Phoenix prevailed two out of three times on the road in Detroit to force a deciding Game 7 in the Western conference quarterfinals with the Red Wings. The Coyotes defeated Detroit 5-2 at Joe Louis Arena in Game 6 Sunday night to even the playoff series and ensure a Game 7 Tuesday night at home. The fourth seeded Coyotes now have a chance to stun the two- time defending Stanley Cup Champions. Phoenix hasn’t reached the second round of the hockey post-season they were the Winnipeg Jets in 1987. The Red Wings do not have history on their side. Detroit hasn’t won a Game 7 on the road since 1968.
Phoenix’s penalties in the opening period did little to thwart their effort. The Coyotes were charged with three penalties during the game’s first five minutes, but managed a short-handed goal 4:10 into the contest. Lauri Korpikoski silenced the Detroit crowd with his team down a skater and seized control of the puck in the neutral zone for his first post-season goal. The second year player from Finland fired a wrister past Detroit’s Jimmie Howard for a 1-0 Coyotes lead. Calder Trophy finalist, Howard stopped 24 of 29 shots but struggled in defeat. The Phoenix penalty-killers did a stellar job handling the Red Wings despite the defense allowing 14 first period shots on goal. Phoenix netminder, Ilya Bryzgalov, fended off 31 of 33 in net as five different Coyotes scored on the opposite end of the ice. The Wings misfired off Bryzgalov’s sticks, skates and pads most of the evening. The teams exchanged goals just 24 second apart to open the second period scoring. Mathieu Schneider gave the visitors a 2-0 edge on a power play tally at 2:27. The Wings quickly responded with Brad Stuart’s first playoff goal at 2:51.
Radim Vrbata doubled the Coyotes’ lead by rocketing a cross-ice feed from Robert Lang beyond the reach of Howard. Wojtek Wolski added an even-strength goal at 14:01 in the second to add to the Phoenix onslaught in Detroit. It was Wolski’s fourth contribution of the playoff series and came off a Petr Prucha deflection. Phoenix outshot the Wings 15-12 in the second period and took a 4-1 advantage into the final 15 minutes. Taylor Pratt parked the puck between the posts at 5:25 in the third for the Coyotes’ third power play goal. Phoenix was 3-for-6 on the power play, while the Red Wings went an unproductive 0-for-5. Detroit’s Darren Helm made it a 5-2 affair when he poked a goal through Bryzgalov with a minute left in regulation. It was Helm’s first goal of the playoffs but hardly enough to help the Wings wrap up the series with a Game 6 victory. The Redwings outshot, outhit and won the faceoff battle at home Sunday but Phoenix’s early goals were a major setback for the home team. The Coyotes mowed through Motown and now return to Glendale and home-ice advantage. Will the Redwings rupture their resistance on the road?
Parting Points: Did Javier Vasquez come with a return policy?
The Kings were ousted by the Canucks and Jacques Lemaire stepped down as the Devils’ head coach in other NHL news.
Showing posts with label Detroit Red Wings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Red Wings. Show all posts
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (NHL playoff edition)
Derek Morris buried the game-winning goal with less than three minutes into the third period to lift the lively Coyotes over the raucous Red Wings in a first round NHL matchup in Glendale. Fourth seeded Phoenix scored goals in each of the three periods to put away fifth seeded Detroit 3-2. Morris, traded to the Coyotes from Boston at the deadline, broke a 2-2 tie and assisted on two other power play goals. Ilya Bryzgalov was superb in net after allowing two Detroit goals in the first period. Bryzgalov made 38 saves as the Coyotes won their first playoff game since 2002. Red Wings’ 13 year veteran, Tomas Holmstrom, scored the first goal of the Western Conference series Wednesday. Nicklas Lidstrom followed Holmstrom with a power play goal as Detroit took an early advantage in their 19th straight playoff appearance. Lidstrom needed five stitches after taking a stick to the face in the third period. Phoenix was outshot 30-15 through the first two periods, but managed to find the net twice off the sticks of Ketih Yandle and Wojtek Wolski. Detroit goalie, Jimmy Howard, staved off 32 shots but his team fumbled 1-of-6 power play opportunities. The Coyotes split four regular season games with the Wings and were the stronger team last night. The Wings have the upper hand in previous playoff meetings with the Coytes. They certainly have more post-season experience. But now they must play catch-up in order to continue their Stanley Cup title chase.
