Pens' Second Period Explosion Downs Wings In Game 4
by motownchollis on Jun 4, 2009 11:18 PM CDT
in Game Recaps
72 comments
If the Detroit Red Wings want to claim their 12th Stanley Cup, they better not have any more periods like the second period in tonight's game. With a three goal surge in a six minute span, the Pittsburgh Penguins erased a 2-1 deficit and sent the series back to Detroit tied at two games apiece with a 4-2 win.
The Wings found themselves in an early hole, as Evgeni Malkin slipped a loose puck between Chris Osgood's legs to notch a power play tally only 2:39 into the first period. The Wings would continue to chase the Penguins throughout much of the first period, as Pittsburgh controlled the tempo and pace of play to their liking. However, Darren Helm would come to the rescue, intercepting a Rob Scuderi clearing attempt and wristing home a shot over the glove of Marc-Andre Fleury late in the first period to tie the game at the intermission.
The second period started much better for the Wings, as Brad Stuart's rising shot beat Fleury stick-side to put the Wings up 2-1. As the second ticked on, the Wings dictated the pace of play, and eventually forced Malkin into taking a hooking penalty. In the waning seconds of the power play, Brooks Orpik got called for tripping, and the Wings looked poised to take control of the game. But that's when everything unraveled. Less than a minute into to the second power play, Jordan Staal took the puck up ice and fended off Brian Rafalski to slip a shorthanded goal past Osgood, tying the game at two. Less than two minutes later, Malkin intercepted a pass and broke out on a 2-1, slipping the puck past Jonathan Ericsson and onto the waiting stick of Sidney Crosby, who deposited the puck into the net and erased the tie game. But that wasn't all. Less than four minutes later, Chris Kunitz scooped up a loose puck in the Red Wings end, slipped it to Crosby, who then found a wide open Tyler Kennedy to Osgood's right, who put the Wings away for good with the Pens third goal in a six minute span.
Chris' Red Wing of the Game
Darren Helm
Honestly, nobody really deserves this, as this was probably one of the worst all-around team performances the Wings have had in a long time. Helm was probably the brightest spot for the Wings tonight, scoring a goal and showcasing his trademark hustle.
After a forgettable trip to Pittsburgh, the Wings head back to Detroit for Game 5 on Saturday night. The puck drops at 8:00 PM, and the game can be seen on NBC and CBC.
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Yes, Helm's been awesome
LET’S GO WINGS for Game 5!
by JenLovesWings on Jun 4, 2009 11:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Worst Defensive play I have seen in a while
That is by far the worst I have seen the Wings perform on the defensive side of the puck in a long time. I think if anyone deserved a first star it was Osgood. They hung that poor bastard out to dry tonight. If not for some quality saves, they could have easily scored 6 or 7.
by parkjam on Jun 4, 2009 11:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tough night
Terrible defensive play, which you just can’t have against a team like the Pens. I agree with Parkjam that this game could have been even worse; when you give away the puck as much as the Wings did and allow 8 odd-man rushes, you’re not doing your goalie any favors.
They just didn’t look sharp, and the Pens did. The Pens moved the puck well, had crisp passes and got to loose pucks. The Wings didn’t connect on passes like they normally do and the puck seemed to always be just out of their reach or hopping over their sticks. Maybe they need to slow things down a bit, which is something I never thought the Wings would have to do. I’ve been very impressed with players like Helm and Abdelkader, but they can’t depend on them to get it done.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 12:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the young pens r wearing down u old men…last 2 games detroit has looked tired, very tired….pens arent worried about the zetterberg matchup anymore because its taking its tool on hank more than crosby.. crosby has just gotten better everygame and when him and geno r on the ice together, WATCH OUT WINGS, and anybody who asked if geno would show up this series, needs to ask hossa, or should i say WHOssa..if he is going to show up in these playoffs
by crosbykillsflyers on Jun 5, 2009 12:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
To crosbykillsflyers
Being old school and not familiar with all the abreviations and/or acronyms, I think I deciphered your point….and although a Detroit fan, I THINK, if I interpreted right, that you’ve made a very legitimate point.
