Penguins Win Cup

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Red Wings 2-1 in game 7 at Detroit to capture the Stanley Cup.  The Penguins, who often like to open games up with offense, demonstrated that defense wins championships by playing an excellent defensive game.  They also got the bounces their way and survived great pressure by the Wings in the third period.  Detroit rang a shot off the crossbar with two minutes left that would have tied the game, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made a game and perhaps Cup-winning save with one second left, diving across the crease to cover an open net rebound shot.  The Red Wings’ age perhaps was a factor, as several key players were fighting injuries.  Still, give the Penguins credit for resiliency, coming back after losing the first two games of the series. Only the fourth time in NHL history that a team came back from an 0-2 deficit in the Finals, it’s interesting that three of the four occurred against Detroit (this year, 1966 vs. Montreal, and 1942 vs. Toronto).

Red Wings put one off the crossbar with two minutes left.

Fleury dives to stop Niklas Lidstrom with one second left.

The Penguins celebrate as time expires.

Penguins Crushed 5-0 in Game Five; Their Immaturity is in Full Swing

The Most Unsportsmanlike Team in the League was crushed 5-0 in game five of the Finals on Saturday at Joe Louis Arena.  The Red Wings demonstrated why they are the reigning champs, shutting down the Penguins with solid checking and tight defense.  The Pens were highly frustrated as the game wore on and their usual nonsense surfaced especially in the third period, with numerous high sticks, crosschecks, slashes and elbows leveled by the immature and undisciplined Penguins.  Their nonsense became almost comical to watch as they embarassed themselves as they were being embarassed by the Red Wings.  Cindy Crysby was among the worst offenders, further demonstrating his childish temperament.  This is the team the League wanted to see in the Finals???

Detroit's Niklas Kronwall scores in Game Five.

Brian Rafalski and Niklas Lidstrom celebrate Rafalski's goal.

Cup Finals Prediction: Detroit in Seven

A rematch of last year’s Cup Finals has the Red Wings and Penguins again.  Needless to say, I’m rooting for Detroit. As a Flyers fan, I hate the Penguins – the Most Unsportsmanlike Team in the League. Not all that crazy about the Red Wings’ European Ice Show either, but I have alot more respect for them. 

I was seven for eight in my first round picks, two for four in the second, and two for two in the third.  That’s 11 of 14 in this year’s playoff rounds.  Not too bad.  This year’s finals should be a good, competitive series.  The Penguins have Crosby and Malkin in high gear, Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury playing well, good complimentary players like Jordan Staal, Max Talbot, and Chris Kunitz, and veterans like Bill Guerin.   The Red Wings are simply a powerhouse.  The only thing that concerns me about them is that they are experiencing some injuries to key players.  Nevertheless, they are strong enough and deep enough to overcome some injuries, and I like Coach Mike Babcock’s experience over Dan Bylsma.  I think it’ll be closer than last year, but I don’t see enough reasons to pick against the Cup Champs…Red Wings in seven.

Red Wings Stanley Cup Champions

Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings for their Stanley Cup championship.  This is a truly great team that is amazing to watch.  With a great deal of talent from goaltender on out, the Red Wings play an excellent five-man system with everyone on the ice having a specific role in any given situation.  Their puck-support is superb – ever notice that they seem to have more players on the ice than their opponent?  Excellent positioning as well on both offense and defense.