Brian Boucher was brilliant for the Flyers in recording his first playoff victory in ten years. Philadelphia derailed the Devils on their home ice 2-1 in an Eastern Conference showdown between neighborhood rivals. Journeyman Boucher turned aside 23 shots, including a stifling save with ten seconds in regulation on an attempt by Patrik Elias. Boucher denied Zach Parise and Elias all night. Chris Pronger and Mike Richards added second period goals as the seventh seeded Flyers’ momentum continued into the first round playoff meeting. Philadelphia secured a playoff berth just this Sunday with an overtime win over the New York Rangers. New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur made just 12 saves and received little help from his offense. The Devils couldn’t put anything together, forced shots and couldn’t adjust on defense. A besieged Brodeur was thoroughly outdueled by Boucher. The home team had little answers for Boucher and the Flyers at the Rock. The Devils’ lone goal came in the third period but it was too late. Travis Zajac’s slap shot bounced in front of Boucher with 2:43 left to spoil the goalie’s shutout bid. New Jersey was an unsuccessful 0-for-5 on the power play. The Flyers grabbed home-ice advantage with the first win of the seven game series. The Devils are accustomed to being behind in the playoffs. New Jersey has not won a post-season series in three years. For the Devils’ sake, let’s hope this is not another first round exit.
Parting Points: Brandon Marshall was shipped from Denver to Miami. Who else will go shopping before the NFL schedule hits the newsstands on Tuesday?
More NHL playoff updates: The Pens dropped their post-season opener in a 5-4 grinder against Ottawa. Chris Stewart notched the game-winning goal for Avalanche as the Colorado clipped San Jose 2-1.
Thursday’s Tune- “Reason for Breathing” by Babyface
Brian Boucher was brilliant for the Flyers in recording his first playoff victory in ten years. Philadelphia derailed the Devils on their home ice 2-1 in an Eastern Conference showdown between neighborhood rivals. Journeyman Boucher turned aside 23 shots, including a stifling save with ten seconds in regulation on an attempt by Patrik Elias. Boucher denied Zach Parise and Elias all night. Chris Pronger and Mike Richards added second period goals as the seventh seeded Flyers’ momentum continued into the first round playoff meeting. Philadelphia secured a playoff berth just this Sunday with an overtime win over the New York Rangers. New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur made just 12 saves and received little help from his offense. The Devils couldn’t put anything together, forced shots and couldn’t adjust on defense. A besieged Brodeur was thoroughly outdueled by Boucher. The home team had little answers for Boucher and the Flyers at the Rock. The Devils’ lone goal came in the third period but it was too late. Travis Zajac’s slap shot bounced in front of Boucher with 2:43 left to spoil the goalie’s shutout bid. New Jersey was an unsuccessful 0-for-5 on the power play. The Flyers grabbed home-ice advantage with the first win of the seven game series. The Devils are accustomed to being behind in the playoffs. New Jersey has not won a post-season series in three years. For the Devils’ sake, let’s hope this is not another first round exit.
Parting Points: Brandon Marshall was shipped from Denver to Miami. Who else will go shopping before the NFL schedule hits the newsstands on Tuesday?
More NHL playoff updates: The Pens dropped their post-season opener in a 5-4 grinder against Ottawa. Chris Stewart notched the game-winning goal for Avalanche as the Colorado clipped San Jose 2-1.
Thursday’s Tune- “Reason for Breathing” by Babyface
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Headed Home
The Detroit Red Wings have outscored the Pittsburgh Penguins 11-2 at home during the Stanley Cup Finals. The puck drops for the deciding Game 7 on Friday when Detroit squares off at the Joe against the Pens. Pittsburgh evened the series to force another game with a 2-1 win at the Igloo last night in a 60 minute toe-to-toe slugfest. The Penguins played with quaint physicality compared to Detroit‘s distasteful, distraught, fretful fashion. The Red Wings can’t be happy they missed a chance to close out Pittsburgh, but surely will find comfort when they return to home ice for all the marbles.
Goaltender, Marc Andre-Fleury was stout, Rob Scuderi and the defense were stern in holding a small lead and the Pens’ offense played well to summarize a tense Game 6. Last night’s game was a perfect example of Pittsburgh’s persistent and durable resistance. Scuderi was the cool clutch in support of a strapping Fleury and scrapy systemized scoring stream. Detroit’s Dan Cleary had 6 shots on goal but did not score in his 17 minutes of ice time. He had a late chance in the third period with his team trailing by one goal. Cleary jammed the puck into the pads of Fleury on a breakaway instead of tying the game, however and Pittsburgh prevailed to preserve the win. I don’t know how Game 7 will turn out, but I do know I’ve enjoyed this series.
