LIVE BLOG - 2009 NHL FINALS - GAME SEVEN

By: Luke Florence

This one is for all the marbles.

Thanks for joining me tonight for a running LIVE blog of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

A running blog would not be complete without commentary from you, so here is how you can play along at home, or in some cases, at work.

1) Simply leave a comment at the end of the post. I am constantly checking these, and will post your comment along with my reaction in the blog. Very simple.

2) For those with AOL AIM capabilities, my screen name is Lflo_12_23. Send me a message and we will transfer it onto here.

3) And lastly, for those that are up to the challenge, get a hold of me on Facebook somehow.

Thanks for listening, and hope to hear from you on this historic night. GO PENS!!

(In order to read this blog from the start-to-finish, scroll down to the bottom and read up. Giddy up)
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10:59 - It's been an incredible night, one that I will not forget anytime soon. Make sure to come back tomorrow to hear my collected thoughts. What a night!!!!

THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS ARE THE 2009 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!

"PRACTICE WITH PRIDE, PLAY WITH POISE, WIN WITH CLASS. TOGETHER THEY WILL BE MIGHTY!!!"

GO PENGUINS!!!!!

10:57 - Thank you everyone who participated tonight for this great night. Thank you Matt Barnes, I now know how you felt when Ohio State won the National Championship (in fact those two teams have some similarities). Thank you Eric Koby, even though it didn't go the way you wanted, at least your Tigers are in first place. Thank you.

10:52 - When MAF made those two gigantic saves with less than six seconds left, and the clock hit 0.0, a huge relief came off of me and was filled with instantaneous joy. I still can not believe it. This is what a championship feels like, and a part of me will never be the same, because you can always come back to this moment.

Matt Barnes, "WHAT A FINISH! Congrats Luke and Pens fans."

Ryan Polito, "STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!"

Jessica Corey, "Pretty exciting, huh?"

10:42 - Taking it all in!! Pens are the Stanley Cup Champions!! I'm not used to this.

10:36 - 6 seconds to go. another one last face off. marian hossa sucks

10:35 - 16 seconds to go. One last face-off. Is this what a heart attack feels like??

10:34 - Offsides on Red Wings. 30 seconds to go. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!

10:33 - Osgood pulled. Empty net. One minute to go.

10:32 - Detroit timeout. They will be pulling Osgood ASAP. I can literally feel my heart thumping in my chest. It's never easy, which is why it feels so good when you finally win it.

10:31 - 1:13 to go. If you never hear from me, you can assume what happens next.

10:30 - 2:00 to go. Shot rings off the post. I'm going to die.

10:28 - 3:23 to go. I can't blink or breathe. Oh wow.

10:27 - "Oh boy. This is gonna come down to the end. Remember our score predictions? Maybe in OT?" - Matt Barnes.

Let's hope not. If the Red Wings score the next goal, you have to think they will win it. And remember ... no Crosby.

10:26 - "GO PENGUINS! Just for you man. I had OSU. I want you to have this." - Matt Barnes.

I heart my friends.

10:22 - Down to 6:30 ... lots of action, but the score remains the same ... 2-0 Penguins ... UNTIL ...

ERICSSON SCORES A GOAL AND MAKES IT 2-1 PENGUINS. THE LEAD IS CUT IN HALF.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS, EXCEPT HERPES.

Can the Penguins hold on?? 5:30 to go. Joe Louis is fired up.

10:17 - Crosby is back out of the game ... he's not coming back in any time soon. He looked slow and hurt, but he is a hockey player so I guess you just never know. 8:40 to go ... and counting!!

10:16 - This just in ... Jamie Foxx can act AND sing. Alert the media. And Crosby comes back in ... did not expect that.

10:14 - 10:25 to go in the third!! Penguins still up 2-0. Unreal they are up with NO SIDNEY CROSBY AT ALL!! The next time he touches the ice, it may be to lift the Stanley Cup trophy. God I love sports.

10:11 - Penguins fans are getting louder. Red Wings continue to bring offense. 12 minutes to go!!

10:09 - Power Play Killed!! 15 minutes to go!! Crosby is not going to be playing anymore this game.

10:07 - MAF!!

10:06 - Mark Eaton (went to Notre Dame, as if I needed even more bad karma) cross checks, and now the Red Wings will have the advantage on a Power Play. Will be standing up for the entire 2 minutes.

10:04 - Red Wings are going to be attacking the ENTIRE PERIOD. Going to need plenty of MAF's. Hopefully the Penguins can hold their ground and create chances on turnovers.

10:02 - Crosby is back in the line-up, and we will have to see how effective he will be. And the countdown has begun. 20 minutes to the Cup!!

10:01 - Enough! I don't care about Applebee's $20 deal, or how a bunch of people turned into a Phoenix. I want this 3rd period to begin ... COME ON!!

9:57 - Could this intermission be any longer?? Let's get this 3rd period started. I'm basically typing with my ass hardly touching the couch at this point.