The youth and speed of the Pens should cause Detroit some serious concern. And as to Hossa, he’s playing like MARYANNE Hossa. Some very serious turnovers and terrible positioning without the puck, content to take shots from bad angles, not hit anybody lest he gets hit, play with one hand on the stick and be the first one off on a line change. In other words I think he left his heart in Pennsylvania. If the Pens win and he doesn’t re-sign with the Wings, it’ll be interesting to see who he can curse next year in picking his next “best chance” to get his name on the cup.
by Kaiser Sousay on Jun 5, 2009 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As a Pens fan, I just had a question for Wings fans. How would you guys find the cap room to sign Hossa, even if he takes a discount? You guys are already committed to $51.5M against the cap next year, and still need to resign core elements of your team (Hudler, Samuelsson, Backup Goalie). Plus, you already have significant salary commitments for the next 3 years before any space will open up.
by gorgalor on Jun 5, 2009 1:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re-sign Hossa??
Who cares. We came into this season knowing this was a one year thing and that anything more would be a bonus. We aren’t unrealistic in our expectations with Hossa. Nor will we think of him as a traitor like Pens fans.
by dewman8810 on Jun 5, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We aren’t unrealistic in our expectations with Hossa. Nor will we think of him as a traitor like Pens fans.
Penguins fans realize that Hossa is a mercenary, as much as it stung that he chose Detroit, the big problem came with his infamous "When I compared the two teams, I felt like I would have a better chance to win the Cup in Detroit."
That stings for a team that was so close. Hard to personally fault Hossa, Red Wings are still the champs, but he flat out said he thought Detroit was better.
That, more than anything, is the resentment. If Hossa doesn’t make the comment in those exact words he wouldn’t have nearly as much heat from Pittsburgh fans.
by Hooks Orpik on Jun 5, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you looked at these two teams at the beginning of the year… Detroit was obviously in a MUCH better postion. If that Pittsburgh team was the same now as the beginning of the year, they probably wouldn’t have even made the playoffs. THAT is why he chose to go. He probably didn’t like Therrien’s style either, and who knows… with a different coach they probably would have won last year. The Pens are here now because they got Dan Bylsma, then added the depth they needed. Guys like Adams, Kunitz, and Guerin who all can play and have won Cups. They were going nowhere until these deals were made. That is why Hossa left. Of course the Pens are going to use that as a rallying point, but WHEN he made those comments, they were totally true. Now… well we will see won’t we.
by dewman8810 on Jun 5, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you looked at these two teams at the beginning of the year… Detroit was obviously in a MUCH better postion. If that Pittsburgh team was the same now as the beginning of the year, they probably wouldn’t have even made the playoffs.
The fallacy of your argument is that the Pens offered Hossa a 7-year deal, not the one-year contract he signed with Detroit. If Hossa truly wanted to win a cup, staying with Pittsburgh over that term isn’t such a bad idea.
by gorgalor on Jun 5, 2009 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont know how many times we pens fans can say this. its not that hossa left. its what hes SAID when he left and the fact he strung the entire orginization along in the interim
" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run
by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 5, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hossa
Hossa needs to step it up; he’s trying, but the Pens are doing a good job of denying him anything in the center of the offensive zone. Most of his shots seem to be from sharp angles from the side. That’s just not going to cut it.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 12:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
sorry for the slang, but i know for a fact it wont be with the penguins
by crosbykillsflyers on Jun 5, 2009 1:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the way staal just blew by rafalski on the short handed goal was a huge sign to me that the wings are wearing down, i mean the wings allowing a shorty in the cup final is just absured to me, they are a great great team and seeing them make stupid mistakes makes me very confident
by crosbykillsflyers on Jun 5, 2009 1:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He timed that badly
Maybe fatigue had something to do with that. Not only did Staal outmuscle Rafalski, but if you look again at the goal, Rafalski didn’t give himself enough room to get in front of Staal. He tried to make a play, but it was too late.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
THAT WAS AWFUL DEFENSIVE COVERAGE BY RAFALSKI. We’ve seen it all year. He can’t stop people from going around him. In that case he needs to turn around and get some speed up and then turn to defend. That was just awful. Rafalski has lost all ability to defend this year.
by dewman8810 on Jun 5, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question to me last night was...
Not so much “Where’s Marian Hossa?” but more of “Where is Nick Lidstrom?”
a 1 +/ and a lot of turnovers. The defense has been the downfall of this series recently, allowing 4 goals in each of the last two games.
Although, it is weird how the scores from both home sets of games are identical huh?
