Too soon to say Detroit?

by FrankD on May 27, 2009 5:15 PM EDT in News

A lot of writers are leading to the notion that a Detroit/Pittsburgh rematch in the Finals is more or less a guarantee. Considering Detroit's 3-1 series lead - and how close it really was to being a sweep - it would appear doing so is a safe bet.

Tonight may be your last chance to see the Detroit Red Wings in action before they take on Pitt for the Cup. It's a chance to eye up the enemy. A chance to get a look at how they are handling the ice without the likes of Kris Draper (groin), Pavel Datsyuk (foot) or Nik Lidstrom (lower-body injury). They may be injured but they're still getting by.

On NHL Live yesterday afternoon, NHL.com writer Brian Compton suggested Draper may be done for the playoffs. It wasn't a statement of fact, but instead a speculation based on following the team throughout the run both on and off the ice. Given Draper's history of injuries it isn't hard to imagine.

Compton addressed injuries again today with regards to both Lidstrom and Datsyuk:

According to Detroit coach Mike Babcock, progress has been made, but not enough to get either player into the lineup as the Wings gun for a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

NHL.com

Datsyuk is allegedly sporting a boot on his injured foot, an indication that whatever injury he sustained is more than just a tweak or bruise. If I had to guess I'd say Datsyuk will play in the Finals regardless but there's a chance he won't be at the top of his game.

The NHL has already suggested that the Finals schedule will commence this weekend if Detroit wins tonight. It's hard to say if these injuries to Detroit will still be a factor in the next round. Right now you have to imagine they are set on closing out Chicago and moving onto the games that hold a higher reward. Drawing out this series with an injured club will only prolong the pain and make the next round all the more difficult.

The puck drops tonight at 7:30 on Versus. Be sure to check out the SBN blogs for the series as well: Winging it in Motown (Wings) and Second City Hockey (Blackhawks).

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Yes

Too damn soon.

Second City Hockey

by Killion on May 27, 2009 5:18 PM EDT reply actions

agree 110%

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 27, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

ck might be a bit biased….just a bit

by ahtrap on May 27, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

ok

maybe it wasn’t

Second City Hockey

by Killion on May 28, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

but i also wouldnt put it past the wings to come out lackluster for this game given previously documented statements from the league about the schedule. heck i wouldnt put it past anyone to throw a game to try and force the start of the finals for a week. a full week of rest would probably do wonders for that team. but at the same time i would love nothing more then to see the hawks ring off three straight to beat them. take that hossa

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 27, 2009 5:30 PM EDT reply actions

I was rooting for Chicago earlier in the series and I’m still rooting for them tonight. Whether Detroit wins tonight or later this week just strikes me as a mere matter of time, unfortunately.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 27, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

i’ll be watching the game cheering for the Hawks tonight. And if they keep their emotions in check i think they can make this a series… but anywho i’ll go take my meds now

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on May 27, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree completey. the irruption in the last game showed the youth of this team and the head coach was at the front of the ship. as much as i’d love to see the hawks have there way for the remaining three games, it seems to be a coin thrown into a well at this point.

by AZpenzFan on May 27, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Pullin' for the Hawks

I think the Hawks have been written off prematurely. It’s going to be a battle tonight. When the ‘Hawks bring it, they’re a tough team to beat. I’m hoping Byfuglien puts a huge hit on Hossa, too.

by gorgalor on May 27, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

normally i'd say its too soon but,

with the way the blackhawks played in last game i dont really think so. detroit smoked them last game & without some of their key players. not to mention Khabibulin wont be playing tonight.

blackhawks might win tonight, but i dont see them winning the next 3 games, especially a game 7 in detroit

by t1mmy10 on May 27, 2009 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

I’d love to see the Hawks win out, some how some way, but they’ll have to overcome a lot even while Detroit has top players sitting.

Would it be better for the Pens to carry their pace and play into the Cup asap, or would more rest help? Seems like a question asked for the World Series in baseball the last few years; Rest vs. Momentum

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on May 27, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

Put Godard on Loan

Shero should loan out Godard to the Hawks for tonight’s game;)

by gorgalor on May 27, 2009 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

I live in Chicago so if the Hawks win I might get to go to a SCF game…. but if they are going to lose eventually I’d rather it happen tonight so they have less time to recover.

So I’m conflicted… fortunately nobody asked me to decide the outcome so I’ll just watch and see what happens.

by Cari on May 27, 2009 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

So…what do you think the outcome is going to be? ;-)

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 27, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I have watched most of the games, and to be honest I think Chicago is done. They have seemed overwhelmed in every game. If Huet continues to have an amazing night, though, anything could happen.

I also feel bad for Huet — it’s not his fault that he hasn’t played since April, and I think people have been too hard on him considering Chicago’s defensive breakdowns.

And, I question the maturity of their coach after his outbursts about the worst call in the history of humanity. Bylsma would know how to handle this situation (but he is ours).

by Cari on May 27, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve always liked Huet. I think he faced a lot of crap when in Montreal, didn’t receive the praise he deserved with Washington in last year’s playoffs and unfortunately was forced to take the back seat this season with Nikolai Khabibulin playing like an ageless psychopath. He’s looking pretty solid tonight but he’s not getting help from the defense, or even the offense for that matter.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 27, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Hawks sneak out, we need a PensBurgh section in the United Center ;)

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on May 27, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

We pretty much had a Pens section at the game in February. I’m sure there will be lots of Pens there if Chicago plays in the SCF.

by Cari on May 27, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I was in standing room only with a monstrous pack of Pens fans.

This was before the game, already had a following :)

That said, we got Detroit. Who are afraid of touching a trophy.

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on May 27, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions

lucky sob

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 27, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions

This is pretty intense! I can’t post on the Chicago blog because apparently you have to wait a full 24 hours after pressing the button, perhaps to make sure your first comment is thoughtful and restrained (yet, I notice they swear with abandon over there).

These games are exciting when it’s not your team in this position. If this were the Pens I would probably be puking.

by Cari on May 27, 2009 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

Gawd. It would have been awful if the dinosaur would have scored the GWG of this series.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on May 27, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah they don’t seem to care much in terms of cursing like sailors. Whatevs. To each their own

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 27, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

They are making George Carlin proud to be sure. Get a mixed bunch in Motown, but, for the most part, they’re alright. That’s were I commented a slight bit.

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on May 27, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions

swear with abandon.. yes...

but we deal with a fair amount of trolls…

Second City Hockey

by Killion on May 28, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions

detroit it is

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 27, 2009 10:20 PM EDT reply actions

Commence puking. Go Pens! Don’t let those bastards take the Cup again.

An ounce of confidence can carry you a mile toward winning. Oh, and Red Wings suck.

by texacogirl on May 27, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh

I decided this was what I wanted, because I think a shorter break is better for the Pens. But watching this makes me sad. Huet deserved better, and I hate watching the Red Wings celebrate the defeat of my current city’s team.

And this is pretty much the end of my friends’ interest in hockey for the year, meaning I will watch most games in my own apartment.

by Cari on May 27, 2009 10:22 PM EDT reply actions

lol, well you have a home here. i watch them at work but when im on here in the game thread its kinda like being at a sports bar. just without the booze, eye candy, and cig’s….yes i have an imagination

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 27, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Well maybe not the booze…

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 27, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions

at work. booze bad…causes issues at work….boooze bad

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 27, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I watch most Pens games by myself anyway since I don’t know anyone from Pittsburgh who lives here, but I was having a good time watching Blackhawks games at bars… I think I’ll be able to drag the Canadians out for at least one SCF game though.

by Cari on May 27, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions