This is surely the toughest Stanley Cup Final scenario I could have imagined: my favorite team vs. arguably the leagues best team. The predictions will come in fast and furious between now and Saturday, and apparently it seems that Detroit is the favorite. But do they deserve to be?
Detroit has the edge in experience, and judging by the way they powered through the Western Conference, they certainly seem the team to beat. But let's get a perspective on the squad who won the President's trophy for the most points this season. The central division in which the Wings play is one of the league's weakest. Four out of the six teams did not even come close to making the playoffs. Surely this is main reason why Detroit sat atop the league for most of the season, right? No, because remarkably, the Wings did not have a great record vs. their division rivals. 15 of their 28 loses (includes SO loses) came at the hands of the Central Division. Does this mean anything? Perhaps, as 2 of their 4 playoff loses were to the Nashville Predators, a division rival. On paper, the Wings should have a spotless record against the Central Division, yet they struggled against weaker opponents. They also lost 10 of 11 games in the month of February. The extremely simple conclusion? The Red Wings are beatable.
An keen observer may note that the fact they struggled vs. weaker teams, yet still won the league means they are more than capable of beating the best teams. They are chalk full of experience, with 24 Stanley Cup rings to the Pens 4. But experience isn't always a good thing, as the wear and tear of a long post-season can have an effect on some of Detroits older players. The Penguins on the other hand have only played 14 games in the playoffs, and are full of youth. This is a slight advantage, and while some may say it's the only advantage, Pittsburgh must look at the Central Divison game tapes to find the answers to dispatching the Red Wings.
I may stand alone in my prediction, but I cannot ignore the mission that the Penguins seem to be on. Maturity shines through as they refuse to jump and smash each other around after every goal, and it makes me smile to know that just making the cup final is not nearly good enough for the Penguins. The way that Pittsburgh ripped apart an early season cup-contender in Ottawa, blew away the East favorite Rangers, and dismantled the surprising Flyers, certainly cannot, and should not be ignored. It will be a battle, that's for sure, hopefully one to remember, as the majority of the series so far have been forgettable at best.
Pens in 6
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Don't let the Central Division fool you. You will see the Preds in the playoffs again. The Blackhawks were very good until many of their key players were injured. St. Louis has issues as we all know but Columbus wasn't all the bad. The Wings are very capable of playing with the best in both leagues. Pitt would of had an awful Feb if they lost all 4 of their starting defensemen too. The Wings know how to adjust to a very good Pittsburgh team and I believe everyone will find that out on Saturday. It was the same thing said when Detroit faced the Flyers in 1997. Lindros and Co. was going to run all over them but we all know what happened. You can say what you want about other competition but I think people will be surpriesed what the Wings are going to do. I may end up eating these words and I will be the first one to tell you I was wrong. The games will be close and they will be exciting. I can't wait to watch these two great teams play.
Cavs
Total Comments (43)
Go Pens.
T Rocks
Mysterious, PA
Total Comments (2574)
Was going to blog this myself but, don't have time! I think the Pens can get to Osgood and Co. like no one has this season. Malkin, Crosby and Hossa vs. Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Franzen..., this could be the best Stanley Cup final in years! I like the Wings but, I still say that Sid the Kid will raise the Cup after a hard fought 7 game series!
Kev316
Peterborough, ON
Total Comments (660)
Lets be honest with each other...NO ONE HAS A CLUE WHO IS GOING TO WIN THIS SERIES! I grew up in Pittsburgh and love the Pens, but the Wings are great. Any predictions of this series are coin flips. I could see the pens winning in 5 just as easy as I can see the wings winning in 5. I can also see both teams winning in 7! Anyone who says they have a clue of whats gonna happen in this series is nuts. I cannot remember the last time 2 teams this hot, loaded with this much talent playing for the Cup. The NHL is lucky, because this is going to be "THE" catalus to bring back the NHL!
Juggo Ty
Denver, CO
Total Comments (62)
Pens in 6. They're younger and will have more energy at the end of games and as the series moves on. Detroit is a very good team, no doubt, but so are the Pens and they can skate with the wings.
LGP: Stanley Cup…
Six Burgh, PA
Total Comments (9095)
Detroit will win in 5 games or a sweep.
melvin20082
Total Comments (18)
Hey the Wings did what they were supposed to do and win at home. What it depends on now is game 3 and the Pens getting it going. Not sure they can. Would luv it to go 7 games but Wings in 5 looks very possible.
giwan
Snow Land, MI
Total Comments (39)
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