RED WINGS WIN THE CUP!!!!!!!!!!

My Red Wings won the Cup after 6 games with a score of 3-2. My prediction was right.

The Wings started with a goal by Brian Rafalski on a power play. Red Wings have won every game in the playoffs when they scored first.

However the Wings took 2 penalties, leaving it to a 5 on 3. Once again Zetterberg was able to kill off the penalties.

Then another goal was scored by Valtteri Filppula to extend the lead 2-0. Similar to game 5, however the Penguins scored 2.

The Penguins jumped back however with a goal by Evgeni Malkin on a power play. Making the score 2-1.
The Wings did not let this get to their head. Zetterberg fired a shot on goal, and Marc-Andre Fleury thought he had it under him. However the puck got passed him. In a attempt to cover up he was trying to lay back on top of the puck, but he kicked it in accidentally and a goal was scored. Pushing the lead 3-1. The basic rule of hockey, " Fire the puck in net, you never know what will happen." Well it paid off.

As usual when a team is down they pull their goalie for an extra attacker. In under 2 mintues the Wings took a bad penalty and the Penguins had a 6-4 power play. Marian Hossa scored to make the score 3-2. Now the Penguins cheated on this goal. I beleive it was Malkin who knocked the stick out of the Red Wings defenceman Andreas Lilja, and no call was made. I was furious because the cheating was happening again. A desperate team being pathetic, cheating, and the Refs allowing this.

However with .3 seconds left, Osgood made the save and the Detroit Red Wings WON THE CUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicholas Lindstrom took the cup and passed it to Dallas Drake who passed it on to the rest of the team. Zetterberg also took the Conn Smythe trophy as Playoff MVP, he helped spark the Red Wings.

There is a lesson to be learned in this game. It is that cheaters never win. Penguins had cheated the entire series, however lost in the end. If the Penguins would had won the Cup then I would had been very upset, not only because my favorite team would had lost, but also the saying "cheaters never win" would not had been true.

Henrik Zetterberg

Henrik Zetterberg born was October 9, 1980 in Njurunda, Sweden) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player with the Detroit Red Wings.

Zetterberg’s ability to hold on to the puck fits very well into the Detroit’s puck possession style of play. In the 7^th round the Red Wings drafted him in 1998. A steal considering him being a 7^th round pick.

Zetterberg has a good rookie season having 22 goals and 22 assist. He was selected to the 2007 NHL All-Star Game, but did not go due to a wrist injury.

In 2006 he won the gold medal for the Winter Olympics, he plays for team Sweden.

Wayne Gretzky believes that Zetterberg is the most underrated player in the NHL, same way I think. His defense can be considered to be the best among NHL forwards right now. He makes plays when big plays are needed, kills of power plays, scores goals on his own power plays. You cannot find any problems in his game. To me he is the best player on the Red Wings team right now. He was a major factor in the Red Wings winning the Cup this year.

Awards

• Elitserien Rookie of the Year in 2001.
• Bronze medal at the 2001 and 2002 World Championships.
• Played in the Elitserien All-Star Game in 2002.
• Awarded Guldpucken (Swedish Player of the Year) in 2002.
• Named to the Swedish All-Star Team in 2002.
• Silver medal at the 2003 World Championships.
• Named "Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year" in 2003 by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters' Association for his play during the 2002-03 season.
• Awarded the Sporting News Rookie of the Year (voted on by NHL players) in 2003.
• Named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2003. (Lead NHL rookies with 22 goals and 44 total points.)
• Calder Trophy finalist in 2003.
• Named to the Swedish All-Star Team in 2005.
• Gold medal at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
• Gold medal at the 2006 World Championships.
• Named to the NHL Western Conference All-Star Team in 2007.
• Viking Award in 2007, awarded to the "Best Swede" playing in North America
• Holds a Red Wings record for having at least one point in 17 consecutive games to start a season.

Pavel Datsyuk

Pavel Valerievich Datsyuk was born on July 20 in Sverdlovsk, USSR) is a Russian-born professional ice hockey player playing for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. He is known for his quiet, humble demeanor, as well as his flashy moves on the ice.

Datsyuk faced many problems due to his small size, however the Wings scout liked his skills. He was drafted by the Wings in 1998.

