Setting the Record Straight... Why the Detroit Red Wings are the Best Franchise in the NHL.

Like most of you Red Wing fans out there today, I too am a little gloomy and a little bitter still about last night's game. But you know what I keep reminding myself that makes it a tad bit better? I should be thankful that we even had a season in the first place, and I should be pleased with how far into the playoffs we got considering there was a time when I truly believed we weren't even going to be making it his year. Don't you agree? Good. Now, here's the kicker to my thought today. While I wanted desperately to come out victorious against our long-lasting rival last night to prove a point that Detroit is an overall better franchise, I realized this morning that I don't need an overtime Game 7 to do so, I just need to prove my points in a more factual manner. So without further adieu...

I grew up in the 90's and was blessed to be able to witness some of the greats play for Detroit like Steve Yzerman, Ray Sheppard, Paul Ysebaert, and the Red Army (even if I don't remember it really, I know that my dad plopped me down on the couch to watch with him). I was also blessed to be born at the beginning of what has seemed to be our never ending playoff appearances (fun fact: we've made the playoffs every year since I've been born). But more than that, Detroit always seems to be one of the best teams in the league. And why do you ask?

Well in 1996 when I was just starting to master my ABC's and 123's, Detroit was nicknamed "Hockeytown", a big name to uphold, during their playoff run and continued to refer to it throughout their '97 playoff run that lead into a Stanley Cup Championship. Ever since then the name just stuck. And for good reason too! While other cities have tried to claim the name of fame, they have nothing to prove to the world on why they should! We do.

That leads into my next point. Detroit has 11 Stanley Cup Championships. That's 11 titles, 11 banners, and 11 rings. There's not even enough fingers on your hands to put the rings on! That also means they have the third most championships in NHL history and the most among the American franchises. Under our current commissioner, Gary Betteman, Detroit has won four cups and will continue to be a leader until someone (that means you Boston) catches up to us, which won't be anytime soon. Also, just an FYI for you Blackhawk's out there... some of our players have more Stanley Cup Championships under their belt alone than your entire franchise. So I don't want to hear you chirping to me about how you're the best team ever alright? You're not.

Have I mentioned any of our legends yet? While I know I briefly mentioned Yzerman earlier, let's not forget Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey himself, who made a electrifying appearance in Hockeytown this past series, Nicklas Lidstrom, one of the best defenseman in the league well over the decade, and our future legends, Datsyuk and Zetterberg who at their pace could definitely become a part of our banner brigade.

Overall though, I told you that we were going to carry out the series to a Game 7. Granted I didn't think we would blow a 3-1 lead or take it into overtime last night, but I did know that it was going to be a great series to end our time with the Western Conference. And as always, I believe we are the best team in league history, recent history, and today. With the NHL Draft approaching and the Red Wings with the 17th pick, who knows what to expect. Mind you... let's not forget that Datsyuk was a 6th rounder, Zetterberg a 7th rounder, Franzen a 3rd rounder, and Darren Helm, a 5th rounder and former Grand Rapids Griffin ;), all of who were a part of our 2008 Stanley Cup Championship and our 2009 team that was a win away from another cup.

If all of that doesn't excited you for what the future holds for our team, then I don't know what will. I'm still very proud of how our boys came out this season (even though I didn't display that last night), and you should be too. Expect a lot of blood thirsty, puck craving, hungry Red Wings and Red Wings fans next season folks! And, don't forget to stay posted on my blog! The Red Wings might be done for a while, but there is still much more hockey to be discussed!

Sidenote: Please keep my dear cousin in your thoughts as she must endure being a Red Wings fan living in Chicago right now. Oh and Andrew Shaw, yeah, you can go tie cement blocks to your ankles and jump in Lake Michigan. I don't care if you're a undrafted, 21 year old player... you're a filthy scumbag and I don't appreciate that bullshit maneuver you pulled on Filppula last night.

"Get Over the Hump" Day.

Today's the day, folks. I can feel it (I'm obviously trying to get some good juju in me before my job interview this afternoon and the Red Wings game tonight). Today is the day where I "get over the hump". Hopefully I land this job for the summer, and hopefully the Red Wings get their act together tonight in Chicago for the last game in this series.