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 6:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Especially on special teams
Wings penalty kill has been relatively poor the throughout the playoffs and the defense even looked bad on the power play. Wings have been so ineffective on power plays this round that I joked to my friends that the Wings should refuse power plays and just keep playing 5-on-5.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t Lidstrom pointless (no pun intended) in this series, too?
by gorgalor on Jun 5, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the thing is...
we been without one of our best players for 4 games.. datsyuk. I believe if we had him for the first 4 games the series would be over (4-0) or at the least 3-1. Hope we get him back for game 5 and healthy.
by Blazed24sevn on Jun 5, 2009 6:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly right
Funny thing is, most Pens fans would say “Well, he wouldn’t do that much for you guys”….yeah right! He’s our Malkin, our Ovechkin, our MVP. Not to mention he’s a much better defensive player than those guys. I think you’re right though, if we have him we’re probably looking at a 3-1 lead or a 4-0 sweep instead of a 2-2 tie.
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 6:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Datsyuk might not be necessary
The Wings’ depth is really being tested. I thought that Datsyuk’s not playing wouldn’t be as big of a problem, but I didn’t expect the defensive breakdowns that I saw in Game 4. Bringing in Datsyuk, if he’s ready to go, would help. It might not totally turn things around, but that’s one more key player that the Pens would have to put a body on.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny
We are prepared for Datsyuk. Just like we were prepared for you guys to throw in Kris Draper.
Phillip Bunting
"Stairway To Seven"
by SteelersChatPack on Jun 5, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure the Pens are
Still, it will help the Wings to have Datsyuk out there.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Staal's goal was a killer
At that point it was hard to believe we’d win the game. When you’re defense is so bad on a powerplay that the opposing team scores, you know its not your night. Great individual effort by Staal though, shows why he’s so potent one-on-one; way too strong for Rafalski to hope to smother him alone.
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 6:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If i may be so bold, that short handed goal may have broken Osgood, and changed the complextion of the series, it seems that the Pens are wearing the D down and they didn’t look as quick as us. So either Osgood bounces back or we see Conklin halfway through next game.
by JasonGoPens on Jun 5, 2009 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Osgood is not the problem
He played well tonight – IMO none of the goals he let in were soft. Our D hung him out to dry with all the odd man rushes and turnovers we gave up. I don’t think he’s rattled, but the rest of our team better wake up soon.
by TheCrestedHelm on Jun 5, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with CrestedHelm
Osgood didn’t get much help tonight; frankly the game could have been even worse if Osgood hadn’t made some key saves. It’s possible that the Pens have gotten into Osgood’s head, but I think the bigger problem for the Wings is clearly the D, if not special teams.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea that was the turn around and back breaker
but i am sick of people syaing we are getting worn down and we are old cmon now…we pretty much dominated that 3rd period but nothing went in Fleury had the game of his life and did a great job.
2 more wins for back to back on the Pens and a repeat Go Wings!!!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Jun 5, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are getting worn down it’s blatantly obvious, we’re wearing you down physically and mentally and breaking you off your game. It’s not opinion on my part, people noticed it other than Pens fans, you are just being fan blind…
by JasonGoPens on Jun 5, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
Last night’s poor defensive play was the result of laziness and stupidity, not fatigue.
For example, Staal’s goal was the result of Lidstrom not backchecking and Rafalski turned his hips to skate backwards;which you cant do with a guy Staal’s size and speed, he’ll burn you everytime.
The Kennedy goal was a result of an absolutely horrible line change and a turnover in the defensive zone resulted from the Pens more or less having a 4 on 2.
The first goal was just good position by Malkin on the powerplay and the Crosby goal was just bad luck that Ericsson’s pass block went straight back to Malkin.
I’m not trying to discredit the Penguins offense, just saying what I saw from our defense was not being worn down but rather laziness and stupidity.
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with your assesment of the goals (particularly Malkin’s, which took a favorable bounce off the boards like Detroit was getting in G1).
But I do think it’s clear the Pens are starting to wear on Detroit. Crosby made a pass through Lidstrom on the 4th goal. MrNorrisTrophy almost NEVER lets that happen. I can’t help but get out of my head when Matt Cooke ran Lidstrom into the boards and it seemed like it took forever for Nick to slowly drag himself to his feet.
This link confirms that the Pens sense they had Detroit gassed.
The players were slumped over. Exhausted. Nothing close to the dominant, immovable force the Penguins saw last year.
