The Stanley Cup Finals...Our Trip to Game 2

I know, this is not a normal photo to begin my commentary on the latest from Hockeytown, but I wanted to share a story and also to say 'Thank You!' to a relatively new friend. But how DO you say thanks when you are given an opportunity to not only take your kids to their first NHL game in the regular season, but also Game Two of the Stanley Cup FINALS??? I don't know either, which is why I asked. The first guy in this photo is Tim (foreground) and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to go to Game 2 and his generosity.

Now, let's talk about Game 2 in Hockeytown. It begins with the assortment of over-the-edge Fans we got to see, while waiting to enter the Joe Louis Arena on Sunday evening. I compiled a nice photo album, so go take a look at some of these characters, as well as some great pics from the trip.

The Detroit Red Wings are now just two wins away from their twelvth Stanley Cup. They did the work tonight in Detroit, defeating those pesky Penguins from Pittsburgh 3-1. It was the second game in as many days and it was the same score, too! But, despite being banged up and exhausted, our beloved Winged Wheelers found a way to put a choke hold on Sidney Crosby and Company. The Wings now lead the Finals 2 games to none, as they head to Pittsburgh for Game 3 on Tuesday evening.

Wings' Netminder, Chris Osgood was superb in goal tonight, allowing one goal on 32 attempts. Penguins' Goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury was not so lucky, as he was pulled for the second consecutive game. It seems as though the Red Wings have his number, but we'll see what lies ahead on Tuesday night.

Also for the second night in a row, Wings' newcomer, Justin Abdelkader, scored a goal. He was recently brought up from Grand Rapids to replace some injured teammates, but he has certainly found a niche as a support player within the organization and he's making a case for returning full time in the 2009-10 season.

Adding fuel to the fire, Rookie defenseman, Jonathon Ericcson (who watched the Western Conference finale from the dressing room Wednesday night after having his appendix removed) slipped one past Fleury. Valteri Filppula also split the pipes for the Wings.

What's exciting to me, aside from being there, is seeing the supporting players step up and make a difference. The Detroit Red Wings have built a solid core, but they have the added benefit of this expanding base of support, as well. They are arguably the best Detroit Team I have seen-and that's saying something!

And while I'm soapboxing, let me add my voice to the chorus being heard in Detroit (and elsewhere) these days. At this point in the playoffs, I think it's safe to say that Goalie, Chris Osgood has made a huge bid for the Conn Smythe this playoff season. This, despite a mediocre year and a bit of struggling. He's answered the call, he's motivated his Team to excel on every level and he has shown he has what it takes to be a force to be reckoned with. The Wings are fortunate to have Osgood and I would like to think he will be recognized for his efforts, for this season, as well as last. Oh and I haven't even talked about the fact that he is two victories away from his fourth Stanley Cup!

Tuesday night, from Pittsburgh, it's Game Three. GO WINGS!!!

It's Time To Bring BACK The Cup...To Hockeytown!

It's the Wings and the Penguins (Round 2) in the Stanley Cup Finals, as Chicago Blackhawks fell in overtime Wednesday evening, 2-1. It was a defensive showcase, with both Net Minders (Chris Osgood and Cristobal Huet) doing an incredible job in goal, but in the end the Red Wings were just too much for the Hawks. As a result, your Detroit Red Wings are the Western Conference Champions!

The hunger of this veteran Detroit team is shining through, as its younger players step up to get the job done. Despite the absence of Captain Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk, our beloved Red Wings did the work and give some real credit to Darren 'Digger' Helm, who scored the winning goal, but also showed some urgency as he scrambled for the puck in one play that had everyone on their feet. It seemed the Blackhawks could do little but watch as Helm took on as many as four, at one point and got a shot on goal that nearly went in.

Add to the mix Dan Cleary, who's been on fire of late, as well as Marian Hossa and Henrik Zetterberg....plus many others and we have a recipe for a fantastic matchup for Lord Stanley's Cup. But it won't be easy....it never is.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by Captain Sidney Crosby, are still smarting from the lessons learned in last year's Cup Final and you can bet they are looking to avenge their loss in 2008. It ought to be a hard-hitting, brutal battle for the Silver Chalice and unless you are comatose somewhere, you will be watching. Of course, I'll keep tellin my tales along the way and sharing the excitement of another Stanley Cup run for the Detroit Red Wings.

Game One is Saturday, in Detroit, at the Joe Louis Arena. Be there, or be in front of a big screen TV with a LOUD surround system!

GO WINGS!!!!