Since my last post, I learned that Mr. Laperrière sustained a concussion in that last game, which I must say I find upsetting.  I must say it not because anyone cares what I think but because I wrote that last under the delusion that Lappy was okay.  On re-reading it, I stand by the general argument, that extreme self-sacrifice makes a big impression on friend and foe alike.  Nonetheless, I hope he is okay and is able to resume playing, and becomes a little bit more self-protective.

Calm before the storm?

Also since last posting, I have discovered the NHL.com message boards, which I knew about but did not visit before. This is almost inexcusable in light of my position on message boards versus social networks, but I was skittish.  You would be too if your first venture had been on the Penguins fan boards in the late 90s.  In any case, I now have many voices to listen to, though I still lack some capacity to understand them.

Detroit-Phoenix, playoffs Game 7

On to the game.  It has been soundly debunked that the Red Wings are tired, clearly they are not old enough for it to make a difference, and no one has been able to convince me that they would fold under physical pressure.  I stand by my theory that, their best players being their oldest players, trying to hit them into a state of confusion is pointless.  Older guys tolerate pain better and have probably learned some skills in the way of avoiding injury.  Zetterberg, a creaky 29 years of age, seems to have eyes in the back of his head anyway, so hitting him could be hazardous to a player’s health since that player would most likely just hit the wall.  I saw several Coyotes doing a fair imitation of Wiley on the rink glass while trying to take Zetterberg out.  However, I wonder if a little Laperrière would not be in order here? (more…)