THN at the Stanley Cup: Pittsburgh needs to change game plan
The Pens have managed just 41 shots through two games and haven't scored a goal. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Mike Brophy
2008-05-26 23:41:25
DETROIT - B-O-R-I-N-G!
Never thought I’d feel this way when two of the NHL’s elite offensive teams hooked up in the Stanley Cup final, but the first two games have been a major disappointment.
The Red Wings have simply overpowered the Penguins and unless Pittsburgh comes up with an alternative game plan, this thing ends in four. Pittsburgh’s play in Game 2 was even worse than it was in the opener when they lost 4-0.
The question now is not can Pittsburgh win a game, but rather will they ever score a goal?
The Penguins didn’t register a shot on goal until the 12-minute mark and didn’t get their first shot while playing 5-on-5 until 5:24 of the second period.
It’s not as though the Penguins didn’t generate scoring chances. In fact, if luck was on their side, they could have been up 2-0 early. Ryan Malone was set up in the slot, but fanned on his shot and shortly afterwards, Sidney Crosby missed on a wrap-around attempt.
But with precious few exceptions, the Penguins have been unable to maintain any sustained pressure in the Detroit zone. And until they do, the Red Wings will continue to own them. The Penguins even resorted to playing Evgeni Malkin on a line with Crosby and Marian Hossa with about five minutes remaining in the game, but even that talented trio could not generate a scoring chance.
Although he skated better than he did in Game 1, Malkin did not manage a shot on goal in Game 2. In fact, neither did his linemates Maxime Talbot and Petr Sykora. Crosby led the Penguins with six shots, but other than his early wrap-around attempt, didn’t generate a good scoring chance.
• The Red Wings are famous for their reclamation projects. Just look at what Dan Cleary and Darren McCarty have done for them this season. Now you can add Brad Stuart to the list.
He had become something of a journeyman, playing with Calgary last season and the Los Angeles Kings this year, before Detroit got him at the trade deadline. And truth be told, his play was in serious decline.
But Stuart scored the opening goal in Game 2 and did some heavy duty work to get the puck out of the defensive zone, which allowed Detroit to score its third goal.
“Sometimes we pay players a lot of money and then slot them into positions where they aren’t likely to have success,” said Detroit coach Mike Babcock. “You might put a guy in as a No. 1 or 2 defenseman, when in actuality he’d be more likely to be successful as a No. 3 or 4.”
• Is it impossible for a team to come back after being shut out in the first two games of the Stanley Cup final? The Anaheim Ducks were shutout 3-0 in Game 1 and 3-0 in Game 2 of the 2003 final against New Jersey, but still managed to push the series to seven games. Of course, the Devils wound up winning the Cup.
• The Red Wings announced Monday morning winger Johan Franzen would not play that evening, but shortly afterwards said he had been cleared to play and that is why he was in the lineup for Game 2. To make room for Franzen, the Red Wings scratched Darren McCarty.
Franzen played well, but was shaken up at 10:58 of the third period after he was hit by Gary Roberts. Asked about the play, Detroit coach Mike Babcock said, “I didn’t see it. I heard our guy didn’t have the puck and (Roberts) tried to sucker him in the head, but I didn’t see it.”
• Pittsburgh coach Michel Therrien may want to reconsider his curious decision not to use Crosby as a penalty killer. With his speed and skill, you’d have to think he’d be a threat to score the occasional shorthanded goal. In 213 career regular season and now 21 playoff games, Crosby has never scored a shorthanded goal in the NHL.
• Therrien had some unflattering words for Detroit goalie Chris Osgood after the game, about his very transparent way to try to influence the referees for Game 3.
“He’s a good actor,” Therrien said. “He goes at our guys and he dives. He did the same thing in the Dallas series.”
THE HOCKEY NEWS GAME 2 THREE STARS
1. Brad Stuart, Detroit
2. Chris Osgood, Detroit
3. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit
THN senior writer Mike Brophy is on the road following the Stanley Cup final and will be filing daily reports until a champion is crowned. To read his other entries, click HERE.
For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.
