Official 2007-2008 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Thread - "And a child shall lead them"
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Damn, that was just an embarrassing display by the Pens in the last 10 minutes of the 3rd.. Cheap shots to the head of Franzen.. WTF. You don't do that to a guy that's just missed 6 games because of a concussion, period.
But I guess it's understandable that they're frustrated, 0 goals (and not many quality scoring chances) after two games of the Stanley Cup final will do that to you.
As happy as I am with a 2-0 lead for the Wings, I'm disappointed in the Penguins.
I was hoping for an all out battle between two extremely skilled teams and of course the Zetterberg/Datsyuk vs. Malkin/Crosby duel, but in these two games it's just been Detroit toying with the Pens. I don't see anything in Pittsburgh's performance that makes me think they have a chance of turning this around.
Before the series started, I predicted a sweep if the Red Wings won the first two games.
I stand by that statement, this series will be closed in Pittsburgh.
But I guess it's understandable that they're frustrated, 0 goals (and not many quality scoring chances) after two games of the Stanley Cup final will do that to you.
As happy as I am with a 2-0 lead for the Wings, I'm disappointed in the Penguins.
I was hoping for an all out battle between two extremely skilled teams and of course the Zetterberg/Datsyuk vs. Malkin/Crosby duel, but in these two games it's just been Detroit toying with the Pens. I don't see anything in Pittsburgh's performance that makes me think they have a chance of turning this around.
Before the series started, I predicted a sweep if the Red Wings won the first two games.
I stand by that statement, this series will be closed in Pittsburgh.
The Pens just do not have an answer right now. I would like to take some solace and hope in the fact that they had a couple of spurts of pressure in the second period, but they are going to need more than 10 good minutes in a game if they hope to make this close at all. Right now, they are getting taken to school by an efficient machine. I also do not feel they have really competed too hard this series, and have seemed almost awestruck at just being in the Finals. They look utterly numb out there and lack any sense of desperation. The exceptions to this are Crosby, Hossa, Kennedy, Talbot, and Staal. Otherwise, this team looks lost right now.
I would like to think things can change on home ice, but the way Detroit has dominated every facet of the game does not fill me with confidence. Full marks to the Wings for bringing it and shutting us down like no other team has this season. You guys really are just that damn good, boring though the games might be. (the San Antonio Spurs of hockey?)
P.S. that was a cheap shot by Roberts, and a fine Oscar-worthy performance from Osgood tonight.
Bring on the pain of game 3. Let's go Pens.
I would like to think things can change on home ice, but the way Detroit has dominated every facet of the game does not fill me with confidence. Full marks to the Wings for bringing it and shutting us down like no other team has this season. You guys really are just that damn good, boring though the games might be. (the San Antonio Spurs of hockey?)
P.S. that was a cheap shot by Roberts, and a fine Oscar-worthy performance from Osgood tonight.
Bring on the pain of game 3. Let's go Pens.
scissorfight
Banned
:lol @ therrien's post-game press conference. get that man some tampax, asap.
for the last 4 post season games all I have been saying is, just give me an exciting game.
none of those five games have given me anything close to it.
This final will probably go down as a bigger bust then last years.(no offense Duck fans)
mark me disapointed with this years playoffs.
none of those five games have given me anything close to it.
This final will probably go down as a bigger bust then last years.(no offense Duck fans)
mark me disapointed with this years playoffs.
SantaC said:
Crosby has been one of the only Penguins players who has shown any kind of intent and desperation in his game. He has set up some of the better scoring chances for the Pens in this series, few though those chances may be. The Wings are just clogging up all parts of the ice and not allowing the Pens to do a thing, Crosby included.
I am more disappointed than angry or frustrated with how the Pens have performed in this Cup Final. Detroit has just shut them down completely, and despite the tenacity of players like Crosby and Staal, they cannot seem to catch a break or figure out a way to put the puck behind Osgood or just to get some quality offensive zone time 5-on-5.
Wow... I sure hope the home crowd can get some energy into these guys. This is looking like a repeat of either of Detroit's sweeps the in the late 90's. No shit talk against Detroit, they are playing like a superior machine right now.
Is there a 'Little Russia' community in Pittsburgh? They need to get Geno some russian home cooking or some russian hookers to get him motivated again. He has been more invisible then Ty Conklin on the bench.
I feel bad that Sid and Talbot are basically the only ones putting a ton of effort out there. Fleury gave them a chance to get back into it as well, but he can only old the dam for so long until is bursts if there isn't any pressure on the other side.
The most pressure they have got on Osgood all series was that mini 'run' that Sykora did at the end of the game.
If I was a Pens fan, I'd hold on to the fact that as rare as they are, miracles do indeed happen.
The red sox did it, the leafs did it back when they were successful, 200 years ago or something, and with a lot of luck the pens can do it as well.
