I must admit...?

Question

The Red Wings played well. They have earned their victory. I know this is old news but like i've said before: the only time that I can get on here is 2nd period. Obviously that will change once school gets out but whatever.

I didn't agree with some of the calls, obviously, and the question is do you think the officiating was lopsided during the series? I think it could have made difference but whether the difference would have made a significant difference or just prolonged the series I don't know.

Fleury could have played better, we had a golden chance to tie it up late in Game 6, and we should have scored in Games 1 and 2. But hey, we fought hard.

My second question is looking back, how well do you think the Marian Hossa deal has paid off, not just for the present, but for the future?

Think about it. We traded our top shoot-out artist, a fan favorite, 2 1st round picks (one in 2009 and then Angelo) for a guy that probably wont be here next year.

see edit for more

Answer 1

Fleury played well despite losing.  Don't beat him up over losing in a hard fought series.

If you sign Hossa, it's a good deal.  If not, then you're screwed for a bit.

The refs were not calling penalties both ways.  I, at least, could see the refs not calling penalties on Pittsburgh.  There were at least three obvious tripping calls that were not called.

Answer 2

Fleury left in only three "cheap" goals all series. The short sider in Game 4, and 2 in game 6.

He needs to work on rebound control (improved by leaps and bounds from last year) and his five hole, which tends to be weaker than everywhere else. That said, he played LIGHTS OUT, and should be given credit. If you want to blame anyone in our end, blame the defense, besides Gonchar/ Orpik.

Answer 3

There was questionable calls in the series espically in game 5 overtime but it was a pretty good series. Also i thought fleury played average to what how he  usually played  in the playoffs in the couple of series against the sens and rangers and the flyers. Also i thought that the penguins couldn't score not because they couldn't score it was because of Osgood he was pretty insane. Also the Marian hossa trade went well because he is experienced in the playoffs and he also makes the Crosby line alot stronger and they should be back in the cup and win it in a couple of years down the road because now they got schooled in the Stanley cup now they felt how to lose and now they will learn how to win and possibly win the cup with their experienced scoring line.

Answer 4

The wings seemed to get away with a lot.  They got screwed on the first lidstrom goal and the high stick on him (poor guy) but that's it.  But the better team won and it was a good series so it's all good.

Without hossa you guys would have been completely embarassed, at least swept, if not in the finals at all.  Just look at your city's tv ratings and what the run has done for hockey in pittsburgh.  I would go so far as to say the hossa deal may have helped the entire nhl by making this an entertaining series that will bring some interest next year.