The Official 2009 Stanley Cup thread...

[Joe Realist]

...I am wondering if it gets ten posts?


For those that care, a rematch of last year's final, Pittsburgh Penguins versus Detroit Red Wings. Detroit has been the closest thing to a hockey dynasty, winning four cups since 1997 (97, 98, 02, 08). Both Penquins and Red Wings bring alot of firepower. Pittsburgh was looking as if they would not make the playoffs until they fired their coach and the new leadership opened up the offense.


Detriot goalie Chris Osgood had a rough year, yet if they can win the Cup, he would have four titles (3 of which he was starter) and is closing in on 400 career wins. That sounds like Hall of Fame numbers for someone under the radar for most of his career.

Pittsburgh Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has played great at times in these playoffs and definitley could be making a name for himself should the Penguins win.

Pittsburgh has stars in Malkin and Crosby. Detroit has Zetterberg, Franzen, Datsyuk (hurt) and future hall of famer Nicklas Lidstrom on defense.

An interesting sub plot is Red Wings winger Marion Hossa who was with Pittsburgh last year. He spurned a multi year offer to sign with Detroit for one year as he thought they may have better shot at winning the Cup and he would have even better chance at bigger contract.

Currently, Red Wings lead series 1-0.

 

[Scranton Tiger]

I am watching every second. Huge Red Wings fan since 1995.

 

[Joe Realist]

I am watching every second. Huge Red Wings fan since 1995.

Yeah, they are my second favorite NHL Team. Liked them since 1993, but always liked Stevie Y. I think they had the fastest skaters on the NHL video game then!

 

[Scranton Tiger]

Yeah, they are my second favorite NHL Team. Liked them since 1993, but always liked Stevie Y. I think they had the fastest skaters on the NHL video game then!

Small world. The reason I became a Red Wings fan is because of NHL 95 game for the Sega Genesis. I love that game. I have never been beaten playing the Wings on NHL 95. Absolutely suck on all the years before and after 95.

 

[Eldorado]

Since, well, this seems to be the only thread in the land about the NHL: Anyone hear that Joe Neiuwendik (sp?) is the new Stars GM? I bring it up because a) this is a Dallas forum, and b) I'm a big Devils fan, so his stay in Jersey brought us a cup-- ain't nothin' like it.

 

[Yeagermeister]

They still play hockey? I thought they stopped a few years ago?




The only time I have ever been a hockey fan was when Dallas and Buffalo played a few years ago. I had a friend that was a Buffalo fan so I had to give him some grief about being 0-3 vs Dallas.

 

[Landry's hat]

I've become disinterested in hockey since the Leafs have sucked for years now, but with Burke at the helm I'm hoping for better things to come

I watch the playoffs though and it looks like the Wings will take the cup in 5 games

 

[Joe Realist]

Red wings up 2-0 without a key player is just huge.

 

[Scranton Tiger]

Red wings up 2-0 without a key player is just huge.

Without TWO key players. Pavel Datsyuk a Hart Trophy Finalist (MVP) and Kris Draper a veteran of the Stanley Cup Championship teams in 97, 98, 02 and 08 have both missed games one and two.

 

[Jenky]

Wings still up 2-1. Pittsburgh won tonight 6/2/09.

 

[Cowboyfan81]

Big Pens fan here. Pit ties up the series 2-2 with a 4-2 win over Detroit tonight!! Game 5 Sat. in Detroit.

 

[peplaw06]

Just caught the highlights this morning. That last goal the Pens scored was a thing of beauty. I had to watch it in slow motion to take in the full effect.

 

[Warick]

It looks like the Pens are going to make this an interesting series afterall. It looked as if the Wings might possibly swept the series after going up 2-0. I wondered if Babcock would pull Osgood at some point, especially after giving up two quick goals, but guess he wanted to let him ride it out.

It will be interesting to see how Detroit responds saturday when they head back to Detroit. Anyone else going to watch?

 

[Biggems]

GO PENS

This series is even better than the one last year. I do wish Hossa was still a Pen though. Datsyuk is going to make a big difference for Detwaw tonight. I hope the Pens can stymy the emotion of his return and the home ice at Joe Louis.......I hate Hockey Town....

GO PENS

 

[Scranton Tiger]

I think more than the return of Datsyuk, the outcome will be determined on weather or not Pittsburgh can adjustments from games one and two. Specifically adjustments that will get Malkin and especially Crosby away from the Zetterberg line. If the Pens can do that, it might be over in six. If not, they just can't beat the Wings in Joe Louis Arena. Detroit must also do a MUCH better job in front of Osgood than the poor effort they put up in games three and four. Ozzy is a fine goalie but he can't win a game all by himself the way Brodeur, Roy and Hasek could/can.

 

[Joe Realist]

Well, it appears Detroit brought " a " game tonight. Pens took bad penalties and their goalie did not bail them out.

 

[Warick]

Wow, what a game... Anyone think Malkin might get a suspension, or at least a fine for his elbow to the head of Franzen?

The Pens were a frustrated team last night and took some dumb penalties, and the Wings made them pay for it. Datsyuk's return last night was huge for Detroit, and they will probably seal the deal, and take the cup Tuesday night.

If anyone here who is not a fan of hockey or just never really followed it, watch this game. It will probably be the best game of the year, and you will see some great hockey.

Any predictions for the Conn Smythe? I have a feeling it will be Osgood.

 

[Alumni2k11]

Go Wings.

 

[Timbo2st]

Love watching the Penguins go all the way to the Finals and fail, again.

 

[Scranton Tiger]

Wow, what a game... Anyone think Malkin might get a suspension, or at least a fine for his elbow to the head of Franzen?

The Pens were a frustrated team last night and took some dumb penalties, and the Wings made them pay for it. Datsyuk's return last night was huge for Detroit, and they will probably seal the deal, and take the cup Tuesday night.

If anyone here who is not a fan of hockey or just never really followed it, watch this game. It will probably be the best game of the year, and you will see some great hockey.

Any predictions for the Conn Smythe? I have a feeling it will be Osgood.

It depends on how the series ends. If Detroit plays game six like they played the last one, it may very well be Osgood. If it's a shootout or if the Wings have to go back to Joe Louis to win the Cup, I think it will be either Franzen or Zetterberg again. If Pittsburgh can take games six and seven, it has to be Malkin. Crosby just hasn't shown up for the finals.