Red Wings are the superior team despite loss

[Snazzy 0]

Good Read:

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View from Detroit: Red Wings superior despite loss

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

By Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press

In so many ways, this was the game the Red Wings wanted. They got a first-period lead. They dominated play for such long stretches, the Penguins had to wonder if the Red Wings had too many men on the ice, or if these men were even on the ice -- at their best, the Red Wings seem to float above the playing surface.

The Red Wings outshot the Penguins, 12-7, in the first period and, 14-4, in the second last night. Forget about the Penguins scoring -- in the second period, the Penguins did not have a single scoring chance.

Yes, this was precisely what the Red Wings wanted.

There was only one problem. They didn't win.

The Penguins were playing for their season, and in the third period, they finally showed it. After a flurry of activity, Sergei Gonchar scored on the power play, giving the Penguins a 3-2 lead in a game they absolutely had to win. The Penguins then added an empty-netter.

The Red Wings now lead the Stanley Cup final, 2-1. And yet ... somehow, they seem like even clearer favorites than they did when they led, 2-0. That sounds strange, I know. But for the first time in this series, the Red Wings were clearly the better team, at least for two periods.

They controlled the puck. They built an ice wall at the building that Pittsburghers call the Igloo. If the Red Wings keep playing like that, you have to love their chances of winning their 12th Stanley Cup.

Of course, it would help if they did it for 60 minutes instead of 40. The Red Wings only registered three shots in the third period.

Remember, this is the game the Penguins were supposed to dominate. Nobody wanted to admit it, the fact is that when Mario Lemieux dropped the ceremonial puck, everybody already knew the series score: Red Wings 2, Penguins 0. They are human. It's hard to have a killer instinct when you're up, 2-0. And it's easy to have that I-better-not-get-killed fear when you're down 2-0.,

The Penguins should have had great "jump" (one of my favorite hockey terms, since hockey players don't do a lot of actual jumping). Sidney Crosby should have been a powerful force. Instead, the Red Wings outplayed the Penguins for most of the game.

The Penguins had talked for two days about the importance of getting that first goal, and here they had scored it. They had the lead. The crowd at Mellon Arena was on their side. They had every reason to expect that this would be their best game of the series.

So far, the results of this year's final look a lot like the results of last year's: The Red Wings won Games 1 and 2 in Detroit, and the Penguins won Game 3 in Pittsburgh. Yesterday, for the first time, the teams looked like they did in last year's finals, with the Red Wings creating more opportunities and making fewer mistakes.

[wingsownnhl43 14]

You could really make an argument that the Wings were outplayed in games 1 and 2 and that the Pens were outplayed in game 3. I cant wait for game 4!!

[Z and D for the C 712]

Duh?

[Taylorov 37]

Indeed.

I thought Wings took it to them yesterday, despite Pens being at home and coming out playing for their season.

(3rd period excluded)

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

The Red Wings only registered three shots in the third period.

That's just not going to cut it. Surprising since they've been so good in the third normally.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

You could really make an argument that the Wings were outplayed in games 1 and 2 and that the Pens were outplayed in game 3. I cant wait for game 4!!

I wouldn't even make an "argument" over that. I'd state it was a fact.

[Guest lilja4mvp]

i must be the only one that thought the wings looked like dogs*** yesterday. constantly losing 1on1 races to the puck, tons of giveaways, always just a bit out of position, and entirely gassed in the 3rd period.

they dominated a stretch of 5on5 in the 2nd period, that's about it.

we're up 2-1 and haven't played close to a good game yet. i guess that's a reason to be optimistic.

[xtrememachine1 795]

The Wings are the superior team, but that doesn't mean they'll win. The 96 Pens were superior to the Panthers and that didn't end well for Pittsburgh.

Having said that though, I think the Wings will come away with a "W" in Game 4, knowing that they can ice it at home on Saturday.

[egroen 384]

I wouldn't even make an "argument" over that. I'd state it was a fact.