I know its not 3-0 series yet, but the way thing are going its going to take a full blown miracle to come back against this wings team down 2-0.
The red sox did it, the leafs did it back when they were successful, 200 years ago or something, and with a lot of luck the pens can do it as well.
I know its not 3-0 series yet, but the way thing are going its going to take a full blown miracle to come back against this wings team down 2-0.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
"Only the ones that weren't true Pens fans to begin with. Pens in 6, OPTIMISM."
Exactly, they got rid of the pesky problem of winning too quickly so they wouldn't be able to hoist the cup on home ice. Now they'll almost definately hoist it on home ice rather than in detriot!
Exactly, they got rid of the pesky problem of winning too quickly so they wouldn't be able to hoist the cup on home ice. Now they'll almost definately hoist it on home ice rather than in detriot!
MaverickX9
Member
The Penguins actually played much better this game than they did on Saturday night.
Unfortunately, they still couldn't put any meaningful shots on goal.
Unfortunately, they still couldn't put any meaningful shots on goal.
Kingpen said:
Wow... I sure hope the home crowd can get some energy into these guys. This is looking like a repeat of either of Detroit's sweeps the in the late 90's. No shit talk against Detroit, they are playing like a superior machine right now.
Is there a 'Little Russia' community in Pittsburgh? They need to get Geno some russian home cooking or some russian hookers to get him motivated again. He has been more invisible then Ty Conklin on the bench.
I feel bad that Sid and Talbot are basically the only ones putting a ton of effort out there. Fleury gave them a chance to get back into it as well, but he can only old the dam for so long until is bursts if there isn't any pressure on the other side.
The most pressure they have got on Osgood all series was that mini 'run' that Sykora did at the end of the game.
You're forgetting Staal, Hossa, and the most important one of all...
KEN-NE-DY. M-V-P. KEN-NE-DY. M-V-P.
Manics said:
:lol Beautiful.
sefskillz said:
I thought it was a smart veteran move, just like Roberts to hold the stick between his legs and fall over, that gave the Pens that penalty in the first place. Admittedly I'd like to see less of that in these games, but I suppose it evened out.
yodathesoda said:
You're just crying because the Flames got raped by a horrible team.
Frankly, I think the Oilers and Canucks were more deserving at the shot at the Cup than the Flames. At least you would have seen more passion from either team.Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
Or maybe the Pens have to start competing and not acting like a fucking disgrace to this sport.
bishoptl said:
QFTMFT!!! He was with the Wings all along...and now we have this Mr. Senile going on with a statement and then ending it with..."BABY!" and then not realizing that it made sense and had to append some more ramblings.
God knows I've been really holding back so far. I don't want to get in the "I told you so" phase at this point, because the series is far from over. We'll be seeing a very different Pens team when they play at home and I foresee an entire game akin to Period 1 of Game 1, meaning it's anyone's game...but the slew footing, cheap headshots, running over goalies when there was a good 4 feet of space behind the net-bullshit is something the league should look at. If you start punishing people so they can't play the next game, they'll think twice before pulling something cheap.
If the Pens are frustrated, deliver some big hits. Take out your aggression by winning some one on one battles. Instead of running over a goalie, get a puck past him.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
"Or maybe the Pens have to start competing and not acting like a fucking disgrace to this sport."
Where's that crying picture again? Unless your blind Red Wings haven't been some shining example either.
Where's that crying picture again? Unless your blind Red Wings haven't been some shining example either.
Spectral Glider
Member
Alucard said:
Never tell me the odds!
The game overall felt closer than the first was, but the Penguins still don't seem to have an answer for anything the Red Wings do. The Wings' defense is smothering and great. And the duo of Datsyuk/Zetterberg has easily been outplaying that of Crosby/Malkin in every facet of the game.
-Osgood does put on quite an act every now and then, but the fact of the matter is that the Penguins player hit him and had PLENTY of room to get around. I mean, have you seen how piss-poor Fleury's stick-handling is behind the net and how slow and stuck he gets there? Jesus Christ. Wings players have the smallest holes to get through between him and the boards but they still manage to poke through.
-Franzen is tied for the most goals in these playoffs and is one of the hottest players in the past few months. The guy is a valuable asset to the Wings, finally comes back from having concussion-like symptoms, and now hes getting shots to the head late in the third period of a game that's already out of reach. That's not classy at all. Maybe Roberts should have sat out like he did Game 1. Obviously, the Wings are just frustrating Pittsburgh. Hit Franzen, slash him, or whatever, but don't do shots to the head when the "Mule" just came back from a head injury. It's cheap shit.
EDIT:
Oh, and how is this Detroit hockey we're seeing boring? That lead pass from Franzen to Filppula for the third goal was highlight reel hockey. Kronwall's open-ice hits get everybody pumped. Detroit's duo shows up consistently with take-aways and the puck always seems to be on a string with them. Their "D" is textbook and their role players are stepping up big.
