Round Up: Thoughts on Game 2
by Casey Richey on Jun 1, 2009 7:37 AM CDT
in Analysis/Reaction
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PrintGame 2 was a wild one and there's no doubt that it set the stage for incredible Games 3 & 4. Here's a look at some of the headlines and reactions from around the hockey world.
First, let's start with the picture above. Not many of us watching the game last night expected a fight between Evgeni Malkin and Henrik Zetterberg did they? Check out the video of that and some other highlights after the jump but you can clearly see the Malkin does indeed instigate. Hank reacted the way you'd like after Maxime Talbot speared Chris Osgood and he gets rewarded with Malkin swinging his stick at his head and then throwing punches. Neither fighter really did any damage to each other but if anything I think Malkin did the worst thing possible by igniting Zetterberg.
Also, despite Malkin getting an instigator within the last 5 minutes, he will not be suspended for Game 3. You don't say? The NHL avoids following its own rulebook yet again as Colin Campbell offered this little tidbit on it:
"None of the criteria in this rule applied in this situation. Suspensions are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight. A suspension could also be applied when a player seeks retribution for a prior incident. Neither was the case here and therefore the one game suspension is rescinded."
I'm not surpried at this really. If Scott Walker didn't get suspended, there's no way Malkin is going to get suspended let alone in the Stanley Cup Finals. The main point I'm getting at with this is not so much even at Malkin but at the NHL, why have a rule if you're not going to enforce it?
Second, who thought Justin Abdelkader would be leading all players in goals at this point in Finals? Abdelkader took a page out of the Mighty Ducks (the movie, not the NHL team) playbook a blasted a knuckling puck on Fleury. Fleury couldn't get a beat on it and it tipped off his glove and into the net for a 3-1 Wings lead. Abdelkader is really starting to come alive as a role player an unexpected scoring boost in the absence of Datsyuk and Draper. Hopefully he's able to keep it up if those guys are out for more games.
Third, Osgood was spectacular yet again and could have had a shut out had it not been for Brad Stuart's own goal. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to bash a player that was trying to make a play to save a goal, merely pointing out how the goal happened. Osgood looked great in net and was flying around the crease on cross-ice passes. I like how he was stepping up from the crease on long shots to take down the angle, something he's had trouble with before. Really the only time Osgood was truly beaten last night was on Guerin's shot that rang off the inside of the post. Abdelkader offered this nugget on Oz:
"He's proven himself in playoffs time and time again. It's one of the best all-time playoff goalies there is, and sometimes I don't think he gets enough credit."
Can't put it much better than that.
Not much to say about Valtteri Filppula's goal other than: Wow. Check after the jump for the video.
The final thing I want to get to before the jump is how the scheduling conflict worked out. Many expected the back-to-back games to hurt the men in red but if anything it has helped. Babcock was able to keep the team focused and ready to go for Game 2 which started less than 24 hours after the last one ended. The team did look sluggish at times but do you really blame them? In the end, what was supposed to be a Pittsburgh advantage turns into a huge Detroit plus as the Wings travel to Pittsburgh for Tuesday's Game 3. IF, and I said if, Babcock is able to get the guys refocused again and ready for Game 3, the Wings could take a dominating 3-0 series lead coming off of a great game like that.
That's all, check after the jump if you want the videos of the fight, Abdelkader's goal, and Filppula's beauty of a backhand.
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If you're in the mood for a full-throated gloat
There are times in life and blogging when you are right, there are times when you are wrong, and there are times when your most core and oft-repeated sentiments are proven so undeniably false (such as an ill-timed full-throated defense of Armando Galarraga’s pitching) that you end up with a sparkling pony avatar.
When it happens to another guy, somebody you have been vocally disagreeing with over a long period of time, and then reality steps in to make a mockery of his convictions, it is a sign not only that G-d exists, but that you are doing his will.
Such is the case with hockey blogger Two-Line Pass. He’s not big-time by any stretch of the imagination — but his posts are entertaining enough when you need a quick shot of hockey humor. I would recommend his blog to any hockey fan.
Except one thing: he’s the Interwebs’ most notorious Ozzie-hater.
In light of what’s looking like a Conn Smythe for No. 30, I’m waiting to see if TWS acknowledges any mistake-itude in using up so much (in)valuable bandwidth on inserting “Os-bad” into every Wings-related post over the last few years.
Suspension?
I’m all for beating Pittsburg’s best players so that there are no excuses, but I’m copying the rule in question here straight from the NHL Rulebook.
“A player who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation in the final five (5) minutes of regulation time or at any time in overtime, shall be assessed an instigator minor penalty, a major for fighting, a ten minute misconduct and an automatic one-game suspension. The length of suspension will double for each subsequent offense. In addition, the player’s coach shall be fined $10,000 — a fine that will double for each subsequent incident”
You aren’t beating our best players, your beating then up with suspect non-calls, apparently interference isn’t allowed to be called on a red wing, i missed that news letter i guess. You are however doing the trap game really well, slowing down the game and preying on mistakes as well as getting lucky bounces, like all of them…while we are not getting any, that’s the difference. You are scoring soft goals and Fluery looks like a bum. I would be happier if Zetterberg and Franzen were just abusing Fleury for 5-6 goals a game instead of the garbage he’s letting in now.