9:54 - "I like the Penguins chances. Don't wanna jinx them or anything but they're in great shape." - Matt Barnes.

Me too Barnes, me too. Which is why I'm getting extra nervous. It will be a very long 20 minutes, that's for sure.

9:51 - Starting to get really nervous in between periods. You have to understand, I've NEVER won a team championship without the name Michael Jordan. I don't remember 1988 Notre Dame football. I don't remember the 1991 and 1992 Pittsburgh Penguins. I've been close (see '95 Indians, '97 Indians, '07 Indians, '08 Penguins, '93 Irish) but I've always been disappointed. Now, I'm just 20 minutes away. Let the countdown begin.

9:45 - SECOND PERIOD PENGUIN POSITIVES

1) Um, let's start out with the fact that they are up 2-0.

2) Maxime Talbot. (No player has ever scored a hat-trick in a game seven of the stanley cup finals)

3) MAF, MAF, MAF.

4) THEY ARE UP 2-0 ... ON THE ROAD ... AGAINST THE DEFENDING STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS ... IN A DECIDING GAME SEVEN.

- SECOND PERIOD PENGUIN NEGATIVES

1) The fact that Crosby has not come back since his injury.

2) You just have a feeling the Red Wings are going to score ... eventually.

3) No Crosby.

4) Barnes gets to pick Tiger Woods next week.

9:43 - Using "Fleury" is too long. Going with his initials for big saves now.

- MAF, MAF, MAF, MAF, MAF, MAF!!!

- Big saves end the 2nd period. Still 2-0 Penguins. 20 minutes separate the Penguins from the Stanley Cup.

9:40 - Jordan Staal almost produces a breakaway, but doesn't quite have the speed. But the effort is there, and you have to love it, especially up 2-0. If the Penguins hold on to win this game, his short-handed goal might be the turning point.

- Just going to say his name when he makes a big save from this point on.

- Fleury.

9:36 - The usual loud Joe Louis crowd has been a little quiet the past five minutes or so. Would love to keep it that way.

- Fleury makes another good save as there is less than four minutes remaining in the second. Crosby is not coming back this period, and the Penguins are having to double up on shifts to make up for his absence.

- Not good.

9:33 - Less than six minutes to go in the second period. Still have not seen Crosby, and yes I'm a little worried about that, despite what his head coach said. Fleury has been nothing short of outstanding (knocking on wood).

That's what she said.

9:31 - "Fucking 2-0, come on." - Eric Koby

Not a good couple of hours for Koby. The only thing worse than his team being down 0-2 in game seven is having to be at work during it. Or maybe it's good that he doesn't have to watch it? Just trying to be optimistic for ya Koby.

9:29 - Dan Bylsma says Crosby will be back, but I haven't seem him yet.

9:27 - "Yeah, the last Hangover quote could've been better. First one was good. Second one not good enough. Just saw the movie yesterday and there was much better." - Matt Barnes.

I'm up for suggestions. To be quite honest, I get so damn excited, I just use the first one that comes to me.

9:26 - My heart is out of control right now. Penguins jump out to a 2-0 lead. Maxime Talbot trying his best to win the Conn Smythe. Crosby still hasn't seen the ice since his injury. God I love this team.

9:23 - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!

MAXIME TALBOT DOES IT AGAIN!!!!

SCORES ON A 2-ON-1!!!

2-0 PENGUINS!!!!

NOT AT THE TABLE JOSE!!!

9:21 - Fleury makes a stop, and the power play is killed. 11 minutes to go in the 2nd. Still awaiting word on Crosby.

9:18 - (Standing the entire power play again)

9:17 - "Uh Oh. Crosby hurt. Detroit power play. I smell a goal coming up." - Matt Barnes.

You know, the last time I live blogged, Jordan Staal scored short-handed. Deja-vu??

9:16 - Sidney Crosby looks really hurt as he struggles to get back to the bench, and the Red Wings are going to go on a power play. Not a good two minutes of action for Pittsburgh.

This will be a HUGE power play. Huge.

9:14 - HOLY CRAP!! BIG SAVES BY FLEURY AND THEN OSGOOD. DID I SAY HOLY CRAP?? HOLY CRAP!!

9:12 - Lots of space available in 4-on-4. You would think Crosby and Malkin might find some room. Plenty of open ice.

9:09 - Yeah my heart is racing. Matching minors means 4-on-4. I'm still trying to catch my breath.

9:07 - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

TURNOVER RESULTS IN MAXIME TALBOT'S GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS A LOT BIN LADEN!!!

1-0 PENGUINS - 18:40 IN 2ND.

- "Turnovers turnovers turnovers. WOW. How bout an ATTA BOY for Max Talbot! Tough save for Osgood to make." - Matt Barnes.

ATTA BOY TALBOT!!

9:06 - Back to live action. 2nd period. Game Seven.

