I wrote something similar to this yesterday and it blew up as I was trying to post it. So consider this try number two of two.

I essentially checked out of this series after Game 3. I still had hope, regularly praying to the hockey gods for any kind of miracle, but I knew the odds. Down 3-0 in a series, to a San Jose team that was actually performing to expectations, unlike every other time Detroit plays them, does not bode well. Still, I remained positive. They lose, that's fine, that's how the script says it's supposed to happen. San Jose had a lot more to lose, given their reputation of playoff excellence.

That's probably why that 7-1 game was so spectacular. That game, coupled with the Wings first period in Game 3 where they could have been up 4-1, if not for a 50/50 "kick in" and a lucky-but-still-great save on a penalty shot, definitely gave more people than me a reason to believe. To do that against, of all teams, San Jose, really meant a lot. And they played well in Game 5 too, which is why I was surprised I was still a little bummed when I watched the handshakes. They didn't deserve to go down in five, but I don't think they played well enough early in the series to win. So that was that, and Game 4 was merely a treat to remember in the offseason.

As usual, the Wings' exit is greeted by a plethora of articles asking if the Wings' dynasty is over. Spoiler alert: it's not. Media alert: you're an idiot for asking the same questions that have been asked since the early 2000s. And even more in the realm of predictability are the articles over Detroit being conspiracy-loving sore losers. I can't speak for everyone, but I can say this: Detroit lost, fair and square. San Jose is built to beat Detroit, in many ways. They play the same style, but they do it with bigger players who can match or better Detroit in speed. They haven't hit the point that Detroit did last season where the salary cap catches up to them -- right now, they're much deeper up front than Detroit. With the likes of Pavelski, Setoguchi, Marleau, and Nabokov heading too free agency, you've got to believe that they'll need to make some moves this summer.

The problem I had with the officiating was this: it took the excitement out of what could have been the most exciting series of the playoffs. Two rivals, the two best teams in the Western Conference over the past five seasons. I don't even need to look that up to know it's true. They both play a similar puck possession style with a lot of skill and speed -- that's a recipe for back-and-forth hockey. That flow was ruined by a constant parade to the penalty box. Phantom calls, penalty shots for no reason, illegitimate goaltender inference calls, and diving -- both ways, mind you -- just really led to more groaning and hair-pulling. Each team has a nice powerplay, but this series did not live up to it's billing, and it's because of the men in stripes. However, that didn't stop me from thinking that this video is hilarious (thanks to J/doozy104 for sending that in).

As promised, I'm pulling for the Sharks to win the Cup now. It's a very weird feeling to look at the playoff bracket and realize that San Jose, Chicago, or Vancouver will be playing for the Cup in June. And they'll win it, too, because the Eastern Conference sucks. San Jose and Vancouver, two perennial playoff disappointments. And Chicago, the team that didn't have any fans three years ago. Weird. The only team I'd like to see take it over San Jose would be Boston. That's the only team I can tolerate coming out of the East. The Sharks are definitely playing to win -- they deserve it.

The series was a snapshot of the entire season. Slightly disappointing, mixed in with a ton of bad breaks. Without a doubt, this season was the most exciting in recent memory. Detroit has made the playoffs every year that I've been alive, and especially since I started becoming a hardcore fan, they've achieved a level of regular season excellence that is virtually impossible to duplicate. This has led to the months of February and March usually meaning very little outside of bragging rights. This season, with Detroit sitting at 10th midseason, every game down the stretch was stressfully exciting. They worked their way up to 5th, and delivered a handful of extremely exciting games along the way. I hope that some of those moments -- the back-to-back buzzer beaters, Howard making 40-50 saves -- will be what defines this season when you look back on it.

And you know what it made me realize? That stuff sucks, I much prefer coasting through the end of the regular season. Luckily, I truly believe that, when healthy, this team can achieve that. Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen, and Henrik Zetterberg are among the best in the league and they're all in their prime. Heck, I still don't believe that Nick Lidstrom is any worse than he was five years ago, should he return. Jimmy Howard, Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves, and Drew Miller all emerged this year to give us something to look forward to for next season. The core of this team isn't going anywhere, but cosmetic changes are guaranteed with Jiri Hudler coming back. Just pray to the hockey gods for better injury fortunes, and there's no way that Detroit and Chicago don't have an epic battle for the Central Division next season. I am thrilled to be a fan of this team, for the past and for the future.

A year ago at this time, my blog had very few followers. There was a handful, who I appreciate dearly, but things didn't really get going here until late in the playoffs and into the offseason. I don't know what the reason for that was, but I certainly appreciate it. It makes it a lot more rewarding to write here, and I've been given opportunities I never thought possible. So I have to thank all of you for making this a very fun year for me, even when the product on the ice wasn't what we all expected.

I chose to take a more positive outlook in life and hockey (hockey goes beyond life, you see) this season, and I'm happy that I've got a solid group of regulars here who can exhibit that same positivity. There is a lot to be optimistic about going forward, so I hope you'll keep that positivity despite the early-ish playoff exit. I encourage all of you to stick around this offseason and help me analyze, discuss, and dissect every move Detroit makes. I love hearing different ideas, especially when it's regarding offseason activity, so never be shy to chip in. And for all you lurkers -- get involved. I truly want you to. I plan on keeping this place as busy as I can this summer (I'm going to have a lot of free time), and I've already got Prospect Rankings and the traditionally ungodly long Offseason Gameplan in the works, along with a few more announcements planned for the not-so-distant future. Hopefully, you'll all still stick around to be a part of them.

In closing, JIMMY HOWARD FOR PRESIDENT OF SPACE. That is all.

Love,
Kyle