Have you watched how many picks the Penguins players are setting? That’s interference too.
Soft goals? Chalk that up to your netminder, not our scorers. Had Malkin not checked Holmstrom into Fleury, Filppula’s goal probably would have been stopped.
And yes, we are beating your best players, and that’s without ours (Datsyuk) too.
Just enjoy being up 2-0, when we control the matchups things will go down differently, i’m looking forward to games 3&4. We aren’t the same team as last year, we’re running fine with you guys, we just need some flukey bounces thrown our way and turn post shots into goals…this will go 7
Don't count on it...
After showcasing that immaturity in the final seconds of last nights game, you guys look just like last years immature bunch.
Red Wings in 5.
Immaturity or waking the beast and seeing some fire in his eyes…you can look at it whichever way you want to. You won your two home games, you did what you are supposed to do, now it’s our turn, we’ll talk when it’s 2-2.
I’m not sure it’s getting to that stage. Granted, I’ve only watched one period of each game, but listening in to Ken Kal’s and Mike Lange’s broadcasts, I haven’t really got the sense that the the Pens are capable of competing at the level they’ll need to overcome the 2-0 deficit. I’m thinking the Wings take a split at the Igloo.
Of course, I though the series would be tied 1-1 now, so what do I know?
But the penalty talk is a bit much, when the Pens have been called for just two minors prior to the scrum at the end of game 2. Nothing is being called either way, and if you tallied it up minute by minute, the amount of potential calls let go are probably equal…
While I give you credit...
…for coming on a enemy site and keeping it clean, you may be waiting a while (like years) if you’re planning on 2-2. The way I see it, the Pens have absolutely out played the Wings at times and are still staring down the barrel of a 2-0 defecit largely due to the outstanding play of Chris Osgood. The Pens may not be getting the bounces yet, but the Wings have not even scratched the surface of what they are capable of. The way I see it, the Wings are using role players to beat you at this point and that can’t bode well for you in this series. No…the bounces may not be going your way, but considering the Wings haven’t even caught their stride yet I’d be a lot more worried about that then whether or not you could pick up a couple of cheap goals. Wings in 5 if Datsyuk and Draper stay hurt, get out the brooms if that Winged wheel picks up speed!
Sounds familiar...
I remember a high powered offensive team in the finals in 1995 that everyone claimed would have automatic rights to the Stanley Cup and that New Jersey would be just a stepping stone on their path to greatness. Instead, New Jersey smothered Detroit’s offensive stars with great team defense and their role players stepped up huge and made Detroit look like they didn’t even belong on the same ice surface, not to mention the timely goaltending from Brodeur. That is how the Penguins are looking right now, like the ‘95 Wings. The Wings are smothering the Pittsburgh superstars, role players are stepping up, and Osgood is playing insane right now. Even though Pittsburgh has controlled the puck for stretches during the game, all of their shots and chances are still coming from outside, as Detroit has not given them hardly anything through the middle. If Pittsburgh can’t get to the middle, I don’t think they’re going to be lighting Detroit up for goals anytime soon, regardless of the matchup game being played, which apparently hasn’t been a huge advantage for other teams during the playoffs on home ice. You’re either better than the other team or you’re not, plain and simple.
lol sour grapes
come on man…the refs haven’t called hardly ANYTHING either way…i don’t want to hear about all this non call bull….You guys have had 3 Power Plays so far and we have had 2….and that’s with us having home ice…you guys will probably get more calls at home n get even more power plays so shaddup…and i am sick of the lucky bounces cmon we create our chances n if it happens to be a lucky bounce big deal we earn it with the pressure. We have capitalized and you guys have not. Another thing with the goal posts…we have hit a few as well so don’t give me that either…As a hard core Wings fan i know this series isn’t over yet i still think it may go 7 but please Pens fans stop your whining.
3 more wins for back to back on the Pens and a repeat Go Wings!!!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Jun 1, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmmmm,
Back in the ECF, I remember being lambasted for, oh what was it, “whining about calls” and “better teams just make the other team take penalties” or some such nonsense.
This ’Canes fan salutes the Wings and if you guys do sweep em in the Mellon, I certainly hope so.
Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!
Good game! I have Wings in 6, but Wings in 4 would suit me just fine as well. :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Jun 1, 2009 10:49 AM CDT reply actions
Same here,
Wings in 4 would be wonderful.
Nice to see Hossa on a team that will finally get him the Cup he’s been waiting for.
Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!
Interference??
