So what does the regular season mean, exactly?

So just what does the regular season mean to the defending Stanley Cup champions? What about the horrendous loss to the Penguins last week?

Really and truly, individual regular season games don't mean a heck-uv-a-lot.

The goals are thus:

First and foremost, STAY HEALTHY.

Secondly, let any new guys adjust to the team and how they do things.

Finally, make the playoffs, if it doesn't require too much effort, win the division.

As gravy, or just icing on the cake, win the President's cup and any other awards you can, and rest the veterans right before playoff time.

As for the loss to the Sh!ttsburgh Penguins last week, I'd say it meant a lot more to them than it did to us. For us, maybe some good will come of it, and it will light a fire for the next few weeks. Other than that, all it really means is one of only a precious few ugly regular season losses. To them it must mean much more. In a word: REVENGE. Revenge for the finals last summer. Revenge to Hossa and Conklin for jumping ship. And they had to think they might possibly gain some respect around the league. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't mean much more than that. It certainly doesn't increase the Pens' chance of returning to the finals, nor decrease the Wings' chances. One thing the game did show; however, at least to me, is that Sid the Kid isn't all he's cracked up to be. He's not even the best player on their team, let alone one of the best in the world. For my 2 cents, Jordan Staal is by far the best player on that squad. He has size, speed, great hands, and he's very tough. That being said, I'd only put the Penguins chances at about 2% to return to the finals next summer.

Does anyone remember how Philly did in the '98 playoffs? How about Washington in '99?

I'd have to say that so far, so good.  Even while not playing very well, the Wings have an excellent record, and are virtually unstoppable on the road.  Mike Babcock is in my mind the best coach in pro hockey right now.  Marian Hossa and Ty Conklin are fitting quite nicely, thank you very much. And I can't wait till playoff time to see Hossa-Datsyuk-Zetterberg as a line, as you know we're sure to see. Who's going to be able to stop THAT?

I'd say the Wings' odds are slightly better than 50/50. That's all I can ask for at this point and more than enough to get me to watch.

And finally I'd like to say "Happy Trails" to Barry Melrose, what a horrible hire that was!!!  And please, ESPN and VS, DO NOT GIVE HIM A JOB!!!!

Just my two cents, I'd like to hear yours.