The Pens were coming off a 5-0 Game 5 shellacking in Detroit. The team did not make excused but came out firing in the next game. A little home cooking was all they needed in sending the Stanley Cup Finals to a seventh game. Pittsburgh applied extreme intensity in the first period and were recipients of two power plays. They were unable to score as Detroit escaped unscathed by killing off all attempts. Jordan Staal scored in the second period and Tyler Kennedy added a goal in the third for the Pens. Kris Draper chipped in, poking one home for the only Detroit goal during the final period. The Wings too often gave up the puck in the neutral zone and found themselves defending their side of the ice more than they would have liked. Scuderi was stellar on defense and playing net minder during the frantic third period. He made a couple kick saves in front of Fleury with 13 seconds remaining in the contest. The game could easily have gone into overtime had Scuderi not stepped up beautifully at that moment. The two third line teammates Staal and Kennedy were both brilliant. An skater with excellent ability and size, Staal broke the scoreless game with his first minute goal of the second period. Staal clocked a little under 20 minutes, playing the shut-down defender late in the game. Kennedy somehow found the net while mooching around in the offensive zone in the third period. Tyler took advantage of a rare Nicklas Lidstrom miscue to sneak a shot by Osgood. The game winner came after his assist on Staal’s earlier shot. It was Kennedy’s fifth goal of the post-season and his second in the Pens’ last two home games. Staal carried Pittsburgh with the key short-handed goal in Game 4 and initiated the attack on Tuesday.
Fleury was yanked during the blowout Game 5 after allow four Red Wings goals in one period alone. He regrouped Tuesday with a 25 save effort, including the all-important Cleary flick in the third period. Fleury was outshined by Detroit goalie, Chris Osgood. He kept his team in the game but the Detroit offense showed up too late. Osgood stopped 23 of 24 shots in the opening 40 minutes. Staal’s deflected shot off Osgood’s chest was gathered for the rebounding goal and Kennedy pushed the puck through the net too. But Osgood was otherwise, fantastic. The Red Wings were not, despite out-shooting Pittsburgh 14-7 in the final period.
Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of Pittsburgh drafting Hall-of-Famer, Mario Lemieux. Perhaps the team was inspired enough by the moment to deny the Red Wings another silver trophy. Or, at least delay it. Detroit is still in the driver’s seat as they have home ice advantage for Game 7. Teams down 3-2 while hosting Game 6 have won 10 times out of 24. Only two teams have gone no to win it all. Although it was nice to see the Penguins win a game without a point from stars, Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, it will take more than two goals from third-line players to beat the defending champions in Detroit. Fleury was exceptional in bouncing back from a poor performance. Known as “Flower” he has been a very good goaltender for Pittsburgh during the post-season, and will have to bloom Friday. He did not allow the Wings a second goal last night even though they had their chances to score. Fleury’s given up 35 goals in 12 games on the road in the postseason and 27 goals in 11 games at home. Pittsburgh played with determination and discipline with a two goal lead. The defense neutralized Fleury’s deficiencies. They kept the Red Wings to the outside. Ruslan Fedotenko and Max Talbot pressured to keep the puck in the Detroit zone. They were credited with assists on Kennedy’s goal.
The Red Wings were out hustled and squeezed on offense. An undefended Draper grabbed Jonathan Ericsson’s rebound in the left circle for Detroit’s only pass of Fleury. Henrik Zetterberg was called for goaltender interference in the first period, for one of two Red Wings penalties. Pittsburgh also had a pair during the overall clean and crisp hockey affair. Zetterberg had a chance similar to his accidental goal in last year’s final during the second period. This time, Fleury covered up the puck instead after it bounced off the left post. Detroit’s best chances were on power plays but Scuderi whacked whatever puck landed near the crease out of the way during the waning seconds. Marion Hossa was a non-factor for Detroit and seems to be pressing. He took just one shot last night. Hossa has no goals and three assists through the first six games. He has spent most of his time on the perimeter and has not been the dangerous or lethal player he is known as. Marion dumped the Penguins for the hotter team a year ago. If he intends on proving his decision correct, Hossa better start becoming a bothersome scorer for his new team.
It’s vital the pure Penguins draw first blood in Detroit. The Pens have done so in nearly all of the games during this series. They cannot allow the Red Wings to gain the momentum by scoring too many goals too soon. Pittsburgh needs to come out flying, leave breathing room for their goalie and give the defense a chance to show they can hold leads on the road. The Red Wings effectively blocked passes and shots in the first period to keep the Pens at bay. Pittsburgh was not overpowering offensively because Osgood was outstanding. The Detroit goalie’s efforts held the Pens to just two goals and they will probably need more if they are to win the last game of the NHL season.