Datsyuk had a lot of help to further develop his skills from Steve Yzerman, Igor Larionov and Sergei Fedorov. He was put on the same like as Bret Hull and Boyd Devereaux, and had a good first year. The season games got to him however and he need to sit out a clump of games. After Sergei Fedorov left, Datsyuk took his place and he rose to glory, having a great season and earning a spot on the 2004 NHL All-Star Game.

On April 6, 2007, Datsyuk signed a 7 year contract with the Red Wings worth $46.9 million.

The amazing thing about Datsyuk is that he rarely takes any penalties, and has great skills with decking. He can gain the offensive zone with no problem, even with 4 guys around him.

Great thing are to come with Datsyuk.

Awards

• Olympic Bronze Medal (Russia) - 2002
• Played in the NHL YoungStars Game - 2002
• Stanley Cup (Detroit Red Wings) - 2002
• NHL Offensive Player of the Month - December 2003
• Played in NHL All-Star Game - 2004, 2008
• Lady Byng Memorial Trophy - 2006, 2007
• Carhartt “Hardest Working” Player of the Month December 2007

Steve Yzerman

Steve Yzerman a Detroit Red Wings legend. He was born in British Columbia and grew up in Nepean, Ontario. The Red Wings however were planning to fraft Pat LaFontaine before Yzerman, but the New York Islanders took him in the 3rd overall and the Wings took Yzerman 4th overall in the 1983 NHL draft. Jim Devellano was the general manager at the time when he took Yzerman.

In his rookie year Yzerman managed 39 goals and 87 points and came in second for the Calder Trophy. He also became the youngest player to join a All- Star team at the age of 18.

Yzerman was named captain of the Wings in 1986 by Jacques Demers, Yzerman was the youngest captain in team history. Next season Yzerman lead the Wings to their first division title in 23 years.

In 1993, Scotty Bowman took over as head coach and felt that Yzerman was not focusing enough on defense and was planning on trading him to the Ottawa Senators. However Yzerman worked hard to become a better defender and is now considered on of the best two-way forwards in the history of the NHL.

In 1995, Yzerman led the Wings in their first Stanley Cup Finals since 1966, however were swept by the New Jersey Devils. In 1997, the Wings finally won the cup defeating the Philadelphia Flyers, Yzerman won the Conn Smythe Trophy, and he also handed the Cup first to Vladimir Konstantinov, player who was severely injured in a car accident 6 days after winning the cup and ended up in a wheelchair.

On Jan. 2 2007 the Red Wings retired Yzerman's jersey number, 19, before a game against the Ducks. As an additional honor the captains "C" was added to the corner of his banner to forever commemorate him as "The Captain".

Yzerman is one of the most powerful figures in Red Wings history, and is considered a hero outside hockey as well. Also on January 2 2007, Yzerman was presented the key to the city of Detroit by Mayor Kwame Kipatrick at a luncheon prior to the jersey retirement ceremony. On January 13 Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm Jan visited Detroit and the Joe Louis Arena and proclaimed the day as "Steve Yzerman Day” in the state of Michigan.

Steve Yzerman is the heart and sole of the Red Wings and ranks among the greats in NHL history.

Awards and achievements

• NHL All-Star Roster - 1984, 1988 , 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2000
• NHL First Team All-Star, Center - 2000
• Lester B. Pearson Award - 1989
• Conn Smythe Trophy - 1998
• Frank J. Selke Trophy - 2000
• Stanley Cup Champion- 1997, 1998, 2002
• Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy - 2003
• Lester Patrick Trophy - 2006
• Sixth in NHL history in points, eighth in goals and seventh in assists
• First in Red Wings history in assists; second in points and goals; third in games played
• Number (19) retired with Detroit Red Wings - 2007
• Number (19) retired with Canadian Men's National Team - 2005
• Named Vice President of Detroit Red Wings - 2007
• Named General Manager of Team Canada - 2008
• Was Ranked #6 in The Hockey News The Top 60 Since 1967 - The Best Players of the Post Expansion Era
• Inducted into Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame - January 11, 2008
• Inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame February 11, 2008
• Inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame - 2008

Game 5: Penguins 4-3 in triple overtime

What a close and disappointing game. Maybe the best game of the year. However the Penguins won.

