Game 1’s blog was met with some success and thanks to those of you who gave me a chance for the first time. I hope you enjoyed it and I appreciate all the kind comments that were left for me as well.
How important is Game 2? Well, try on this stat for size and see how you feel…. There has only been one instance in Stanley Cup history in which a home team that swept the first two games of the Finals has lost the series. 30-1 all-time for the home teams that sweep the first two, that 1 instance was in 1971 where Chicago lost to Montreal in 7 games. If the Pittsburgh Penguins want a real good shot at Lord Stanley, statistically speaking, they have to come out of Game 2 with a win.
Well, Detroit did what they do best, holding back the offensive efforts of the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again in route to a 3-0 win.
Felder’s Fantastic Five:
1. Detroit’s Defense – How good is this group? Well, I think great is the better word to describe it to start with. When you think about the fact that Detroit has Lidstrom, Rafalski, Stuart, and Kronwall as part of their core D, well that almost seems unfair. It’s not just blocked shots, but sound defensive position, a timely hit, or a great poke check that really disrupts opposing offenses. I’ve stated it in my prediction blog, and in the Game 1 blog, but it truly is tough to get even 20 shots on goal against Detroit. The Pens did a little better, but just barely topped the 20 mark by getting 22 shots on goal. The Wings D have proven my point thus far.
2. Brad Stuart – What a great time to score your first goal of the playoffs. Stuart scored the game’s first and winning goal. Stuart finished the game with 1 goal, 1 assist, a +3 rating, 5 hits, and 2 blocked shots.
3. Chris Osgood – Just the same story for Osgood. Consistent play that leads to a win and his diminishing GAA. 22 saves and another shutout. Ozzie is making every stop he needs to.
4. Valtteri Filppula – The best goal of the Final thus far. Just an amazing diving goal that broke the back of the Pens in this game. Filppula finished the night with 1 goal, 1 assist, a +2 rating, had just one shot on goal (and made it count) and added one takeaway.
5. Tomas Holmstrom – His goal in Game 1 was waved off, but this time their was no doubt he scored. Holmstrom had 1 goal, a +1 rating, and added 2 hits.
Other Notes:
• There were a couple of changes for both teams in the lineup. Gary Roberts will get his first start in the Final. Georges Laraque was scratched to make room for Roberts. The Red Wings will get back the leading goal scorer in this year’s playoffs. Johan Franzen missed 6 games, yet his 12 goals still lead everyone. It will be interesting to see how long it takes Franzen to shake off the rust, and if he can return to his goal-scoring ways. Darren McCarty was scratched to make room for the Mule. The Pens also shook up their line combos by putting Max Talbot on the 2nd line with Evgeni Malkin, which moves Ryan Malone up to the top line with Crosby and Hossa. 19-year-old Jordan Staal will center Dupuis and Kennedy.
• 1st TV timeout thoughts – Good pacing to this one so far. Kronwall had another big hit on Ruutu. He looked as though he left his feet a bit, but it appeared to me as though he left them with the contact. Crosby made an amazing backhand pass from the boards to set up Malone for a one-timer. I love it when “Doc” Emrick does a game, and there is a reason he’s the play-by-play for each Final. Already he’s made me laugh by apparently rating the size of Kronwall’s hit, the one on Ruutu only being a “7-beller not a 10.” Another interesting note, brought up by Eddie Olczyk, is the hit Malone took from Kronwall last game broke his nose….now that is brining the pain! The early indication for me though is the 5-0 shots lead Detroit holds already.
• 6:55 in and the Detroit blueline adds to the scoresheet as Brad Stuart lets off a slapshot just at the top of the left faceoff circle in the Pens end. The puck deflected off of MAF and went into the net high stick-side. The slow patience of the Wings was on display for this goal as Filppula gained the zone and waited for the D-men to enter the play.
• Just past the 10 minute mark and Dan Cleary gets a great chance slipping past the Pens D. He immediately took a slap shot once he took the puck about halfway into Pittsburgh’s zone. I don’t know a lot about Cleary in terms of stick handling, but I would have preferred to see him get MAF to move a bit before firing the shot. Hopefully a Detroit fan can better inform me about Dan, but I have a feeling he is more in the mold of a 3rd liner who is better served to take a quick shot rather than try and make a move puck-handling.
• Detroit extends the lead with 8:42 to go in the 1st. The top line for Detroit gets great traffic and pressure on their shift. Adam Hall turned the puck over behind his net and Holmstrom used that opportunity to find Zetterberg headed straight for the net. The puck was bouncing and Zetterberg sent the puck towards the net where it bounced lightly on the ice, found the 5-hole of MAF and slid slowly towards the goal. Tomas Holmstrom ensure the puck would go in as he slammed the puck in just behind Fleury right on the red line and scored his 4th goal of the postseason. Detroit leads 2-0.
• 12 minutes. That’s how long it took the Pittsburgh Penguins to register their 1st shot on goal, and oh yeah, it took a powerplay to do so. It is still very early in the series, but so far the Pens have had to rely on their powerplay to get shots on goal. Last game 9 of their total 19 shots came via the man advantage and after the 1st period all 6 shots came via the PP.
• On the Pens powerplay, off the Brad Stuart tripping call, Sidney got yet another great scoring chance, but Ozzie and the Detroit D were up to the task. Sid the Kid made a nifty move to sneak by the D, and had a chance alone with Osgood, but had little space to get a quality shot off. Still, a play that showed off Crosby’s skill.
• 1st intermission has arrived. Pens are frustrated and taking emotional penalties. The one area I really think they’ve done well is being physical, however they really need to create chances 5 on 5. They aren’t brining a strong enough forecheck to keep Detroit from having all the space they want, and it has cost them. If Pittsburgh is going to win the series, they have to learn how to combat what Detroit has brought in Game 1 and thus far in this game, this is how they always play…
• Midway through the 2nd and there hasn’t been many memorable moments thus far. Detroit’s D is still stifling Pitt. and they aren’t giving up many opportunities or space. The proof that Detroit taken their foot off the pedal a bit is in the shots on goal in the 2nd period thus far. 5 for each at this point with 5 minutes remaining in the 2nd period.
• Staal misses the best chance of the series thus far for the Pens.
• The 2nd period ends and the score is still 2-0.Detroit took their foot off the offensive pedal, but Pittsburgh managed just 6 shots on goal that period again.
• Ryan Malone may soon join Malkin as Pen players that are facing scrutiny. Malone has 4 penalties in this game, and they are all what I call emotional penalties. He got tabbed for interference, slashing, roughing, and goaltender interference.
• Just after Malone gets put in the box for the goalie interference, Franzen makes his presence known by springing Valterri Filppula for an amazing, diving goal. Filppula went inside-out on Letang and then dove while sliding the puck just past the right leg pad of Fleury. That goal was beautifully done, and a back breaking one for Pittsburgh. Fleury looked like a fish out of water on that one.
• In what will likely be a point of controversy for Detroit and its’ fans, Franzen receives a punch from the left hand of Roberts after a finished check. There was no penalty called and it did take a few moments for the Mule to get up. The play was a bit dangerous, even more so when you consider that Franzen is just returning from concussion-like symptoms. Was it dirty? I don’t think so, but I’m sure it could be debated whether or not Robert’s targeted Franzen’s head.
• It’s getting real suspect now as Ryan Whitney gives Franzen a quick push to the head after the whistle. He is promptly given a penalty. The Pens are getting a bit dirty. In both games the Pens have taken a penalty with 4 minutes or less left in the game. Not the right way to finish or try and come back in games.
• 1:10 to go in the game and things boil over. Osgood is hit by Sykora with a shoulder shot. Andreas Lilja immediately came to the defense of Osgood and then all hell broke loose. Roberts and Datsyuk throwing punches in the scrum. Brooks Orpik comes out of the scrums bloodied up. The Pens look desperate to get something going emotionally but trying to do this with Detroit won’t work in my opinion. Roberts did receive a misconduct out of the scrum.
• Why did Malkin head to the locker room with 1:08 left?
My Three Stars:
1. Brad Stuart
2. Chris Osgood
3. Valterri Filppula
Goalie Grades: MAF-
D+, Ozzie –
A – The starting goaltenders tonight were Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood. Detroit’s first goal was a fortunate bounce off of Fleury’s equipment. The 2nd goal was a slightly weak goal that bounced slightly on the ice and slipped past MAF. The Filppula goal should have been stopped but Fleury went too far out of his net. I have yet to be that impressed by MAF, although I know I’ve seen him play much better than this previously.
Ref Review:
A – The crew tonight was Marc Joanette, Brad Watson, Pierre Racicot, and Jean Morin. A nicely officiated game in which I think neither side can have much to complain about. They kept things in check and didn’t allow things to get out of hand after the whistles.
Final Thoughts:
Pittsburgh really needs to just forget the first two games, and focus on defending home ice. They really need to study some game tapes of teams that beat Detroit (like Nashville in the 1st round) and find a new strategy to throw the Wings way. If they don’t, well the season might be finished by the end of the week.
Game 3 will be Wednesday night at 7 pm CST. The series will switch to the Steel City where Pittsburgh will try and hold serve in Games 3 and 4. Till then, take care.
Questions, comments, and criticisms can be sent to [email protected] if you wish to contact me personally.
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