Finals Analysis
Tuesday May 20, 2008 @ 09:37 AM EDT
Here we go with my analysis. Detroit does have the edge in overall experience. However, Pittsburgh’s played far better D than anyone has given them credit for, forcing opponents to mainly shoot from the perimeter at less than ideal angles, making it easier for Fleury.
Detroit’s D is more skilled, especially offensively, but the Pens have been playing superb team D. Goaltending – Detroit has the edge in experience, but Hasek seems to be done, and Osgood hasn’t really had to win games in the playoffs this year, just simply not lose them. That could be a problem against the Pens offense.
AND, don’t forget what might be the most important point to all of this – poor officiating throughout the playoffs – this has somehow amazingly benefited Mr. Bettman’s favorite team (since their C is the current face of the league) and I’m not sure that even Detroit can over come that.
All in all, I think this might be a seven gamer and I’m just hoping for good hockey.
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Commentskevinrules
Jun 05, 2008
I told you so
I was right when I said it was Zetterberg’s time. He won the Conn Smythe and scored the cup clinching goal
And now the city of Pittsburgh knows how it feels to lose a final. It’s tough…
BoomBotz29
May 23, 2008
Good analysis
I’ve been staying away from this site for a while because I’ve finally come to grips with the Rangers losing like that…lol
Good stuff, but I have a feeling the Pens are going to win in 7. Besides the Crosby/Malkin combo, you can not forget about Hossa and Malone, along with Dupuis (underrated part of that Hossa trade.) With their D and the fact that Fleury is stopping everything that is thrown at him, it will be tough for the Wings to score. Did you see how much trouble they had against the Stars? Its not like the Stars were throwing an All-Star defense at them, even though most of that was Truco.
Pens (ugh) in 7
ic_ranger_fan
May 21, 2008
Excellent!
I agree 100% about the officiating! It will be key. Yes, the league wants/needs the Pens to win. I think Detroit is a much better (and classier) team. Their passes are ALWAYS right on the tape, right where they need to be. They don’t get too fancy and cute with the puck; they just put it on net. They will have to keep Fleury peppered with shots, and they have the guns to do it. I pick the Wings in 5! Great post!!!!
NYRangersFan11
May 21, 2008
Detroit
I say detroit is gonna win it in 6 games. more experience, and i think they have more skill than the pens all around except maybe goaltending. Im not saying the wings are more skilled by far, i just think their experience gives them more of an edge. It should be good hockey and i cant wait til next wednesday to watch it b/c i dont have versus. but both teams deserve to be there and i think it’s one of the best matchups for the cup that any hockey fan can ask for.
ASabreFanIn...
May 21, 2008
PENS IN SEVEN, HOO-RA!
I give Pittsburgh the edge, especially in goaltending. Hasek’s days are done and Osgood is efficient, but not stellar as Fleury has been throughout these playoffs. Plus, the Pens have more offense and a highly underrated defense. If it was anybody else but Detroit facing them, I would pick the Pens in five or six.
freeknhocke...
May 21, 2008
? This is a toughie ?
Boy lets see here-Crosby than Datsyuk,Malkin than Zetterberg,Hossa than Holmstrom,Staal than Franzan (if he returns),Fleury than Osgood,Gill than Lidstrom,Scuderi than Rafalski,Orpiks than Chelios,Sykora than Hudler.???
Evenly- I think not-the Wings may have the advantage skill wise. On the other hand,the Pens have youth and speed.
The Wings have more playoff credibility,unlike Pittsburgh. And the two goalies the Wings have are primed and experienced
jenny_canuck
May 20, 2008
Well
people are saying that this one could go the distance. Maybe be one of the best series’ since 1994. I’m uncertain, but only because my heart’s not truly invested with either team. In the end, I think they cup may come West again. Gotta coin? Flip it.
jla4013
May 20, 2008
Quite frankly
I just want to see matchups. The Pens have great lines and so do the Wings. Getting Franzen back will help Detroit, too. It’s been the talk during the entire post season, but all four lines MUST contribute. I’m curious to see if any team will resort to line juggling at all…Detroit and Pittsburgh have proven they can strike at any time. They talked about this last night during the game, I believe…but the Wings haven’t really played a team who can score “at will” like they can. The Pens are more than capable of doing so which makes EVERY second of this series intense. I’m so ready for the Finals!
piggylady_87
May 20, 2008
Good Points..until...
You know you make good points up until that last paragraph. I was with you until the then. When you guys say stuff like that it makes it hard to take you seriously. Both of these teams deserve to be the finals because they are best two teams in the league, (which doesn’t always happen). It will be a great series and I can’t wait to see which team takes it home.
nyrangers68
May 20, 2008
So..
We’ve got two of the best defensive teams in the entire NHL going at it. Add to it…explosive offenses and shutdown goaltenders in Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood.
For Pittsburgh, you have Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marian Hossa leading the way with Sergei Gonchar and Hal Gill on the blueline.
For Detroit…you got Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom and the captain Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski on the blueline for Detroit.
This is really going to be fun to watch. But I think the inexperience of the Pens will be their downfall. But then again…that hasn’t stopped them yet has it? Two bad games in the entire playoffs-Game 4 against the Rangers and Flyers.
Red Wings in six.