Penguins down 2-0 in Finals

The Detroit Red Wings have absolutely dominated the Penguins through the first 2 games of the Stanley Cup Finals. The 2 teams played last year and the Wings shutout the Penguins. This year (in the Cup Finals) the Penguins have also been held scoreless. If you’re keeping track, the Penguins haven’t scored a goal against Detroit in 9 periods of hockey.

STAT BOY

The Pens are being out-shot 70-41.

The Pens are being out-scored 7-0.

The Pens have had 9 powerplay opportunities. The Wings have had 15 opportunities.

The Pens are outhitting Detroit by a total of 64-60.

Detroit is winning the overall face-off battle 66-60.

Heading into the series the Wings were the best team in the NHL (in terms of points) by a wide margin. They also had the best “Total Goals Against” number in the league. Once they get a lead, you’re basically finished. They trap like the early 2000 NJ Devil teams and choke the life out of the opposition and the fans watching at home. The Penguins only chance is to either score first, play with a tie, or remain only 1 goal behind for a large portion of the game. Going down two goals (like they have in each game) is a death sentence.

It should also be noted that the Pens have had absolutely 0 luck and/or bounces go their way through two games. On a number of occasions bouncing pucks around the Wings crease dribble through Penguins’ legs and go harmlessly into the boards. The Pens need to capitalize on some of these loose pucks and bang them into the net if they want to get a win.

Odds and Ends

*Detroit’s defense gets the benefit of the doubt when it comes to penalty calls. They have some all-stars back there but on the odd chance they do get beat, the Pens aren’t getting the call in part due to the Wings reputation.

*Fleury has been outstanding all playoffs long but the past 2 games he has looked average at best.

*Remember a few weeks ago when Malkin looked like the best player in the league BY A MILE? He needs to wake up. He has 10 shots TOTAL in his last 6 games. Ouch.

*Pens can’t generate any offense at all 5-on-5. The Pens only chance to score is to get more PP opportunities, but in order to do that you need to generate offense 5-on-5. Hmmmm….

*After 2 full games there is not one thing the Pittsburgh Penguins can “hang their hats on” or feel good about as the gear up for Game 3 at home. Not very often can you say that. Usually there is something that you can use as motivation or momentum heading into the next game but right now, that isn’t the case.

*Pens are looking/playing like they want to get swept out of the Finals in quick fashion…..and I just spent nearly $1,000 on a ticket to Game 4 in Pittsburgh. I really hope I didn’t flush 1k down the toilet just so I could “say goodbye” to my team after an awesome season with an unfortunate ending.

Mr. Obvious Says: “Game 3 is a must win. Go into Game 4 with the series 2-1 and the Mellon Arena and Pens fans everywhere will be fired up and back into this series. Fall down 3-0 and we’ll be watching the Wings and their fans (who will undoubtedly make the 4 hr drive to Pittsburgh) raise the Cup and celebrate on our home ice.”

Mr. Glass Half Full Says: “The Pens are undefeated on home ice in the playoffs. The next 2 games are in Pittsburgh. All Detroit did was hold serve; they were playing at home, they were supposed to win those two games. As any hockey expert will tell you, your team isn’t in trouble until they lose on home ice.”

In other news…the Penguins “highest” minor league team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are in the “Stanley Cup Finals” of the minor leagues….The Calder Cup.  So for all of those who think the Penguins gave up too much of their youth or prospects or “future” to acquire Hal Gill, Pascual Dupuis, and Marian Hossa….you’re wrong.  The cupboard is well stocked and this team will be awesome for many, many years.