose and suck it up majorly.

Ernie Sims is a Florida State linebacker who has had 5 concussions – five – in college! Plus, he's only 5'11", and we used our first pick to get this guy? We need a franchise quarterback; someone to save this team from the hell it's currently in. Leinart was available and we passed!

As with most drafts, though, there will probably be critics. Two quarterbacks, Leinart and Vanderbilt’s Jay Cutler, were selected with the following two picks and Millen said the Lions had a few trade conversations.But they were sold on Sims.

"Sometimes when the right guy is there for you, you don’t move around, he may not be there," Marinelli said. "When you get the right guy and we all feel good about him, you make those picks."

Sims was also arrested on a domestic violence charge last summer and ended up pleading no contest to reduced charge. He admitted that was a mistake and said, "I put it behind me."

The other two draft picks Detroit made yesterday are:
- Second Round (#40 overall): Safety from Nebraska
- Third Round (#74 overall): Wisconsin's running back

3) The Pistons lost their playoff game, 124 – 104. They still lead the series, 2-1. I'm not really worried about them and their playoff future; however, it was too much for me to take. A Wings and Pistons loss all in one afternoon/evening and I had to watch both of them (but really only the 2nd half of the Pistons game).

The 124 points were the most allowed by the Pistons in a regulation playoff game since they gave up 123 to Atlanta in 1991."I wasn't frustrated by what they did," Ben Wallace said. "It was frustrating the way we were playing. We were pounding the ball down to Sheed (Rasheed Wallace) in the post early, then we went away from it. We tried to do it the hard way. We got stagnant, man. Sheed was going, we should have rode that all the way."

4) The Wings are one loss away from playoff elimination. One bloody loss!Here are reactions from Wings, Oilers, and other hockey fans from Saturday's game…

Alanah and Jeff @ Vancouver Canucks Op Ed:

Alliterative Red Wing Fan Poetry: On the Wings is “disgusted” and Behind the Jersey is “depressed, discouraged, disappointed, disenchanted, downhearted, down, and desolate”. Guys, take your fingers off the trigger and breathe. Detroit is certainly capable of winning two straight. (But could someone tell Manny Legace to please shut up?)

Speaking of VCOE, they have been doing playoff jokes on the various teams since the start of the playoffs. For every team they posted a joke on, that team won 6 of 7 games. So I left them this comment: "I think it’s time for you to do a Detroit joke on Monday. We have to win that game and with your pretty decent success rate, it’s time to give it a try. Please!"So for the sake of the Wings, please send any Detroit Red Wings jokes to Alanah and Jeff (email: vancouvercanucks oped (at) gmail .com) and they will post them sometime tomorrow. Here was their response to my request: "Well, Christy, since you’re begging…! Yup, Detroit’s on the list. But that means that some of you people need to (anonymously or otherwise) send me some good Red Wings jokes! P.S. The irony of asking Red Wings fans to send me Red Wings jokes is truly fabulous."

Matt Saler @ On the Wings:

As far as big games go, I don't remember a more uninspired performance by the Wings. I don't understand why they couldn't get up to play a full game in front of their fans (I suppose the tomb-like atmosphere at the Joe has something to do with that) and when they had a chance to take the lead in the series. The Oilers played great and maybe still would have won, but if the Wings had even played to half of their ability, I wouldn't feel so ripped off by this game. They put up a performance like this and I'm supposed to get all excited about Game 6? I'm supposed to have hope that they'll actually show up to play in Edmonton? Why couldn't they do it yesterday?They've been down 3-2 in a series before but that was in 2002 and it was a completely different team. That team knew how to win big games. This team seems to have forgotten. Sure, the series technically isn't over but they are going to have to play out of their minds Monday night if they even want a chance at winning. I know Edmonton will "bring it" but will the Wings?

I'm not ready for another early exit. I waited two years for this? I'm tired of getting my hopes up only to have the Wings fall flat on their faces.

Helene St. James @ Detroit Free Press:

Those Red Wings. They storm through the regular season scoring on everyone, and now here they are in the playoffs, and like in previous years, goals are a problem.Despite battering Dwayne Roloson in the first period Saturday the Wings could not break him, and then the Oilers broke them. Spotting any opponent three goals in the playoffs is dangerous, and when it is to a team as good defensively as Edmonton, it is flirting with disaster. The Wings lost, 3-2, at Joe Louis Arena in Game 5 of their first-round series, and now they must win Monday night at Edmonton, or face a third straight disappointing playoff run.

