Hockeytown 2009.

The 2009 NHL Playoffs have started. The Red Wings have a 2-0 series lead on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Things got chippy last night toward the end of the game. It's funny how the NHL warned teams about "sending messages" when the score in games got out of control, yet Columbus took 9 penalties in the 3rd period last night. I guess, if you can't beat 'em, try to beat 'em up. The Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood has just about the toughest job outside of being President of the United States. Why do I say that? Because everything Osgood does is scrutinized. Everyone seems to doubt his abilities at times, well, everyone but Osgood. It's such a nice feeling to hear the Detroit fans chanting "Ozzie! Ozzie! Ozzie!" during last night's game. My current favorite Red Wing Jiri Hudler has scored a goal in each of the first two games of the series. "Happy Hudler" as he is nick-named, is also a favorite of the Red Wings color commentator Mickey Redmond. Mickey is one of Hudler's biggest supporters. Pavel Datsyuk is also one of my favorite Red Wings. Mitch Albom had a nice interview with Datsyuk in the Thursday edition of the Detroit Free Press. After reading it, I found myself to like Datsyuk even more than I already do. In other playtoff related news, the Red Wings playoff slogan this year is "The Beard is Back". At first, I thought it was kind of lame. But, I have decided to join the festivities and embrace "The Playoff Beard". The Red Wings have urged fans to grow beards in support of the team. They are having a "Beard-A-Thon". Just type that in a search engine and you will learn all about it. Anyway, here a few pics to show how I am supporting the Red Wings this playoff year.