Just when you think the Red Wings are in for a sweep, the Pens win one... I remember at this time last year, I wrote a blog post titled: "The Rumors of the Penguins Demise..."
I could do it again this year... except...
This year is very, very, different.
Unlike last year, this one is still anyone's series.
Look at it so far...
Game 1: Won by Lady Luck. It happens, but to most reasonable people (living outside of area code 313) game one was a lucky win for the Red Wings. Not that the Penguins "deserved" to win or anything... but two fluke bounces went the Wings way for goals... at least one fluke bounce went the other way for the Pens (not to mention Zetterberg getting away with one there on Osgood's back)... point is, that game -- minus the lucky bounces -- was pretty much straight up even. Pens outshot and out-hit the Wings, but couldn't beat Lady Luck, who was a Lady in Red for the evening.
Game 2: Lost by Fleury -- who had a bad game. Letting in a third period goal that was a gimmie broke the Penguin's Spirit.
Game 3: Lost by Osgood. He's been terrific all series... but come on... all three shots were from 30 feet away. Your goalie has to stop those.
Game 4...?
If the Penguins win Thursday night -- which is very possible given the other three games -- we are probably heading to seven games.
One thing I will say: The injuries on the Red Wings have not affected them nearly as much as I expected. I thought they would be missing Datsyuk a lot more than they are. I also figured they would be more tired after their bang-bang series with Chicago. But, I don't think I accounted for how tired the Penguins are. In many ways, they have been playing playoff hockey since Bylsma took over -- just to get here was a struggle. I think it is showing a bit.
Good news for the Red Wings: You can't expect Osgood to let in three easy ones every night.
Good news for the Penguins: You haven't seen Crosby's best yet -- he is due for a breakout game.
The game Thursday more or less decides things. If the Pens win Thursday, I think momentum shifts, and they win the cup. If they lose Thursday, they are probably out in six -- just like last year...
Chelsey Buhler
Irina Shayk
Cheerleader of the Week
2010 World Cup: All 32 teams
Comments (12) Add A Comment
It astounds me to hear anyone say that "If the Pens win Thursday, I think momentum shifts, and they win the cup." YOU"VE GO TO BE KIDDING... RIGHT?????
Seems like the Pens are the ones that have to win on the road... don't they? I haven't seen them do that with Detroit, last year or this year (in the finals). Not only that, they have to have 6 players on the ice to beat Detroit!!!!!!
gpv527
Total Comments (14)
...and this is why you are a blogger and not a columnist.
I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit.
wilsc54
Waterford, MI
Total Comments (12)
Cindy Crosby will never have a goal in this series because he or is it she does not have the will or the desire to win like a captain should. You cant compare him to Lidstrom, Stevie Y, or even Mario Lemuix. There is no way this game goes to 7 games. The wings were going to lose one just so they can take the cup in Detroit. Believe it!!!
wingmandet
Trenton , MI
Total Comments (2)
Hey moron, it's good to see you don't let sound reasoning or common sense into any of your statements. Lidstrom is 29 years old and Yzerman was 32 when the Red Wings won their first cup. Crosby is 21. I shutter to think what you were like at 21. Why can't you just admit that the youngest captain in the history of the NHL, who socred 102 points in his rookie season (it took Yzerman 5 seasons to score 102) and led the league in scoring in his second season is pretty good and this should be a pretty good series between two very good teams?
FortMacLives
Total Comments (10)
Hmmm He is no where to be found after the game 2 loss, but when the pens win, he re appears. Sounds like a troll to me, how SI allows blogs like yours on their site will escape me. They need professional columnist, not a troll blogger.
Kyomag
Warren , MI
Total Comments (1)
gpv,
FYI - The Pens won game 5 at Joe Louis in overtime in last year's Finals.
And don't count Sid the Kid out - there are 4 games yet to play. He is still second in scoring in the playoffs.
I think the Pens young legs will win out over the aging Swede national team.
pittpaul
Pittsburgh, PA
Total Comments (8)
Umm...Which NHL do you watch? You must have forgotten the 2 OT winner last year by the Pens in Detroit in game 5...Which is exactly what's gonna happen Saturday! GO PENS!!!!
Penswin09
Henderson , NV
Total Comments (2)
It was 3 OT's, but who's counting. Check out the moron's comment that the Red Wings are going to intentionally blow a Stanley Cup finals game, so they can win it at home.
As a Pens fan the one thing to look for is ShatPuyks return, Gagcock has such a hard on for Crosby, he's killing Zetterberg. This will take the egde off Zetterberg.
rottyowner73
Total Comments (56)
Hey, no worries. I am a blogger. I am not a columnist... I really couldn't afford to take the pay cut.
As for throwing up in your mouth... yeah... I can understand. If I were a Red Wings fan, I think I would be considering it, too...
MarkJoel66
Burke , VA
Total Comments (94)
Box score from Game Four says you are wrong. Care to make any more silly predictions? (Goal. Assist. And first star of the night.) As for not making it to 7 games... you may be right... the Pens may finish this in 6 now...
MarkJoel66
Burke , VA
Total Comments (94)
Troll??? It's my blog, you moron. You can't troll your own blog... sheesh... And I wasn't around after game 2 because I work for a living. But I am around a lot. Feel free to drop by and take your shots if the Red Wings win. I'm not going anywhere... I didn't last year. I'm not this year...
MarkJoel66
Burke , VA
Total Comments (94)
I'm still here... have been all series...
Where are you...?
MarkJoel66
Burke , VA
Total Comments (94)
Comment
Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.