In the the beginning of the game the Penguins jumped to a 2-0 lead with goals by Marian Hossa and then a lucky Adam Hall goal which bounced off the wall and in behind Chris Osgood. The lucky goal changed the course of the game, because without it the Wings may had won.

Dareen Helm then came to the rescue and scored a goal quickly for the Wings, which started the comeback. The Wings Pavel Datsyuk then scored a deflection goal from Henrik Zetterberg to tie up the game at 2. After this the Wings kept attacking and attacking, nonstop. This lead to the goal by Brian Rafalski to take the lead.

My heart was racing as time was expiring and Wings to win the cup. Penguins pulled their goalie for an extra attacking. Then Max Talbot scored to tie the game with 37 seconds left.

The game went to 3 overtimes. It was as if they played two games in one. The Refs however were fixing the game. Giving the Penguins powerplays and making cheap calls on the Wings, although the Penguins themselves were hooking on the Wings, but nothing was called. This ruined the game.

In the end Jiri Hudler took a 4 minute major for high sticking and Petr Sykora scored the game winning. Ending what could have been the game the Red Wings won the Cup.

Even though the Refs cheated the Wings have kept their cool and did not blame anyone. Watch for the Wings to take game 6. Trust me the Wings will win the Stanley Cup.

Game 4: Red Wings Win 2-1

The Red Wings outplayed the Penguins once again. The Penguins took a 1-0 lead with a goal by Marian Hossa. However after about 2 seconds of a Detroit powerplay expired then Nicholas Lidstrom scored a goal to tie it 1-1. The second period was close to neither goaltender letting in a goal. I was on my feet when the Penguins had a great chance to score, but Chris Osgood stopped them making 3 amazing saves.

In the third period Straut, a Red Wings defenceman kept the puck in the Penguins zone knocking the puck out of mid-air and knocking it to Jim Huddler, who scored a goal without even looking at the net. The score was 2-1 Wings.

Then the Penguins took 2 penalties. A 5 on 3. However the great play by Zetterberg killed of the entire penalty. That was the highlight of the game. He gave everything he had and more. The Wings had a much better approach to the game. The Penguins are immature.

Tonight at 8 the Wings will play the Penguins home. If the Wings win they take the cup.

Canucks’ Luc Bourdon killed

The death of a hockey player Luc Bourdon. I do not know much about this player. However a death is always sad. He was a rookie at the age of 21. I also heard that he did have a bright future head of him. Click here to read the full sad story.

Nicklas Lidström

Nicklas Erik Lidström was born on April 38, 1970 in Västerås Sweden. He is a NHL defenceman, who has played his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings. In his 15-year career he has won 3 Stanley Cups, going on 4, and has been voted to ten NHL All-Star Games with plenty of NHL trophies. He is also captain of the Red Wings, after the retirement of Steve Yzerman. Lidström is not known as a big hitter, however known for his durability. He is always listed on top in ice time. Countless experts say that the secret behind Lidström's successful games is his ability to read the game and his excellent skating ability, this allows him to be at right spot of the ice at the right time. Rather then deliver a big body check, Lidström prefers to steal the puck and create a turnover. His use of brains instead of brawn might explain him not getting many injuries, and also his low penalty minute totals. For most of his NHL career, he has avoided drawing penalties.

On June 14, 2006 Nicklas Lidström joined an elite group by capturing the Norris Trophy as the League's outstanding defenseman for the fifth time. Lidström becomes the fourth defenseman in League history with as many as five Norris Trophy wins, joining Hockey Hall of Fame members Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey and Ray Bourque.

In my opinion he is one of the best defenceman to play in the NHL. He is a classic player and a role model for the team other other defencemen around the NHL. When I play soccer I try to play like him and use my head. Using your head in a game will in the end pay off better their using your body.

List of Awards: ( found on wikipedia so Mr. Donahue does not fail me)

• Gold medal at the 1991 World Championship
• Named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1992.
• Stanley Cup winner with Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998 and 2002.
• Played in NHL All-Star Game in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008.
• Named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
• Awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007.
• Awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2002.
• Olympic gold medal with Sweden in 2006.
• Selected on the Olympic All-Star Team in 2006.
• Current captain of the Detroit Red Wings beginning in the 2006-2007 season.

For his stats click here

Penguins at home

The Red Wings have all the momentum now. Can the Penguins come up with a victory?

Normally teams at home gain some momentum due to the fans. This may be an inspiration to the teams. I do not think the Penguins can form a comeback. But only time will tell. The Wings lead the series 2-0 and have shutout the Penguins in each game.

Game 2: Red Wings win 3-0

Red Wings once again outplayed the Penguins. The Penguins stand no chance as they get shutout again.

This time the heros are Chris Osgood and Valtteri Filppula. Filppula played both defence and offence, as a defence man he played en excellent game. Osgood also had another solid game stopping every Penguin shot. Holmstrom was once again always in front of the net, leaving M. Fleury no hope for the Penguins.

The score ended 3-0 and Penguins will now play tomorrow at their home. Maybe the Penguins will have some luck playing at home. However it does not look good for the Penguins.

Game 1: Red Wings win 4-0

The Penguins were shutout.

The start was slow for the Wings as their first goal was waived off beacuse of a cheap call. According to the Refs, Tomas Holmstrom interfered with the Penguin goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The call was not fair and Holmstrom was called with a penatly.

However the Red Wings did not let the bad calls get to them. Mikael Samuelsson scored with a wrap around to give the Wings the lead. Then he would score another goal and take a 2-0 lead.

The game was over at that this point. The Wings played a perfect game, killing off penalties and not letting the Penguins do anything. The Wings are going to take the series for sure. The game ended 4-0. Daniel Cleary and Henrik Zetterberg scored the other two goals.

Red Wings and Penguins Face Off

This Saturday the Penguins and Red Wings will battle for the cup. Who will win?

I say the Red Wings. The Red Wings can adjust to any situation. Also the Wings have a great blend of youth and experience in on their team. Chris Chelios , Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski lead the way in experienced. While Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg continue to be the best duo in the NHL.

Penguins are a dirty team and become desperate at many times. They have too many young players and not enough experience. Sidney Crosby is also not as good as people think, many times he fakes he got tripped.

I say the series goes to the Wings in 6.

Red Wings Clinch

The Red Wings clinched the series with a 4-1 win against the Stars. It was only a matter of time before the Stars finally fall.

The Wings jumped with a 3-0 lead at the end of the first period. The Stars were completely lost in the first period as well as the second. Wings were all over the ice.

Henrik Zetterberg had the most beautiful goal, flying between two Star defenders for a breakaway and beating Marty Turco for the goal.

Chris Osgood was once again great in goal, showing that he still has what it takes.

The Red Wings now are going to face off against the Penguins for the cup.

Are the referees cheating and fixing games?

The referees are only human. That is the typical excuse for a referee for making a bad call. However, i think that games are being fixed by the NHL.

Last year the Buffalo Sabers had many calls go their way. The Refs were actually the main reason the New York Islanders did not beat the Sabers.

This year an extremely decisive goal was waived off when the Rangers scored. The goal waved off proved to cost the Rangers the game. Another bad call was when Sidney Crosby dove the the Refs gave him a penalty shot, which also cost the Rangers the game.

The Red Wings also faced problems when two goals were off. One goal is understandable, however 2 is too much. The main reason the goals were waived off is to keep the series going and for it not be a sweep.

Refs and the NHL fixing games is wrong. Refs and the NFL, NBA, and any other sport six games as well. This is not fair to the fans and teams.

I am interested in seeing what will happen in the Stanley Cup.

Penguins Clinch

Last night the Penguins clinched the series against the Flyer in a stunning 6-0 victory. The series ended 4-1. However are the Penguins truly Stanley Cup material?

The Penguins will be entering the cup with the hottest post-season record of 12-2. One who looks at this record may think the this team is going to win for sure. The team is filled young young players, but also immature players.

Watching many games I can tell you the Penguins are not as hot as they seem. The teams they had beaten did not offer much competition. For instance, Sabers, Rangers, Flyers cannot be considered much trouble.

Stanley Cup Teams

It is quite obvious at this point that the two teams entering the Stanley Cup will be the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Wings are leading their series 3-1 against the Dallas Stars. While the Penguins seem they are going to sweep the Philadelphia Flyers winning the series 3-0 with a game tonight. The chances of the Flyers or Stars coming back is extremely unlikely. Therefore I am looking forward to the Red Wings and Penguins facing off for the cup.