Pens versus Wings is a dream come true for me. These two have been my teams. I am unable to pick between them! It would be nice to see the Pens players win, for 95% of the team, their very first Cup. At the same time, it would be awesome to see Lidstrom be the very first European Captain to ever lead his team to Lord Stanley’s Glory. I could not be happier with this match up, but at the same time, I could not be more conlflicted! Who do I root for? How can I pick between two teams, whom I love so much? Game 3 is on my birthday in Pittsburgh…but who do I give my birthday wish to? Hmmm decisions decisions.

1. Detroit Red Wings vs 2. Pittsburgh Penguins- Finally. We are down to two teams. My dream series for quite a while. I have always wanted to see these two teams fight for the Cup and now it is happening…during the week of my 19th birthday! Both teams have a lot going for them. On the Pens side, Fluery has been solid in net. He has been playing the best hockey of his career and is confident in his abilities to backstop his team to a Stanley Cup. On the Wings side there is Osgood. Osgood has been amazing since taking Hasek’s place in game 5 of the first round. He has only lost twice, and both losses were far from his fault. He has experience and confidence and has proven himself to be a star playoff goaltender. Defense- On the Pens side, the defense has been playing their best hockey we have seen in a long time. During the regular season, the Pens D was a weak point of their game. That has not been the case in the playoffs though. The Pens D has been amazing and shutting down all their opponents top players (Heatley, Spezza, Jagr, Drury, Briere, and Umberger to name a few). On the flip side, Detroits D has always been stellar. They have had the best defense in the league all season and that is not about to change now that they are in the finals. They will do everything possible to hold off the Pens top players. This brings me to the forwards. The Pens have arguable the best offensive power in the league. Crosby is leading the playoffs in points, and knows how to get around big D-men. He is a set up man and will do whatever it takes to win the Cup. Malkin is not far behind Sid and also has the ability to score highlight reel goals at the most crucial moments. Malone has also been stepping up his game. One cannot forget to mention Jordan Staal. He has been nothing short of amazing on the penalty kill in all three rounds. Round 3 was his best yet. In game 4 he scored two goals, despite having just returned from his grandfathers funeral. The Pens get offensive production from all lines, and that is necessary to have to win a Cup. That being said, the Wings also have a lot of offensive power. Zetterberg is not far behind Crosby for the lead in playoff points. Zetterberg is amazing and ALWAYS sets up highlight reel plays. With Datsyuk, the two are unstoppable. If Franzen returns, he will be sure to get back to his crucial goal scoring abilities.

This will be a great series! I cannot wait! It is a dream come true for me. I am still undecided on who I want to win. I love both these teams. I never thought it would be so hard to pick between two teams who you have cheered for for so long. That being said, I would not change this match up for anything. Bring on the Cup!

Go Pens and Go Wings!