BobinChico (Posted 2008-05-27 22:37:59)
One final thought. Pay close attention to Fleury tomorrow night. He tried a couple of times to move into the skating lane behind the net after he had played the puck. I believe he was hoping to create contact and get a goalie interference call. If you have eyes and a memory you should be aware of what I'm referring to.
AlexinJapan (Posted 2008-05-27 21:00:09)
Hockey fan (and unfortunately Leaf fan) here. Never liked Detroit much but can't help but admit I haven't seen a team as precise as they are in covering all aspects of the game and functioning as a single unit. Their relentless pressure and patience in dismantling the opposition has gotten them where they are now. Boring? As a hockey player myself who appreciates the defensive play as much as the offensive I've really been enjoying this cup final, but I'd enjoy it more if the Pens could find a solution. Devils Vs Wings? I think this series really mirrors last year's final- where the Ducks stifled the Sens stars before they could, as Crosby himself has put it "get their feet moving".
Osgoode for M.V.P.? He hasn't really had that much work (point shots through traffic that never get through and shots outside the blue line)- Fleury has had a much harder job as the quality of Wings shots are higher. And Fleury's not flopping around like a soccer player. Franzen's flop was also painful to watch- yes he got a shot to the chops but in the N.H.L I used to know and love you took those like a man and kept on skating, responding with one of your own later. Hockey players have always prided themselves on this show of grit and it's a reason we love the game and laugh at other sports that allow this display. 10-15 years ago Franzen's teammates would have given him the cold-shoulder when he returned to the bench after embarrasing them.
I didn't think the Pens played as badly in game 2, but its obvious they need to tenderize the wings more. Stop the stupid, undisciplined cheap shots and just keep hitting- something's got to give and if they can eke out a win in Pittsburgh they've got something to build on. The pen's youth will come to the fore the longer this series lasts. If they can drag it to game 6 and 7, it'll be the Crosby/Malkin show. Yes, I did say Malkin.
BobinChico (Posted 2008-05-27 19:36:10)
I can't believe how so many people watch something and don't 'see' what is going on. Let's look at the Malone's penalty on the power play. Just before he bumped into Osgood Hossa used his stick to trip Detroit's defender in front of the net. The announcers on VS never did correct themselves when they said Malone was pushed into Osgood by a defender. Malone bumped into his own player and them used that bounce to propel himself into Osgood. He could have stopped himself. What was Sykora doing with a little over a minute to play even getting close to Osgood after he'd played the puck. If you watched the replays it was obvious he intentionally bumped him. Whitney and Roberts - Please. Like a couple of kids claiming their innocence when the replays clearly showed them hitting Franzen in the head. Roberts had the weakest excuse if you read what he had to say. I'm an avid Wings fan but you'll never hear me celebrating prematurely. I feel good they are up 2-0. I feel confident. I know it's not over until some team has won four games. I also like the Wings chances at this point.
Chuck (Posted 2008-05-27 17:59:21)
Reinecke, Detroit can't be all bad, right? I mean really, didn't you just win a Superbowl - in Detroit? That's ok, collectively, we've always viewed Pittsburgh as oh-so cosmopolitan...
MJM (Posted 2008-05-27 17:41:34)
To Jim Reinecke: Boy do all the Penguins fans sound like you, your coach and Sid the kid: whine whine whine - they obstruct, they dive and oh yeah Detroit's a lousy city?: Well it would seem that Wings fans have a lot more class than Therrien and Crosby combined - Nothing good to say about your own team well then lets trash Detroit. Speaking of diving - Crosby could write a book on "the art of the dive or 500 ways on how to hit the ice" Just watch the highlights. The city may be down on its' luck but Wings fans don't make excuses. When the Wings lose, Babcock comes out and admits they didn't play well. Wings win because they are a great team. Pittsburgh has a lot to learn
Jim Smigiel (Posted 2008-05-27 17:18:19)
Ok, I don't remember Detroit being a "classy" city from all of my past hockey trips to that city but, I will give a lot of credit to the wings as much as I dislike them. They are doing everything that they need to do to successfully stop the Pens offense. And, yes, Osgood is an incredible actor. The referees really need to take a look at the last two series and question his falling ability and favor the play rather than the goalie laying on the ice. Detroit fans, don't even try to deny this because it truly is pathetic what he is doing. Respect from fans, coaches and players is lost when that happens. When Osgood gets a penalty for diving in the next couple of games, I can't wait to hear all of the Detroit fans crying about the penalty. Respect the speed and skill of the forwards and defensemen in the NHL, they will almost always make an attempt to get out of the way of a goaltender. However....the wings are leading the series and it will be over if they will the next game, but don't defend any of Detroit's diving capabilities because they are pretty blatant...just take a closer look.