With the Blackhawks turnaround in Game 5 and 6, the Original 6 rivalry goes to a Game 7 tonight at the United Center in Chicago. For those of you that don't know, Game 7 is a game you dream about. A game you dream about winning. And while it is a fitting way to conclude our long-running rivalry with Chicago (Detroit will be moving to the Eastern Conference next season while Chicago remains in the Western Conference), at least Coach Babcock is being positive about the situation. In an article I read online yesterday, Babcock stated "if I would've told Detroit and Michigan we would play Chicago in Game 7, I think everyone would be excited about that. I love Game 7's. We've got a chance to push them out of the playoffs. It should be fun."

Well Mike, I'm not sure if "fun" is the right word to use here. Try a different adjective like agonizing, profound, or intense. Why do I say this? Because I know I won't be the only Red Wing fan out there tonight squinting behind my palms while the puck is in play, cursing at the television, and overreacting. Especially in the third. The past two games the third period has been our weakness and Chicago has responded to that weakness, obviously...

Overall though I'm not going to go too in depth about tonight's game purely because I am way too anxious, but I am going to leave by saying that I can't say I didn't tell you the series was going to go to a Game 7. And for the sake of Detroit, Michigan, and my sanity, I'm hoping the boys get over what has happened the past two games and get it together #becauseitsthecup. 

P.S. I got the internship with the Florida Panthers! More to come about my decision if I accept it or not :) Let's Go Red Wings!!

P.P.S Did anyone else happen to notice that the past five Stanley Cup Champions are also the final five remaining in this year's playoffs?

It's Good To Be a Red Wing.

First off, let me be clear about my post-grad problems I mentioned yesterday. In no way shape or form am I trying to be unprofessional here. I simply am just trying to express my feelings in regards to the the situation I had with Judy. If anyone was unprofessional, it was her!! Just being a realist... I'm sorry if I offended anyone. Glad that is off my chest.

Welp, can you believe the Red Wings game last night?!?! Between my excitement from that, my cortadito, and this Skrillex radio station on Spotify, I feel like I should just jump on my kitchen table and dance like a child. The entire team showed us how it is done, but no one deserves more recognition in last nights game quite like Jimmy Howard. Not only are my boys unexpectedly ahead in the the series (3-1), last night Howard became the first goalie all season to shut out the Blackhawks with 28 saves and gained his second career shut out too. Congratulations! With Mr. Hockey (Gordie Howe) being present last night in Hockeytown, there was nothing but tradition being played out there in the Joe. Howard himself said in an interview last night how great it was to be surrounded by history and to have fans, a franchise, and his teammates fully invested and interested in whats happening. I agree. The Red Wings went out there last night and played with heart, carrying on a tradition that has long been a part of Detroit's history as an organization. Not to mention the Joe was completely rockin' too! As for Howard and the rest of his teammates (who are one game away from knocking out the Blackhawks now, a Stanley Cup favorite this year), it is in my belief that they will continue keeping this Michigan tradition alive the rest of this series and hopefully continue to keep playing the way that they are, regardless if they advance or not. And, last but not least, I just personally want to shout out at Mr. Howard right now... Way to go!! It was unbelievably awesome to see Toews, that smartass, more frustrated than a five year old learning how to tie their shoes last night. I LOVED IT! Keep it up boys! Make me happy girl Saturday night!


As for you Boston... I'll just keep it to myself till after your game Saturday night.

Also, wish me luck this afternoon! I have an interview with the marketing department of the Florida Panthers!

hey, hey hockeytown!

Thank goodness it is Thursday my friends. While most of you are excited that the weekend is quickly approaching, I myself am excited for the Stanley Cup Playoff events that will be taking place this evening. Can you guess why? Well here's a hint: I'll be the girl immersed into every tv tonight at Duffy's. Why the NHL would schedule the Bruins/Rangers game and the Red Wings/Blackhawks game pretty much at the same time tonight is beyond my comprehension, but nonetheless it's already driving me crazy and it isn't even noon yet.