It's no wonder they're running away with this - they've been doing this all season long. It's hockey being played at its epitome almost.
-Osgood does put on quite an act every now and then, but the fact of the matter is that the Penguins player hit him and had PLENTY of room to get around. I mean, have you seen how piss-poor Fleury's stick-handling is behind the net and how slow and stuck he gets there? Jesus Christ. Wings players have the smallest holes to get through between him and the boards but they still manage to poke through.
-Franzen is tied for the most goals in these playoffs and is one of the hottest players in the past few months. The guy is a valuable asset to the Wings, finally comes back from having concussion-like symptoms, and now hes getting shots to the head late in the third period of a game that's already out of reach. That's not classy at all. Maybe Roberts should have sat out like he did Game 1. Obviously, the Wings are just frustrating Pittsburgh. Hit Franzen, slash him, or whatever, but don't do shots to the head when the "Mule" just came back from a head injury. It's cheap shit.
EDIT:
Oh, and how is this Detroit hockey we're seeing boring? That lead pass from Franzen to Filppula for the third goal was highlight reel hockey. Kronwall's open-ice hits get everybody pumped. Detroit's duo shows up consistently with take-aways and the puck always seems to be on a string with them. Their "D" is textbook and their role players are stepping up big.
It's no wonder they're running away with this - they've been doing this all season long. It's hockey being played at its epitome almost.
Watching this series is very reminiscent of watching Roger Federer destroy opponents in grand slams. It's not that the Red Wings are boring or anything - it's just that they're playing near perfect hockey and making it look effortless.
I kinda wanna see the Pens come back and make a series out of this, but I also wanna see the Wings shutout the Pens for the remainder of the series. It looks likely at this point.
I kinda wanna see the Pens come back and make a series out of this, but I also wanna see the Wings shutout the Pens for the remainder of the series. It looks likely at this point.
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
Here it is...I don't know why you want to see it again.
Actually if you want to see it in video form, watch the NHL Network where in the post game interview he's crying about the reffing. :lol
Jammy said:
Did you see Roberts claiming that he just got his shoulder high and he may have hit Franzen in the face, all the while they replay the clip from various angles showing that it was a cheap shot? :lol
And they're claiming that Osgood is in the way, when he clearly gave the Pens enough space behind the net, whereas MAF consistently interferes behind the net. Hypocritical bastards.
I think the NHL should step in and say, "You know what? We don't need a games 3 and 4, let's give the SC to the Wings. Pens, I'm sorry but you guys are only good for gooning it up, can't freaking score a goal so far, you're putting league fans to sleep and this headhunting (and slew footing) of AAA talent is something we can't put up with."
I really didn't mind the Pens...but seeing them goon it up like this is absolutely despicable. Why not try competing?
King_Slender
Banned
Which happens first: Pens score a goal or Malkin gets a facial hair?
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
"Here it is...I don't know why you want to see it again.
Actually if you want to see it in video form, watch the NHL Network where in the post game interview he's crying about the reffing."
:lol Obviously I wasn't talking about that picture. Is the Therrin interview up on ESPN? I kinda wanna hear what he says.
Actually if you want to see it in video form, watch the NHL Network where in the post game interview he's crying about the reffing."
:lol Obviously I wasn't talking about that picture. Is the Therrin interview up on ESPN? I kinda wanna hear what he says.
LunaticPuma
dresses business casual
I still believe the Pens can turn this series around. Detroit has had stifling defense, but their offense didn't look impressive to me last night either. Game 2 could easily have only been a 1-0 victory for Detroit. The Red Wings showed little real offense to me. They simply capitalized on Pittsburgh's mistakes. Fleury is holding the line, but it's up to the Pens offense to start acting like they want to win.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
"It's in TSN.ca."
Cool, thanks.
"Anyone think Conk should get a start? Not saying Fleury played bad, in fact it really can't be blamed on him at all, but maybe a massive shake up and an amazing Conk performance could infuse some energy into the Pens."
As good as it might be to have a change of pace, neither one of those losses were Fleury's fault and I think if you want Fleury to gain back his confidence for later on in the series you can't bench him. I think they should keep Fleury in, it's the lack of sport from his teammates that costs them the game not the performance of Fleury.
Cool, thanks.
"Anyone think Conk should get a start? Not saying Fleury played bad, in fact it really can't be blamed on him at all, but maybe a massive shake up and an amazing Conk performance could infuse some energy into the Pens."
As good as it might be to have a change of pace, neither one of those losses were Fleury's fault and I think if you want Fleury to gain back his confidence for later on in the series you can't bench him. I think they should keep Fleury in, it's the lack of sport from his teammates that costs them the game not the performance of Fleury.