Pavel Datsyuk returned for the Wings in Game 5 and his presence was immediately felt. Last night he was a hard-charging skater, but his team seemed overwhelmed by the swarming Penguins. The fore checking paid dividends. Datsyuk, the gifted puck handler, sprung the pass to Cleary that could have changed the game’s outcome. Fleury was chief of Pittsburgh as he made the biggest save of the series with the stopper. He endured a rash and flurry of firing Red Wings, kicking aside shots to blank the opponents through two periods. You have to also credit the Pens’ defense for holding on by their fingertips to a one-goal lead. The defense bailed out the Penguins with board-rattling checks. Veteran right-winder, Petr Sykora interceded a slap midway through the second period by Brett Lebda. The block helped Pittsburgh fend off yet another Red Wings standing surge. It was the first time Sykora was in the Pittsburgh lineup since May 4th. He replaced Miroslav Satan. Brooks Orpik had six blocks and four hits, and Mark Eaton made big advances on competitive plays. The penalty killers Talbot and Hall Gill aided the Pens in surviving the power plays. The Pens reinforced the idea they are a legitimate threat despite their underdog status.
When the Red Wings are roaring, they play their best hockey. Detroit quickly re-established themselves in the third period with more passion. Much remained the same on the scoreboard despite the increased intensity. Mike Babcock’s Wings kept it a close contest but did not seem in control of the game at any time. Pittsburgh played with nothing to lose, knowing if they did, there would not be a tomorrow. They gave it all they had in Game 6 and it did not even require Lemieux-like efforts. Special teams, great goaltending and abrasive defense was most responsible. The Penguins enter enemy territory and a hostile environment where they have yet to win a game in the 2009 playoffs. Detroit and Pittsburgh both play well in front of their fans. I can’t see the Wings falling asleep in Game 7 the way they did last night. If they play smartly, they will fittingly win the Stanley Cup again. Pittsburgh will require a mega effort all around from their precious Penguin players.
Parting points:
Random thought: I love the smell of new tennis balls.
Random tune: Nsync’s “God Must Have Spent (A Little More Time On You)”
In local hockey news, Brent Sutter resigned after two years of coaching the NJ Devils. It’s too bad. The Devils won a franchise record 51 games with Sutter.
And, an update on the USC recruiting scandal: Tim Floyd has apparently resigned his duties as head coach.
Goaltender, Marc Andre-Fleury was stout, Rob Scuderi and the defense were stern in holding a small lead and the Pens’ offense played well to summarize a tense Game 6. Last night’s game was a perfect example of Pittsburgh’s persistent and durable resistance. Scuderi was the cool clutch in support of a strapping Fleury and scrapy systemized scoring stream. Detroit’s Dan Cleary had 6 shots on goal but did not score in his 17 minutes of ice time. He had a late chance in the third period with his team trailing by one goal. Cleary jammed the puck into the pads of Fleury on a breakaway instead of tying the game, however and Pittsburgh prevailed to preserve the win. I don’t know how Game 7 will turn out, but I do know I’ve enjoyed this series.
The Pens were coming off a 5-0 Game 5 shellacking in Detroit. The team did not make excused but came out firing in the next game. A little home cooking was all they needed in sending the Stanley Cup Finals to a seventh game. Pittsburgh applied extreme intensity in the first period and were recipients of two power plays. They were unable to score as Detroit escaped unscathed by killing off all attempts. Jordan Staal scored in the second period and Tyler Kennedy added a goal in the third for the Pens. Kris Draper chipped in, poking one home for the only Detroit goal during the final period. The Wings too often gave up the puck in the neutral zone and found themselves defending their side of the ice more than they would have liked. Scuderi was stellar on defense and playing net minder during the frantic third period. He made a couple kick saves in front of Fleury with 13 seconds remaining in the contest. The game could easily have gone into overtime had Scuderi not stepped up beautifully at that moment. The two third line teammates Staal and Kennedy were both brilliant. An skater with excellent ability and size, Staal broke the scoreless game with his first minute goal of the second period. Staal clocked a little under 20 minutes, playing the shut-down defender late in the game. Kennedy somehow found the net while mooching around in the offensive zone in the third period. Tyler took advantage of a rare Nicklas Lidstrom miscue to sneak a shot by Osgood. The game winner came after his assist on Staal’s earlier shot. It was Kennedy’s fifth goal of the post-season and his second in the Pens’ last two home games. Staal carried Pittsburgh with the key short-handed goal in Game 4 and initiated the attack on Tuesday.
Fleury was yanked during the blowout Game 5 after allow four Red Wings goals in one period alone. He regrouped Tuesday with a 25 save effort, including the all-important Cleary flick in the third period. Fleury was outshined by Detroit goalie, Chris Osgood. He kept his team in the game but the Detroit offense showed up too late. Osgood stopped 23 of 24 shots in the opening 40 minutes. Staal’s deflected shot off Osgood’s chest was gathered for the rebounding goal and Kennedy pushed the puck through the net too. But Osgood was otherwise, fantastic. The Red Wings were not, despite out-shooting Pittsburgh 14-7 in the final period.
Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of Pittsburgh drafting Hall-of-Famer, Mario Lemieux. Perhaps the team was inspired enough by the moment to deny the Red Wings another silver trophy. Or, at least delay it. Detroit is still in the driver’s seat as they have home ice advantage for Game 7. Teams down 3-2 while hosting Game 6 have won 10 times out of 24. Only two teams have gone no to win it all. Although it was nice to see the Penguins win a game without a point from stars, Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, it will take more than two goals from third-line players to beat the defending champions in Detroit. Fleury was exceptional in bouncing back from a poor performance. Known as “Flower” he has been a very good goaltender for Pittsburgh during the post-season, and will have to bloom Friday. He did not allow the Wings a second goal last night even though they had their chances to score. Fleury’s given up 35 goals in 12 games on the road in the postseason and 27 goals in 11 games at home. Pittsburgh played with determination and discipline with a two goal lead. The defense neutralized Fleury’s deficiencies. They kept the Red Wings to the outside. Ruslan Fedotenko and Max Talbot pressured to keep the puck in the Detroit zone. They were credited with assists on Kennedy’s goal.
The Red Wings were out hustled and squeezed on offense. An undefended Draper grabbed Jonathan Ericsson’s rebound in the left circle for Detroit’s only pass of Fleury. Henrik Zetterberg was called for goaltender interference in the first period, for one of two Red Wings penalties. Pittsburgh also had a pair during the overall clean and crisp hockey affair. Zetterberg had a chance similar to his accidental goal in last year’s final during the second period. This time, Fleury covered up the puck instead after it bounced off the left post. Detroit’s best chances were on power plays but Scuderi whacked whatever puck landed near the crease out of the way during the waning seconds. Marion Hossa was a non-factor for Detroit and seems to be pressing. He took just one shot last night. Hossa has no goals and three assists through the first six games. He has spent most of his time on the perimeter and has not been the dangerous or lethal player he is known as. Marion dumped the Penguins for the hotter team a year ago. If he intends on proving his decision correct, Hossa better start becoming a bothersome scorer for his new team.
It’s vital the pure Penguins draw first blood in Detroit. The Pens have done so in nearly all of the games during this series. They cannot allow the Red Wings to gain the momentum by scoring too many goals too soon. Pittsburgh needs to come out flying, leave breathing room for their goalie and give the defense a chance to show they can hold leads on the road. The Red Wings effectively blocked passes and shots in the first period to keep the Pens at bay. Pittsburgh was not overpowering offensively because Osgood was outstanding. The Detroit goalie’s efforts held the Pens to just two goals and they will probably need more if they are to win the last game of the NHL season.
Pavel Datsyuk returned for the Wings in Game 5 and his presence was immediately felt. Last night he was a hard-charging skater, but his team seemed overwhelmed by the swarming Penguins. The fore checking paid dividends. Datsyuk, the gifted puck handler, sprung the pass to Cleary that could have changed the game’s outcome. Fleury was chief of Pittsburgh as he made the biggest save of the series with the stopper. He endured a rash and flurry of firing Red Wings, kicking aside shots to blank the opponents through two periods. You have to also credit the Pens’ defense for holding on by their fingertips to a one-goal lead. The defense bailed out the Penguins with board-rattling checks. Veteran right-winder, Petr Sykora interceded a slap midway through the second period by Brett Lebda. The block helped Pittsburgh fend off yet another Red Wings standing surge. It was the first time Sykora was in the Pittsburgh lineup since May 4th. He replaced Miroslav Satan. Brooks Orpik had six blocks and four hits, and Mark Eaton made big advances on competitive plays. The penalty killers Talbot and Hall Gill aided the Pens in surviving the power plays. The Pens reinforced the idea they are a legitimate threat despite their underdog status.
When the Red Wings are roaring, they play their best hockey. Detroit quickly re-established themselves in the third period with more passion. Much remained the same on the scoreboard despite the increased intensity. Mike Babcock’s Wings kept it a close contest but did not seem in control of the game at any time. Pittsburgh played with nothing to lose, knowing if they did, there would not be a tomorrow. They gave it all they had in Game 6 and it did not even require Lemieux-like efforts. Special teams, great goaltending and abrasive defense was most responsible. The Penguins enter enemy territory and a hostile environment where they have yet to win a game in the 2009 playoffs. Detroit and Pittsburgh both play well in front of their fans. I can’t see the Wings falling asleep in Game 7 the way they did last night. If they play smartly, they will fittingly win the Stanley Cup again. Pittsburgh will require a mega effort all around from their precious Penguin players.
Parting points:
Random thought: I love the smell of new tennis balls.
