Pittsburgh at Detroit

  • Game info: 8:00 pm EDT Sun May 31, 2009
  • TV: NBC, CBC

By ANDY LEFKOWITZ, STATS Editor May 31, 1:25 am EDT

Preview | Box Score | Recap | Series Breakdown
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The Detroit Red Wings opened the Stanley Cup finals with an easy win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Neither team will have much time to rest, reflect or make adjustments.

For the first time in more than 50 years, finals games will be played on back-to-back nights as the Penguins and Red Wings meet in Game 2 on Sunday at Joe Louis Arena.

Detroit got the go-ahead goal from Johan Franzen(notes) - his team-high 11th of the postseason - in the final minute of the second period and Chris Osgood(notes) finished with 31 saves in Saturday’s 3-1 victory.

More important for Mike Babcock’s club, though, was slowing down Sidney Crosby(notes) and Evgeni Malkin(notes), who were tied for the postseason scoring lead with 28 points coming into the finals.

“We knew coming into this series that these guys, when you’ve been here before, you know what to expect so you’re ready to start on time,” the Detroit coach said.

After being blanked by Osgood in the first two games of last year’s finals, the Penguins said they had a different mind-set. Still, only Ruslan Fedotenko(notes) scored off an assist from Malkin.

“We can do a better job,” Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. “I think there are some areas that we can keep at. But that’s the challenges. And getting back at it (Sunday) is a good thing for us.”

Crosby entered Detroit on a six-game point streak and with an NHL-high 14 postseason goals, but managed only two shots. A third-period drive by him rang off the post, ended up on Osgood’s back and was smothered.

“I’ve never seen that happen before. I’ve never seen the puck stay on a goalie’s back like that and just sit there,” the Penguins captain said.

It’s been 12 years since the last repeat Stanley Cup champion - Detroit in 1997 and 1998 - and 25 years after the most recent finals rematch as Edmonton and the New York Islanders squared off.

But generations have passed since finals games were played on consecutive nights.

On April 9, 1955, the Red Wings and Canadiens met in Montreal with the Canadiens winning 5-3 to even the series at 2-all. The next night in Detroit, the Red Wings posted a 5-1 victory, and went on to win the Cup in seven.

A big reason for the short turnaround this time is NBC and the league didn’t want to stunt excitement about a matchup with the potential to draw nontraditional viewers.

Preparing to play two high-pressure games in a 24-hour span also will be a little different.

“You’ve got to make sure you get a lot of food in you tonight and get a good night’s sleep,” said 39-year-old Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom(notes), who returned after missing the final two games of the Western Conference finals with an injury. “When the game starts (Sunday), I think you have to keep the shifts a little bit shorter.

“Keep your legs going again, but keep your shifts shorter and try to get the four lines rolling as well so everybody gets into it again.”

Looking to move halfway toward their fifth Cup in 12 years and 12th overall, the Red Wings haven’t lost in Game 2 of the finals since falling to the Canadiens in 1954. Detroit has outscored its opponents 22-8 in Game 2s against Montreal (1955), Philadelphia (1997), Washington (1998), Carolina (2002) and a 3-0 win last year over Pittsburgh.

“It’s a race to four,” Bylsma said. “They got one.”

Falling into an 0-2 hole, though, could doom the Pens’ hopes of hoisting their first Cup since the Mario Lemieux-Jaromir Jagr(notes) heydays in 1992.

Since the best-of-7 format was introduced in 1939, teams that have gone up 2-0 in the finals are 41-3. No team has blown a 2-0 lead since Chicago against Montreal in 1971.

“This is tight hockey,” Crosby said. “We didn’t expect to come in here and have it be easy. But the good thing is we’ve got a short period of time here to prepare and get ready for Game 2. We’re confident that we can get one here and go home.”

Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.

Updated May 31, 1:25 am EDT
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Team Comparison

Team G W L OTL Pts Standings GF GA Road/Home
Pittsburgh 82 45 28 9 99 2nd, Atlantic 264 239 20-15-6 Road
Detroit 82 51 21 10 112 1st, Central 295 244 27-9-5 Home

Notes

The Penguins outshot the Flyers, 15-5, in the first period but managed just 13 over the final 40 minutes. ... C Evgeni Malkin registered a team-high four shots on goal. ... C Sidney Crosby was impressive in the faceoff circles, winning 15 of his 22 draws. ... D Philippe Boucher was in the lineup in place of D Kris Letang, who has an undisclosed injury. RW Miroslav Satan made his first appearance for Pittsburgh since being sent to the minors on March 4. Satan replaced RW Petr Sykora, who failed to record a point in the first four games of the series.