Spectral Glider
Member
LunaticPuma said:
They capitalized on Pens mistakes for their goals in game 1 too. But the good teams do that. Case in point, the Red Wing falls down, gives it up to Roberts who makes a sweet pass to Staal, who in turn shoots it right into Osgood. Granted, Pens haven't been getting the bounce of the puck their way, but they aren't helping their own cause either.
scissorfight
Banned
the post-game stuff was just full of hilarity. besides therrien nearly breaking down and crying during the presser and not surprisingly offering zero analysis of what actually happened, there where some other gems.
hal gill: "we proved we can play with this team"
wait, what?
reporter to holmstrom: "What's you strategy against Sid's line?"
holmstrom: "...who?"
reporter to holmstrom: "Sidney Crosby. Are you working to take away his options?"
holmstrom: "yeah with his speed...i work my ass off out there..."
hal gill: "we proved we can play with this team"
wait, what?
reporter to holmstrom: "What's you strategy against Sid's line?"
holmstrom: "...who?"
reporter to holmstrom: "Sidney Crosby. Are you working to take away his options?"
holmstrom: "yeah with his speed...i work my ass off out there..."
LunaticPuma
dresses business casual
Spectral Glider said:
Obviously the Red Wings haven't been making as many mistakes as the Pens, but my point was that I didn't see any real offense from the Wings in game 2 (couldn't watch game 1). Fleury is playing well enough that they still have a chance, but the offense needs to actually show up and play at Mellon arena.
LunaticPuma said:
Yes no real offense from the Wings except they've scored 7 goals in 2 games as opposed to 0 by the Pens offensive juggernaut. Shots on goal for the 2 games combined are 70-41. How much more domination do you need to witness before you realize the Pens have 0 chance of winning this series?
Spectral Glider
Member
LunaticPuma said:
I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you. But I think after period 1 of game 1, a big part of the Wings plan changed to let the game come to them. They're using the Pens inexperience to help set them up and they're taking advantage of that by finishing the chances they get. Then, once they have that lead, they aren't taking big chances and have been locking the game down.
Pens need to crack Osgood for the first goal in game 3 and they need to do it in the first period IMO to turn this around.
Spectral Glider said:
They'll be no turning anything around. Pens might actually be able to win game 3, but after that Detroit should wrap it up in 5 games max. It's what a lot of people have said all year long, the western conference teams are FAR BETTER than the competition in the east. The Pens are being exposed as being the "best of the worst" conference. Detroit has been in far tougher situations than going into Pittsburgh up 2 games to 0.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
"Yes no real offense from the Wings except they've scored 7 goals in 2 games as opposed to 0 by the Pens offensive juggernaut. Shots on goal for the 2 games combined are 70-41. How much more domination do you need to witness before you realize the Pens have 0 chance of winning this series?"
How many of those goals were off of awful passes in front of the penguins goal from one pen to another? If they would have played with half of their head in the game Detriot shouldn't have scored a lot of those goals. No one is trying to discount detriot but considering how a lot of the goals were scored if penguins get their act together it won't be as bad as your trying to exaggerate.
"Detroit has been in far tougher situations than going into Pittsburgh up 2 games to 0."
I would hope every team has? It's not exactly hard on you for the remainder if you go up 2-0... I'm assuming you just picked a bad example.
How many of those goals were off of awful passes in front of the penguins goal from one pen to another? If they would have played with half of their head in the game Detriot shouldn't have scored a lot of those goals. No one is trying to discount detriot but considering how a lot of the goals were scored if penguins get their act together it won't be as bad as your trying to exaggerate.
"Detroit has been in far tougher situations than going into Pittsburgh up 2 games to 0."
I would hope every team has? It's not exactly hard on you for the remainder if you go up 2-0... I'm assuming you just picked a bad example.
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
Conklin will not start unless Fleury shits the bed the next game and gives up 6 or 7 goals. Fleury has actually been playing a little better then 'OK'. He isn't playing great, but he is still giving them a chance to compete with Detroit if some goals can be scored.
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
As it's been pointed out, Detroit is getting the lead and then sitting back letting the Penguins try and do something. The fact that the Penguins can't do anything so far suggests that Detroit really has nothing to worry about. My example isn't a bad one. They were the #1 team in the NHL during the entire season, have faced good competition in the western conference playoffs and are waltzing into Pittsburgh with a 2-0 series lead. This thing could turn out to be a laugher for the Wings. When and if Pittsburgh can actually score a goal, we might see Detroit play with more desperation, and that's a scary thought for Pens fans.
Spectral Glider
Member
Kingpen said:
Yeah, the boys aren't giving him much to work with. Turnovers in your zone and shorthanded breakaways aren't on the list of Top 10 Things to Help Your Goaltender.
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