Game time is still nearly ten hours away, but  already the tension is mounting here in Motown.   On Detroit radio this morning the most commonly heard phrase has been “I’m already nervous”.  There is an incredible feel of anticipation, excitement and anxiety in the air here. 

The Red Wings hit the ice for their “morning skate” at 10:25… a little later than normal, but not much.  Not everyone is skating… but that’s not unusual.  Still no sign of either Dan Cleary or Kris Draper… neither of whom skated yesterday either… but both are expected to play tonight.  Oddly, Marian Hossa has yet to ice, but again, not all players do.  I can only guess at this point, Marian is trying to keep the legs fresh for, what will be, without a doubt, the biggest game, and perhaps moment of his professional career.  Hossa, as most of you are well aware… will either hoist the cup tonight in Detroit… or have to sit and watch the team he LEFT, to pursue “better opportunities” in Detroit, celebrate victory, on his new team’s home ice.  Ouch!  It will either be the greatest or worst night of Hossa’s hockey life.

Grand Haven native Dan Bylsma and Penguins are schedule to hit the ice at about 11:30 this morning.  When the Wings are done, my partner and photographer “Eli the Penguin” and I will head to the Detroit locker room to do player interviews, and then attend Mike Babcock’s final pre-game news conference.  After that we’ll shoot the Penguins practice and attend Dan Bylsma’s final pre-game news conference.  You can hear from both sides, tonight as our live coverage from Detroit and the Stanley Cup Finals, continues tonight, on-air, at 5:00pm.

Go Wings.