9:03 - Also, it should be noted that with everything this series has to offer, there has not been one overtime game yet ... just saying. We could be here a while.

9:01 - While I have everyone's attention. How about a moment of silence for Trent Green. (Moment of silence, as Dick Vermeil sheds a tear)

Thank you.

8:57 - "1st intermission conversation: Indians are beginning to play well. Still like their chances to make the playoffs?" - Matt Barnes

With the Indians, the big thing they have going for them is how weak the American League Central is this year. We've talked before the season, that this division will be determined by who can have the best "in-division" record. Therefore, there is no reason the Indians can't get back in contention, because they aren't they far out of it, despite how badly they have played.

They are only seven games out of first place, but they will have to improve on their 14-16 Central record if they are going to make a run.

Who would have thought Carl Pavano would be a highlight? Not me. I would have put better odds of Dennis Martinez winning the AL Cy Young.

- "I'll agree. The in-division record has to improve. But considering the injuries to the team, including our heart Grady Sizemore, I like that we've kept it afloat this long. The starting pitching hasn't been great but hasn't been awful. The bullpen is recovering from it's awful start. Our hitting could use some more pop but that will come.

If we can put together a good month of June, which we have so far, I think that'd do wonders for the rest of the year, getting Westbrook back and maybe adding a bat or arm at the deadline." - Matt Barnes.

Oh yeah, completely forgot about Jake Westbrook.

8:52 - FIRST PERIOD PENGUIN POSITIVES

1) Marc Andre Fleury looks good ... really good.

2) After looking scared at the onset, they calmed down, got some good looks, and started to match the physicality the Red Wings were offering.

3) No penalties. Obviously the refs aren't calling much, but, the last time Pittsburgh played in Joe Louis Arena, they had an unimaginable 48 penalty minutes.

4) The Jordan Staal line.

- FIRST PERIOD PENGUIN NEGATIVES

1) Chris Osgood looks good ... really good.

2) Detroit has neutralized Malkin and Crosby to this point, with neither having a great look yet.

3) Not being able to slow down Zetterberg and Datysuk.

4) Not being able to find the back of the net on the one-and only- power play of the first period.

8:50 - "Exciting 1st period for sure. Not sure either team won it but like I said, first goal will be from the winning team, especially now." - Matt Barnes.

Well, I was expecting someone to score within the first 20 minutes. But you are right Barnes, and like I said earlier, the longer we go with no goals, the bigger emphasis will be on that first one. But, with Detroit's home crowd, I'm starting to think that first goal means more to Pittsburgh.

8:47 - GOODNESS GRACIOUS!! (Huge breath exhaled.) The last two minutes are full of chances on both sides. But the two goalies haven't let one by them yet. Unbelievable action.

At the end of one, the score is 0-0.

8:42 - A big positive for Pittsburgh has been the play of the 3rd line. Jordan Staal, Tyler Kennedy, and Matt Cooke are all applying pressure. It helps that they don't go up against the big guns of Detroit.

Fleury makes another outstanding save. He looks more than solid thus far. Two minutes remain in the first period.

8:38 - "I find it ironic the Tigers and Pirates face each other tonight in Pittsburgh. If we break that game into three periods (3 inn/period), then the Wings will lead 1-0 after the 1st." - Matt Barnes.

I'm keeping with the "Destiny" theme throughout tonight. It's my tribute to LOST.

During this break, it should be noted I have my Brady Quinn jersey "road" jersey on tonight. Trying to build some good mojo for him. Or, I could be single-handily ruining his career. Time will tell.

8:36 - My God. I didn't realize how nervous I was for this game. Stood during the ENTIRE POWER PLAY. But, the Penguins didn't find the back of the net. They did sustain offense throughout. Under six minutes to go in the first.

8:34 - First penalty of the game!! Slashing on Detroit's Brad Stuart. No question it was a slash. Pens need this!!

8:32 - As stupid as the interviews of NBA coaches are during games, I really enjoy the NHL in-game interviews. The coaches actually answer relevant questions.

Somewhere Doris Burke is fuming.

8:30 - Halfway through the first period, and no team has scored. Detroit has looked the better and more calmer of the two teams, while Pittsburgh is holding on for dear life.

As for yours truly, I'm sitting on the very edge of the couch, standing up when the game gets exciting (only every other 30 seconds), and trying to keep pace on this live blog.

I should be getting paid for this.

8:28 - And there's the bounce. Bad bounce of the puck for the Red Wings, creates a huge chance for Pittsburgh's Tyler Kennedy, but Osgood and Detroit's defense is up to the task.

At the bare minimum, that should wake up Pittsburgh a bit.

8:27 - "Oh forget it. Muhammad Ali is there and rooting for the Red Wings. Penguins have no chance." - Matt Barnes.

My thoughts exactly.