Apr 23, 10:55 pm EDT

By sweeping the Blue Jackets, the Red Wings became the first team since the 2002 Colorado Avalanche to advance past the conference quarterfinals the season after winning the Stanley Cup. Colorado made it to the conference finals in 2002 before losing to Detroit, which went on to win the championship. But the Red Wings fell to the Vancouver Canucks in the quarterfinals in 2003. Others to fail to advance were the 2004 New Jersey Devils, the 2006 Tampa Bay Lightning, the 2007 Carolina Hurricanes - who did not even qualify for the playoffs - and the 2008 Anaheim Ducks. ... Detroit enjoyed success on the power play, scoring three times on six opportunities. But it was unable to stop Columbus, which went 2-for-2 with the man advantage. ... RW Marian Hossa, who scored a pair of goals, registered a game-high seven shots.

Apr 23, 11:05 pm EDT
NHL

1011 Comments

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  1. DuckBasher
    1011. Posted by DuckBasher Tue Jun 2 12:52pm EDT

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    really wish that i could get the CBC in the states. that screechy Emerick has to go, 'Squibb this Sqibb that'. He's terible and pro Pissburg. Buttman's got him in his back pocket!
  2. Eric H
    1010. Posted by Eric H Tue Jun 2 12:35pm EDT

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    Wait what pro detroit announcers? All I've heard all series long (2 games) is Crosby this Malkin that, Pittsburgh this, Penguins that, I'm sure there's no pro D announcers both on NBC and Vs, try watching cbc at least they call it like it is both sides have been grabbing and pulling and tackling, the fact is that the wings are up 2-0 nothing more nothing less.
  3. wingsnut84
    1009. Posted by wingsnut84 Tue Jun 2 11:11am EDT

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    After you look at the pic gallery on here. you will see a pic of babcock in a red hat and hoody throwing up what looks like a peace sign with a gangster look on his face.

    Even coaching in the great city of Detroit turns nice coaches like Mike Babcock (red wings) into a hardcore gangster.

    In this picture he is sporting his gang colors. At the end of his interview he says “peace out” to the pens after we take games 3 and 4.

    Detroit What!!!!!!
    !!!!Let’s Go Wings!!!!
  4. <i>lurch_96</i>
    1008. Posted by lurch_96 Tue Jun 2 11:03am EDT

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    I would have no problem with Malkin being tossed...if that's the rule then so be it...talk to bettman not me...but you wing fans fail to realize this when talking about ALL your interference and closing hands on pucks in the paint!!...it's not whining as you would love to believe, it's FACT!...I could care less if you agree or not...as I said, even those pro-detroit announcers see it but you delusional d-bags fail to...you guys kicked our ass last year and it was a 'clean' whooping...something you're obviously unable to do this season...
  5. <i>scottymac63</i>
    1007. Posted by scottymac63 Tue Jun 2 10:24am EDT

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    Guido, I noticed bad or missed calls going both ways... stop your whinning. You're the one who is acting half witted and deluisonal. If you want to discuss missed calls... how 'bout Malkin's antics at the end of game 2. I believe there is an NHL rule that covers this type of behavior... so, can you say suspension? I didn't think so. Us Wing fans have been hearing it this whole play-off run (actually, even since the Av's post season match ups a decade ago), that the Wings are too old and slow. Well, hope you're enjoying your humble pie... baked fresh and served to you with great pleasure from Muskegon, Michigan!
  6. kremer23
    1006. Posted by kremer23 Tue Jun 2 10:18am EDT