steve (Posted 2008-05-27 16:25:43)
Oh Jim Reineicke, ever the wit! I always wondered what folks with English Lit. degress did, now I know: They wax peotic about all things hockey, and even some things not. The jokes about Detroit are truly cutting edge and even show an appreciation for the history of a city over three hundred years old. Don't you worry yer little ink fountain, sir. The Wings and Detroit have had some recent success hosting a few little events like the Super Bowl,and NBA champions parade ,and the first Wings Cup parade drew 1 million folks downtown without incident. You might want to look away from the screen, or quitting writing your novel (you know you got one for us!) and head up to Montreal, where maybe you can get that post-riot muse you are itching for...
jeff (Posted 2008-05-27 16:14:26)
hey jim reinecke-you are right on in seing that the wings are going to glide to a stanley cup in a few days, but your cocky attempt at ripping detroit is just juvinile. there have been 4 major sports titles won in this town over the last decade, and never was there any rioting. detroit is a classy city, although down on its luck. lets just focus on the complete a$$ whooping the red wings are laying on the pens, and steer clear of making stupid comments about the proud city of detroit.
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-05-27 15:57:51)
Not boring, Broph. . .not if you enjoy watching this game executed (if only by one team) to perfection. Yes, I must give the Wings their due. . .they have definitely earned it. I could sit here and trash Holmstrom, but what's the point? He has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the Pens look like they have about as much offense as the Liechtensteinian marine corps. Cast into the spotlight, this much-heralded team has wilted, despited the presence of such old pros as Gill, Hossa and previous cup-winners like Sykora and Roberts (who's antics in the the third period were nausea-inducing. . .in other words, he looked like he was playing for Philadelphia). I shudder to think, however, what sort of spectacle is going to be served up on national network television Wednesday night if the Pens don't stop their sudden hibernation. Perhaps NBC isn't the ideal network to showcase the Penguins in this series. . .maybe PBS' "Secrets of the Dead" program could consider an in-depth profile of Therrien's sleep-walkers. So, there you go, Wing fans. . .I've admitted it. Your guys should win another cup without too much difficulty. Start planning the parade now. . .I'm sure it's a major logistical challenge to get all of the prostitutes and drug dealers off of the main drag for your Cup parade. And my deepest sympathies to your law enforcement agencies. . .I'm sure that after the Wings win it you'll do your best to provide CNN and the network evening newscasts with footage that seems more like the latest dispatch from the streets of Baghdad than anything that should be happening on US soil.
Howard (Posted 2008-05-27 15:32:45)
Dave
The Pens have not dumped the puck in correctly. Get the puck to center ice and let it fly. Use the lines stated earlier. Get a checker and protector on the line with Crosby and Malkin.
A dump in is not a love tap. Blast the puck in. Around the boards or off the boards- Wings- Short handed goal.
Set up the fore check with a forechecker on the line and not a skill player. Attack the defender for the Wings as he chases the puck. Hit him in the boards. Get in the faces of the Wings force them to back off . In Basketball the defense packs in on the center, what do you do, hit the outside shot.
Here quick passes, defense quick passes in the d-zone, defense skate the puck out of the zone and blast it in. Then chase after the puck.
Have they done this no no and no.
Dave (Posted 2008-05-27 15:20:11)
No this is not boring.I am a Pens fan and am amazed at what Detroit is doing.This is a perfectly functioning team throughout all four lines and Therrien has no answers.The goonery at the end is typical of a team who is frustrated and can't find a way to win,much less even score a goal.This is going to be over in four,maybe five.Fred,dumping isn't working,carrying it in isn't working,and cycling in the corners isn't either.Watch when they cycle,the Wings have more heart to get the pucks.This is a pathetic performance which just shows how great the Wings are.
