After some sleep and calming down, I think I can actually write something coherent about last night's game.
Anyone who is not a Wings' fan now knows what we have been going through all year long with the team: wondering how a team so great can play so inconsistently. I watched all--or parts of all--of the games this season and have asked that question over and over and over again. At first, it seemed to be a Cup hangover, but that doesn't even explain it all. And then they came into the playoffs and they switched into high gear--for awhile. Right now I'm willing to bet the biggest problem--on an individual basis, anyway--is injuries. Most everyone is convinced that Daysyuk is playing with a broken foot. Hossa is not himself and is most likely injured. Lidstrom is playing--and has all year long--with a bad elbow that probably will need surgery this summer. AND he was speared in the groin during the Chicago series, so THAT is a factor. Draper missed quite a bit of time and Cleary has numerous bangs, bumps, and bruises that haven't had time to heal. And this is what is KNOWN. We'll hear stories about how banged up everyone is after Friday. (I know my Baby Boy had an undisclosed injury during last year's run and we found out about it after the Cup win.) So this could be what is going on.
During games--and afterward, for awhile--I most likely blame the refs for a Wings' loss. Last night wasn't ONLY about the refs, but they definitely played a part in what happened. It must have been pretty bad because even the CBC AND NBC announcers pointed out missed calls on the Penguins. And THEY have their collective lips planted squarely on The Boy's ass--if not other parts. (Did I REALLY write that? Yes I did. ;)) But, this isn't anything new--and it isn't anything the other teams haven't experienced, also. Officiating in the NHL is atrocious, to say the least. And that isn't even talking about the 'disciplinary' part of what is going on--which would take another 3, 462 posts. Something has to be done about both problems, because long-time fans just aren't going to take it anymore and will start walking away from the NHL. Then the only 'fans' that will be left are the bandwagoners and 'tween girls who swoon over The Boy. And if Bettman thinks THEY will keep the league afloat, he is sadly mistaken.
I guess the thing that bothers me the most is what will come next year. It doesn't matter who wins on Friday because the MSM and non-Wings' supporters will go on and on about how the Penguins won because they pushed the series to seven games. This past year we were subjected to commercial after commercial showing last year's finals implying the Penguins won the Cup. Anyone not a hockey fan would think that Pittsburgh won the Cup last year and that The Boy did it all himself. But, with Bettman crowning him the 'face of the NHL' and the Golden Boy, I guess it is expected. But, it still is annoying as hell AND it hurts. I understand why so many people are sick and tired of the Wings and hate them so, but I AM a fan and it doesn't feel good to have the players--who, by the way, ARE some of the best in the league--ignored and dismissed just because they play for Detroit.
I don't know what will happen on Friday. I am hoping the Wings can get it together and win on home ice (which I KNOW they can,) but I'm not counting on anything. I thought they would win last night--well, until I got the feeling around 7:00 that it was NOT going to happen--and we all know how THAT turned out. If Detroit doesn't do it, I will have a time of mourning and being extremely depressed, but life will go on. There will be a bitterness in my soul that will go much, much deeper than what I feel about the Ducks winning two years ago--and will NEVER go away. However, I am, first and foremost, a Red Wing's fan and I do bleed not only red, but white as well, and will continue to as long as I live. Whatever happens on Friday will happen--there is, of course, always next year.
Thoughts