8:25 - If it wasn't enough that Pittsburgh had to battle history, now they have to battle Muhammad Ali, who is in attendance and wearing a Red Wings jersey.

As Charlie in LOST said, "Terrific."

8:23 - "I agree. Bad start for Pittsburgh but as long as that scoreboard says 0-0, they're fine." - Matt Barnes.

That's why I love playoff hockey. You can be totally out-matched, get one lucky bounce and earn the win. At least Fleury doesn't look too bad thus far. If he did, well, then it would look a lot like Game Five.

8:22 - The longer we go, the more important that first goal will be.

At least Evgeni Malkin looks solid. Pittsburgh needs him to be spectacular tonight though.

8:19 - Did I mention Pittsburgh looks slow, scared and sloppy?? It's just a matter of time before Detroit finds the back of the net.

8:16 - Already envisioning Sandy Alomar Junior walking off dejectedly. This is not good. Pittsburgh looks overwhelmed. But remember, Fleury could save them all and they could still win.

8:15 - Not a good start. Penguins are dropping their sticks, missing on possible icing calls. But thank you Fleury for saving us already. This one is going to be tough.

8:11 - "Here are my fearless predictions (Matt Barnes) ...

- Team who scores first will win.

- There will not be many penalties.

- Conn Smythe will go to Osgood.

- Sid the Kid will score a goal.

- Dwight Howard will not sink free throws down the stretch.

- The winning goal will come in the 3rd period.

- There will not be one fight (only been one fight all series).

- FINAL SCORE: Red Wings 3, Penguins 2 (Not trying to copy Luke. Just been saying it all day.)"

I'm going to add one more, "Jameer Nelson makes a funny face for forgetting to guard Derek Fisher."

And here ... we ... go. It's Game Seven.

8:08 - I'll get this out of the way now, because I have bigger fish to fry tonight.

"With the first pick in the U.S. Open golf selections, Matt Barnes selects Tiger Woods, USA, 14-time Major Champion."

Ladies and gentlemen, Matt Barnes!!

If you are following along, and judging by the attendance you're not, Barnes and I pick golfers for every tournament. The winner the previous week gets the first pick the next. Well, my two golfers missed the cut this week, allowing for Barnes to grab Tiger.

I knew I should have taken John Daly.

8:05 - Make no mistake. There are a lot of great players who will be on the ice tonight, but the most important players will be the two goalies tonight. Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood. Whoever has the better game will be victorious. No question.

8:03 - Somebody tell Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury that no one is sitting in the locker-room as they give their pre-game speech. As good as the intro was, that next segment was laughable. Just give me Mike Emrick please!!

7:58 - I've thought about every possibly scenario that could go down tonight, and the only one I'm tossing out the window would be a Penguins blow-out victory. But in all honesty, I have no idea how this is going to play out. Game 7's are different, especially when it's for the Stanley Cup Finals. One moment, one bounce, one second, could be the difference between hoisting the Cup, or watching it fade away.

It's obvious that Detroit holds the advantage of playing Game 7 on home ice. There have been fourteen Game 7's in the Stanley Cup Finals, and the home team have won twelve of them. So, Pittsburgh will be battling history if they want to hoist the Cup tonight.

Oh, and how sweet was that NBC intro?? Absolutely terrific. Reminded me of the 90's NBA on NBC intros. The kind where it gets you pumped up. But, as a fan of one of the two teams playing, it's pretty easy to get pumped up for this one.

7:53 - Okay, before the NBC broadcast hits the air, let's throw out some wild predictions.

- The team that scores first WILL NOT WIN.

- Malkin and Crosby BOTH will score goals.

- Marian Hossa will not.

- Henrik Zetterberg will score the game - and series - winning goal.

- The Conn Smythe Trophy (playoffs MVP) will go to Malkin.

- After every goal, I will be quoting The Hangover, ala Randy Moller.

- Final score - Red Wings 3, Penguins 2. (Let's hope I'm wrong)

7:50 - Let the comments begin. First comes from Eric Koby, the best Chemistry lab partner a guy could ask for. Being a die-hard Red Wings fan, his thoughts shouldn't be that big of a surprise. "Go Wings!!! I'm at work right now, so I'm pretty much in hell knowing this game is going on. I have my espn tracker going so I should be ok for 5 seconds of the game."

We welcome Koby to this event, but feel badly knowing he has to work through it all. But as our buddy John Locke has said from time-to-time, "everything happens for a reason."

7:45 - At the beginning of this series, I picked the Red Wings to win in seven. And now, here we are. After six games, do I have the balls to switch my prediction? Hell no. As Father Jim used to tell me, "bet with your wallet and root with your heart."

That being said, no matter what happens, I'm extremely proud of this Penguins team. They started the regular season slow, had coaching problems, injury concerns, and at the mid-way point, looked lost. But, they switched coaches, got healthy, picked up some key free agents and found themselves the #4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

They hit their stride in the playoffs, showed resiliency in beating the Washington Capitals after being down 0-2, and now are just one game away from winning the Stanley Cup. Even if you are a Detroit Red Wings fan, you must admit, it's a pretty cool story.

