I haven’t liked them for a very long time… going waaaaay back to my wee-lad-hockey-fan-ness of the Blues.  The rivalry with the Avs added fuel to my fire (by the way, the hit was clean).

So, we have a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Finals between the Wings and the Penguins.  I like the Penguins here, and not just because they’re playing the Wings.  I think they have what it takes to pull this off.

You have to lose to learn how to win.  The young Pens took a beating last year and they have something to prove.  The Wings have some injuries to key guys and that will haunt them.

Of course, I have to root for the Pens because penguins are a big part of the Goode household.

So here’s my call…Pens in 6 games.

I’ve always been a fan of Marty Brodeur….hell of a goalie.  Three Cups, four Vezinas, a Gold medal, and a slough of other trophies (but no playoff MVP).  Now that he’s the leader in all time wins, the questions begin to fly….” is he the greatest ever?”

I’m a hockey fan, have been my whole life.  Specifically, I’m an Avs fan…but, after my hometown St. Louis Blues, the Devils have always been a favorite.  Hard work, simple play….although some people hate the trap.  The trap is the asterisk on Marty’s record.

The day Patrick Roy came to the Avs, I was jumping up and down running around the house.  My wife thought I was insane…his accomplishments speak for themselves, four Cups, three Vezinas, three playoff MVPs, amongst a pile of other trophies.  When Patty set the new record, there seemed to be a resounding, “yup, greatest ever.”

Brodeur has played 70 to 80 games a season, for a team that has been “defense first” since the early 90′s.  This play style works…period.  It also holds down the opportunities for opposition shooting and scoring.  This makes a huge difference.

Roy didn’t play as many games per season and didn’t have the advantage of defensive play.  Hell, the 95-96 season for the Avs was…outscore everyone, screw defense.  There were a lot of games stolen away.

So, is Marty the  best ever?  I can’t decide.  Don’t care really…I just love to watch ‘em play.