Detroit too Much for Lifeless Penguins

 

On Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be hoping to take that first giant step towards defying the odds in making that long shot attempt at capturing their first Stanley Cup since 1992.

Even though the all time championship series record of a team winning their first two games at home like the Detroit Red Wings did on Monday night, is 30-1 (Chicago Blackhawks in 1971 only team to blow a 2-0 series lead), the Penguins aren’t conceding anything just yet. 

Despite being shut out in games one and two of the finals at Joe Louis Arena, Pittsburgh, who hasn’t scored in 135 minutes and 57 seconds, will get the key advantage of last change in game three and four at Mellon Arena. The Penguins who are 8-0 at home this post season, will be able to get captain Sidney Crosby away from the likes of Chris Draper and the Henrik Zetterberg line which has frustrated not only Crosby but also sophomore Evgeni Malkin who has uncharacteristically caused a few costly turnovers.

The first thing the Penguins must do is to solve the wall of Detroit Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood who might be getting into the Penguins heads. “I don’t like bragging about myself very much,” said the modest Osgood who in winning game two racked up his 50^th career playoff win. “I’ve played some good games in my career and I feel pretty good about myself right now.” Besides for that advantage of last change of home and that perfect record, it won’t mean much if the Penguins continue to play undisciplined and take costly penalties. Frustration set in during game two as Penguins veteran Gary Roberts racked up 14 minutes in penalties and rugged Ryan Malone took quite a few penalties.

“I know my players are frustrated right now,” said Penguins coach Michel Therrien.

Detroit, who won the first two games 4-0 and 3-0 got some welcoming news for that second game as their leading goal scorer Johan Franzen came back from concussion like symptoms to make a difference and create lots of chances.

Pittsburgh, who hasn’t lost two games in a row since February 2003, didn’t manage a shot for the first half of the second period as they were checked every time they touched the puck. “Sometimes we get lulled into just standing around a bit, and they play well positionally,” said Crosby who had five shots on net. “When we’re not at our best, we’re just kind of playing a chess match with them.”

This series is starting to get a little heated as Therrien called out Osgood after he fell to the ice after what looked like a Petr Sykora elbow. “He’s a good actor,” said the coach. “He goes to players and he’s diving.”

Heading into Wednesdays game, Therrien has better things to concern himself with such as getting Malkin, who hasn’t had a shot on goal in five periods, producing.

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