I 100% disagree - especially if you consider a goaltender's play as part of the team. Osgood trounced Fleury in those two games.

At the same time, Detroit was getting more pressure and traffic in front of Fleury.

We have seen a lot of close games this post-season (including 9 one-goal games; 5 that would have been if not for empty net goals; and 4 over-time games). I do not regard those first two games as "close", let alone that they outplayed the Wings.

[Snazzy 0]

Red Wings are the best team in the world at adjusting to their environment. In a different arena, inconsistent calls (my biggest ***** about yesterdays game - if they are going to call it, call it BOTH ways - i.e Ericsson call), different boards and ice. Not too mention first 10 minutes of jitters.

Wings were bad for icing the puck so much yesterday. They seemed to feel rushed to get rid of the puck when they had plenty of time to find a stick to pass too... that was another area that needs to be worked on.

Yesterdays game boils down to a power play game. Wings will need to adjust and be better on the PK, I expect the refs to turn their heads away from Penguins infractions, and call Detroit on what Pen(i)s get away with. We just need to adjust.

Wings will take game 4. We all know Ozzy will bounce back and play like the MVP.

[puertoricanWingsfan 5]

i must be the only one that thought the wings looked like dogs*** yesterday. constantly losing 1on1 races to the puck, tons of giveaways, always just a bit out of position, and entirely gassed in the 3rd period.

they dominated a stretch of 5on5 in the 2nd period, that's about it.

we're up 2-1 and haven't played close to a good game yet. i guess that's a reason to be optimistic.

You're not the only one. I looked at my fiance last night before the game and I told her: "Baby, watch and learn. The Wings will play like s*** tonight, and lose this game 3-2." It's one of those times that it was a real ***** being right.

So I totally agree with you. Stupid turnovers in our zone and in the neutral zone, always a step behind (except for Helm, but who's surprised about that?), and not really clicking, especially in the third. That being said, I'm optimistic because even with the Pens playing their best game last night, and us playing mediocre, we still could have won. If we wake up and play some hockey, it could be all she wrote

[87to71 0]

I know Detroit is a damn good hockey team and absolutely relentless at times, but was this guy watching the same game? The Pens clearly out physicalled the Wings (Hits: Pens 36 Wings 17). No mention of that at all. Faceoffs were almost even. Fleury outplayed Osgood for the first time. I'll give credit where credit is due regarding the Wings, but this guy acts like the Pens barelly showed up and somehow magically won the game.

Also, No mention that the Pens held them to 3 shots in the 3rd period, or that they totally dominated that entire period, save one scramble around the net. That's ok. I think that 3rd period was huge for the Penguins and could end up being what was needed to turn the tide in this series.

[Snazzy 0]

I know Detroit is a damn good hockey team and absolutely relentless at times, but was this guy watching the same game? The Pens clearly out physicalled the Wings (Hits: Pens 36 Wings 17). No mention of that at all. Faceoffs were almost even. Fleury outplayed Osgood for the first time. I'll give credit where credit is due regarding the Wings, but this guy acts like the Pens barelly showed up and somehow magically won the game.

Also, No mention that the Pens held them to 3 shots in the 3rd period, or that they totally dominated that entire period, save one scramble around the net. That's ok. I think that 3rd period was huge for the Penguins and could end up being what was needed to turn the tide in this series.

That's what Hawks fans said in western finals. And look how that turned out. And honestly, the Hawks were a more challenging and resilient team than the Pens have shown thus far.

It'd be nice for the Wings to win the cup on home ice this year.

[87to71 0]

That's what Hawks fans said in western finals. And look how that turned out. And honestly, the Hawks were a more challenging and resilient team than the Pens have shown thus far.

It'd be nice for the Wings to win the cup on home ice this year.