7:38 - Oh billy. Not sure if I'm ready for this. It has been since 1998 - when Michael Jordan won his sixth NBA title - that one of my teams have won a championship. My last Game Seven experience was excruciating, exhilirating, and heart-breaking. That would be 1997 when the Cleveland Indians could not close out the Florida Marlins in the World Series. I kept score of that game to provide proof I was watching. I guess this blog will act as a substitute for a scorecard. Proof that I was there watching, rooting, and holding my breath.

LIVE BLOG - 2009 NHL FINALS - GAME FOUR

By: Luke Florence

And here we go. Welcome everyone to the return of the King of Arguments. The KOA has been away for more than two months, but we are back in full force tonight for a live blog.

Here is how you can participate.

1) Reply with a comment at the end of this post. If you do so, I will respond to your comment on the blog itself.

2) Send me an IM on AIM. My screen name is Lflo_12_23. Same deal.

That's it. No cell phone texts for yours truly. Giddy up folks, this should be fun.

10:55 - That wraps it up for me tonight. Going to enjoy the NBA Finals with the Queen of Arguments (that's right, the King has found a Queen).

We've had appearances by LeBron James 'winning' attitude, Helen Keller, Denzel Washington, Adam Morrison, Gus Johnson, Keanu Reaves, and Jack Bauer.

That's the beauty of a running blog. You just never know where it's going to take you.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

10:50 - "Come get some? You really need to calm down. Congrats though. Go Tribe." - Matt Barnes.

Obviously Barnes is not well-versed on my homage to the 'Berg tennis team.

Big thanks to Barnes for providing a steady stream of comments from the onset. It wouldn't have been the same without him.

With the 'rents coming to town this weekend, I'm not sure what the schedule will be on Saturday night. Obviously I want to watch the game, but do not know how the running blog will work out. Nonetheless, thanks to those who listened.

10:46 - Oh Billy! How much fun was that?? Penguins win 4-2 (I predicted 4-3). Detroit looked tired, Fleury looked good, and Pittsburgh looked like the better team tonight. It's the first game that Detroit has lost this post-season by more than one goal. Just can't say enough of how impressed I was with the entire team. They got down, but never let that bother them. The game-changing, and possibly series-changing moment happened when Jordan Staal scored the short-handed goal. It was the catalyst of three goals in six minutes.

Let's call it what it is, a tie series. But, if you had the choice between being the team who has won the last two games, or the team who won the first two, which would you pick? The smart man would take the former, and that is exactly where the Penguins are sitting.

10:43 - Detroit has an empty net. Less than two minutes to go. Kunitz tried to score a one-handed empty-net goal, but got hooked in the process. It could very easily have been a goal-awarded situation. Nonetheless, it signifies that this game is OVER. PENGUINS ARE THE WINNERS!! SERIES TIED AT 2! COME GET SOME!

10:39 - Staal might have scored the game-tying goal, and Crosby may have scored the game-winner, but the best player on the ice has been Malkin. He has been head-and-shoulders better than everyone else. It's exactly what was missing from last year's run. Pittsburgh wins it all if Malkin continues to play like this. Down to 2:30.

10:35 - Less than five minutes remaining. Penguins still lead 4-2. Fleury has settled down. Have to expect Detroit to continue bringing it.

10:31 - It appears as if Crosby is okay after taking a slash. Hockey players are arguably the toughest athletes in all of sports. 7 minutes to go.

10:28 - "I disagree. Travolta is a better bad-ass than Denzel. Just cause Denzel is black doesn't make him a better bad-ass." - Matt Barnes.

Have you seen Training Day? Has there ever been a bigger bad-ass than Denzel in that movie?

10:26 - Crosby goes down, and I'll have to wait on a replay to see what happened, but it doesn't look good. It took Sid the Kid a long time to make it to the bench. 9 minutes to go.

10:21 - The Penguins stay on the attack, forcing the Red Wings to waste energy clearing the puck. 12 minutes to go, and the Pens still up 4-2. Smells like a 2-2 series.

Oh, and speaking of Pelham 123 (just saw a trailer), didn't they get the roles mixed up for Travolta and Denzel? It would have made more money and sense to put Denzel in the bad-ass role, and Travolta as the goofy city worker. Just saying.

10:17 - What I love about the Pens new coach Dan Bylsma, is that he coaches aggressive defense. In football terms, he would be the anti-prevent defense coach. The only way to protect a lead, is to expand it. It's that attitude that really vaulted Pittsburgh to the team they are now. They just don't sit on a lead. They look to keep scoring.

10:14 - The Red Wings start the third period on fire, with a big surge, but come up empty. Good job by Pittsburgh weathering that small storm. 17 minutes to go.