Dennis (Posted 2008-05-27 15:12:55)
I was at the game last night and I am a Wings fan. I like a lot of what makes up the Penguins and if the cap doesnt hurt them they will around for some time. My opinion is that the Wings had so much control of this game that the Penguins youth surfaced as they definitely lost their composure. The cheap shots and message sending wont work with this Detroit team. Ryan Malone reminded me of a spoiled brat and took two selfish penalties that definitely hurt his team. The winner of a sporting contest is usually determined by which side can impose their will over the other and Detroit is doing that to Pittsburgh.
JoeW (Posted 2008-05-27 15:11:58)
Boring? This series is anything but boring. Detroit is playing committed team hockey. Everyone is playing flawlessly at both ends of the ice. This just shows everyone that a TEAM wins games not a few individuals. It also shows what experience and desire and committment does. It also shows the discipline not to take off Ryan Malone`s head like I know that the Wings want to do. I honestly can`t see this series going past 5 games.
Howard (Posted 2008-05-27 14:55:49)
It is time for the Pens to play NY Islander hockey of the 80s dump and chase. Not weak dumps. Use the boards ---They call it the hard around.
The key is quick passing in their own zone and then dump the puck in like the Isles did during their cup years.
Can they do it.
Carrying the puck in wont work.
Get the puck to the center ice and dump it in and go after it. Use Lararaque, Roberts, Ruutu and Malone to go get it and fight in the corners and run the cycle. Use one of them on a separate line. Example----Crosby, Hossa and Roberts. If you use Roberts on that line--- Detroit may not suffocate Crosby. Example---- Malkin, Sykora and Laraque.
This may help a tired Malkin. If this does not help and Malkin is still tired, reduce his ice time and use someone else. No shots on goal is no shots on goal. If you do not shoot the puck, you cannot score and if he does not shoot the puck, he does not help a struggling offense.
Another remedy have the defense carry the puck up the ice and fire the puck in. Gonchar did that in Washington. He can do that here.
Letang can score goals in the shootout. Let him carry the puck up the ice and shoot it in the zone. Watch Isalnder videos of their cup years.
Also, they used Clark Gilles on their big line with Bossy and Trottier-----Pens should do the same on their big lines -- an enforcer with the Crosby and Malkin lines.
Remember Gretsky--who did he have -- Semenko.
It is time for a Gretsky protecter to be a Crosby protecter and a Malkin protecter.
Get someone on these lines to watch their backs and the series will change.
The Pens have three of them---Roberts, Ruutu and Laraque.
COACH MICHEL THE TIME IS NOW TO USE THEM
Ken (Posted 2008-05-27 14:55:02)
Well Sid, you finally found someone who can dive better than you. (Actually I didn't think that was possible) As for coach Therrien, please. If you are serious about any of your idiot comments after the game I would suggest you hand in your paycheck and go find a job in the minors. If any other no talent coach in the league had you team, their pride would guide them and not mindless rhetoric. With any luck Therrien will be gone next year and someone with common sense and hockey knowledge will take his place. Until then Pens will be stretched to make the playoffs next year after this out and out humiliation at the hands of the Wings.
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-05-27 14:53:18)
I agree that this playoff final is far from boring, one sided YES! But don't ever start sipping from the cup yet detroit fans as things could turn around. What I am surprised at is the lack of fan support from the Penguins fans in relation to this article. Do we only here from YOU when your team WINS? I only hope that any response will be common sensed, not stupidity. While NOT being a fan of either Detroit or Pittsburgh, I thought this series would go the limit but now it looks like a possible sweep. My personal opinion was that Detroit would win the series, but not with (2) shut-outs to start the series. So far the Penguins have not showed up, but then again one never knows. It will be interesting to see what (if anything) happens when they go to Pittsburgh. As far as the Penguins Coaches comments goes, good coaches don't make excuses when his team is just not showing up.