Boy feeling a little overconfident and cocky arent we?? All 3 of these games so far have all been either one goal games going into the 3rd period with the Wings scoring twice in games 1 and 2 late in the 2nd period to take the lead, and last night the game was tied going into the 3rd. The Penguins are a much better team then the Blackhawks and are not going to get frustrated and go nuts like the Hawks did in Game 4 and totally lose control. The longer these series go it seems like in this playoff season for the Penguins the stronger and better the Penguins get.

A lot of people on here I keep reading and seeing just automatically keep assuming the Wings are just going to roll into game 4 tomorrow night and smoke the Pens like they did the Ducks and the Hawks the last two series and then win the Cup on home-ice in game 5. It isnt going to be no blowout tomorrow night one way or another. The Pens are very good at home and have some momentum going into game 4 and the Wings once again will have a very hard time coming into the Igloo tomorrow night and taking game 4.

[Snazzy 0]

I disagree, Chicago would take the Pens in 6. Chicago's defense and depth would overwhelm the Pens. Detroit just came off a grueling 7 games series, then a 5 game series and had to start the next round two days later, back-to-back, and played 3 games in 4 nights. Not to mention all the injuries to start the series.

Pens come rolling in on a 4 game sweep with all the momentum in the world, they got the benefit of the schedule and our big injuries and still couldn't take advantage. Am I confident? f*** Yeah! Why the f*** shouldn't I be? What has your team done to prove otherwise? Have they even scored a 5-on-5 goal yet? Oh wait... they did get one in game 3, right?

Chicago > Pittsburgh

[RedWings 79]

Come on Chicago was terrible on defense...

Pens are a much better team. Better goaltender as well. It's like an upgraded Chicago in almost everything.

I think game 4 is 50/50.

If the wings win that's over in 5.

if not, that's probably going to 7 games. And be pretty scary.

[chrisdetroit 189]

Come on Chicago was terrible on defense...

Pens are a much better team. Better goaltender as well. It's like an upgraded Chicago in almost everything.

I think game 4 is 50/50.

If the wings win that's over in 5.

if not, that's probably going to 7 games. And be pretty scary.

hahahaha.

Two words.

Pavel Datsyuk

"Wing, center, defenseman … I want to play so bad. I don't want to watch this game again." -- Pavel Datsyuk

Think he's a little fired up

I think that you better change that 50/50 for game 4

[chrisdetroit 189]

Boy feeling a little overconfident and cocky arent we?? All 3 of these games so far have all been either one goal games going into the 3rd period with the Wings scoring twice in games 1 and 2 late in the 2nd period to take the lead, and last night the game was tied going into the 3rd. The Penguins are a much better team then the Blackhawks and are not going to get frustrated and go nuts like the Hawks did in Game 4 and totally lose control. The longer these series go it seems like in this playoff season for the Penguins the stronger and better the Penguins get.

A lot of people on here I keep reading and seeing just automatically keep assuming the Wings are just going to roll into game 4 tomorrow night and smoke the Pens like they did the Ducks and the Hawks the last two series and then win the Cup on home-ice in game 5. It isnt going to be no blowout tomorrow night one way or another. The Pens are very good at home and have some momentum going into game 4 and the Wings once again will have a very hard time coming into the Igloo tomorrow night and taking game 4.

Wow. Talk about the glass being half full, now you are highlighting partial games.

The Wings wn games 1 and 2 both by 2 goals each. The Pens were outscored by a total of 6-2 which I guess is a little better than last years 7-0.

The second game the Pens won by 1 goal + an empty netter.

But if you want to take solice in the fact that they were close until a certain point in the game, that's up to you.

[dlawings 0]

I disagree, Chicago would take the Pens in 6. Chicago's defense and depth would overwhelm the Pens. Detroit just came off a grueling 7 games series, then a 5 game series and had to start the next round two days later, back-to-back, and played 3 games in 4 nights. Not to mention all the injuries to start the series.