10:12 - 3rd Period underway. Have to love the support of the 'rents. My mother comes through with a Facebook (yes, Facebook) status message, "Wow, I've been really busy packing, etc., getting ready for tomorrow, but as soon as I sit down and put my feet up and settle in to seriously start watching the game, penguins score not one, but TWO goals! This game is so exciting!"

Couldn't have said it any better.

10:02 - Okay, taking a ten-minute break to eat some supper. Going with some hot-dogs and chips. Why? Because I can afford it. Don't be jealous.

9:58 - Some NBA questions.

- Isn't the NBA better when they just let the players play?

- Do you think JJ Reddick and Adam Morrison played H-O-R-S-E during pre-game to settle the debate once and for all?

- How does Jack Nicholson get in and out of the Staples Center? Does he have a secret passage-way? Is that what The Taking of Pelham 123 is all about?

- Do you think Jeff Van Gundy is going to explode in his pants if the Magic win it all?

- How can Jameer Nelson be playing this much? He looks just fine too.

9:55 - Turned into the NBA Finals game just in time to see Adam Morrison's stache sulkily sitting on the end of the Lakers bench. 10-0 run by the Lakers, including the last six by Kobe has LA up 38-33. It's his series to lose. And he knows it.

9:52 - I don't know how you can't love the sport of hockey after that last three minutes of play. Back-and-forth non-stop action. The 2nd period ends after Malkin has his breakaway shot stopped by Osgood. Malkin actually had to look up at the scoreboard to see how much time was left, because it was under four seconds. How cool was that? This series just keeps getting better and better.

After two periods of action, the Penguins are still up 4-2. We are just 20 minutes away from a 2-2 series. Come get a taste!

9:47 - Barnes coming through for me with an update on the basketball game, "Jameer Nelson looks amazing. 3 assists and 2 points in 4 minutes. Can't even tell he was injured. I missed the goal though. Gonna need a replay."

People tend to forget that Nelson had a career-year this season. It was his spot in the All-Star game that eventually went to Mo Williams. Nelson's injury is why they got Rafer Alston to play point-guard. If they get anything out of Nelson, they very well could be the more talented team from top to bottom.

9:44 - Why does God always have to ruin good things for me?? Why do I need to see Big Ben stuffing his fat face?? Why? I'm just sensing a Detroit goal now.

9:40 - YOU WON'T FIND A PRETTIER PLAY THAN THE ONE KUNITZ-CROSBY-AND TYLER KENNEDY JUST EXECUTED!! Kennedy with the Goal!!! 4-2 PITTSBURGH!! We have ourselves a series. Three goals in five minutes. Series changing?? Still plenty of time though.

The chants of "OSGOOD" are just raining now. I love it.

9:39 - "26-24 Orlando after 1st quarter. This is gonna be a good series." - Matt Barnes.

That's the type of pace Orlando needs - 25 points/quarter minimum. Good start for the Magic. I hope I'm wrong with the Lakers prediction.

9:35 - Finally caught my breath. Pittsburgh opened the flood-gates for about three minutes of hockey, scoring twice, one on a short-handed chance. This has been the best game of the series, no doubt.

9:33 - "Talk about a momentum shifter. Shorthanded goal during 3:58 of Red Wings power play time. Osgood needs to make that stop." - Matt Barnes.

Sorry I'm a bit behind on the comments. That two minutes of hockey was just non-stop action. But you are right, Osgood wants that one back. It was a game-changer, and maybe series-changing.

9:31 - AFTER AN INCREDIBLE STRETCH OF HOCKEY ... MALKIN AND CROSBY SCORE ON A TWO-ON-ONE. MALKIN WITH THE ASSIST AND CROSBY WITH THE SCORE!! ANOTHER CORRECT PREDICTION!! WHAT A GREAT GAME!! INCREDIBLE!! 3-2 PENS!!

9:27 - As the Penguins kill another penalty, they get called for another one. Brooks Orpik called for tripping.

Malkin makes a tremendous steal, and has a breakaway, but Johan Franzen back-checked him.

BUT JORDAN STAAL COMES UP WITH A SHORT-HANDED GOAL!!! SCORE TIED AT TWO!! GREAT PASS BY MAXIME TALBOT!! TOLD YOU STAAL WOULD SCORE TONIGHT!!

9:24 - Ruh roh. Malkin in the penalty box for hooking. If the Red Wings score here, Pittsburgh might just be able to kiss the Stanley Cup good-bye.

9:21 - "Missed the NHL goal. But not surprised. And my golf game could've gotten worse. Could've been like your roommate's. Good start to NBA game." - Matt Barnes.

Not sure which roommate Barnes is referring to. D-Frank or K-Hunt? But either way, yeah you are right Barnes, you could have taken them both. But, so could've Helen Keller.

9:19 - Not sure what it is about 2nd Periods and the Pittsburgh Penguins. They just don't play well. In Game Three, Detroit just dominated the Pens, but scored nothing. So far tonight, they score right away and look like they will be adding to it soon.

