Yes, Malkin has generated chances. It’d be nice if he charted what he calls “A” versus “B” chances, though. Of course Filppula has been the “culprit” of more chances than he’s generated on his own—his primary responsibility is defense, and to this point, he’s kept Malkin to two points in two games, only one is a goal, and only one point is from even-strength. That’s successful by any measure. People ought to put a little more weight in the results that matter (goals and wins) and forget about the ones that don’t mean nearly as much (shots and scoring chances).

If he charted those “A” and “B” chances and noted how each occurred, I’m guessing that the two goals Malkin has generated are probably two of maybe only four or five opportunities that occurred on second-chance plays. For everything the Wings have done mediocrely (if that’s a word), Detroit’s defense has been excellent at preventing the Pens forwards from getting into the mid and low slot areas, on the few occasions that Osgood has served up juicy rebounds in dangerous areas. And if there’s one thing we all know about playoff hockey, it’s that tic-tac-toe rarely wins.

There’s no doubt Malkin has been so much better this finals than last. But I think his line needs to get dirtier to really impact the score sheet.

And if we’re following the logic of this article, Marian Hossa is due to break out for a major multi-point game.

Right now, I think Detroit’s dominance with the third and fourth lines, and their distinct blue line advantage has given them everything they’ve needed. It’ll be a lot like the Anaheim series—Bylsma will probably have to play Crosby and Malkin both 25+ minutes in a 60 minute game just to keep his third and fourth lines off the ice to avoid the major mismatches Detroit has created there.

Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 06/02/09 at 07:58 AM ET

* Detroit’s hometown advantage as it has played out with the officials on several crucial calls

And of course he has to throw in the part about Detroit getting favorable calls.  I haven’t heard a team bitch this much about supposed “lop-sided” officiating in a long time.  Please, take off the black-and-gold colored glasses and see that both teams are getting “screwed out of calls” (or are benefiting from “non-calls” if you want to take it the other way).

Posted by BuzzFledderjohn on 06/02/09 at 11:07 AM ET

Scuderi hasn’t been responsible for even one Grade “A” scoring chance against his team, and is the only defenceman in this series who can make that claim.

I posted before I got to the bottom of the article.

If I recall, Scuderi was on the ice when Abs scored his ridiculous long goal on Fleury in Game 2.  And I believe he was only able to get the shot of, on net, because Scuderi didn’t step up and take him off the puck.  But I guess that was only a Grade “B” chance so we’ll ignore it…yet it resulted in a goal.  WTF?

Posted by BuzzFledderjohn on 06/02/09 at 11:09 AM ET