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    All in all, I think that both games were officiated consistently, not to be read as correctly. They let a lot of things go on both sides. Do the Wings get away with a lot of interference/holding? Sure, but when they do it it is so subtle that hardly anyone notices except those who know what they are looking at. And it would appear as though the refs aren't included in that group. On the other side, the Pens get away with a ton of stuff after the whistle, especially around Osgood. Of the complaints I've heard so far, there are 4 that keep coming up over and over. 1) Hossa did not slash Dupuis, there have been mulitple vidoes posted to support this 2) Zetterberg in the crease. Game 1, looked to me like he knocked the puck off Osgood, and Osgood rolled left to cover it. I could be wrong though. Game 2, I don't recall if he just fell or was shoved down, but the puck was shot into him after he was already down, and it bounced off him in front of the net, where Osgood covered it. Videos show that to be the case 3) Talbot "spearing" Osgood. Poor sportsmanship? Hell yes. Penalty worthy? Not if the rest of the game was an indicator of what we should expect from the refs. 4) Malkin going after Zetterberg. If Bylsma was going to send someone out on the ice to intentionally hurt Zetterberg, and sens a message, it wouldn't be Malkin. Did you see those 2 "fighting"? They're skill players, not boxers. Having Malkin in game 3 will make it more interesting to watch anyway. I'm curious to see how the rest of the series goes, if the Pens can figure out how to a) break the defense of Detroit and b) shut down the guys who aren't "stars", like Helm and Abdelkader. If they can do either of those things, then we'll have a series on our hands, if not, Wings win. It has the potential to make for some good hockey and I can't wait until drop of the puck tonight. GO WINGS!!!!!!
  7. <i>lurch_96</i>
    1005. Posted by lurch_96 Tue Jun 2 9:37am EDT

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    my comments stem from 'discussions' with other wings 'fans' who refuse to acknowledge blatant wings penalties in the 1st couple games...penalties even the announcers notice and comment on?! I thought fans of such a storied franchise could SEE?!!
  8. dave h
    1004. Posted by dave h Tue Jun 2 9:19am EDT

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    #1005 Guido,

    Delusional halfwits are what Wings fans are huh.. And however did you come to this startling conclusion. We are neither delusional nor elitist as some others on here have suggested. Do we have a bit of a superiror attitude, well hell yeah we have one of the most storied franchises in NHL history despite the fact that the Commish would prefer to act as though we do not exist. So if we act a bit more superior it is because we lay claim to a team that exudes confidence and gives us in Michigan something to be proud of, which we need at this time. It is lame comments like yours that make true Wing fans upset. So sit and watch us show the Pens what being champions is all about and maybe when Crosby and Malkin grow up a bit you can also feel that pride that we as wing fans have enjoyed for years.
  9. Great
    1003. Posted by Great Tue Jun 2 8:44am EDT

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    @ "StolenMonteSS", and "Eric H" hahhaaahaaa - Both of you sure know how to "MANIPULATE" that Dylan boy and press his buttons. Way to go! Dylan has been on here since "4:00 pm" leaving paragraphs upon paragraphs looking for some attention becausse no one does it at "home". I gotta admit I gave up maipulating Dylan (too easy of a target). Although I shouldn't rip on him too much, for he may need to get a "woman" or a "life". Great going StolenMonteSS, and Eric H you both prevail over Dylan. Bye Bye Dylan (loneliest boy on earth). GOOOOO Wings.
  10. <i>lurch_96</i>
    1002. Posted by lurch_96 Tue Jun 2 8:12am EDT

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    although most wing fans on here are delusional 1/2 wits I have to say...if the PENS drop any at home they're finished...our only hope is to take both at home (T-Thur) and the next game in Detroit...and honestly 3 straight seems a large task!
  11. Toad268
    1001. Posted by Toad268 Tue Jun 2 1:24am EDT

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    We have been here before and will be here again. We are down, but not out. We were beaten, but not defeated. We lost a couple battles, but not the war. Pick any cliche you like, they are all true. It is officially us against the world. According to them we are down and out. According to them, we have already lost. According to them, we can't. We are finally coming home to a hostile crowd, thirsty for a taste of what is to come, eager to prove that we can!