Random tune: Nsync’s “God Must Have Spent (A Little More Time On You)”
In local hockey news, Brent Sutter resigned after two years of coaching the NJ Devils. It’s too bad. The Devils won a franchise record 51 games with Sutter.
And, an update on the USC recruiting scandal: Tim Floyd has apparently resigned his duties as head coach.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Two Talbot Tallies Take Third
Ice Insurance Injected and Implemented at Igloo
The calendar flipped to June but hockey is still being played in Pittsburgh and Detroit. The pivotal third game of the Stanley Cup finals went to the Penguins in a conscientious 4-2 home ice decision over the reputable Red Wings Tuesday. The Pens’ Maxime Talbot opened the game with an assertive goal and closed the contest with his second one, an empty-netter. In a make-or-break, pivotal game, Pittsburgh weaseled out a win to slice Detroit’s series lead to 2-1. The adrenaline was finally shown in Game 3, and the Penguins lit a fuse for the purposeful punch. The malaise and melancholy was moderated with the Penguins pardon.
Pittsburgh scored twice in three power-play chances. Sergei Gonchar supplied the season saving go-ahead third period score on a Penguins power-play. The decisive goal was created by an interference call on Jonathan Ericsson. Gonchar had a chance to snap the 2-2 tie with a slap from center off Evgeni Malkin’s pass. The puck was peppered, sailing past Red Wings goalie, Chris Osgood. Marc-Andre Fleury was instrumental in net for the Pens down the stretch as his team toughed out the final period. Fleury made 27 saves after shaking off two unsteady games in Detroit. The Penguins kept Detroit in check to revive what had been a one-sided affair thus far in this Stanley Cup Finals.
Talbot scored the first goal when the Penguins pressure on defense finally paid off. Dan Cleary was stripped of the puck in the first period and Talbot converted with an attack on Osgood.
Chris Kunitz and Talbot were vital role players during the early part of the game and Malkin assisted on the first three Penguin goals. Malkin finished with 33 points in 20 games of this post-season. Kris Letang put the Pens in position to tie the game at two with a successful shot in the prologue period. Letang played so poorly in Game 2 his head coach considered benching him last night. He collected the biscuit from a diving Johan Franzen with four minutes left in the period. The puck was driven through a Niklas Kronwall screen to tie the score. The Penguins battled for control on face-offs. Sidney Crosby won 12 of 19 face-offs, including a crucial three on a first-period power play. Detroit was beaten inside the blue lines and the pick never left the zone during the 71-second span. The 21 year old captain Crosby didn’t have a breakout performance in Game 3. He had scarce scoring scenarios, but the Penguins did not need him to be perfect because secondary scorers stepped up. The refined Crosby should be a major influence in the remainder of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Henrik Zetterberg and Franzen accounted for all the Detroit scoring. Both produced Red Wing goals in the first period to give Detroit a 2-1 lead. It looked like the Red Wings were efficient and well on their way to a third win after Franzen’s elegant cross-pass from Zetterberg was wristed into net. A charging and unchecked Zetterberg played another strong game, and expertly limited Crosby’s chances. Last night, he was triple teamed by Detroit. Crosby was humbled in Game 1 against Zetterberg. He went 5 of 16 in faceoffs against the sly moving Red Wing in Detroit but adapted with calculating ability last night. Crosby, Bill Guerin and Malkin were also effective in slowing the game down and giving great screens. Osgood had trouble seeing the Pittsburgh attempts because of the Pens’ terrific and timely takes. The Red Wings’ lack of offense hurt them in Game 3. Detroit breezed along in Games 1 and 2 at home. They did not win the first two games by brute force, but silently imposed themselves on the Penguins in come-away victories. Pittsburgh shifted the momentum their way. They also avoided clashing with the elite Red Wings Thursday trying to crawl out of an 0-3 hole.
After a frantic first period, Detroit failed to find the net. There were no goals during the entire second period despite plenty of chances for both teams. The second period was the first without a goal in the series. The Red Wings covered five scoring chances to the Pens’ none. Pittsburgh started the third period with a flurry after being outshot 26-11 in the first two. Gonchar’s tie-breaker came on the Penguin’s ninth consecutive shot on goal. The fourth-line center, Talbot, added flipped the final blow on an empty-net fling from Ruslan Fedotenko. Fleury kept the Penguins swimming by fending off Detroit dribblings around the crease. The Red Wings were given quality chances and put heavy pressure on the goalie. The persistent players had control of the neutral zone during the first period and the Penguins sometimes mismanaged the puck. Detroit forced the Pens to use their secondary shooters and Zetterberg (last year’s playoff MVP), was their pacesetter early on. But Fleury was too quick as he scrambled to save shots and deflections, even by his own teammates after intermission. Justin Abdelkader, the rookie breakout player for Detroit, was limited. Fleury stopped and held another surprising presence, Ville Leino. Leino was called up to skate in the pressure-cooker finals by Detroit too. Brian Rafalski, who came into the game with 13 post-season points against Pittsburgh, skimmed a shot off the top of the crossbar. Fleury did not allow Rafalski‘s fire to flare. The Penguins ganged up to bail out their goalie though. The offense got the support to crack Detroit’s defense and apply pressure on Osgood. Detroit is averaging a stubborn two goals per game this post-season but Osgood saw four pass his way last night.