So while I patiently wait for the afternoon to begin, let me just explain to you the severe post-grad problems I encountered yesterday. Can I just ask you this... have you ever been called by a potential employer to have them say you were too qualified for the position? Yeah, I hadn't either... until yesterday. Like anyone in my situation, trying to find a job that requires some level of competence after graduation is a little challenging; I've literally been applying everywhere one could apply besides a restaurant (it is the off season here in South Florida and all the Snow Birds have gone North again). But anyways, I go to this doctor's office, give them my resume and apply online. Then, later that afternoon I'm just ever so lucky to get a horrendous call from the HR manager (I'll spare you her name, but for this sake lets just call her Judy) that was almost worthy of getting a hangup from this girl. After answering the phone call I am almost immediately lashed out by Judy for A. being over qualified for the position B. for not giving her a "proper resume" (as if I have had any previous work being a doctor's office secretary) and for C. having the possibility of leaving the job if I do in fact find a Sport Marketing or Event Management position down here. She then proceeded to complain to me about how it was inappropriate for me to have even applied because this position has nothing to do with my degree. Obviously Judy, I know that. I'm just trying to pay the bills. To make things even between us, here's one back to ya Judy: you've officially made me rather eat dog crap than be your desk monkey if I was to accept the position. Me and my "super qualifications" will go be bored somewhere else for $12.00 an hour, you imbecile. And ending on that note, I'm going to put to use my "super qualifications" and talk to you about what has really been on my mind throughout this whole "trying to find employment" fiasco.

Hey, Hey Hockeytown! Can you believe that game on Monday night?! The third period of the game that night was without a doubt the best thing to happen to the Red Wings since 2009. Our 3-1 triumph showed that we are capable of much better skating, are almost unstoppable at full force, and proved our top players can step up when they need to. Also, how about Howard!! 40 saves that night only allowing in one goal! That's what I like to see. Our seventh seeded, underdog Red Wings, have taken control of this series; that is something that has never happened to my boys after having a lifetime of playoff appearances. Right now our team is winning and I can't say I expected them to be. We beat the two seeded Ducks, and now have an unexpected series lead against those despicable Blackhawks. And while I know it is far from over, it was a nice, uplifting reminder the other night of who the Red Wings really are. Tonight however, the Blackhawks can still stop the Red Wings during power play, but like I said earlier can't stop them while they're at full force; the Red Wings outscored Chicago 7-2 the past two games. As we host the Blackhawks in the Joe this evening, Chicago will be playing for blood as they try to even the series. But, as we Michiganders know... we can't surprise anyone when it comes down to it. We know how to win... and we know how to win a lot of big games.

The Red Wings aren't the only team on my mind tonight either. How about those B's, eh? The Bruins are on the brink of eliminating the Rangers in this series. And while the Bruins have the option to be a little more relaxed this evening, if they do come out at the Rangers full force New York is given little hope to pull off this win. The last game was close, but the Rangers themselves need to come out strong and skate like their season depends on it... because it in fact does. Overall in my opinion  things are looking a little grim for the Rangers given the way they have been playing and their series record; a win tonight could give New York some room to breathe, but if they fail to do so I hope you Beantown fans have your brooms out. I've got a sneaking suspicion that Boston will be sweeping Madison Square Garden tonight!

"nobody likes you when you're 23." thoughts on Game 1 of the Red Wings/Blackhawks & my Bruins/Rangers Prediction.

For many people in my generation, we are all familiar with the famous lyric from Blink-182, "nobody likes you when you're 23." And while I've only been 23 for a few short hours, I've already began to feel the anxiety, responsibility, and melancholy of becoming an adult as I sit here enjoying my iced coffee. So, today I have decided to live it up and really use the excuse "because it's my birthday" and enjoy myself while I can. I'm going to blast my 80's/90's playlist, enjoy the pool with a few of my friends, have dinner with my family, and let a few of the people I just graduated with spoil me tonight (at least I have something to celebrate today after that disappointing loss in Chicago last night).

While I didn't stick around the bar to see the last few minutes of the game, I can't say I'm not surprised by that last goal in the third by the Blackhawks defenceman, Johnny Oduya. For the 800th meeting between the two teams, there was no sign of rust from the Blackhawks; the Red Wings kept up at the start, but began to show their drowsiness toward the end of the game. Hopefully my boys get their rest in the next few days and us fans give them the spark that they need when the two teams meet again Saturday afternoon.