    Read more » http://www.everythingpittsburgh.net/blo gs/EP.php/2009/06/02 /this-is-old-hat-for -us#more150
  12. <i>endoftheline24</i>
    1000. Posted by endoftheline24 Tue Jun 2 12:10am EDT

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    its ok bud, just like i cant stop in here and see a pens fan being a retard and think that most of them are like that. the rap with the Wings being old, Chelios is a factor there in average age, he brings it up quite a bit (cmon he's 58!). There isnt a thing wrong with saying Pens are out of this cup, its still a young series, but even a four games to none series is long if you are a fan of the losing team.
  13. Irish Bailey
    999. Posted by Irish Bailey Mon Jun 1 11:38pm EDT

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    Amen to that endo, I think talking with you has givin me new light on Wings fans. As you know I respect the Wings, but I think I was a little to quick to judge about the fans. I got a little heated when I was told I was ranting when I was just trying to have a sports discussion, and I judged the fans based off of little kids trying to get their own attention, thanks for that. I know Detroit will probably take it this year, and if they do it will definitely be because they are the better team, not only because of depth, but because of great goal tending, coaching and experience. I think Pitt just underestimated the Wings because everyone thought they were to old(and I admit, that was one of my arguments), but watching them shut down Crosby and Malkin has shown me and the critics that just because Detroit is old, in no way shape or form, makes them the underdog. I admit, it will probably be Detroits year again, unless Pitt can find a way to put the puck past dominating Ozgood, or a way to even budge their defense. Even Zetty has two saves so far this series, but I really do hope that the Pens make it a better series, I am not a fan of either team, so from my perspective it would make it a hell of a lot more interesting to see a game 7, which is why I predicted it that way anyway...and thats all I have to say about that! Go Kings and Sox and Raiders and Bulls! LOL!
  14. StolenMonteSS
    998. Posted by StolenMonteSS Mon Jun 1 11:20pm EDT

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    Dont be so quick to stereotype everyone Dylan B. Just because I am a Red WIngs fan I respect all fans, but I do back up the Red Wings when they are getting bashed. I dont take it to a personal level (or 5th grade level) with the blow your bf etc bs. The best team always wins. GO WINGS!
  15. Eric H
    997. Posted by Eric H Mon Jun 1 11:04pm EDT

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    yeah I get worked up and go into 4-letter word rants I'm stupid sometimes. I'll have a logical discussion with the smart Pens fans, conspiracy theories and such aside, this series could change in Pitt, but the Wings are playing way too good of hockey now.
  16. <i>endoftheline24</i>
    996. Posted by endoftheline24 Mon Jun 1 10:55pm EDT

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    if by little buddies you mean fellow wings fans, yes i agree. i have to take the good with the bad i guess. it is however, very easy to slip into sh!t talking when your team is real good, scary good like the Wings have played. (and i know, sometimes they arent all that good as the score says, but they find a way to get it sone.) I argued til my keyboard yelled uncle over both crease plays in game 1 and 2, but if those plays happened against my team, i would be bouncing of the walls until i read the rules and see multiple replays. but in the end, id accept it and move on. some of the penalties against the Wings in games 1 and 2 i jumped up outta my seat like all wtf! just to see a replay where Sammuelson did trip a pen, or Lebda did slash that guy. natural reaction.... just some people dont let it go after that. They stop by in here and rant exclusively about that one play for two hours, or two days in some cases.
  17. Irish Bailey
    995. Posted by Irish Bailey Mon Jun 1 10:54pm EDT

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    LMAO, now its stolens turn Eric...LOL, I usually am immature when others are around me, but thanks for the new attention since I am now over Eric...Actually stolen, If you read my earlier posts I was trying to have professional conversations with anyone, but all the Detroit fans started whining and crying because they cant read big boy words and have the attention spam of a two year old. And you also would have read that I really do respect the sh!t out of Detroit for what they and Ozgood have accomplished, and I thought Pitt was gonna be able to do a better job, and every Detroit fan freaked out, and started in on their little kid antics. But little insignificant comments that most of you Wings fans could come back with is little four letter sentences(but dont take offense, I know its hard for you) that have no more meaning than you giving your "bf" a "bj", LOL(sorry Eric, I told you I was stealing it), learn to argue without offense, then I will discuss things with anyone maturely, even you stolen, but I doubt it, im sure you will have some sort of come back about being gay or sucking off a "bf" and then in turn I will have to chop you down to size with a better come back and thats where I get my attention, thanks, LOL...And as always, Go Kings, and Go Sox!
  18. Eric H
    994. Posted by Eric H Mon Jun 1 10:44pm EDT

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    It actually does get pretty cold in Hell.... I'm a pretty educated man too, and a sports fan. I don't think I've went after your teams, and don't plan on it, this is a Wings-Pens discussion BTW.
  19. Irish Bailey
    993. Posted by Irish Bailey Mon Jun 1 10:43pm EDT

