Detroit Takes Game One...Again

Game one is officially in the books, and the Detroit Red Wings have a 1-0 lead thanks to a strong team effort and a couple lucky bounces. The series quickly turns to game two tomorrow night. Will the quick turnaround favour the younger Penguins or will Detroit maintain home ice advantage?

Game Notes
Evgeni Malkin had a strong first period and scattered chances throughout but he was very soft on the puck, having it knocked off his stick several times and was seldom a factor in the third.

Detroit dominated the faceoff circle (39-16) and Pittsburgh will have to improve drastically if they are going to have any chance.

The referees did a fantastic job of managing the game. They maintained control without killing the flow of the game with endless penalties.

The best line of the night was Detroit’s fourth line, specifically Ville Leino and Justin Abdelkader, despite the low minutes played.

Even though he was shaky in the first period, Chris Osgood shook it off and turned in another solid performance, lowering his playoff GAA to 2.00 with a .928 save percentage.

Marian Hossa and Darren Helm used their speed to give the Penguins plenty of trouble. The Penguins attack is definitely missing Hossa.

Both teams combined for only three shots on three power plays. Whichever team that can correct their power play first will win this series.

Even though Pittsburgh outshot Detroit 32-30, Detroit put more shots at goal by a 62-53 margin.

The Wings are now 10-0 in the playoffs when leading after two periods.