Saturday's game was the first time I thought to myself, "Wow, this Roloson is really keeping Edmonton in the game." That thought was during the first period; after that, it only got worse.As always, IwoCPO at Abel to Yzerman has some great thoughts regarding Saturday's game:

But at some point, and it has to be Monday, the Wings have to gel again. Leaders have to sacrifice. Defensemen have to strengthen their games. Goalies have to erase their memories and young stars need to explode. It can’t be one or two of those factors. It has to be all of them, happening at once on Monday night.Is it likely? Maybe not. But it’s certainly possible. Edmonton has a chance to kill this thing, to crush the windpipe. How will they react? We’ll see.

He also brought up Mikael Samuelsson's playoff performance and that he had recently signed a three year deal with the Wings. I had totally forgotten and I'm so frustrated with the deal now…

Does the date March 25th mean anything to you? Let me help. That’s the day Mikael Samuelsson signed a nice 3-year deal. Anyone want to guess how many goals he’s scored since then? 2. Thanks.

Mike at Covered in Oil:

Ah, but this is where Dwayne Roloson's .935 SV% shimmers like sparkling wine. It's not like Roloson is making supersick saves in a 1997 Curtis Joseph sense; but he's definitely looking more calm and assertive than he ever has in his 20-25 games as an Oiler. His glove hand looked good, and if he popped out any rebounds Roli managed to keep them clear from the high slot. His little eyes-shut zen meditation thing between plays seems to work, and more importantly it's miles away from the scared flailing that passed for goaltending early in the season.

Yzerman and MacLean practice today

The Captain, Steve Yzerman, took part in today's short practice at Rexall Place in Edmonton. I expect for Yzerman to play on Monday (Game #6 at 8pm) since it's an elimination game. He couldn't tell the reporters if he would play tomorrow night at that point in time.

"I feel better than two days ago," Yzerman said. "I’m encouraged. Hopefully I’ll feel even better for game time tomorrow."Asked if tonight being an elimination game will factor into his decision to play, Yzerman said, "Oh, no question. No question. It’s pretty simple, really, if I feel I can be an effective player, I’ll play and if I don’t, then I’m not going to play. If I’m ready to play then I will and if not, then I’ll have to step aside."

I just hope that he will play and Yzerman's last game at the Joe won't be Game #2, which was the last playoff game I attended.Additionally, the Wings called Donald MacLean, "the Grand Rapids Griffins forward who scored 56 goals this season in the AHL," on Saturday night. Upon which, he flew to Edmonton and practiced with the Wings. MacLean has only played with the Wings three times this season, but his first goal came on the power play against the Oilers on April 11.

Game #5: Oilers 3, Wings 2

I watched the game at Dockside Sports Pub in Ft. Myers Beach with about 9-12 other Wings fans; I was shocked to see such a large "crowd" at a random sports pub in Florida. The comments made during each period were what I wrote down while watching the game. So these are during the game reactions…Anyways, the game sucked. I'm depressed, discouraged, disappointed, disenchanted, downhearted, down, and desolate. The Wings have to head to Edmonton with a 2-3 series deficit. Not cool whatsoever.

There are three things that scare me in this series:
1) The second period. Is it just me, or do the Wings find a way to suck it up in the second period? Edmonton scored all three goals in this afternoon's second and I'm pretty sure Detroit sucks in the second period this series.
2) Our penalty kill. Sure we had some nice 5-on-3 kills in Game #4, but the Oilers seem to always score on one of their first few power plays.
3) Chris Pronger. He's averaging 36:41 minutes per game this series and got an assist on all three Oilers' goals this afternoon

First Period
- To start the game off, Willy pummeled some Oiler behind the Oilers net – my check of the game.

- During a Wings power play, Homer was alone in front of Roloson, but couldn't find a way to get the puck in the back of the net.

- There was a 4 on 3 for about a minute producing some good scoring chances for the Wings, but no goal.

- We're looking pretty good because we're applying a lot of pressure and thus getting some scoring opportunities. Manny has made some key saves, but hasn't had to deal with a lot of shots thus far in the game.

- With 3:30 left in the first, we've gone 0/4 on the power play.

