- Mike Babcock downplayed it after the Red Wings clinched their series against Anaheim, but it would be naive to believe Scotty Bowman won’t be a factor in the Western Conference finals against the Blackhawks. Nobody knows the Red Wings organization nor team better than Bowman, nor can find the small things that can make a difference in a series. The guy may be a little strange, but he is as close to a hockey genius you will find in this world. And I don’t believe that is an exaggeration.

- I fall into this trap, too, and it’s overrating strikeouts by pitchers. Sure, missing bats is a tell-tale sign a pitcher has great "stuff." Yet, it ‘s also often inefficient. Justin Verlander’s best start as a Tiger, other than his no hitter, was in a 2006 when stymied the Twins without a single strikeout in eight shutout innings. In that game, he threw but 103 pitches. While he struck out 13 hitters Thursday, but it caused his pitch count to rise to the point he had to be removed from the game earlier than ideal based on the way he was still pitching.

- I wouldn’t be surprised if the Denver Nuggets, with Chauncey Billups at point guard, wins the NBA title. Would you?

My Column in Friday's Oakland Press about Game 7 between the Red Wings and Ducks:
http://tinyurl.com/p4d4dl