Stanley Cup Final: Red Wings vs Penguins Thread

[Ravin]

Just watched the video highlights of last nights game. Still love Kennedy's goal. The pass by Crosby was amazing.

Also like to point out, at the end of the game Cleary (I think) just slashes the hell out of Orpik. If that was a Penguin doing it to a Red Wing, we would hear it from Kle. Oh wait, we did back in game one when Crosby did it to Zetterberg. lol

 

[Apocalypse]

• Teams winning Game Five after splitting the first four games have won the Cup 14 of 19 times (73.7%).
• Teams holding a 3-2 series lead have won the Cup 26 of 32 times (81.3%).

I wasn't able to watch the game, out with friends, so i won't talk about it other than from what i've read and seen highlights of, the Wings were simply outplayed and they were put off their game, and when that happens, they always lose.


So, hopefully we'll win Game 5, my original prediction was Wings in 6, so i think i'd stick with that, lol..
This might end up being an awesome 7 game series, if it does, this would probably be the best final in history.

 

[Woy]

Didn't watch the game last night cause of graduation but saw highlights this morning. Looks like Fleury was shaky again in the first period and then got going after that.
Can't wait for game 5.

 

[Ralnakor]

Just watched the video highlights of last nights game. Still love Kennedy's goal. The pass by Crosby was amazing.

Also like to point out, at the end of the game Cleary (I think) just slashes the hell out of Orpik. If that was a Penguin doing it to a Red Wing, we would hear it from Kle. Oh wait, we did back in game one when Crosby did it to Zetterberg. lol

Know before I start this, I'm not bashing ya since you and I have no issues and enjoy hockey discussion.

That said, why sink to what you believe is his level and try to provoke him? If you have that much issue, why not just put him on ignore?

Also, didn't Crosby whack Maltby? Hence his turning around out of the line.

As far as last night, the Wings played like shit. There's no arguing that point. I think Osgood played his ass off though. If not for him, the score would have been a lot worse. He came up with big saves when they were needed and kept the Wings from eating even more goals off their horrible turnovers.

Datsyuk is back on Saturday so I think that's going to make a dynamic change and give the Wings another defensive forward to line up against Crosby and/or Malkin. Him being back should make a huge difference in the Wings' play.

All told, I definitely think Saturday is a huge game for both teams. It will still likely go to a Game 7, but the winner of that game is in the prime position to win the series.

 

[Ravin]

Just chappin him Ral, thats all. My team won last night, and I know players get heated sometimes at the end of the game. It happens.

 

[Apocalypse]

I thought MAF played great the whole game last night and i'm usually the first to bash him when he lets in a softie. The first goal given up was created thanks to a Rob Scuderi turnover. The second one Fleury had no chance with 2 Pens standing right in front of him.

Malkin is a monster out there right now. If the Pens find a way to win 2 more games it would have to go down as one of the best playoff performances in history in any sport.(even though it would never be recognized in this country cause hockey is not considered a sport in the U.S.)

I agree with that, there's only been a couple teams to do it, come back from down 2, but for a rematch of the previous year, Pittsburgh going up against the powerhouse Wings and evening the series, and giving all sorts of problems for us, if they do end up winning the cup it'd definitely be one of the best performances, but even if the don't win and the Wings end up winning back to back, it's still be a great performance, ya know?

 

[wr50l]

I thought MAF played great the whole game last night and i'm usually the first to bash him when he lets in a softie. The first goal given up was created thanks to a Rob Scuderi turnover. The second one Fleury had no chance with 2 Pens standing right in front of him.

Malkin is a monster out there right now. If the Pens find a way to win 2 more games it would have to go down as one of the best playoff performances in history in any sport.(even though it would never be recognized in this country cause hockey is not considered a sport in the U.S.)

Absolutely to all of this.

Fleury was superb. Cherry was spot on in Coach's Corner, the D needs to stop standing in front of him. Obviously when the likes of Holmstrom are on the ice that's a problem but they have to find a way.

As I was saying to killgod prior to Game 4 Malkin has decided this is his series, he will do everything he can to will his team to victory. With that said, the ever unheralded grind lines have played much better too. Staal, Kennedy and Cooke over the last two games have had some excellent shifts not just nullifying the opposition but causing scoring chances for themselves too. It goes without saying that if the Pens have their stars scoring, their secondary scoring and their goalie on form they will have one heck of a chance to make history.

 

[Ravin]

As was said on TSN today, the penguins just have youth that the Red Wings don't have. Look at the ages of everyone who scored last game for the Pens.

Malkin - 22
Staal - 20
Crosby - 21
Kennedy - 22

This is what is exciting about this team, because they have so much youth talent, that even if they don't win this season, they are still only going to get better every year.

But yes, please GET OUT OF FLUERY'S WAY. My god, it is getting annoying seeing the pens screen their own goalie.

 

[Ravin]

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqN8iYsQMag[/media]

Just because it is such a nice goal.

 

[Rylo]

What is it right now? 2-2? If so good shit Pittsburgh!

 

[Apocalypse]

Nice pass by Datsyuk to Cleary for the goal. =D

Both teams are putting it to each other right now, it's a good 1st period imo.

 

[Awesometrax]

Clearly these refs have an agenda this series... Detroit has been getting a shitload of breaks this series and it makes me sick.

 

[Apocalypse]

Haha 4 goals in the 2nd,

 

[Ravin]

Yeah, first ten minutes were going great and they had so many chances, then they just gave up a kind of iffy goal (nothing special about it) and it all went down from there.