End of First Period: Wings 0, Oilers 0
(Detroit outshot Edmonton, 11-4)

Second Period
- Chris Pronger takes a shot from inside the blue line whereupon Fernando Pisani flicks it into the back of the Wings net 5:16 into the second period. The Oilers have six 5 on 5 goals this series. I can't believe we have been controlling this game and then the Oilers get the first goal. Ugh. The second period is always our downfall. Oilers 1, Wings 0

- I'm enjoying this NBC feed much more than the CBC one on Thursday night. At least they aren't extremely biased in either direction…or so it seems.

- With 11:26 left in the second, Stoll took a shot from the center of the face-off circle to Manny's right. The shot deflects off Ryan Smyth's leg and goes behind Manny into the net. Oilers 2, Wings 0

- The Joe is embarassingly quiet. Rexall's crowd puts the Joe's to shame.

- While it's 4 on 4, Shawn Horcoff just "poked and jammed away" (according to an NBC broadcaster) to score the Oilers' third goal of the game with 7:24 left in the second. Oilers 3, Wings 0

- Manny made a nice save when Torres went on a breakaway.

- A guy's wife in the pub is the granddaughter of former Wings goalie Terry Sawchuk; unfortunately, her presence did not grant us any luck.

- 1:21 left in the period, Shanny gets on a breakaway and actually gets a goal!!!! An absolute miracle since he's had zero offense previously. The Wings can still do it since they are only down two goals at this point. However, I believe it was Draper who tripped some Oiler, which should've been called a penalty but then resulted in Shanny's breakaway. Like I said before, I'll take any goal we can get (tainted or not).

- An Oilers shot hit the post – thank goodness that didn't go in.

End of Second Period: Oilers 3, Wings 1
(Emonton outshot Detroit, 11-10)

Third Period
- It's not looking good. We really didn't come out flying – not a good sign.

- Roloson made a really nice save on a Shanny/Draper rush (Shanny shot?) to maintain the Oilers two goal lead.

- With 21.5 seconds left in the game, Henrik Zetterberg scores to give the Wings and fans a tiny minute chance of tying this game up. Datsyuk and Holmstrom were given the assists.

- They left Manny in goal and then called a timeout. I believe they still left Manny in net. Why wouldn't you pull Manny? We needed that extra man! Please let me know if I am incorrect and that they in fact pulled Manny at that point in the game.

End of Third Period: Oilers 3, Wings 2
(Detroit outshot Edmonton, 11-4)

Overall Stats
- Detroit had 32 total shots on goal / Edmonton only had 19 shots
- There were 10 total penalties in the game (6 on the Oilers / 4 on the Wings)
- Only one penalty came in the final period of the game, while six penalties came in the first period
- Detroit won 61% of the face-offs
- The three stars of the game were (in order from 1 to 3) Chris Pronger, Dwayne Roloson, and Brendan Shanahan.
- Detroit went 0/6 on the power play and killed 3 of 4 penalties.

Game #4: Wings 4, Oilers 2

Wings defeat the Oilers in regulation, 4-2. I blogged during the game, well I posted during the intermissions and then following the game. Here's what I had to say throughout the night…First Period
I missed the first couple minutes because OLN didn't cut to the Wings vs. Oilers game feed until the Ottawa vs. Tampa Bay game ended (Ottawa won). But aside from the first few minutes that I saw, Detroit looked pretty good! They applied lots of pressure and had some great scoring chances.

Edmonton's Fernando Pisani scored 7:22 into the first while on the power play. From my perspective, Cleary got caught behind the play and Pisani was left all alone in front of Manny. So when the puck popped up from behind the net, Pisani had a nice shot to get the puck in the net. Torres and Horcoff were given the assists. Oilers 1, Wings 0

A little over six minutes later (13:25 in the 1st period), Mathieu Schneider takes a nice shot from his "post" inside the blueline while on the power play. Tomas Holmstrom deflects the puck behind Oilers goaltender, Dwayne Roloson. It was Holmstrom's third goal of the season (including regular and postseason) against the Oilers. Wings 1, Oilers 1

Five minutes and 58 seconds later, Robert Lang (who was given an assist in the previous Wings goal) shot hit two goalposts. The replays weren't totally clear, but Niklas Kronwall was given credit for the goal after tipping it in? The CBC broadcasters speculated that Spacek was the one who actually accidentally kicked the puck in. I'm not sure. If anyone can confirm if this is correct (or inform me if it is incorrect), I'd really appreciate it! The OLN people now say it looked like the puck bounced off Kronwall's leg and then went into the net. However, there was no kicking motion involved (the goal did go under review) and the goal stood. (Sometime in the 2nd: It appears that Lang has now been credited with the goal.) Wings 2, Oilers 1

Detroit went 1/4 on the power play while Edmonton was 1/2 on the power play. Detroit also won 61% of the face-offs.