In other news, since I could care less about the Pittsburgh/Ottawa and LA/San Jose series right now, I've decided to break down the Bruins/Rangers series as I've grown to respect the Bruins program in the past few years. Heading into Boston tonight for the first game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, we can't forget how these two teams started their season. After the lockout back in January, the Bruins were victorious against the Rangers 3-1; that Rangers loss set the stage for what would be a long, frustrating season for New York. Hoping the Bruins aren't too tired from their unbelievable Game 7 comeback the other night, capitalizing on the first win in this series is crucial for the Rangers. The Bruins have always been a hard-hitting, no messing around team; the last time the two teams met in the playoffs, they had players Bobby Orr, Ken Hodge, Wayne Cashman and Phil Esposito up against Eddie Giacomin, Brad Park, Rod Gilbert, and Jean Ratelle. Needless to say, this improbable Original Six match up is one for the books with past rivalry animosity and fight-filled affairs. However in this series, both teams rely heavily on their defense and their goaltending; the Bruins have their size and strength, and the Rangers can block the shots. Now who are the big players in this series you ask? For Boston, Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins depend on Chara, the biggest boy in the NHL to dominate the blue line, and Bergeron who is perhaps one of the best defensive players and best faceoff man in the league. For New York, keep your eye on Derick Brassard, a pickup player from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has proven that he has great offensive skills since being with the Rangers. Also, Ryan Callahan. He always is leaving everything on the ice, provides big hits, and can score key goals. And you can't forget Brian Boyle, just because I think he's a cutie patootie ;)

Overall, the Rangers and the Bruins are two very similar teams; they both tend to struggle on the power play, but are strong on the penalty kill. But, the Bruins are one of the most dangerous teams in the league and that is why I believe Boston will prevail over New York in 7. Go B's!

Red Wings/Blackhawks Prediction

Hi Friends,

With the harsh realization that I'm about to be 23 in two days and entering my fourth week as an unemployed, post-grad, real member of society, I've decided to document my thoughts, opinions, and reactions to the things that are consuming my life right now. So on that note...

Way to go Red Wings!
Anyone who knows me could tell you I take the Red Wings a little too seriously and at most times can be a little too unladylike when I talk about 'em... but that's what a die-hard fan is supposed to right? And while I'm super pumped to be advancing to the next round of the playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven seasons, I'm also super aggravated to be playing the Blackhawks (like any other typical Michigander). The Red Wings/Blackhawks rivalry is without a doubt the most intense rivalry in the Central Division and this series marks an end of an era with Detroit moving to the Eastern Conference next season; this could very well be the last time the two original six teams meet in postseason. In the past series against the Ducks, we came off as the underdogs barely beating them. BUT! Unlike the regular season, the Blackhawks themselves had some trouble too defeating the Minnesota Wild. Now the question is, will our beloved Red Wings be able to pull off another upset? Or will the damned Blackhawks continue on their quest to the cup? Time to get serious, boys. With the series starting in Chicago, I'm personally nervous that we're not going to play with clear heads; we need to have firm control throughout the series. We're going to have to heavily rely offensively on Datsyuk and Zetterberg, two huge point leaders against the Ducks, and the newbies Brunner and Nyquist. We also can't forget about Abdelkader either. He had a big impact in game seven against the Ducks. Chicago has depth at their forward that the Red Wings need to be prepared for. Kronwall and Ericsson need to be ready for that; against the Ducks, our defense was costly at many times. In terms of Howard, there have been moments where he has struggled and let in fluffy goals in Anaheim. That's obvious to us fans. He needs to improve here big time. No more 7-1 losses against the Blackhawks, Howard! Overall I'm hoping the best for my boys, but, being realistic I know that the series will be drawn out by the Red Wings and the Blackhawks will prevail... unfortunately; Hawks in 7 (clenching my teeth in anger). Who knows though, I can't predict the future! Hoping for the best of course. Let's Go Red Wings! #becauseitsthecup

and for all you Blackhawks out there... just a friendly reminder before you start chirping  ;)