GAME DAY: SCP '09, THURSDAY JUNE 4, STANLEY CUP FINAL--DETROIT AT PITTSBURGH, 800 PM ET

wprager wrote:Ice Chips mentions that Pittsburgh has only given up on PP goal in six games. I think it's time for the Detroit PP to show what they can do, and also for their PK to do what they should have been doing all along. I guess not having Draper and Datsyuk in the lineup is hurting their PK, but still.

And if the refs reviewed video of the last game, I think we might see some calls going Detroit's way this time around.

Draper is really missed on the PK and in the face-off department. He brings not only a veteran presence, but a speedy set of legs that never want to quit. It also helps that he is very well rested. Not a bad pick-up for a dollar and a bag of pucks.

I hope that is not the case (calls going to Detroit), and I am a Wings fan. I do not like seeing so-so calls made to make up for previous mistakes. I would love to see the game called as it was in the first 2 games, let them play. It is better hockey to watch and more exciting for even the most inept fan. Looking forward to another excellent hockey game. Go Wings Go!

Looks like the GM Hockey followers are thinking it'll be a Penguins win tonight. vote is 5 to 2 so far. Just for info the CBSSports widget vote is a dead even vote of 7 each.

I'll say Pittsburgh because they know what's at stake if they lose. Mind you, Detroit knows that they don't want to go back to the Joe 2-2, so it's gonna be a heck of a tilt.

Plus, Crosby's really been playing some great hockey - even if he isn't hitting the scoresheet. Kunitz couldn't hit the broad side of a barn - that's not helping, but I think Crosby could start to actually get rewarded for his effort soon.

Ericsson is an amazing hockey player for the Wings though. Wow.

Well I just tried to make the vote a little closer. I think Detroit will win because they know, if they don't, they'll be playing a game 7. They'd rather win in 5.

I'm gonna head out on my deck and enjoy some beers in this gorgeous weather... 4 and a half hours until puck drops...

Hopefully the Wings can take this tonight so they can go home with a chance to end it. Pitss was more than lucky last game to squeek out that win.

If Datsyuk plays tonight it could be all over for the Pens.

Neely4Life wrote:Hopefully the Wings can take this tonight so they can go home with a chance to end it. Pitss was more than lucky last game to squeek out that win.

If Datsyuk plays tonight it could be all over for the Pens.

Don't forget Malkin in the Middle. He doesn't strike me as a roll over and die type of player ...

When do the lineups have to be handed in? It's half an hour till puck drop, they've already had their pre-game skate.

I hope everyone is ready for an entertaining few hours. Go Wings Go!

10 minutes till puck-drop and I still can't find out whether Datsyuk is playing or not.

Well, NHL.com's scoreboard doesn't have the links in yet, but here's the Event Summary page that shows Datsyuk's name in the lineup:
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/ES030414.HTM

Except the Playing Roster page doesn't break down who's playing and who's scratched:
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/RO030414.HTM

By comparison, here's the one from last game:
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/RO030413.HTM

Can you tell I'm a little tense?

Go Wings!

So... what's the word?

shabbs wrote:So... what's the word?

He's a scratch,. according to pittsburg radio

And just now cbc Im a little late on the draw lkol

I knew it!

bah, Malkin on the PP

Pens score first again... big goal for them.