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    NO WAY? Your a Sox fan Eric...I take back all the bad things I said about you, I love the Sox, and I never bad mouth a fellow fan, my bad. You should have said something a long time ago, man, you are funny though, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, I needed that, thanks! Go Kings, and Sox!
  20. <i>endoftheline24</i>
    992. Posted by endoftheline24 Mon Jun 1 10:42pm EDT

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    cripes, almost a thousand posts..... ya i getcha Dylan, there are alot of misguided Wings fans here too. On the other hand, there are some good level headed pens fans too. It goes both ways, and yeah id be fired up if my team was down 0-2, but my as s would be one of the first in here to congradulate the Pens on a good game. As far as the NHL goes, there is a palpable slant towards Pittsburgh, namely towards Crosby and Co. from Bettman. It isnt all conspiracy theory like some have said, but the slant is there, even if slight its noticeable. I didnt mean to jump your sh!t earlier, but it seemed by your post it was in my direction, and the other guy you mentioned. I agree, the sore winner thing needs to stop. Im here to discuss hockey, but if a pens fan wanders in all disillusioned and wants to rant "no goal eh? he was in da crease you hoser!" i cant help but throw "scoreboard" in their face, its a natural reaction. Im not here to predict scores, or series wins totals like 4-0's and the like, just here to stand up for my team.
  21. Irish Bailey
    991. Posted by Irish Bailey Mon Jun 1 10:39pm EDT

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    LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my God, did you just write a word with more than four letters? "michigander"... Wow, there is cold days in hell, did it hurt your brain to try and think up of a word that long. Hey dont think to hard, I still want attention from you, so dont die on me, just stick to the three and four letter words your used to, ok. Thanks. I'll talk to ya in a min....Go Kings, and Sox, and Raiders and Bulls(I know their all losing teams, so dont hurt yourself with to many big words coming after me about that ok, I am not going to suck your ballz or f*ck you ok, you already have a "bf" and that would probably make him angry), and Im already angry remember, so just stop pissing people off and stick to one dick like your used to as well...and thats all I have to say about that!
  22. StolenMonteSS
    990. Posted by StolenMonteSS Mon Jun 1 10:38pm EDT

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    Wasnt Dylan B just crying about how immature detroit fans are..."if you dont like it then go "suck off your 'bf'" until you dont care, preferably after snack time and if your parents allow it, so you'd better be quit mister"....that sounds pretty mature to me Dylan....way to have no life as you sit here on this message board when the Kings arent even in the playoffs...basically you are just a Red Wing hater because of our talent. We have the best scouts around and get the good players late in the rounds...deal with it. Not even gonna start on the White Sox...haha
  23. Eric H
    989. Posted by Eric H Mon Jun 1 10:35pm EDT

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    lol, see now you're in the game... Actually I'm from a suburb of Detroit not Detroit itself, luckily I didn't go to Detroit schools either, unfortunately I'm a Lions fan too. Always loved Detroit sports even during the bad times, Tigers(90's-03), Lions (seems like forever), Wings(80's) ,Pistons (93-99ish). I'm older than my posts make me look, just not mature I guess oh well... Sox fan too... we have something in common love your manager (not in a gay way), I'm deff straight even if it doesn't sound like it.
  24. Irish Bailey
    988. Posted by Irish Bailey Mon Jun 1 10:25pm EDT

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    LOL, when your right your right Eric, I did accidently wrote Go Sox, which is my baseball team, and its the White Sox...LOL, now I feel like an idiot, I need to stop switching from MLB to hockey posts...but maybe if you can write more than a four word vocabulary tomorrow, then I will talk to you then, till then, NO, I will not suck your ballz, your "bf" already has that under control, LOL, "BF", man thats funny, you are a funny guy Eric, you must be from Detroit, and I right? Go KINGS, and Go SOX! thats right I said it anyway, I love the Sox as much as I love the Kings, if you dont like it then go "suck off your 'bf'" until you dont care, preferably after snack time and if your parents allow it, so you'd better be quit mister! LOL!
  25. Eric H
    987. Posted by Eric H Mon Jun 1 10:22pm EDT

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    Dylan's mad, but if he was a michigander he would just laugh off my comment and move on.
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