Well, it appears that hockey fans are getting a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Finals. There are a few differences from last year to this year however. One difference is that the Penguins are one year more mature, but so are the Red Wings. Another is that there are quite a few more injuries on Detroit’s starting lineup and there are quite a few more injury makers on Pittsburgh’s starting lineup!
I have watched the Western Conference finals very closely and the one thing that kept Chicago in it at all, was the injuries that kept the bigger names from playing for the defending champions. I could easily tell that my Penguins have sustained offensive attacks at speed and stronger defense from even the offense lines. There are four lines of quality players that have been stepping up during every game of the Stanley Cup playoffs. There are just two too many two-headed monsters!
I feel like bragging and saying that the Gino-Sid combo is a solid one-two punch. The Crosby-Guerin combo is another solid pair. The Fedotenko-Gonchar combo is another lethal pair. When considering the other stand out solo acts (besides Crosby, Malkin, Fedotenko or Talbot), you have to recognize and appreciate the game play of Staal and Adams as well as Marc-Andre.
The penalty killing prowess has gone way up in the post season as well, but lets not forget that the team’s success would not possible without the accurate and influential managing of Coach Bylsma’s recipe for his black and gold powerhouse that is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Oh lord, it’s going to be a great Final run….justice will be served!
My guess is the opposing team will not be able to look at Crosby withuot a minor penalty being called, if they make physical contact with Crosby it will be a double minor, and the refs will make this a power play fest early in order to maintain control early.