9:16 - Uh oh. Brad Stuart scores thanks to an assist by Zetterberg. Fleury never saw it. 2-1 RED WINGS. Let's see how Pittsburgh responds. They HAVE to win this game mind you.

9:15 - Okay, back to the NHL. The second period begins. Next goal will be huge.

9:11 - Barnes' thoughts on the officials selected for Game One of the NBA Finals, "Not thrilled about this NBA officiating crew. Danny Carwford is good but Joe DeRosa and Ken Mauer aren't that great. I knew you would care."

I'm still learning the NBA guys, but Barnes has helped me with some NFL official names.

Did you know that Barnes was/is a Flag Football All-American Official? What can't this guy do? Too ... many ... jokes.

Although his golf game is improving. But let's be honest, could it have gotten any worse than it was two years ago?

9:08 - "It depresses me so much to know that TNT is not on the NBA finals. Even if they just did pregame and postgame, I'd be happy." - Matt Barnes.

It just doesn't feel right does it? When I think NBA basketball, I think TNT. They have to be involved in some way. ABC is like TNT-lite. And that is a huge compliment.

9:06 - If there is a God, he will not allow for FanArchy to go on as planned. What an absolutely horrible idea.

9:00 - It only took 90 minutes for us to have a Gus Johnson mention, this one courtesy of Matt Barnes, "Solid first period. I just hope Game 1 of the NBA finals is as good as that period. Can Mike Emrick call both games at the same times? Or better yet, let's get Gus to L.A. pronto."

It could happen ... believe.

And are you not excited as I am for the Breen-Jackson-Van Gundy combo?

8:58 - Kevin Hunt has a Facebook update from work, "As your self-appointed publicist, I'm a little worried at the lack of communication on tonight's event. I'm thinking we'll have to have a little board meeting tomorrow..."

I will admit, this was kind of a last-second decision. But, if the Penguins win, something tells me we might just have to keep this going. Kevin also has a Twitter page set-up for the KOA, but that's all I know about it.

8:55 - Matt Barnes, "WOW, what a terrible goal to give up. Gotta clear that out."

Enough said.

And on that sour note, we will end the first period. Pittsburgh was out-played the last half of that period, and probably deserved to have the score tied ... at the very least.

8:53 - Unforced turnover on the Penguins results in Detroit's Darren Helm tying the game at one. You just can't make mistakes like that and expect nothing to happen. GAME TIED 1-1.

8:50 - And just like that, the power-play is killed the old fashioned way, as the Penguins return the favor. Bill Guerin gets a high stick, and we will play four-on-four. Space will be available.

8:49 - High sticking on the Red Wings. Penguins get their second power play. Huge opportunity to get a 2-0 lead. Big two minutes approaching as we near the end of the first period.

8:46 - Crosby is the best player in the league, and Malkin is right behind him, but my favorite player on the Penguins might just be Jordan Staal. Not as physically gifted as those two guys, but he always brings it, is a solid player, and is only 20 years old. Kid has a bright future.

Bad turnover by Detroit gives the Penguins a brief 3-on-1, but Osgood makes the save. Make no mistake, that guy will be in the Hall of Fame when he hangs them up.

8:42 - Versus shows some previews for an MMA fight, which reminds me. Any one see Kimbo Slice sign up for The Ultimate Fighter on UFC? The show is currently filming and will be airing in September. Can not wait to see how Kimbo handles all of this. Give Dana White credit, the man knows how to make money.

8:40 - Pittsburgh successfully kills the Red Wings power-play. It can't be said enough. Fleury looks really good. I mean, really good.

8:38 - Barnes continues a steady flow of comments, this one a gem, "I don't understand the fans wearing white when that's the color the Wings are wearing. Seems like a blackout would make more sense."

Never said the city of Pittsburgh had the brightest minds.

So far so good on the power-play kill.

8:37 - Detroit now has the one-man advantage for the first time tonight, as Pittsburgh's Mark Eaton gets called for cross-checking. Me no likey.

8:34 - What do you think those officials are telling the players when there is a tie-up after the whistle blows? I mean, it happens nearly every single time a goalie covers the puck. I'm not creative enough to come up with anything, but thought it would be cool to hear some of that conversation. It's why I love hearing the conversation Earl Weaver had with the first base umpire in that infamous YouTube clip.

8:31 - Every time Henrik Zetterberg touches the puck, I get scared. The former Stanley Cup Final MVP, this guy is a big-time player in big-time games. He lives for games like these. Comes close to tying it up.

These Red Wings are relentless, but Fleury is there to stop them all. He has brought his A game thus far. Good sign for Pittsburgh.

8:29 - Crosby gets his first good look, but Osgood game up with the goods (again, pun intended, stay with me people). 12 minutes remaining in first, still 1-0 Pens.

