37 replies to this topic

[YzerFan19]

It's been a quiet week around here while a lot of other places have been buzzing with pre-series storylines. I don't bother with that 'cause I (finally) learned last year to take the playoffs one game at a time.

Around these Intarwebs the Blue Jackets seem to be a pretty sexy pick for first-round upset. I can see why people would say that, it makes for a good story. If you don't have a stake in the Wings' success why wouldn't you go for the great underdog story. Having finally made the playoffs the young, scrappy Blue Jackets are stuck going against the defending champion Detroit Red Wings, led by their core of evil players who sign long-term, low-cap-hit contracts and refuse to fight.

I don't buy it but I'm not expected to, I've got my rooting interest in this one.

So bottom line? I don't care about the stories. Just like last year, this is one game at a time. Starting in about 97 minutes.

[Mathieu_Datsyuk132351]

Here, here! (Or is it hear, hear? I'm not too familiar with that phrase!)

You said intarwebs, haha.

I wore my jersey today for extra luck, so I hope the underdog doesn't see through!

[YzerFan19]

Had a tough time picking which jersey might be good luck today. Decided to bring back the spirits of last spring with my Zetterberg 2008 SCF jersey.

Actual pregame notes...

As previously mentioned this week, Kris Draper is out tonight and will miss the first two games of the series before being re-evaluated. Darren Helm takes his spot centering the fourth line.

Dan Cleary, after being banged up in practice on Monday, is ready to go tonight. As such, Ville Leino was sent back to Grand Rapids to gear up for the Griffins' first round matchup against Hamilton.

Jonathan Ericsson remains on the blueline while Andreas Lilja recovers but I suspect Mike Babcock won't hesitate to go to Chris Chelios to replace either Ericsson or Brett Lebda if things start to go poorly.

[YzerFan19]

Starting to feel nervous. Jiri, what do you think?

[YzerFan19]

Early giveaway, not the way to start this series.

[YzerFan19]

Datsyuk to Boll: "I will break you."

[YzerFan19]

Cleary hurt. Goddamnit.

[YzerFan19]

Cleary back. Good.

[YzerFan19]

Ozzie out and challenging. He's confident.

[YzerFan19]

Holmstrom getting his ass kicked at one end of the ice, then the Ozzie with the huge save at the other end.

[Britishwingsfan]

Jeez, hardly any 5 on 5 time so far. Osgood's been solid.

[YzerFan19]

Osgood's been a badass so far. I can't believe how much Homer's getting knocked down without any calls. There has to be *something* the refs will call in Detroit's favor.

[YzerFan19]

Another Columbus chance off a giveaway in the Detroit zone. Ugh.

[YzerFan19]

Bad call goes in Detroit's favor. I hate it but I'll take it.

[YzerFan19]

Oompa loompa! Nice feed from Fil, too.

[Britishwingsfan]

Hudler on the 2 on 1. He'll have some of that.

[YzerFan19]

Jesus mother f*cking Christ. Wings let up again and leave a guy standing in the f*cking crease.

[Britishwingsfan]

Oh.

[YzerFan19]

Six feet, five inches of playoff goal! The midget and the giant.

[Britishwingsfan]

Back in front. Now keep it.