End of First Period: Wings 2, Oilers 1
(Detroit outshot Edmonton 14-6)

Second Period
4:03 into the second, Spacek scores through Manny's 5-hole. Yes, the 5-hole. He should've had that save. Some of the goals he has allowed this series have not been hard ones; but our backup, Chris Osgood, has a lower body injury (an OtW reader said it was a tweaked groin) so we had to call up rookie Jimmy Howard. Howard has four games of NHL experience under his belt so it's pretty safe to say that Manny will remain in net. Although Manny did step it up during out penalty kills, he just needs to keep his 5-hole covered and not allow easy goals! Wings 2, Oilers 2

Matt @ Lets Go Wings forum had this to say (and I couldn't agree more):

You can't just give this Edmonton team life, and that's what Legace has done. I know it's not entirely on the netminder, but it's not like the Edmonton goals were the result of a bad defensive play.The team is playing solid defensively, but as soon as Edmonton sniffs blood after each of the goals they scored tonight they go bonkers for a few shifts keeping the Wings scrambling… then it slowly heads back to the Detroit possession game.

It'd be nice to gain some momentum with a lead and MAINTAIN the lead for once. Please?

The Wings had four penalties this period. Cheli – what were you thinking? We were already down a man! Maybe the refs missed something Edmonton did, but we couldn't afford that penalty. He was having fun toying with Smyth (was that the guy?), but do that when we're not already trying to kill a penalty, buddy. I like the passion and that he's now pissed about the ref's call, but try to stay out of the box!Three of those penalties came 15:46-17:52 into the period. While I was incredibly pleased that the Wings actually managed to kill two 5-on-3 Oiler advantages, we made too many stupid trips to the penalty box that we only had 7 shots on Roloson (to Edmonton's 13).

Detroit won 53% of the face-offs in the first two periods.

Sidenote: Captain Steve Yzerman did not play tonight due to a lower back injury (or at least that's what we've been led to believe). While we were able to win tonight, we need the captain! As I mentioned earlier, Osgood is hurt. During intermission, he said that he hopes to be ready for Saturday's game in case something should happen to Legace. But if it's groin issues, can we really be that certain? If the Wings make it past this round, I am and I will be bloody terrified that our backup to Manny is Jimmy Howard, a rookie with 4 NHL games behind him. Let's just hope we won't need a backup.

End of Second Period: Wings 2, Oilers 2
(Edmonton outshot Detroit, 13-7)

Third Period
6:44 into the final period, Nick Lidstrom scored from the right corner inside the blueline. Now I'm a Wings fan and am just plain happy that he scored. I watched with my family, fellow Wings fans, and am watching the CBC broadcast courtesy of OLN. The broadcasters strongly believed it was a pick. My brother and dad thought there was obviously some contact, but Lidstrom did not cause him to spin around and fall. (Edit: I'm just happy the Wings scored another goal after Lidstrom's shot. Obviously, this goal helped with momentum and whatnot, but I'd feel just slightly guilty if that was the only goal that got past Roloson in the third.) Wings 3, Oilers 2

Pavel Datsyuk makes a beautiful play (good stickwork and actually "pushed" past the Oilers player – I can't think of a better word than "pushed") and passes the puck to Henrik Zetterberg in front of Roloson. Zetterberg makes a slight deke and shoots the puck backhand to give the Wings a two goal lead! The goal happened 15:53 into the third and scored while on the power play. Wings 4, Oilers 2

The Wings went 2/4 on the power play in the third while the Oilers only had two power play opportunities and did not capitalize on either one. Detroit won 54% of the face-offs in the game, overall.

End of Third Period: Wings 4, Oilers 2
(Detroit outshot Edmonton, 10-7)

Overall Game Thoughts
The Wings needed to win this game and they did. As a Wings fan, I couldn't be happier! The series is all tied up at two game wins apiece and we are not heading back to Detroit down, 3-1. The game's three stars were (in order from 1 to 3) Nick Lidstrom, Chris Pronger, and Robert Lang. It's good to see Lidstrom step up and finally get on the scoreboard.

