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Pressure On Detroit
by Paul on 06/12/09 at 08:04 AM ET
Comments (4)
from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star,
Now, with Game 7 on tap tonight at The Joe, the pressure is suddenly all on the Red Wings.
The Pens would never say it, of course, but they’ve already accomplished a great deal just by getting to the seventh game.
They can just grip ‘em and rip ‘em tonight. While the game will be closely scrutinized and analyzed, Pittsburgh should be as relaxed as any team can possibly be and thus be able to play to its maximum capability.
If the Penguins lose, well, it will only be said that perhaps they should have started the series better and that they almost pulled off a terrific comeback.
Detroit, however, is facing a less-generous reaction should it be unable to lift the Cup on home ice.
read on
Filed in: NHL Teams, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
I buy the Penguins had no pressure last year, as they were ahead of the assumed schedule. But with all the Oilers and Islanders comparisons (which is hilarious as so many of the players were toddlers or not even born when that happened) there is no way the Penguins have NO pressure. If they lose the series, it will be a valiant effort that fell short again ... and no one wants to hear “again” associated with a losing effort. If the Sharks choke in the playoffs, fine - happens from time to time to the best of teams. When people start talking about the Sharks choking in the playoffs “again,” however, that is a whole different animal.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/12/09 at 08:26 AM ET
Really Damien?
I would argue that the hours upon hours that the Crosby “I never want to be in this picture” commercial has aired would put some pressure on the Pens.
The face of the NHL losing back to back years? Yeah, I’d say there’s some pressure.
Posted by Garth on 06/12/09 at 09:35 AM ET
Of course there’s pressure. It has nothing to do with “face of the franchise” or “face of the NHL” nonsense. What media or opposing fans think is of little relevance. But you never know if this will be their only chance for a cup. That’s the only pressure and urgency there is for the Penguins.
The Red Wings, however, are the favourites and has to bear the brunt of expectation, pressure and potential criticism. Yet they should also be the team best equipped to handle that situation.
Posted by Moq from Denmark on 06/12/09 at 12:13 PM ET
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No pressure on the Pens? None at all? The Team of Sid is the chosen franchise of the NHL and the media (particularly the Canadian contingent). But they lost the Cup to the Wings last year. If they lose it again this year, many will brand them as the team that’s “good but not good enough.”
Yeah, there’s pressure on the Wings. But to say that the Pens are free and easy is nonsense.
Besides, Damien, the last time they were said to be loosey-goosey, they gagged up Game 5. Maybe they need a little pressure.
Posted by jvwalt on 06/12/09 at 08:21 AM ET