4 games in 6 nights is no joke. Obviously Detroit gets the boost of going home and isn’t going to just bow out — I don’t think they’re totally gassed. But the Penguins are younger in key spots and clearly had a lot more energy last night.
by Hooks Orpik on Jun 5, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was so looking forward for the Wings having that 9 days off to rest and heal up for this series. Obviously the league had other things in mind. It was a stupid thing to start the FINALS off back to back. Seems like in the past they’ve always done the Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday thing. But now all of a sudden we have NBC dictating the schedule. If that’s the case, then screw national TV and the “casual fan”. This game is about the players.
by dewman8810 on Jun 5, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
with out any kind ofsolid tv deal the game doesnt get backt to the top 3 like it should be. while i understand the desire to get as many games on nat tv as possible i agree that back to back games was retarded and slanted the series slightly towards the pens.
" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run
by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 5, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
from what i saw on the 4th goal replay is that it looked to me like Lidstrom looked over at Kennedy right before Crosby made the pass over. I thought Cooke’s hit was borderline interference but didn’t expect it to be called considering some other stuff that has passed without whistle for both teams in the series.
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last night’s poor defensive play was the result of laziness and stupidity, not fatigue.
Laziness and stupidity are caused by fatigue.
by gorgalor on Jun 5, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not necessarily true
It could be from a mindset developed from games 1 & 2
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s the SCF, and it’s Detroit. Cup #12 is on the line. It’s a team that prides itself on it’s strong work ethic, dedication, commitment, etc. I doubt any player in Game 3 or 4 decided that they weren’t going to finish a check, backcheck as ferociously, or chose to not skate as hard as they did in Games 1 and 2. That would be situation in which laziness is a choice.
Fatigue is the cause when a player wants to do all those things above, but can’t. The legs don’t move quick enough, other players are blowing by you and there’s nothing left in the tank, the other team wants it more, [insert your own cliche here]. Keep in mind that Game 4 was the 4th game in 6 nights. Lidstrom is approaching 40. Rafalski isn’t too far behind. And not to say that the Red Wings aren’t a well conditioned team, but they’re playing against kids that 10+ years younger than them, and need less time to physically recover. All Pens’ goal scorers were 22 years old, or younger in Game 4. The schedule hasn’t been kind to the Wings, and it shows.
by gorgalor on Jun 5, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s as much a function of matchups and adjustments.
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 5, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell, me Jason, what number do you wear for the Penguins? How many shifts did you have last night?
There is nothing worse than a fan that says “we” meaning the team that they have artificially selected as “theirs”.
So yes, Jason, you (Jason) are wearing me (Hoolie) out with your moronic homerism.
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 5, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First i didn’t artifically select my team, i was born into it, i was born into Steeler nation and i was born into Pens nation…Pittsburgh born and raised 26 years, i did however move away a couple years ago. So it’s not artificial…
Secondly fans everywhere say we, i see it everywhere so if my post is hitting a sore spot and you are attacking my use of we well sorry, WE DID WEAR YOU DOWN AND MADE YOU LOOK BAD.
Also on a side note, what about you buddies here who said WE win in 5 games, or WE win in 6 games, did you correct them yet? i think not…keep drinking your haterade.
by JasonGoPens on Jun 5, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i agree
Nothing wrong with saying “we” or “us”. If anything, it makes you more of a fan in my opinion when you identify yourself with the team.
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saying “we” goes both ways. I never say “we” or “you” referring to any team other than the beer league ones I play for, so yeah, shame on Wings fans as well. It’s a pet peeve of mine that has been grating on me all playoffs and just boiled over with your post.
And yes it is artificial. Any pro sport fandom is artificial. College sports is a bit less artificial if you attended that school.
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 5, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The dumbest thing i’ve ever heard….fan is short for fanatic, it has nothing to do with being ON the team. It describes a person who follows something with passion. Dosen’t even have to be a sport you can be a fan of muscle cars, a FANatic of muscle cars…
by JasonGoPens on Jun 5, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The dumbest thing I’ve ever heard is that you can cut the deficit and increase government services without raising taxes.
And you totally missed my point…I didn’t say you had to be on the team to be a fan, I said that you had to be on the team in order to refer to that team in the first person plural.
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 5, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yet another angry republicant
The dumbest thing I’ve ever heard is that you can cut the deficit and increase government services without raising taxes.
" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run
by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 5, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
buddy you need to chill out, there is nothing wrong with saying “we” when we talk about the team we root for. A lot of fans have followed this team for many many years, and maybe do feel like they are associated with the team. And “Artificially selected” ??? maybe thats what you did, just hopped on the Detroit band wagon, but like jason i was born and raised to love the steelers pens and….. the pirates :( Its something other fans do not realize, Pittsburgh fans are born and raised to love their teams, for most of us they are not picked but learned from our parents
by PensRock1 on Jun 6, 2009 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Yes, I hopped on the Detroit bandwagon…back in 1981. Lots of room on the bandwagon back then. Jim Rutherford was still the goalie. Found a game on WKBD TV50 and the scrolling stats were some guy cranking an overhead projector. Asked my dad about it & he told me all about the glory days (then) of Gordie Howe, Sid Abel, Ted Lindsay, and Terry Sawchuck. I remember being blase about some young kid they drafted named Yzerman.
And I didn’t refer to the Wings then as “we” or “us”, and I still don’t. Because what I do, or say, or hope for really really hard, has no outcome at all on the team’s performance.
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 11, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What you think is being worn down is just the Pens attention to their 5-man defense. Watch the game. EVERY time the Wings have the puck in the Pens zone there is a 5-man semicircle around the goal. That is why the Wings aren’t generating a lot of chances, Pittsburgh’s defense. That play by Rafalski on Staal was complete laziness. Those odd man rushes were generated by lazy, stupid plays that we have seen all year… just not in the playoffs. Rafalski is the worst defensive defenseman on the Wings and I’m sick of it.
by dewman8810 on Jun 5, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uhm thats exaclty what i said, we wearing down your game, we’re not letting you play your game anymore…it’s not really worth arguing with you guys, you are all elitist hockey fans who are spoiled and don’t think that anyone else is deserving of a win, when someone does beat you, you AND your goalie say well we didn’t play a good game, we haven’t played our best…same story different day, we get no credit for being better than you for a game, actually what am i saying that’s crazy talk, someone being better than the wings??? i’m so sorry for suggesting such a ridiculous idea.
by JasonGoPens on Jun 5, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
before you pop a vein...
take some time to read the other comments. A lot of the fans have acknowledged that the Wings were outplayed by the Pens and the defense suffered because of it.
And don’t act like the Wings are the only team with elitist fans, Pittsburgh’s got plenty of em too. If it’s “not worth your time arguing”, then why do you come here so much?
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not upset, that was sarcasm. I agree i generalized everyone one who posted here instead of just individuals…my bad. And i post here to get the other teams perspective, mostly it makes me laugh.
by JasonGoPens on Jun 5, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh
my bad. You know internet language is hard to interpret.
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chill, dude
It’s not an either-or-proposition; it’s possible for a team to play badly partly due to carelessness and partly because the other team is forcing bad play. No one’s being elitist here.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This will be the most overused phrase both today and tomorrow
But Game 5 is crucial for the Wings. It’s a MUST WIN. Simply because, you’re right, they are getting worn down. But if they can come home and hold serve, they get two days off before Game 6 on Tuesday and then another two days off before a potential Game 7.
The Wings need to play their most desperate game of the year tomorrow. They need to use up every last ounce of energy and will to get that win, knowing that they get extra days of rest for 6 and potentially 7.
Find me on twitter @chollis
by motownchollis on Jun 5, 2009 10:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
I think Game 5 is a much more important game for the Pens to win than the Wings. The Pens are going into Detroit with all the momentum. They’ll have to win 1 of 2 games played in Detroit to lift the cup, and winning Game 5 will be a whole lot easier than winning game 7. Think of the monumental task ahead for the Pens if they lose Game 5, have to stave off elimination at Pittsburgh in Game 6, and then go back to Detroit to win it in Game 7 where they haven’t won all series and have had nothing but bad breaks.
Detroit, on the other hand, can lose game 5 and still be in it. They’ll get a bit more rest, head back to Pittsburgh and just need to steal Game 6, then they’ll have all the momentum going back home.
by gorgalor on Jun 5, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember 2002 Conference finals vs Colorado. Detroit and Colorado entered Game 5 split 2-2. Colorado won Game 5 in Detroit, seemingly a back breaker. Detroit won Game 6 in Denver and then the most anticlimactic Game 7 in my recent memory.
So Saturday’s Game 5 isn’t quite a must win IMO. Game 6 and 7 are, for one team or the other
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 5, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a momentum standpoint
While I do agree with the Pens side of the “must-win” argument, I still think this is as close to a must-win for Detroit as it gets right now. They’ve been hit in the mouth twice in a row by the Pens and It’s time to answer the bell as the defending champions. Momentum is clearly back on the side of the Pens.