Steve (Posted 2008-05-27 14:37:08)
Look, this is boring, borderline-unwatchable hockey and that's not being said everywhere because of some sort of bias. Wings/Devils: uncompetitive, picking, unwatchable hockey. Wings/Flyers: uncompetitive, but thoroughly entertaining. This series looks a lot like the Wing/Devil final. I do agree with Wings' fans that Therrien's post-game comments, whether they contained a grain of truth or not, were nothing but pathetic examples of excuse-making.
PensFan08 (Posted 2008-05-27 14:24:00)
What an absolute disgrace... Thats all I can say! I am in no way referring to the play of my Pens. I'm talking about our 'out coached' coach making excuses after the game! Excuses?!?! Come on seriously? Absolutely ridiculous. If he likes excuses so much he should be trying to make a reasonable one for why his team acts like a bunch of no class goons when they are getting whooped. Nice job Red Wings, you are better than my Pens. It isnt over yet, but from the post game conf it sure looks like it might as well be... (tear)
MJ Meives (Posted 2008-05-27 14:12:56)
The obstruction comment by Pens coach was a joke and his dispair really seems to set the tone for the next 2 games. How can the Wings obstruct the Penguins when they were playing their classic game of "Lets not let the other team touch to puck!" Instead of saying something to encourage his team it was "whine whine whine and woe is me" and speaking of questionable play - what about all the cheap head shots his players were taking in the third period. I gues thats OK. NO this series is anything but boring. Its fun to watch the Wings have their way with "the face of the NHL" Some face - maybe a mask would be appropriate
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-05-27 14:06:06)
It's only boring if you didn't predict it, or if you don't like the outcome, Mike. If it was the Pens up 2-0, and the Wings without a goal, you guys would be falling over yourselves trying to be the first to talk about the second coming of the mid to late 80's Oilers. Oh, wait, you guys already did make those comparisons. Guess maybe that was little premature, right?
Maxime (Posted 2008-05-27 13:56:59)
As a Habs fan, it's fun to watch a serie with no preference over who wins. Detroit wants it so bad, it shows. Experience vs Youth. When you reach that final stretch, you gotta give it all you've got, all the time. There is no holding back for later. You gotta push until it hurts, and when it hurts, you push even harder. The Wings know that. They'll have a whole summer to rest. The Pens will learn. Too bad they didn't get that while they had such a powerful roster. Better luck next time Pens!
2nd tier fan (Posted 2008-05-27 13:49:01)
heehee! Just last week all you Pens fans were gushing about how the Pens would win this series. You all had it planned out in your own minds! Now all your team does is lose two road games (you still may have two more chances if you can win at home) and now this is the most "boring" hockey ever! Step in line behind your whining coach, Crosby, and the pundits and keep it up. Now we know the mettle of Pens fans. Wings fans have been through many ups and downs through the years and have a much more considered point of view. In fact we know that unless the Wings can take one in Pitt, that we will have a very real series here. It's tempting to declare this over for Wings fans after two shutouts, but I'm not going there. But I respect your youthful exuberence and letdown quite well. I remember 1995 only too well. Just remember, respect your opponent! Our "2nd tier" players respect your "1st tier" players. And that is your biggest problem.
Steve (Posted 2008-05-27 13:16:23)
There's no doubt this series is boring. It looks like the unwatchable Devil/Red Wings final from a few years ago. Competitive or not, like that series, this one's all picks, which aren't very interesting to watch and prevent more interesting things from developing. On another note, watching Detroit players away from the play skate to specific, seemingly arbitrary positions--and forcing turnovers because of their "arbitrary" positions--this series looks like it was predetermined by something the Wings' crack video team saw in the replay room, and Therrien's inability to tell his players how to adjust to the Wings' exploitation of, for instance, his controlled breakouts. Blaming Chris "my back hurts where Ribeiro slashed me" Osgood for diving (which is true, but has nothing to do with these outcomes) doesn't cut it and ignores the elephant in the room: Babcock (et. al.) have guaranteed the failure of Therrien's system before his team even gets on the ice and, so far, he doesn't have any idea how to adjust.
Joe (Posted 2008-05-27 13:02:32)
Looks like Gary Bettman's master plan of putting all of his eggs into one basket (Sid the Kid) is going to backfire on him... surprise surprise!
