Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, we were treated to one of the most amazing wins in Penguins history. I usually have a mind like a steel trap for moments in Penguins history, but tonight's game produced many that will go down in Penguins lore!
The Penguins actually played some of their finest hockey of the series during the first period and part of the second. They jumped out to a two goal lead and had the wings on their heels. Mike Babcock said as much in his post game comments.
That all changed during the latter stages of the second and third period. The Penguins quickly switched roles with the Wings and could barely get the puck out of their zone. Marc Andre Fleury played his heart out and the toe save he made on Detroit's two on one was an absolute game saver. It occurred when the score was still 2-1, but had the Wings scored there would not have been an overtime period.
The ice was definitely slanted in Detroit's favor late in the game, as the Penguins couldn't get anything going. They found themselves down 3-2 with under 5 minutes left in the game. The rabid crowd in the Joe was chanting: "We want the cup!" I was getting texts from people covering the game in Detroit about the championship shirts being moved into position, the Cup was shown being taken out and polished on the television. Everyone thought the game was over...everyone except for the Penguins and Max Talbot.
Mad Max was chosen by Michel Therrien to hit the ice as the extra attacker with roughly a minute to play. Talbot was a house of fire and found himself along the goal line with seconds on the clock. He got one crack that didn't go, but hammered the rebound behind Chris Osgood. With that the Penguins had new life!
Unfortunately, the Penguins suffered two injuries during the game. Sergei Gonchar looked to bruise a shoulder or his neck as he dove trying to break up the aforementioned two on one. Ryan Malone took a Hal Gill slap shot to the face, which seemed to shatter his already broken nose. Each missed the end of the second period...Malone came back for the third and throughout, but Sarge was out after attempting to play early in the third.
Marc Andre Fleury played the finest hockey of his career during the overtime periods...he took his game to another level and gave his team an opportunity to win. He was poised, confident, and playing with swagger. This is what we were all hoping for when he was selected first overall back in 2003. He made 55 shots in the game, with 24 of them coming in overtime!
While Fleury was standing on his head, Pierre McGuire said something very interesting from his between the benches locale during the second Overtime. McGuire said, "I have never seen a player do this before, but Petr Sykora just pointed to his crest and said I am going to score." It wasn't necessarily Babe Ruth calling his shot, but it was damn close by hockey standards, especially when he did in fact call his shot.
The entire situation was set up by a Hudler high stick on Rob Scuderi. You can definitely say that the interference calls that the Penguins got early in the overtime were a bit suspect, but you can't do much about the high stick. That will be called any day of the week.
The Penguins got a huge emotional boost from the call, especially because they saw Sergei Gonchar, who had been out since early in the third period, hop the boards for the power play. Sarge added the dimension that was missing from the Penguins power play in his absence. He carried the puck up ice and set every thing. He was at his quarterbacking best in creating the situation that resulted in the game winner. After several opportunities and keeps at the point for the unit, the puck came loose to Evgeni Malkin behind the net and he made no mistake in helping Sykora fullfill his earlier prophecy. Sykora took the pass and one timed a slick wrister over Chris Osgood's shoulder.
Overall, the Red Wings played one some amazing hockey, but the Penguins just wouldn't go away. They seemed completely winded and more tired than I have ever seen this team, but they were very resilient and continued to generate some opportunities.
This was an amazing hockey game to watch...as I said in the comment section of Ek's blog, shame on you for six weeks if you missed this one. Winning a game like this creates a good bit of momentum and it just might be enough to force a game seven back at Joe Louis Arena...could this series live up to the hype, it is starting to appear that way.
Individual Player Notes:
Ryan Whitney played well over 50 minutes and really seemed to settle in while Sergie Gonchar was out of the line-up. He was a great asset to the team and played some of his finest hockey of these playoffs. He needs to keep that going if the Penguins are going to continue climbing.
Sergei Gonchar is an amazing leader for the Penguins and I will never forget him stepping over the boards in the third OT to take his spot on the Penguins power play. He was the difference maker on that game winner.
Marian Hossa is showing why he was brought in by Ray Shero. He has been one the Penguins best forwards in the series and has been all world for this team. His two way play has been absolutely phenomenal. He is the first forward back on D and has been leading a charge into the offensive zone. He is constantly moving his feet and gathering up all loose pucks. I will really miss him on this team next season....unlesss...
Marc Andre Fleury had his coming out party tonight...sure he played some great hockey in the playoffs, but his play in tonight's game stole it for the Pens. There is no third overtime if 29 doesn't give the best effort of his career.
Evgeni Malkin had a couple of flashes, but for the most part remained absent. He did look good in pounching on the loose puck and getting it to Sykora for the game winner.
Adam Hall and Max Talbot are showing why you need role players and each has been top notch.
Hank Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk were amazing in the game. The duo is among the best that the league has to offer. I have a much bigger appreciation of their game having watched them for 5 games.
Helm and Hudler were very important players in the overtimes for the Wings. They are bright young talents, who seem mature beyond their years.
Hal Gill really stepped up during Sarge's absence. He seemed to be all over the ice and used his huge reach to clear a lot of pucks.
* * * * *
A great night of hockey...stay tuned for more tomorrow.
Here is a youtube clip that thepensblog.com posted last night…it is a definite hope generator! Here’s hoping it helps you get through the rest of the day and wills the boys on to victory!
Also, here is the famous Herb Brooks speech from Miracle! Ek, made a habit of posting it throughout the latter stages of the season and I am doing it today in hopes of spurring the boys on. As Alex May said yesterday on the show, win this one for Herbie! Even more appropriate since I compared the Red Wings to the old Russian Big Red Machine teams…who just did it without emotion. Machinelike!
Join the Discussion:
»