Detroit's offensive leaders tonight: Robert Lang had a goal and two assists tonight. The only goal he did not contribute to was the last one. I was impressed with his offensive presence tonight especially with captain Steve Yzerman out of the lineup (with a lower back injury). Mathieu Schneider also had three points tonight, all of which were assists. It's also nice to see Pavel Datsyuk notch two assists and playing a big role in that final goal cementing the Wings' lead.

Quick Game Stats
- Wings outshot Edmonton, 31-26.
- Manny made 24 saves / Roloson stopped 27 shots
- Edmonton's Mark Greene went to the penalty box three times tonight (most of any player on either team / Detroit's Holmstrom was second with two penalties). He was called for cross checking, hooking, and tripping.
- Edmonton had two more penalties in the game than Detroit, 11 and 9 penalties respectively.
- 5 of the 6 goals in tonight's game came on the power play. Only Lang's goal in the second period came while playing at even strength.
- Detroit went 3-11 on the power play (roughly 27%). Edmonton went 2-9 (about 22%).

The game didn't seem to have a lot of flow with the amount of penalties this game had (20 overall). It's hard to get a rhythm going when the whistle is blowing every two seconds (an obvious exaggeration).
- First period had 6 penalties (Edmonton had 4 to Detroit's 2)
- Second period had 8 penalties (Detroit had 5 to Edmonton's 3)
- Third period had 6 penalties (Edmonton had 4 to Detroit's 2)

I just looked at the previous games' offensive score sheets and although it seemed like a bazillion penalties were called, Tuesday's game had two more penalties than tonight's with 22 total penalties (each team with 11). However, three of those penalties did come during the overtime period. Last Sunday's game in Detroit only had 9 total penalties (5 Detroit, 4 Edmonton). And the first game of the series had 16 penalties (8 apiece); none of those penalties were called during either overtime periods.

Sacamano at Battle of Alberta with his postgame reaction:

I don't usually like to talk about the refs because in the grand scheme of things everything tends to even out in the wash; but that missed pick call on the 5 on 3 was a back-breaker.Having said that, there were about 10 other penalty calls on the Oilers that were deserved, and they did have two 5 on 3's that they failed to convert. Terrible discipline. Hemsky was quite simply, awful tonight. In addition, like the other loss, the Oilers had zero 5 on 5 production — not that there was a heckuva lot of 5 on 5 play.

He also mentioned that the Oilers still have a strong shot at winning this series is if this is the best Detroit can do. Well, we all know Detroit can do a lot better (namely our second period crappiness), but will they actually bring it on Saturday's game?In conclusion…
- The Wings won and we didn't have to go into overtime!
- I hated watching that CBC broadcast. It really made me miss Mickey and Ken at FSN Detroit.
- Obviously today's game was a pretty important one, but I think a win on Saturday is also pretty key. I wouldn't want to head back to Edmonton down 3-2.
- Did I mention the Wings won? Woohoo!
- I'm also down in Florida at the moment. I got badly sunburned after playing extremely casual tennis, if you can even call it that, for two hours. But I've walked the beach and swam in the pool and relaxed. Plus the Wings won, it's been a great day! As such, I won't be updating a whole lot since my internet access is limited (I'm borrowing my brother's ethernet cord and he has to do homework so I can only go online when he's not using it).

Thanks for reading Behind the Jersey and please leave comments telling me what you thought about the game – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Game #3: Oilers 4, Wings 3

I'll be posting throughout the game, but not necessarily in a ton of detail.- Loud crowd! If only the Joe could be like that, but we have all the silly rich business people. Ugh.

- Whoever sang the two national anthems, my parents and I were cringing. Man – I'll take Karen Newman over him anyday!

First Period
- The Wings are putting a lot of pressure in the Oilers end. Jason Williams was pretty close to getting a goal, but it hit the far goalpost. The play was reviewed and no goal was the outcome.

- Mikael Samuelsson chose to flick the puck towards the center of the Wings defensive zone instead of clearing it. An Oiler got a clear shot, puck sent behind net, and then Jason Spacek scored on a slapshot 4:15 into the first. No one was blocking Manny's view; he just went down too early. Oilers 1, Wings 0

- This drives me absolutely crazy. The Wings seem to have the game going their tempo and then they make a stupid (and costly) error. The Oilers go up on the board and get the momentum. Come on Wings – let's cut back on these silly defensive errors!

