Kiprusoff scares me as well, but I think the Wings are in a better position to crack him than they used to be. They have a few guys now who can score in close and get the garbage goals. Of course, we’ll have to see, but I think we’ll be set for goal scoring.

Honestly, it’s goaltending that I’m a little worried about. Dom hasn’t been as impressive lately and I hope all he needs is to get warmed up. The defense should be able to handle the Flames pretty easily, but I think the series largely rests in Dom’s hands. If he gives up a bad goal or two because of a mental mistake (like wandering or diving), the skaters would deflate. If he plays stellar hockey, the skaters will take care of the rest.

This is where we find out whether or not it was a good idea to bring Dom back.

So much depends on the first two games. If the Wings win both and go into Calgary with momentum, they should be able to win in 5. If they lose one or both of those games, they’ll be in trouble going out to Alberta.

While I’m also wary of playing the Flames in the first round, they HAVE been struggling lately. After winning 6 in a row, they’ve lost 4 straight. Granted, the Wings haven’t been hot lately either and most of the Flames’ losses were meaningless games. They were beating the Oilers until the Avs’ loss was announced, then it seemed like they stopped caring. Then tonight’s game against the Avs was meaningless.

I’m not quite sure what to make of this match-up. The season series is tied 2 apiece, and all wins have been home wins. I’m not really worried about their defense because with Sutter no longer the head coach, their D hasn’t been noticeable this year. The Flames have fallen to 21st in the league in Shots Allowed this year, as opposed to 5th in ‘04 - the year they beat us in the second round. I’m not too worried about their offense either. I’m fairly confident our top ranked defense can handle their offense. The thing I’m worried about is Kiprusoff. He’s the type of goalie who can get hot in the playoffs and seem unbeatable, which has been the Wings’ kryptonite.

We’re REALLY going to need our offense to be good in the playoffs to keep the pressure off Hasek and the D. Especially Datsyuk, Lang and Bertuzzi. (Zetterberg’s a given; he’s a stud.) And hopefully Lidstrom will have another Conn Smythe-worthy performance again.

I can see the Wings winning in 6 or 7 games. The sooner the better too, considering Hasek’s age and frailty.