Checking in from the beach…. It’s kinda fun to watch hockey with the sound of waves crashing… considering today is an off-day for the playoffs... I have a few thoughts.

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The Chicago Blackhawks had to be feeling good. A big overtime win after blowing a 3-0 lead. Backup goaltender Cristobal Huet looked good in relief of the injured Nikolai Khabibulin and Detroit was reporting injuries to Nik Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk and Kris Draper. What was not to feel good about?

Marian Hossa perhaps? Brad Stuart? Niklas Kronwall? All through were crucial in the Red Wings 6-1 crushing of the Blackhawks. The rematch of last year’s finals is almost complete. Detroit used a stellar power play and incredible defense to grab a stranglehold on this series.

Kudos to Red Wing coach Mike Babcock in his defense of Nik Kronwall’s hit in game 3… his lobbying obviously prevented a suspension of the player who was a key to the game 4 win. Now it’s Joel Quinneville’s turn, who screamed about Matt Walker’s roughing penalty in the second period. It's always fun to watch the coaches work the officials.

The biggest problems for the Blackhawks yesterday was a lack of discipline and subpar goaltending. Chicago was lasered in on a physical game, and missed several good opportunities by looking for the hit, instead of the puck. Cristobal Huet folded under the pressure of the situation by giving up five goals in the first 28 minutes of the game, most of them stoppable, getting pulled for Corey Crawford. The win was so easy for the Red Wings, they were able to get Ty Conklin some work in the third period.

I thought that the Wings might be ripe for a fall… but they appear ripe for a repeat.

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The start date of the Stanley Cup Finals is set for June 5th and we’ll have a very special HockeyBuzz Radio on Wednesday June 3rd live from Byrddog’s in Smyrna. We will do an in-depth preview of the finals, breaking it down and making sure that you are prepared to watch a great final series. The show will be a joint effort between Thom Abraham’s show and HBR. BTW, if you’ve never heard Thom’s show, it’s a good one, Monday – Friday Noon – 3pm on SportsRadio 560.

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Ordinarily, I would slam Brad Schrade for his article in Saturday’s Tennessean given that he is one of the more negative reporters regarding this franchise, however, the story was factually accurate. My issue is with the editor. I guess I’m waiting for the Tennessean to start publishing when Gaylord Entertainment or Thomas Nelson Publishing or Gannett has the same kind of capital call.

The interesting thing about this story is that the positive part is buried at the end. Supportive comments from the Vice Chair of the Metro Sports Authority and more importantly the news that ticket sales are on track where they were a year ago, in a much worse economy. Anyone that just breezed through reading the headline (“Pred’s Owners Asked to Ante Up”) would think that the team was not doing well.

My point being… it’s a non-story plastered on the front page of the business section. I’ve been reading this paper for quite awhile, and I can’t recall the same treatment for any other business concern that gets incentives from the local government.

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Today is Memorial Day in the United States. A day we stop and honor the men and women who served our country and those that made the ultimate sacrifice. It's days like this that make me stop and think of those closest to me who have served and sacrificed.

My cousin, Billy, who's name is on the wall in Washington, DC. He died fighting in Vietnam when I was a small boy.

My nephew, who has been serving honorably in the army with two tours in Iraq. He has managed to survive several injuries only to continue the fight. He's about to become a dad in the next few months and has set a fine example for his children.

My brothers, both career Navy men that served our country well over 20+ years each... Serving in Vietnam, Panama, and Kuwait.

My father... a soldier in WW2, a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient. A man who had earned enough rotation points to go home, but decided to go AWOL to go back to the front and continue the fight. A man who single handedly took a German pillbox and captured a dozen prisoners (a story I did not learn about until after his death.) The man who taught me how to be a good man, a good husband and a good father... I miss you Dad.

... and especially I remember and think about a young Marine I met just two days ago. He was earning some extra money working as a cashier in the local Wal-Mart. He described his training and his excitement to get into the action. His passion for training his squad as squad leader. He way of saying that if one member of his squad needed training, then the entire squad needed training. Good luck Damien... you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

On this Memorial Day, no matter what you political beliefs... remember those who served, and those that do... and say thanks.

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Join Brandon Felder and me for the fastest hour in radio… HockeyBuzz Radio... Start time is 6pm Wednesday's on SportsRadio 560 WNSR, you can listen online at www.wnsr.com or you can download the podcast of the show at www.hockeybuzzradio.com

We're taking the Memorial Day week off and will be back on June 3rd with a very special HockeyBuzz Radio. HBR and Thom Abraham’s Dawg House is teaming up to preview the Stanley Cup finals with a live remote at Byrddog’s in Smyrna… there will be food and drink specials and great guests.

Don't forget to check out www.hockeybuzzradio.com for playoff schedules, playoff standings, updates, links to more hockey and Predators information along with our new weekly feature called “On the Mark” featuring opinions on all things hockey from hockey writer Mark McGee.

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