So the NBC guys are always quick to point out when Detroit has some subtle interference plays, but never point out when other teams do it. Sure Detroit had some minor interference plays, but no more than Pittsburgh did. The refs have been consistent and that is all you can ask for. The Pens defenseman have stepped in front of the Wings players on numerous occasions. Until the scrum at the end of Game 2, the Pens have been called for only two minor penalties. Now many are complaining about non-calls??? There have been non-calls both ways. If this series was called like the previous ones, then both teams would have ended up with 5 or 6 power plays. I’m glad the refs are not calling the weak little things. We are actually able to watch a real hockey game instead of a penaltyfest. As far as the Malkin thing, according to the rules he should be suspended, but that rule is flawed. Malkin did nothing suspension worthy. I do enjoy seeing other teams star players do stuff like that though, just like Crosby’s slash on Maltby in Game 1. The Wings have a knack for frustrating the opponent’s star players. Just shows the Wings are in their heads again.
JasonGoPens… you are right, the true test for the Wings is how they will play when they don’t have last change. I’m not really worried about the forwards so much, but more the defenseman.
If Not the Stripes, then at least Respect the Stache
Last year was a fluke, but this year Bill McCreary is back refereeing the games. For those unfamiliar with The McCreary (i.e. those who haven’t been watching the playoffs since 1994), among the elite officials, he’s the NHL’s most notorious “let ’em play” referee.
This has both endeared him to me, and it has infuriated me to no end.
McCreary gets a lot of respect, and deservedly so. But if you’re looking for him to call lots of interference, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. He calls the obvious things he sees, and lets the less obvious stuff go.
Last night, sitting closer than I’ve ever sat before, I got a great view of some mondo cross-checking by Pittsburgh, and some very blatant holds. Of course, from the other side of the play, McCreary couldn’t tell as easily. A minute after, with the puck down on the other end, Kronwall got called for an infinitely less egregious cross-check, which led to the Pens’ first goal. At the time it drove me nuts. But he had a perfect view of Kronwall, whereas Gill’s hacking and holding just prior were part of a scrum along the boards, with another Penguin blocking the official’s view.
Such is hockey. It’s officiated by human beings who do the best they can. Some are better than others. Right now, the referees are those who proved during this year and these playoffs and throughout their careers that they can do it better than anyone else in the world. If we want a perfectly called game, we’ll have to go to an army of off-ice officials and lots of cameras – Vegas style. Maybe that would work. But for now, if you’re going to watch hockey and enjoy hockey, it’s best to accept the fact that a sport that takes place at such a pace with so much contact is impossible to officiate perfectly.
As for the suspension, or non-suspension, I think the NHL lost a golden opportunity to demonstrate that it believes in its own laws. Said John Adams (paraphrasing), the true measure of a body is how well it adheres to its laws when they are inconvenient. The league has to know that it is suspected of playing favorites (why, for example, did Pittsburgh receive both Malkin and Crosby for one well-timed tanked season?). Freeing Malkin from the instant instigator suspension makes sense from a logical standpoint — why have such a huge sentence against a 1st-time offender — but there’s so little coverage for them to go against the clearly-stated regulation.
Campbell (who has never been good at his job IMO) didn’t even wait an hour to give the appearance of weighing the non-application of a not-so-dreaded NHL rule. Did he consider, for example, that maybe now a team may now send non-fighters to “send a message?” In 24 minutes? Doubtful.
Were I the Campbell, I would have made a big show of meeting to discuss the situation, then come out looking thoughtful and haggard — like this was a huge, weighty decision that kept us up all night arguing — then slapped the suspension. The thing was supposed to be automatic anyway — hard to argue that. But then all the discussion leaves hope that the rule will be re-examined, and demonstrates a belief in the rulebook itself. And every dollar lost by the absence of Evgeni Malkin in Game 3 would be worth three times that in the positive PR of a league that values its rules over promoting itself (versus, say, the NBA, where the Finals are being billed more as “Howard v. Kobe” (or worse "Can Kobe win one without Shaq) than “Magic v. Lakers.”)
The double standard that the NHL has truly boggles my mind. The rules clearly stat that instigating a fight in the final 5 minutes of a game is suspension worthy. What Malkin did was was absolutely instigating. He deliberately circled the net looking for Zetterberg. It was clear as day. He knew exactly who he wanted to after. Colin Campbell’s rational: “None of the criteria in this rule applied in this situation. Suspensions are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight.” How is what Malkin did not “message sending?” Maybe our definitions of message sending and the League’s are completely different? Ha! Doubtful. I try not to claim that the Refs deliberately influence the game or that there is some Gary Bettman conspiracy theory, but it is the NHL horribly inconsistent “interpretation” of their own rules that feed those fires. I understand that Malkin is a premier player and by suspending him you seriously diminish the Penguins attack (not that he has really made much of a difference so far) but what happened to the integrity of the game? Keeping consistency in the regulations? If a player breaks the rules he deserves to be punished. It doesn’t matter if he is Evgeni Malkin, Scott Walker or Sean Avery.
bull
someone please tell me this….if malkin or cindy got attacked by any wings player, with their stick, at the end of a game, would they not get a major & a suspension? what a joke, bettman.
wings in 5.
wooooooot! go wings!!
If it was Hossa or Datsyuk probably not...
But then again, we don’t get the national attention that the Eastern stars do.
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