8:23 - For anyone that cares, hockey is the hardest sport to live blog, because there is a continuous flow of action. Hardly any stoppage of plays, especially when the teams are as effective as these two. But, it is also why I love the NHL Playoffs as well. You can't let up, not for one second. It just takes one goal, one moment, to be sent home.

8:20 - Matt Barnes' thoughts on the first goal. "Eh, I've seen this before. Pittsburgh coming out firing and then the Wings scoring in less than 3 minutes. Way too much game left. But well done. And yeah, Mike Emrick is underrated in every way."

Which is why I said the Pens need to sustain. Score another one. But you are right Barnes, this Detroit team is too good to be bothered by an early score ... even one on the road. Glad you are on the Emrick bandwagon.

Fleury looks good stopping a small flurry (pun intended) of Red Wings shots.

8:18 - And two of my four predictions are wrong already. Malkin scores off a rebound on the back boards and buries the shot. The Penguins grab an early 1-0 lead! I told you this was a different team than last year! Need to sustain this now.

8:16 - First 90 seconds are intense to say the least. Penguins will get an early penalty, as the Red Wings are called for interferences. HERE WE GO!!

8:11 - Here are some more wild predictions.

- Marian Hossa will score a goal tonight.

- As will Sidney Crosby.

- Evgeni Malkin will not score a single point.

- Jordan Staal will find the back of the net.

- Pittsburgh will not lead until the third period.

- The Hangover will be a worth-while movie to go and see.

8:08 - Mike Emrick is a great play-by-play guy. Sure, these Finals games have been relatively easy to get excited for, but there is something in his voice that just screams hockey. I can't figure of a better way to word it.

8:04 - Story of game four, and the entire playoffs for that matter, all things considered equal, will be the play of the two goalies. They play well, their team will not lose. Fleury gave up soft goals in the first two games, and Osgood let one slip by him in the third he should have stopped. As these two guys go, so do their teams.

8:00 - Jack Bauer is the voice for the NHL? How sweet is that? I'm officially pumped and ready to go now. The fourth game in six days. GO PENGUINS!!

7:58 - Datysuk is NOT playing tonight. Advantage Pens. Rumor on the street is that he made plans back in February to watch the first game of the NBA Finals with LeBron James. And a promise is a promise right?

7:55 - And here are Matt Barnes' predictions on the two series. "Red Wings 3-1. I wouldn't mind seeing the Pens win though. Just saw my first Lebron-Kobe commercial on ESPN. I'm laughing at all of Cleveland right now. HA."

Can not wait to start the jokes about Bron Bron. He made it way too easy.

"Oh, and I'm taking the Magic in 5 games. I called them beating the Cavs so I'm feeling reckless."

The Lakers are a better team than the Cavs, and they play better defense as well. The story of that series will be whether the Magic can out-score LA. I don't think they can.

7:53 - Still awaiting word on Pavel Datsyuk, the star forward and MVP Finalist for the Red Wings. Don't know how effective he will be if he does play, but it will give Detroit another weapon the Penguins have to keep an eye on. For the record, this Red Wings team is absolutely STACKED.

7:49 - As far as the NBA is concerned, doesn't Kobe Bryant HAVE to win this series? His entire legacy is at stake. Lose, and not only will he be known as the guy who didn't win a title without Shaq, but he will also be the guy who has lost THREE NBA Finals. His window for winning titles is shrinking rapidly. He maybe has three more dominant years left. Which is why I'm taking the Lakers in six.

7:46 - Just saw a great segment about the two goalies, Osgood from Detroit and Fleury from Pittsburgh. Last year in game one, Fleury literally stumbled onto the ice during pregame warm-ups. This year, Osgood got his stick stuck in the door trying to do the same thing. And who thought The Replacements with Keanu Reaves was not realistic?

7:44 - Okay, time for some predictions. Honestly, I believe the Penguins are going to win this game. I still think the Red Wings are going to take it in seven, but the Pens look much better than they did last year. In fact, they have outplayed the Red Wings in two of the three games. But, the only thing that matters is who scores more goals.

Pens win Game Four 4-3.

7:41 - Our first comment comes from Matt Barnes, who is hard at work (or hardly working?) in Augusta, Georgia. "I'll be checking in frequently. I mean, why work at work when you can get away with not doing work right?"

Aw Barnes, "Hakuna Matata" right?

I wanted this to be a Blue Jackets-Penguins match-up, but C-Bus got swept out of the first round by the Red Wings. Nonetheless, good to see Columbus play some extra/meaningful games for the first time in franchise history.

7:38 - Broadcasting from Madison, Wisconsin tonight. Still not getting used to the whole Central Time Zone deal, and doubt that I ever will. Big night in sports with the NHL Finals and NBA Finals both under way. We will be focused mainly on the Pens-Red Wings game, but during breaks, or if things get carried away, we will see what is happening on the hardwood. Plenty of LeBron James' jokes to use.