Get someone in there instead of Bettman, who knows what the fans want and how to really market a sport to Americans!! Bettman has made the NHL a joke. He doesn't and will never 'get it'.
w w w . F i r e B e t t m a n . c o m
Dave Wildeboer (Posted 2008-05-27 13:00:26)
I too expected a closer series and it may end up that way but Pittsburgh does have to change a bit. I'm puzzled as well by Therrien's reluctance to use Crosby on the PK though he did use Malkin once or twice in game 1. The quote I heard on last night's broadcast was that he didn't feel that they were quite "ready" for that responsibility. I think Crosby is definitely smart enough to do the PK and why not ride the horses? Looking back 20+ years, the Oilers did use their offensive superstars (almost unheard of then) and look where using Gretzky and Kurri on the PK got them.
All season, people have been making comparisons of the Penguins to the Oilers' early teams. The Oil had to learn to win (in 1983 cruised through 3 rounds only to get swept by the grizzled, bruised, veteran Islanders - the famous story of looking into the Islanders locker room after the series and seeing all the ice bags and taped up players and learning then what it took) and the Penguins appear to be learning that same lesson. Detroit is schooling them and the Pens may win a game but watch out next season.
Stamin P. Rodfong (Posted 2008-05-27 12:32:20)
I don't understand the "boring" comments. One-sided, yes. But boring? Yes we all expected a toe-to-toe matchup between arguably the two most prominent teams in the NHL. Instead, we have one "experienced" team completely schooling the younger team. I think Messier said it best, 'I don't think there is anything Pittsburgh can do as Detroit is just playing flawless, team hockey.' Is Pittsburgh's disappearance act disappointing? Absolutely. But you cannot ignore what Detroit is doing. Also, can somebody explain how Detroit is obstructing Pittsburgh when Detroit had the puck the entire game? It looked like they were playing simple keep-a-way for long stretches.
Maxime (Posted 2008-05-27 12:23:54)
It's hard when you think you got what it takes to reach the top, and when your within inches, you realize you never really had what it took. Babcock and Holland, if they keep doing what they do, are shoe-ins for the HoF. Therrien might be looking for excuses, but i'll give him the fact that Osgood does act out a little. Watch the video when Ribeiro hits him with his stick in the chest. Ribeiro barely touches him, retaining his swing inches before Osgood's chest, and the Detroit backstopper sinks to his knees, then falls flat on his face, looking like he had just received an axe chop in the chestguard. But Therrien , although being the accuser, gave Osgood the best defense as well. "I guess this is what you call experience". Yep Michel. Experience it is. When experience is mixed with raw talent, there isn't much you can do against that. Better luck next time Sid's Crew!
wing man (Posted 2008-05-27 11:49:37)
Ya gotta admit, Therrien's pink tie matched his whining during the press conference. Was that a tear I saw rolling down his cheek?
Amber (Posted 2008-05-27 11:39:51)
You know what? I am *really* tired of being told that this series is boring. If you can't appreciate the ridiculous show of skill the Wings are putting on, you are not a real hockey fan. The Penguins haven't showed up to play like just about every hockey "journalist" said they would and Crosby and Malkin are not living up to all the hype you guys gave them. But none of that is the Wings fault. Give them some credit for having a good game plan that they've executed to almost perfection.
Wingnut55 (Posted 2008-05-27 11:39:30)
LOL. As I make my rounds of various online hockey news, blogs, etc., this is the 42nd in a row where the writer has seen the glass half-empty. They are apparently believing their own hype about Crosby, Malkin, et al. On behalf of the Red Wings, this poster welcomes both sports writers and the Pens to the NHL, lol.
Rob Arpoch (Posted 2008-05-27 07:23:50)
Yea Broph, boring NOW maybe, but now that Crosby has just 4 goals in *16* games he must be REALLY due to break out! The impending flood of goals, accruing steadily from shut-out to shut-out, must have Detroit in a complete panic. Add to that the stupid, boring way the Wings play hockey - I mean really now - dully taking control of the puck as often as possible, making boring tape-to-tape passes through traffic, making those mind-numbingly uninteresting acrobatic goals (a-la Fillpula in game 2). I don't know how you stay awake! Perhaps you'd be happier covering basketball...
