Red Wings Blogger Checking In

by FrankD on May 24, 2008 8:15 AM EDT in Letters Comment 6 comments

As you know the SBNation network of hockey blogs is forever growing. While the numbers may be few for this season, we've been fortunate enough to have both Stanley Cup teams represented on the site. In response to my initial letter, Christy from Winging it in Motown has sent over some (rival) words of encouragement.

Dear PensBurgh,

Game #1 of the Stanley Cup Finals begins in 24 hours. Right now, both team's fanbases are filled with optimism regarding their team's shot at winning Lord Stanley's Cup. Let me point out a couple items you missed in your letter to WIM:

First, your team is led by a 20 year old and a 21 year old. Admittedly Crosy and Malkin are two of the top five scorers in the league this postseason, but they struggle to grow anything resembling an actual playoff beard. Compare Crosby's "beard" to that of Kris Draper or Dan Cleary of the Red Wings. No comparison.

Second, your team doesn't have Nicklas Lidstrom. Yes, a European captain has never win the cup before, but neither has a 20 year old captain. His teammates call him the perfect human and it's hard to argue. He's perfectly positioned. He doesn't get easily frustrated. Thanks to James Mirtle's analysis, Detroit has only allowed four goals this postseason with Lidstrom on the penalty kill. In fact, Detroit has actually scored five goals this postseason while on the penalty kill with Lidstrom on the ice. It's hard to truly measure how dominant Lidstrom is on the ice. But trust me, Pens fans are going to get frustrated with the great play of Lidstrom as he averages almost 30 minutes a night.

Third, I am completely happy that the Penguins are getting the picks from the mass media. Keep putting the pressure on Crosby and the gang. It gives the Red Wings even more motivation to prove that a great blend of veteran experience and determination with youthful speed and desire will win. Predictions don't mean squat. The Wings know they have what it takes to defeat the Penguins and they will prove that out on the ice over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for the space and go Wings!

Love,
Christy
WingingItInMotown.com

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Of the Wings fans I’ve come across, she’s certainly one of the more polite ones – though I do have to say I politely disagree with her.

by JDunman on May 24, 2008 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

Compared to the snottiness of your typical Rangers/Flyers fan (minus residential Rangers fans Eric The Rangers Fan and Christine), I’ve yet to really meet a ‘bad’ Red Wings fan. They know hockey, they appreciate a good match-up and they’re just as anxious/nervous to start this thing as Penguins fans.

At least I think so. If any Wings fans would like to chime in feel free.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on May 24, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, my brother’s an Avs fan, so I’ve had the worst of the Red Wings pounded into my skull for years now.

by JDunman on May 28, 2008 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

At least

The Pens and Avs hardly see one another. I can’t imagine the Dunman family holding up well in a Avs/Pens Stanley Cup series.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on May 28, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

In my family there are very few hockey fans. My grandmother was a Canadiens fan (no one has ever figured out how/why) and the only other big hockey fans are my uncle and cousin, both of whom are serious Red Wings fans. The taunting has begun, we just have to hope no major family gatherings take place before the end of the series (or, really, for the rest of our lives in the case of the loser).

by Dayna on May 24, 2008 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t know anyone who is a Red Wings fan, which i will admit is pretty nice. There was SOME trash talk during the Rangers and Flyers series, but once we get out of the Atlantic Division in my house the rest is gravy.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on May 24, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions