2009 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS VS. DETROIT RED WINGS

SensFan71 wrote:

Is it time yet Crosby?

I don't think so yet... Game 3 is most certainly a must win for them. Let's see how Game 3 goes.

Detroit has really looked calm throughout the first two games, even when Pittsburgh has turned on the after jets and took the game to them, that is where the experience pays off and having the experienced coach behind the bench, Bylsma hasn't been here before, Wang has. Having a handful of players trying to get their 5th cup ring doesn't hurt either, maybe not panic time yet, but results have to come soon.

shabbs wrote:No suspension for Malkin:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/05/31/malkin_no_suspension/

No surprise.

it is such a load of crap but the pens are the leagues favourite team malkin deserves a suspension but the league has already shown that they are not consistent

Funny how things work. Detroit has had a tremendous amount of bounces go their way, especially in the first game. I think the series could easily be tied or even 2 - 0 Pens. If that was the case then the experts would be saying that this shows the focus and determination the Pens have found through the experience of losing last year. Sometimes it is just two great teams battling hard and the bounces dictate who wins. (worst case is that there are two great teams and the reffing determines who wins) I have enjoyed both games so far... fun stuff

Well said MOI. People tend to read too much into this stuff.

IMHO one of the factors that gives the Red Wings an advantage is the experience and quality of the Wings' coaching staff.

While Bylsma has certainly done an excellent job with the Pens since taking over, Mike Babc0ck has been to the Cup Finals both on the losing and winning side. Mike knows exactly what it takes to win, and he knows the whys and wherefores of losing as well.

"Will" is an element often cited by Babc0ck, and he did it again in his press conference yesterday. When asked about the effect of injuries and fatigue, he countered, "You have to find a way to will your way through it."

Another factor so far, from what I have observed, is that the Red Wings' depth players are not only superior to the Pens', but that their level of effort is greater.

Kunitz, Satan and Talbot have not been particularly good. On the other side, Helm, Samuelsson and Abdelkader--just to name three--have been excellent.

While the Wings go back to what has always worked for them--the integrity of The Five Man Unit--when faced with a difficult opponent, the Penguins will need to find a way to depend less on skill and more on discipline and will.

davetherave wrote:Another factor so far, from what I have observed, is that the Red Wings' depth players are not only superior to the Pens', but that their level of effort is greater.

A testament to their system and the way they scout and bring prospects up and in to their lineup.

The Pens may have learned a lot after last year but that's not the same as willpower. The Wings want to win more and that's why they are up 2-0. I think the Wings work harder then any team in the league as well and that's why they are so good.

shabbs wrote:

davetherave wrote:Another factor so far, from what I have observed, is that the Red Wings' depth players are not only superior to the Pens', but that their level of effort is greater.

A testament to their system and the way they scout and bring prospects up and in to their lineup.

yeah its really sickening how they are so good at that, and they never rush any of their prospects, the more seasoning time the better.

Draper is healthy, but may sit Game 3:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/01/wings_draper/

Why mess with success?

shabbs wrote:Draper is healthy, but may sit Game 3:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/01/wings_draper/

Why mess with success?

A wise man once said "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", so I am agreed on that, just let the success roll, everything has been working so far.

SensFan71 wrote:

shabbs wrote:Draper is healthy, but may sit Game 3:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/01/wings_draper/

Why mess with success?

A wise man once said "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", so I am agreed on that, just let the success roll, everything has been working so far.

I am reminded of a similar quote:

A computer system is like a ****; if you want it to stay up, don't screw with it.

wprager wrote:

SensFan71 wrote:

shabbs wrote:Draper is healthy, but may sit Game 3:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/01/wings_draper/

Why mess with success?

A wise man once said "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", so I am agreed on that, just let the success roll, everything has been working so far.

I am reminded of a similar quote:

An computer system is like a ****; if you want it to stay up, don't screw with it.

yours is better, gets the point clearer across

shabbs wrote:

davetherave wrote:Another factor so far, from what I have observed, is that the Red Wings' depth players are not only superior to the Pens', but that their level of effort is greater.

A testament to their system and the way they scout and bring prospects up and in to their lineup.

Exactly...t-e-a-m first.

Mark Spector seems to think that Datsyuk is finished and won't be back...

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/01/spector_notebook/

Busted foot?

shabbs wrote:Mark Spector seems to think that Datsyuk is finished and won't be back...

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/01/spector_notebook/

Busted foot?

You don't nurse a bruise for games 1, 2 and 3 of the SCF. Is he done? I don't think so. If they lose game 3 and, especially, if they lose both games in Pittsburgh, I think we may see him in the lineup. But if they win game 3, forget it. They'll dress him in the final minutes so he can hoist the Cup, but that's it.

I heard broken bone is his foot...

MurderOnIce wrote:I heard broken bone is his foot...

It's got to be that. Unless it's something completely different, like that suggestion over on a Yahoo message board that he has cracked ribs, or that Lidstrom had a broken wrist.