As we ready for Game 5

Wings could clinch a birth in the conference finals with a win this afternoon. It's not over, but I don't see the Wings losing three straight to the Pronger-less Blues. Still, if the Wings were to lose today, and go back to St. Louis and lose there ... Well, you get the picture.

€ Since the trolls disappeared after Game 3 of the Nucks series, this group has been very quiet. But I guess when the Wings continue to win in Ho-hum fashion, there's little for us to get all worked up about.

€ You know the playoffs are going your way when the best debate in the group involves a disputed goal won a play in which the Blues scored again anyway.

€ Am I happy to see Pronger go down? Nah. But am I sad? Not in the least. He's been running Yzerman all series long. Not Fedorov, who is by far the best offensive weapon on the wings. Not Shanahan. Not Hull. Not Larionov. Not Robitaille. Not Datsyuk. Yzerman. Why? It's pretty obvious that they want to slow him all the way down. So, yeah, as a Wings fan and Yzerman fan, it's kind fitting that the Blues lost their best player while trying to hit our guy.

€ Despite the Wings being up 3-1, I still have major concerns about their play. Here's the biggie: This team can't hold a lead in the final minutes of a game. It's been this way all year. Why work your ass off for 57 minutes for a 4-1 lead, and then nearly piss it all away in the final 3 minutes? Granted, Shanahan actually took the shot that deflected off Yzerman behind Hasek for the 3rd goal. But damn, winning teams hold leads. When the Wings were good ‹ real good ‹ they didn't let teams into their defensive zone in the final minutes of a game. Now we're just getting raped. One word of advice for Bowman: Shanahan shouldn't be out there in the final minute of a game. He's slow on the turn after receiving a pass on the boards, because he plays the off wing. He can't win battles on the boards. He rarely blocks shots. He's slow. Here are my five in the final minute: Fedorov Yzerman Draper Lidstrom Chelios

€ McCarty had his best game of the playoffs last game. When he does well, it's hard to root against him, after all the great memories he's given this team. Too bad, really, that he just ruined a promising career. Hard to believe that he was ever considered for the 98 Olympic team

€ With Pronger out, expect the Wings to have a much easier time gaining the blue line. Look for a big game from Pavel Datsyuk and/or Sergei Fedorov.

€ Is it just me, or does Lidstrom look a little fatigued? Damn, he needs a real partner on the blueline. Olausson just doesn't cut it.

€ Here's a comment few would have believed before this season began: Chelios and Fischer make up our best defensive pairing.

€ Predicition: Wings 5 Blues 2 ... it'll be close, but as the Blues press, they'll be forced to take big chances.

YES he does. Just look at his eyes. Playing the best players in hockey for not only a whole season but the (very disappointing for Sweden) Olympics as well has taken it's toll. Lidstrom may damn near be a Superman but this is too much.