Lets take out the Columbus series too then, as it was and is painfully obvious they were quite content to have made the playoffs.

I'm going to ask you a question or two, and I want honest answers.

Do any of the "star" players on your team get abused like he does?
Does he get abused because he whines, or does he whine because he gets abused?

I am biased as all hell, I can freely admit it. But at the same time, I watch a lot of hockey. Not just the pens. And I can say without a doubt, Crosby, and Malkin as well, get abused by others players with amazing frequency. I'd fucking whine about it too. And I'd whack someone in the back of their legs with my stick. And I'd rub my funky ass gloves in their mouth.

The problem really is, Crosby and Malkin are the best players in the world. It is amazing to hear people deride them for not playing defense, when it usually takes two hands to tally the times they steal the puck in their own end each game. They forecheck with tenacity. They backcheck just the same.

You one of the many people who have Ovechkin ball hairs on your chin? Go ahead and tell me how many times this season he was the first forward back, let alone played behind his net because reason dicated it. No, he skates around his blue line, waiting for a breakout pass, or an unsuspecting yokel to keep his head down so he can blast the guy. And offensively, his stick is often at his waist or higher, though it is usually because it is cocked to shoot. I'll give him credit, he his the best goal scorer around. But he won't win a championship.

As an aside, I have a serious problem with players who leave their feet to hit people. Kromwell is the prime suspect in my book for this, and I hope someone slays him for it.

Also, I do not hate Detroit by any means. Pavel and Zetterberg are nasty as all get out, and the Detroit system is as close to flawless as you get in the NHL, like the old Devils but with offense and a lesser goalie.