In a playoff season that has delivered several great games, we were treated to another last night. Sidney Crosby finally gets on the board, helping set up the game winner, and the Penguins narrow Detroit's lead to 2-1.
The Penguins put forth their best effort of the series, despite being outshot 29-21. The most telling: the Penguins outshot the Wings 10-3 in the third period...probably one of the few third periods that Detroit has been dominated in.
Pittsburgh needed someone to step up, and Maxime Talbot finally answered the call, scoring twice. Kristopher Letang's powerplay goal late in the first period was crucial. With Detroit leading 2-1, the Penguins probably couldn't afford to go into the intermission thinking about being down again.
The Wings did look off-kilter all night, but that's how they looked in game three vs Chicago until they forced overtime, and we all know how that series ended. The thing for me is that despite looking sloppy, the Wings were never out of this game until the empty netter sealed it. I doubt they'll get worse. So if sloppy play is up to Pittsburgh's best effort so far, it's still Detroit's series to lose.
For game four, the Penguins will need a stronger defensive effort. Detroit adjusts well to the opponents arena, and they will come out hard. It's also possible that Pavel Datsyuk will be back in the lineup, considering the Wings could use a bit of a boost. If this series draws even, it's anybody's series. If Detroit goes up 3-1...again...well, I don't think that Pittsburgh will get another triple overtime win in game five.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Penguins Strike Back
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Hockey Central At Noon on Datsyuk: If his foot isn't cracked I'll be surprised.
ReplyDeleteIf Datsyuk misses the entire finals, I'll be surprised. It's been two weeks since he last played. If his injury is a fracture, it should be at a point where he could play and be alright.
ReplyDeleteBabcock quoted in the Detroit News today: "I guess he had his best overnight experience that he's had," Babcock said. "He seemed to have a big turnaround. He was real optimistic here today. It could really affect (Datsyuk's status for Game 4 on Thursday)."
And I doubt he'll be trying to block shots. ;)