I usually kinda like his articles, but this one didn’t really go anywhere! There’s a bunch of set up for him to state the obvious—that the Cup finals will be the toughest test. Duh. Thanks. I want my two minutes back.

Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 05/26/09 at 07:17 AM ET

I usually kinda like his articles, but this one didn’t really go anywhere

I do too, but I think he’s wrong here.

On paper, and with everyone healthy, the Wings are demonstrably better than they were last year and Pittsburgh is demonstrably worse. On paper.

That’s not to say the Pens couldn’t beat the Wings in a series right now, because Crosby and Malkin are playing out of their minds. But I’m sorta confused by all these hockey pundits who are automatically making the assumption that because Pittsburgh has another year of playoff experience under their belts, they are somehow better positioned to win the Cup this year than they were last year. Experience helps for sure, but is it enough to overcome the talent differential between them and the Wings?

I’m not so sure.

In my opinion, he’s also mischaracterizing how close the series was last year. Yeah, it went 6 games, but the Wings utterly, completely dominated 5 of those. Pittsburgh winning Game 5 was an absolute miracle. They didn’t even belong on the same ice as Detroit that night.

Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 05/26/09 at 08:44 AM ET

I tend to agree… I look at Pittsburgh as having played three teams, to this point, that are all worse than BOTH Anaheim and Chicago.

So, does that say Detroit is clearly better, or does it say Detroit will be worn out? Guess the answer to that depends on which team you’re a fan of…

If we get a finals rematch, it will come down to injuries and officiating, just like HTT always said.

If Lidstrom and Dangle are good to play, even if it’s through pain, that swings things in Detroit’s favor. But the other factor is penalties—Detroit can’t afford to put the Pens on the PP more than three times per game at the rate that PP is going right now.

The Wings PK is an enigma wrapped in a paradox, cut up into puzzle pieces.

You see them kill off a couple clutch 5-on-3 PKs in game seven against the Ducks. Then you see them kill off that 5-on-3 against the Hawks, in clinical fashion, and then the Hawks get a goal before the end of the short remaining 5-on-4 time.

The PK looks like it does almost everything right in the way of preventing high percentage scoring chances, but without fail, there will be one concentration lapse that results in a turnover when clearing the zone, or something stupid like that.

Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 05/26/09 at 09:06 AM ET

I’m rather surprised that he didn’t mentione the coaching change. Therrien did his best Quenneville imitation last year and it’ll be interesting from my Penguins fan perspective to see what Bylsma’s style of play could accomplish. Even so, Detroit are favourites. Primarily due to the defensive corps, but I’ll save my analysis for later. Either way, though I’m a Penguins supporter I believe that the best team wins. That’s not always a reflection of the perceived average quality of the roster.

Posted by Moq from Denmark on 05/26/09 at 11:10 AM ET

“So perhaps they don’t have to be significantly different. Just a goal or two better.”

Well, if the Wings are a goal better then they win in 5 rather than 6. Now, what might make the Wings a goal better than last year?

Hint:
Only
Sid’s
Sobs
Ahead

Posted by Backpacking Dad on 05/26/09 at 03:45 PM ET