Gonchar suffered a knee-on-knee wound in the Washington series. It was great to have the team’s emotional leader back on the ice as Pittsburgh averted a deep hole. His screened power-play goal midway through the third period proved why Gonchar’s veteran stick is a necessary Penguin symbol. The 35 year old believed the team took a step in the right direction after Game 2’s 3-1 loss on the road. He took advantage of a tentative team and put the Red Wings on their heels in the third period. The team came out more relaxed in the final period, knowing a poor performance would all but end their season. The sense of urgency paid off against hockey’s cherished dynasty. Pittsburgh’s defense blocked shots by sacrificing their bodies. The smothering Pens did everything right, and Talbot’s late goal made Detroit unable to recover in front of a brownout energized home crowd. The Red Wings penalty killers were futile and did not challenge Talbot or Gonchar. The team killed just 45 of 63 power plays in the playoffs, good for a detrimental and disastrous 71.4%. The Penguins were especially able to cycle the puck with the one-man advantage on Tuesday. Even though they were denied chances due to the Red Wings’ commitment to their own zone, Pittsburgh beat Osgood and played well with the lead. They took possession of the puck to negate any Detroit opportunities. The Pens have a chance to even the series Thursday in Game 4 at Mellon Arena’s Igloo. If they win another game, they will return to hostile Joe Louis Arena as a squad surely back in this dynamic series. Fatigue may be a factor. Tuesday night was the third game in four nights. It will be a test of stamina and will in the remaining contests. I thought the Penguins would win the series because Detroit would take them too lightly. After the first two games, I was convinced the Red Wings would take the series. With Tuesday night’s Game 3 win, there was evidence of Detroit taking the Penguins for an easy competitor. I think the Penguins are capable of winning the next game in Pittsburgh, but I no longer feel they can overcome to beat Detroit at home for the Cup chase.
Parting points: Derek Jeter scored his 1,500th career run in last night’s crushing of the Texas Rangers.
Daily dose of music- “Funny the way it is” by Dave Matthews Band
The calendar flipped to June but hockey is still being played in Pittsburgh and Detroit. The pivotal third game of the Stanley Cup finals went to the Penguins in a conscientious 4-2 home ice decision over the reputable Red Wings Tuesday. The Pens’ Maxime Talbot opened the game with an assertive goal and closed the contest with his second one, an empty-netter. In a make-or-break, pivotal game, Pittsburgh weaseled out a win to slice Detroit’s series lead to 2-1. The adrenaline was finally shown in Game 3, and the Penguins lit a fuse for the purposeful punch. The malaise and melancholy was moderated with the Penguins pardon.
Pittsburgh scored twice in three power-play chances. Sergei Gonchar supplied the season saving go-ahead third period score on a Penguins power-play. The decisive goal was created by an interference call on Jonathan Ericsson. Gonchar had a chance to snap the 2-2 tie with a slap from center off Evgeni Malkin’s pass. The puck was peppered, sailing past Red Wings goalie, Chris Osgood. Marc-Andre Fleury was instrumental in net for the Pens down the stretch as his team toughed out the final period. Fleury made 27 saves after shaking off two unsteady games in Detroit. The Penguins kept Detroit in check to revive what had been a one-sided affair thus far in this Stanley Cup Finals.
Talbot scored the first goal when the Penguins pressure on defense finally paid off. Dan Cleary was stripped of the puck in the first period and Talbot converted with an attack on Osgood.