Here’s where I disagree: Yes, Detroit can lose Game 5 and technically still be in it. But the “just need to steal Game 6” argument doesn’t sit well with me because the Wings haven’t really given the impression in this series that they are capable of going into Mellon Arena and swiping one from the Pens. Could it happen? Sure. But for a tired and fatigued team like Detroit, I think it is of the utmost importance that they give themselves at least two chances to close this series out, rather than fall behind and have to win two in a row to lock it up.
It’s basically a must-win for either team, at least in my book.
Find me on twitter @chollis
by motownchollis on Jun 5, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At this point ya, it’s a must win for either, and on a side note i hate the “must win” thing, in the playoffs every game is a must win imo, what game do you say eh hell with it we don’t need to win this that much. I wish we would all abolish that phrase from sports playoffs.
by JasonGoPens on Jun 5, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hence the earlier call out.
I’m just trying to make us writers here at WIM sound like we actually know what’s going on. So I decided that using the phrase “must-win” as many times as possible would make us a “must-read” for the “must-have” readership.
Apparently I didn’t “must-win.”
Find me on twitter @chollis
by motownchollis on Jun 5, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The biggest concern to me is that the Pens are starting to jump the Wings’ passing lanes. Several times, especially in the second period I saw a Pens player positioned in exactly the right place to pick off an off-the-boards bank pass that the Wings had been completing in the first two games.
Also, last night reminded me of the losses against the Ducks where the Ducks would cram two defensemen in front of the crease. Add in the goalie and one or two Wings players and there’s no room for a shot to sneak through.
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 5, 2009 10:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Totally true. I thought the same thing.
by dewman8810 on Jun 5, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw that too; the Pens didn’t allow the Wings to move the puck very well at all.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right now the Wings are paying too much attention to trying to stop Malkin and Crosby, that they can’t play their game. It’s funny that the Pens fans are talking about how the Pens are based on skill and complaining about Detroit interfering… But seriously, the Pens defense is the trap reborn. They do a great job keeping everyone to the outside. The only reason they are scoring is because of BONEHEAD plays by Detroit. The Staal goal was awful defense by Rafalski, the Crosby goal was a result of Lebda not getting the puck deep along the boards. The one thing in that situation that you need to do is get the puck deep, not make a play or get a shot. Then who knows what happened on that last goal.
by dewman8810 on Jun 5, 2009 10:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Goes to show how the actual home ice advantage is not the crowd, but the last change and the ability to get the matchups the home coach wants.
by CPT Hoolie on Jun 5, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I said above, though, bonehead plays often happen because one team pushes the other into making them. I think the Pens took a page from Anaheim’s game plan in the conference semis. Which isn’t a bad idea from a coaching standpoint. The series against Anaheim was the toughest one the Wings had.
The Pens are getting bodies and sticks where they need to be and clogging up the middle.
by Linnaeus on Jun 5, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the staal goal was a great indivvidual effort and if rafalski had drug him down like i was expecting to see then th pp is over due to a penalty. when your in the playoffs, particularly the finals one must take advantage of the oppertunities that are presented them. wonder what your thoughts are on the kennedy goal, if it was a bad play by lidstrom of a amazing pass by crosby.
" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run
by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 5, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kennedy goal
Little bit of both combined with a horribly timed line change. There were essentially 4 Pens vs two Wings and that forced Zetterberg to cough it up. I also saw in the replay that Lidstrom looked over to Kennedy right before Crosby’s pass, probably causing him to be too late to react. Not much Osgood can do about that one. I would really pin any of the goals on Oz, the defense was just flat out horrible last night. All 4 goals the result of sloppy defensive play. Staal’s goal was particularly bad play by Rafalski.
by Casey Richey on Jun 5, 2009 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its always
a bad play by the wings, a flop by the penguins…wings fans are too selfish and self centered to realize ther team got outplayed
by crosbykillsflyers on Jun 6, 2009 12:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
MrNorrisTrophy...
instead of bashing that b e a utiful goal, and playing it off like it was a detroit mistake, how about giving credit where credit is due, and applaud sid for an amazing pass? oh thats right, becasue every goal by the penguins is becasue of a detroit mistake, not a great play by the penguins, excuses excuses excuses
by PensRock1 on Jun 6, 2009 12:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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