I really don't care if they slash people or not because having played hockey my entire life, I realize it is part of the game. You get down goals, you turn into a goon because you basically have nothing left going for you. Please don't act surprised that the penguins are doing it to the Wings because it happens in every single NHL game that is a blow out. They can't/won't fight, so they just slash. If this was a regular season game, you would see about 4-5 fights by now. I'm not saying I think what they are doing is great and all, but rather, I understand why they are doing it.

 

[Apocalypse]

Exactly right Ravin, if anyone knows anything about hockey, the mentality of the game, anything really they should understand that if you get down 4-5 goals, you're going to as you say turn into a goon and start slashing or cross checking guys, it's most definitely a part of the game, it's just a little annoying to watch, the fact that the losing team in any instance doesn't show class when they do turn into goons.

It was a nice game by the Wings, Datsyuk was definitely a factor with tonight's game, we could spread other guys around to match up against other guys like Malkin, i guess we'll see what happens Tuesday night.

 

[Buzzman]

DONT HURT ERICKSON HES A BEAST. I cant believe hes a rookie defensemen its just not possible.

 

[PEYMAN18]

Is anyone else loving Helm? Absolutely insane.

 

[Ralnakor]

Is anyone else loving Helm? Absolutely insane.

Kid's in store for a great career. I love the attempt at ripping his jersey off getting thwarted by the tie down.

All told, this was a great game by the Wings. Datsyuk being back really made a visible difference tonight, seeing him contribute on numerous goals.

The only penalty I took issue with (and it was called) was Malkin's first penalty, the elbow. Regardless of how bad it was, I think even the Pens fans will agree that was a horrifyingly stupid penalty to take at that stage of the game. You're still somewhat close in the game and to take such an obvious penalty (which led to a goal no less) really smacks in the face of the great play he's had all playoffs. Tell me if I'm wrong Pens fans, but based on this year and last years' series, it almost seems that for every great play the kid makes, he follows it up with a stupid one. The kid's got a ton of talent, but honestly, I was shaking my head for the Pens fans when he took that penalty.

 

[Ravin]

All I would like to see is that if they're going to pull that shit, don't do it by taking baseball swings at the 3 top-line players on the other team. Go beat up on Ericsson or Draper or Maltby or something. Don't take swings at the best player's already hurt foot and then slash at the 2nd best player's ankle.

The thing is, this is how the NHL is now. Look at the wings. They really don't have a huge enforcer. Look at someone like Bob Probert back in the day. You didn't fuck with the stars on that team because if you did, you answered to Bob. Now, the wings really don't have anyone like that, so people get away with it.

Thing is now, and I will say this. Players in general have less respect for each other. The penguins are not the only one's, you can probably find every team having an issue with it now. Players now are going after the stars and it does have a lot to do with the rules in place, plus the fact that the NHL has kind of did away with the "enforcer". You don't have your Rob Ray's or Probert's anymore. Guys how are there to protect the stars. If you look at hockey back in say the early 90's, you would find that star players like Mario and Wayne were left alone because they a) had someone protecting them and b) players had more respect.

It is just a part of hockey now, and it is why I don't get all "OMG KILL HIM..HE TOUCHED OUR PLAYER". Because I understand it is part of the game. I really don't care if it is the first or second best player on the team. If you want it to stop, you get someone on your team that players have to answer to. This little facewashing and shoving bullshit isn't going to get it done. The wings need to go out there and get a guy who will fight in the playoffs and not allow players to take the shots.

 

[Ravin]

Kid's in store for a great career. I love the attempt at ripping his jersey off getting thwarted by the tie down.

All told, this was a great game by the Wings. Datsyuk being back really made a visible difference tonight, seeing him contribute on numerous goals.

The only penalty I took issue with (and it was called) was Malkin's first penalty, the elbow. Regardless of how bad it was, I think even the Pens fans will agree that was a horrifyingly stupid penalty to take at that stage of the game. You're still somewhat close in the game and to take such an obvious penalty (which led to a goal no less) really smacks in the face of the great play he's had all playoffs. Tell me if I'm wrong Pens fans, but based on this year and last years' series, it almost seems that for every great play the kid makes, he follows it up with a stupid one. The kid's got a ton of talent, but honestly, I was shaking my head for the Pens fans when he took that penalty.

Here is my take on Malkin. My hatred for him has died down a little, because in these playoffs, he has really stepped up and played two way hockey. He has started hitting more, getting involved in the back check and started to play as a team player.

But Malkin is still a kid. This is just my opinion, but if you look at Malkin and Crosby, the difference between them mentally is that Crosby has learned fast how to change his attitude. Yes, he still whines a little, but not nearly as much as he did 3 years ago. Malkin though has an attitude that needs to be toned down. Fluery had the same issue. He was known in Jr's to get pissed off, throw shit in the locker room and just had a bad attitude when he lost and it hurt his game. Finally someone said to him "look, you will never be a superstar with your attitude" and his game changed. He calmed down, and now look at him. Probably one of the top 5 goalies in the league. Well Malkin is the same. He know's he is good. But what he needs to be told is the same as Fluery, "you need to drop the attitude and keep your head in the game, or you will never be as good as you are capable of".

I think this is why I have been so hard on Malkin, because the guy has the ability to be a pure superstar, greater then what he is. Depending what day it is, I would sometimes place him above Ovechkin. Malkin just doesn't get the attention because he plays on Crosby's team, so he will always be #2. Ovey is #1 on the Caps. But Malkin will never be as good as he can be if he doesn't drop the attitude and just focus on the game. He let's to much emotion hurt his game. It is why he doesn't back check. His defence is poor, and if you watch, a lot of it comes from he getting beat by someone, and then slowly crawling back into the play. He's pissed he got beat, and it costs his team.