- The Wings had at least 30 seconds with a man advantage and they used it. Detroit applied a lot of pressure with the puck in the Oilers end the entire time. Kronwall had numerous shots that looked like they could've gone in. Mathieu Schneider made a nice pass to Henrik Zetterberg who flicked it in (for his 2nd power play goal of the postseason) 12:06 into the first. Shots all even at 7. Wings 1, Oilers 1

- Ridiculous. I just told my dad, "Look at all the pressure the Wings are applying! Oh crap, here come the Oilers. I bet they score here." And what do they do? They score. I think we've been doing pretty well and then we make stupid stupid mistakes and the Oilers pounce on those opportunities. Plus Manny isn't looking too hot. Ryan Smyth scored at 16:48. Oilers 2, Wings 1

- I am so confused with this penalty stuff. Holmstrom got called for holding and then interference; I didn't see the interference and holding? Then Jason Smith is in for Roloson. And now Cheli tried to clear the puck and it went out so we have a delay of game. So for like 56 seconds, the Oilers are 5-3 on the Wings. Fortunately, Lidstrom and Zetterberg have each cleared the puck to kill about 15-20 seconds.

- With exactly 30 seconds left on the 5-3 Oilers advantage, the first period came to a close. Thank goodness. Mike Babcock better have something to say to his team. The Oilers aren't beating Detroit; Detroit is beating Detroit. Stupid penalties. Stupid mistakes. Ugh.

- The Wings had 6 penalties to Edmonton's three in the first.

End of First Period: Oilers 2, Wings 1
(Edmonton outshot Wings, 11-9)

Second Period
- 2:38 into the first, Pronger takes a shot from right inside the blueline and Torres deflects it behind Manny. This was, of course, on the Oilers power play. Man, this game is pissing me off. Oilers 3, Wings 1

- The Wings have a power play after Smyth ran into Manny (he just couldn't stop); they need to score right now. And the Wings don't even generate that many offensive opportunities; the Oilers just block and clear.

- Steve Yzerman was hooked as he was going to the goal. If it wasn't for Yzerman, I'd be losing my mind. The Wings need to look at him and replicate his fervor and ability. He's outskating some of the Oilers and he's getting chances. Lidstrom hit the goalpost during the power play. Our passes are sloppy; we just aren't connecting and that wasted the rest of the power play.

- Panic hasn't set in, just yet. Extreme worry has though. Can we score at least two goals in the third without allowing anymore Edmonton goals in? I guess we'll find out…

End of 2nd Period: Oilers 3, Wings 1
(Detroit outshoots Oilers, 6-4)

Third Period
- I love the comment by Happy Pancake at the Lets Go Wings forum: "Can we take the Wings players' families hostage until they start playing like an actual cohesive NHL team?"

- You've GOT to be kidding me. Lebda called for unsportsmanlike for diving? Seriously – he was bloody "corkscrew"ed according to Mickey. There was no way he could've stayed on his feet. For the first time, it wasn't the Wings fault. I'm getting mad…And the penalties were offsetting, but that should've been our bloody power play! Vladiator on the LGW forum said: "Man, I don't know. With that last call, just looking more and more like a Canadian Conspiracy to me."

- Yzerman drew an Oiler penalty. We need our power play from the regular season right about now. This is ridiculous, with 1 minute to go in the power play, I think the Oilers had more shots than we did. Edicius on the LGW forum: "Was…was that actually a power play? I didn't realize so much defensive play was required when one is on a power play."

- Finally! Zetterberg scores another power play goal with 8:08 left in regulation. Willy actually did something good and helped set up that goal. Come on Wings please don't make a stupid mistake and screw up our momentum. Oilers 3, Wings 2

- Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yzerman won the face-off, Schneider took a slapshot and bam it's in the back of the net with 7:44 left. Can they get another one and perhaps win this game? Or will the menacing Oilers return? We need Yzerman on the ice – all the time. Wings 3, Oilers 3

- Man. That Oiler (Hemsky) fell head face into the board and just laid there until the refs blew the whistle and then popped right back up. And the Wings had the pressure down in the Oilers end. Man that sucks. Let's just say that it was pretty easy to read Babcock's lips about what he had to say to the refs and it was all swearing. If looks could kill…

- Well, there's 1:17 left in the third and it's all tied up at 3. Looks like we're heading into OT. Oh crap, Lidstrom made a hook and now we're shorthanded. He's our penalty killer! Ahh. In game 1, didn't we have to kill a last minute penalty that extended into overtime? Hopefully this is a good sign of things to come.

