Stanley Cup Finals Game 4: Wings 2 Pens 1

Posted 12:39 AM ET | Comments 6

Well, this was a hard night for the Penguins. This was the first home loss since February 24th. This game was frustrating to watch, as a Pens' Fan, though I am sure the Wing's Fans loved at least the final two periods. The Penguins were deflated at the end of this game, as a group. One positive was in the post game press conferences, hope could still be heard in Sidney Crosby's voice. He seemed to get mad, when one of the questions hinted that it was all over. One thing that the Pens need to do more of is shoot the puck. Bob Grove and Phil Bourque pointed this out on the radio after the game. I know that it was likely apparent to all, who saw it, but that was all that I saw that we could change. We plaayed hard. We got beat. With the exception of our lackluster 5 on 3, we played a fairly solid game. The Red Wings just were better. This game coculd have gone either way and, iff we shot the puck more and did not miss so many opportunites, the game likely would have been ours. Malkin has rececntly hit a dry spell of fepic proportions. The crowd was behind him tonight and "Geno" chants were fairly common. You could see the utter frustration on his face. Monday is going to be one tough game going back to Detroit down 3-1. If any team can come back and hold off the Wings, it is the Penguins. As Crosby said after the game, the team cannot look at it as having to commeback and win three games in a row. They have to look at it as winning on Monday and after Monday focus on the next goal. It is a tough road ahead and it is not over, by a long shot. I know it is hard to find optimism,, right now. I am having that problem and I am the perpetual Penguin cheerleader to a nauseating extent, as many of you know. Don't stop believing. Don't let this get you down Pens Fans. This team is not a one time thing. We are trying to build a winning team that is lasting and this glimmer of greatness is the first product of that. We have the makings of a dynasty in Pittsburgh and our time will come...

http://penshockey.blogspot.com

Filed Under: Penguins Red Wings Crosby Malkin

Spawn10459

June 1, 2008 3:34 AM ET | Delete
I like you.. i was actually able to read this because you weren't blaming the refs...

cilevel

June 1, 2008 12:14 PM ET | Delete
My observation after this game was also that the Pens need to start throwing the puck at the net more. They need to release quickly rather than make that extra move (or try to as the case may be) around the defensemen. Not saying this will change the course of the series, but it may create an opportunity or two for ugly goals. Right now the those extra moves don't seem to result in scoring chances so why not try something different?

pgood

June 1, 2008 3:25 PM ET | Delete
I agree with Spawn. Good analysis, without blaming the refs. And I must say, despite wanting Detroit to win, I think Pitt had every right to complain about some bad officiating last night. Nevertheless, you don't even touch that subject. Very classy of you. Very classy indeed.

wings10cups

June 1, 2008 5:46 PM ET | Delete
There really was no reason for anyone in PIT to blame the refs last night. PIT got the benefit of calls throughout the game. Specifically, watch the play where Hudler scored in the 3rd period - prior to his goal, Helm emerged from the back of the PIT net, and was tackled (arm around Helm) by Orpik, who then believed he would be called and tried to start a fight w/Helm. If anyone should complain about obstruction, that was the very definition of it. Luckily, DET scored, but there was to be no call on that play.Just a thought for this blogger, I wouldn't be too sure in that "our time will come..." Flashback to 1997 playoffs when Philly had the Legion Of Doom - Lindros, LeClair

NYRFAN9

June 1, 2008 6:18 PM ET | Delete
PErhaps you do have the makings of a dynasty....but you will only have Crosby, Malkin, Fleury, and Staal from now on, as you won't be able to trade 4-5 players for one sniper like Hossa in the future. And I am not so sure Pitt will be able to afford Malkin AND Fleury in the future. It will be interesting to see though.

nastyflyergirl

June 2, 2008 2:45 PM ET | Delete
The Pens could potentially end up paying 25 million for Malkin, Crosby, Fleury and Staal

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