TIM (Posted 2008-05-27 03:05:06)
Hey Broph, just admit it, you and "the hockey news experts" were wrong.Im sure if Pittsburgh had shut out detroit back to back you would be saying theyre the greatest team of all time not boring.Youre witnessing a systematic destruction , not just scorewise but detroit has absolutely taken their will away from them.Theyre confidence is at below zero.Malkins line didnt even have a shot !!! even Roberts standard dirty plays did not faze them, did you see the looks on those faces on the bench? youd think there was a death in their families.they look like they just realized we have no chance and were nowhere near as good as we thought we were. what a clinic, is there one facet they have not dominated?
profo (Posted 2008-05-27 02:25:49)
No shots on the Detroit net until they were down 2-0 and no shots on net during even strength? Shameful Pittsburgh. Absolutely shameful! And then to goon it up at the end when you knew darn well the game was out of reach was about as classless as it gets. Where is this vaunted Pittsburgh scoring prowess that everyone talked about? I'm inclined to agree that this series isn't a toe-to-toe tug of war- it's more of a landslide in favor of the more disciplined Red Wings. I thought it was worng of Therrien to change the line up from game one to game two. Obviously this didn't work so now what? Re-shuffle the lines once more and hope you find magic? There are only so many times a coach can go to that well before it runs dry and I think Therrien has run out of tricks, especially if his team can't get a shot on net. He's clearly getting out-coached in this series by Mike Babcock. I'm starting to wonder if any of the other western conference teams wouldn't have fared just as well against the anointed Penguins- much less this juggernaut in Detroit. At least teams like Dallas, Colorado and Nashville seemed to have put up a wee bit of a fight against these Wings (they put a few pucks behind Osgood/ Hasek at least!). And kudos to the Wings for playing a solid system, being disciplined and just wanting it more than the Penguins; I just wish the Versus announcers would acknowledge that- you'd think they were on the Penguins payroll.
Vince (Posted 2008-05-27 02:05:47)
Boring? I'm enjoying these games a lot. The Wings are showing all the "experts" how to play a complete game. The Wings don't get enough credit. Before this series it was all Crosby this, Penguins that. They have not had a challenge through the playoffs. The Wings are showing their experience along with everyone doing their that they deserve more credit and are going to take home the cup this year. Detroit is Hockeytown.
Chuck (Posted 2008-05-27 00:45:33)
Obstruction? really coach T? It's difficult to generate offense with the "clutching"? Oh really? Nashville was able to score 3 goals in their first two games. The injury depleted Avs scored 4 goals. The similarly outplayed Stars managed to net 2 goals. For the last two months all I've heard about is how great you've manged your explosive offense. Consider this- perhaps you're just not manging your team effectively?? The officials gave you a gift in game 1, now your best effort is to lobby for more help from the from the 21st and 22nd man? tisk tisk...
BobinChico (Posted 2008-05-27 00:10:06)
Osgood going after your guys coach? Let's see...Game 1 a spearing by Ruutu against Samuelsson, Game 2...A couple of jabs to the head of Franzen by Roberts and Whitney...Malone hitting Zetterberg well after the play had ended. I could go on and on but what's the use.
BobinChico (Posted 2008-05-27 00:00:47)
I think I've lost all respect for Pittsburgh after watching them play in this game. I now don't think they are that much better than Anaheim or Philadelphia in resorting to goonery! I realize there are many hockey fans who love that kind of play. I also believe there are many more hockey fans who just see it as a form of play that will forever keep this marvelous game from achieving the popularity it deserves.
Advertisement
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
"There's no greater honor, no greater feeling than standing on that blueline with your teammates representing this country. I'll remember this the rest of my life."
- Canada's John Tavares after winning the country's fifth straight World Junior Championship gold medal.
Our Partners
The Hockey News Corporation. All Rights Reserved © 2008 Transcontinental
Standards: XHTML 1.0 STRICT + CSS 2. V 1.5 17.09.2008
