Ann 22008 NHL Stanley Cup Finals: Detroit Red Wings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 1 Preview
May 24th 2008 19:19
Who will win the Stanley Cup?
This final will also be a confrontation between experienced players (Detroit) and the new generation (Pittsburgh). Several players in the Wings camp boast Stanley Cup rings while the Pens' young stars have trouble growing a decent beard. The Zetterberg-Datsyuk duo have the same number of points as the Crosby-Malkin duo (though the Pens played less games than the Wings). However, the Pens can also count on Marian Hossa who's had 19 points so far, the same number as Malkin and Datsyuk. The Wings also have the playoffs' best goalscorer in Johan Franzen, however, the Swedish Mule will not play in Game 1 since he still presents concussion-like symptoms.
Both teams are pretty balanced in defense too. Though, the Red Wings have a slight advantage in that category since their defensemen can also help out offensively. With attacking defensemen such as Brian Rafalski, Nicklas Lidstrom, Nicklas Kronwall and long-time veteran Chris Chelios in Detroit's ranks, the Pens will have to avoid the penalty box in order to minimize powerplay opportunities for the Wings.
Where the Pens lack in offensive defensemen, they make up for it with secondary scoring from their third and fourth line. Maxime Talbot and Jordan Staal have come up big when Crosby and Malkin couldn't get going in previous rounds. The Wings have to hope that their third and fourt line will be able to do the same if the Penguins deny Datsyuk and Zetterberg.
To have a more in-depth look at this final, check out Allan Muir's preview (from Sports Illustrated).
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