Pens come rolling in on a 4 game sweep with all the momentum in the world, they got the benefit of the schedule and our big injuries and still couldn't take advantage. Am I confident? f*** Yeah! Why the f*** shouldn't I be? What has your team done to prove otherwise? Have they even scored a 5-on-5 goal yet? Oh wait... they did get one in game 3, right?

Chicago > Pittsburgh

Chicago embarrassed themselves against Detroit, young kids against the Big RED Wall, IMO.

[87to71 0]

That's what Hawks fans said in western finals. And look how that turned out. And honestly, the Hawks were a more challenging and resilient team than the Pens have shown thus far.

It'd be nice for the Wings to win the cup on home ice this year.

Still think the Hawks are more resilient then the Pens after tonight ******?? Yea it will be nice to win the Cup on home-ice and if the Pens keep playing like they are now and frustrating and out physicalling the Red Wings the Cup will be won on home ice at Mellon Arena Tuesday night in Pittsburgh. I love the Penguins chances now of going into Detroit and stealing game 5 whether Datsyuk plays in that game or not...

[87to71 0]

I disagree, Chicago would take the Pens in 6. Chicago's defense and depth would overwhelm the Pens. Detroit just came off a grueling 7 games series, then a 5 game series and had to start the next round two days later, back-to-back, and played 3 games in 4 nights. Not to mention all the injuries to start the series.

Pens come rolling in on a 4 game sweep with all the momentum in the world, they got the benefit of the schedule and our big injuries and still couldn't take advantage. Am I confident? f*** Yeah! Why the f*** shouldn't I be? What has your team done to prove otherwise? Have they even scored a 5-on-5 goal yet? Oh wait... they did get one in game 3, right?

Chicago > Pittsburgh

Fail once again...How about two 5 on 5 goals tonight and a short handed goal after the Wings got handed 4 straight minutes of Power play time up 2-1 in the 2nd with a chance to ice the game away...Keep em coming you're on a roll here...

[ShanahanMan 473]

Fail once again...How about two 5 on 5 goals tonight and a short handed goal after the Wings got handed 4 straight minutes of Power play time up 2-1 in the 2nd with a chance to ice the game away...Keep em coming you're on a roll here...

Did you just come here to talk s***?

And it doesn't do much for your argument when you try to criticize a comment made BEFORE game 4. Pens won, we lost. Series tied, best of 3. Get over it.

[Snazzy 0]

Still think the Hawks are more resilient then the Pens after tonight ******?? Yea it will be nice to win the Cup on home-ice and if the Pens keep playing like they are now and frustrating and out physicalling the Red Wings the Cup will be won on home ice at Mellon Arena Tuesday night in Pittsburgh. I love the Penguins chances now of going into Detroit and stealing game 5 whether Datsyuk plays in that game or not...

Detroit played like s*** and Penguins took advantage of their chances, does that make them better than the Hawk? hell no. Hawks is a very impressive team. And don't forget that detroit fell down 2-1 against the Ducks and we come back and won in 7.

Pens are just a team that gets a few lucky non-calls and took advantage of an unhealthy, tired Detroit team. I highly, highly doubt you're team can still a game in Detroit. In fact, since their will be a nice break after game 5, I like Detroit's chances of stealing a game in s***tsburgh. If not, we still have home ice

Good win tonight. I'm sure Bettman is a very happy man.

[Rocket Queen 30 1]

I was hoping for a 5 game series, but whatev. The Wings probably needed this asskicking. Now they can take a moment to decied if they came all this way just to go out like *******.

[Snazzy 0]

Did you just come here to talk s***?

And it doesn't do much for your argument when you try to criticize a comment made BEFORE game 4. Pens won, we lost. Series tied, best of 3. Get over it.

Apparently the Penguins are now a sure lock to win the cup

This poster has been a ****** since he registered, and I know who he is on penguins forums, he's a ****** there too... in fact, his fellow fans don't even like him over there. Which might explain why he is here.. haha