Chris Kunitz and Talbot were vital role players during the early part of the game and Malkin assisted on the first three Penguin goals. Malkin finished with 33 points in 20 games of this post-season. Kris Letang put the Pens in position to tie the game at two with a successful shot in the prologue period. Letang played so poorly in Game 2 his head coach considered benching him last night. He collected the biscuit from a diving Johan Franzen with four minutes left in the period. The puck was driven through a Niklas Kronwall screen to tie the score. The Penguins battled for control on face-offs. Sidney Crosby won 12 of 19 face-offs, including a crucial three on a first-period power play. Detroit was beaten inside the blue lines and the pick never left the zone during the 71-second span. The 21 year old captain Crosby didn’t have a breakout performance in Game 3. He had scarce scoring scenarios, but the Penguins did not need him to be perfect because secondary scorers stepped up. The refined Crosby should be a major influence in the remainder of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Henrik Zetterberg and Franzen accounted for all the Detroit scoring. Both produced Red Wing goals in the first period to give Detroit a 2-1 lead. It looked like the Red Wings were efficient and well on their way to a third win after Franzen’s elegant cross-pass from Zetterberg was wristed into net. A charging and unchecked Zetterberg played another strong game, and expertly limited Crosby’s chances. Last night, he was triple teamed by Detroit. Crosby was humbled in Game 1 against Zetterberg. He went 5 of 16 in faceoffs against the sly moving Red Wing in Detroit but adapted with calculating ability last night. Crosby, Bill Guerin and Malkin were also effective in slowing the game down and giving great screens. Osgood had trouble seeing the Pittsburgh attempts because of the Pens’ terrific and timely takes. The Red Wings’ lack of offense hurt them in Game 3. Detroit breezed along in Games 1 and 2 at home. They did not win the first two games by brute force, but silently imposed themselves on the Penguins in come-away victories. Pittsburgh shifted the momentum their way. They also avoided clashing with the elite Red Wings Thursday trying to crawl out of an 0-3 hole.
After a frantic first period, Detroit failed to find the net. There were no goals during the entire second period despite plenty of chances for both teams. The second period was the first without a goal in the series. The Red Wings covered five scoring chances to the Pens’ none. Pittsburgh started the third period with a flurry after being outshot 26-11 in the first two. Gonchar’s tie-breaker came on the Penguin’s ninth consecutive shot on goal. The fourth-line center, Talbot, added flipped the final blow on an empty-net fling from Ruslan Fedotenko. Fleury kept the Penguins swimming by fending off Detroit dribblings around the crease. The Red Wings were given quality chances and put heavy pressure on the goalie. The persistent players had control of the neutral zone during the first period and the Penguins sometimes mismanaged the puck. Detroit forced the Pens to use their secondary shooters and Zetterberg (last year’s playoff MVP), was their pacesetter early on. But Fleury was too quick as he scrambled to save shots and deflections, even by his own teammates after intermission. Justin Abdelkader, the rookie breakout player for Detroit, was limited. Fleury stopped and held another surprising presence, Ville Leino. Leino was called up to skate in the pressure-cooker finals by Detroit too. Brian Rafalski, who came into the game with 13 post-season points against Pittsburgh, skimmed a shot off the top of the crossbar. Fleury did not allow Rafalski‘s fire to flare. The Penguins ganged up to bail out their goalie though. The offense got the support to crack Detroit’s defense and apply pressure on Osgood. Detroit is averaging a stubborn two goals per game this post-season but Osgood saw four pass his way last night.
Gonchar suffered a knee-on-knee wound in the Washington series. It was great to have the team’s emotional leader back on the ice as Pittsburgh averted a deep hole. His screened power-play goal midway through the third period proved why Gonchar’s veteran stick is a necessary Penguin symbol. The 35 year old believed the team took a step in the right direction after Game 2’s 3-1 loss on the road. He took advantage of a tentative team and put the Red Wings on their heels in the third period. The team came out more relaxed in the final period, knowing a poor performance would all but end their season. The sense of urgency paid off against hockey’s cherished dynasty. Pittsburgh’s defense blocked shots by sacrificing their bodies. The smothering Pens did everything right, and Talbot’s late goal made Detroit unable to recover in front of a brownout energized home crowd. The Red Wings penalty killers were futile and did not challenge Talbot or Gonchar. The team killed just 45 of 63 power plays in the playoffs, good for a detrimental and disastrous 71.4%. The Penguins were especially able to cycle the puck with the one-man advantage on Tuesday. Even though they were denied chances due to the Red Wings’ commitment to their own zone, Pittsburgh beat Osgood and played well with the lead. They took possession of the puck to negate any Detroit opportunities. The Pens have a chance to even the series Thursday in Game 4 at Mellon Arena’s Igloo. If they win another game, they will return to hostile Joe Louis Arena as a squad surely back in this dynamic series. Fatigue may be a factor. Tuesday night was the third game in four nights. It will be a test of stamina and will in the remaining contests. I thought the Penguins would win the series because Detroit would take them too lightly. After the first two games, I was convinced the Red Wings would take the series. With Tuesday night’s Game 3 win, there was evidence of Detroit taking the Penguins for an easy competitor. I think the Penguins are capable of winning the next game in Pittsburgh, but I no longer feel they can overcome to beat Detroit at home for the Cup chase.
Parting points: Derek Jeter scored his 1,500th career run in last night’s crushing of the Texas Rangers.
Daily dose of music- “Funny the way it is” by Dave Matthews Band
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