- Darren McCarty scored to help the Flames beat Anaheim, 5-2.

End of Third Period: Wings 3, Oilers 3
(Wings outshot Oilers, 14-5, and won 68% of the face-offs)

Overtime
- We have 47 seconds left to kill in the penalty when OT starts. To bad we have an intermission, the Wings certainly had momentum. Let's Go Red Wings!

- Stress causes my knee pain to really flare up. So the Wings need to score ASAP so (a) my knee can feel better and (b) I can get some sleep. Fortunately, I finished my freshman year of college tonight at 9pm when I turned in my bio final exam. Otherwise, it'd be an early morning…

- We killed the penalty! Oh man, I just had a near heart attack – 2 Oilers on a breakaway and they call it offsides. Didn't look like it from what I saw.

- 15:32 left in OT, Zetterberg got hooked multiple times by Spacek and so the Wings go on a power play. Come on!!

- Spacek (?) had a breakaway and Willy hooked him but there is no penalty shot. Just a penalty. Thank goodness. Ahh, Willy you're killing me! The Wings successfully killed the Oilers power play; Manny had a pretty nice save.

- Now Peca is in the box, come on Wings! I can't believe no one has scored with the 3 different power plays in OT. The Oilers killed that penalty. Man.

- Yzerman was hit somewhere and left the bench. But he's back on the bench and looking very determined. We need him out here winning us some face-offs!

- I love that the Edmonton fans boo Cheli whenever he touches the puck. I must say I've been impressed with their involvement in the game; puts the Joe to shame.

- Crap. Yzerman took 2 steps out onto the ice and then went back off. Uh oh. This is not good. Even if we win this game, we need Yzerman. *I* need Yzerman playing.

- Willy scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I believe that Willy scored? Oh wait, they are reviewing the play. Crap, it went through the side of the net. No goal. What a momentum loss, we're back to OT.

- Shots, 38-24, in Detroit's favor.

- Doesn't look like Yzerman is playing anymore tonight, but he's still sitting on the bench. He had 14:22 of ice time tonight.

- Less than two minutes left in OT, how has no one scored yet? I can't believe we're possibly going into ANOTHER double overtime in 3 games. Yep, we're heading into double overtime. At least we're seeing the actual Red Wings playing and not their slow/sloppy/lazy alterego.

End of Overtime: Wings 3, Oilers 3
(Detroit outshot Edmonton, 10-6, and won 53% of face-offs)

Double Overtime
- Have you seen the My Stanley Cup ad featuring the Wings? It's the best ad the NHL has produced yet this year. Although Kiefer Sutherland's voiceover sounds nothing like Jack Baeur in 24 (great show by the way), but the commercial showed action and highlighed popular players like Shanny, Lids, and Yzie.

- Yzerman is skating okay on the ice now; hopefully they were able to work some magic during intermission. He has a fantastic pain tolerance, I truly admire and appreciate that in a person and athlete.

- Pressure on both ends; both goalies have made some key saves. Come on Wings, let's get this puck in the back of the net! It's 2am here in Detroit!

- I must say that I've been most impressed with Kronwall and Yzerman tonight. Kronwall has been hitting and taking shots and making no major mistakes that I've noticed.

- Ok, the Wings are dominating which is scary because everytime the Wings really dominate, the Oilers score a goal off a bad defensive/goalie error. Come on, come on.

- With 11:16, Stoll scores so the Oilers win 4-3 in double overtime. Crap. I knew this would happen. Crap. Crap. Crap. Well, I'm not as terrified as I would have been had we lost the game, 3-1, but that still doesn't help the fact that we are down in the series now, 2-1.

- What a night to try out this liveblogging stuff. It's 2:10am, good morning everybody.

End of Double OT: Oilers 4, Wings 3
(Wings outshot Oilers, 8-5)

Overall
Personally, I thought the Wings deserved the win. Had the game ended in regulation, I would've had something different to say. But they dominated in the last 7-8 minutes of the third and then throughout the first and second overtime. Well, this just plain sucks. But I have not lost heart; the team brought it. However, I didn't see Yzerman play in the 2nd OT – not good. It appears to be lower body, perhaps hip flexor?

For more info, check out the offensive scoresheet.