Best When It Counts

It is very familiar. Two games into the Stanley Cup Final, it's Red Wings two Pittsburgh zip. Clearly, the Penguins have finally found their match. Again. 

Henrik Zetterberg is proving how good he is when it really matters. The thicker his beard grows, the more he elevates his game. and by now, he is really amped up. Like the Anaheim Ducks, the Penguins have no answer for Hank's line that has shut down Sid the Kid. Who cares about the Art Ross Trophy?

Also, the Red Wings are getting goals from their ever so impressive supporting cast. Just like in Game 1, Justin Abdelkader provided that important 3-1 goal that sealed the win again for the red machine. And who would have guessed that Jonathan Ericsson completely shut down Evgeni Malkin? Boy, are the Red Wings glad they have the big Swede. As hard as it it may be to picture Detroit without Niclas Lidstrom, he won't be around forever. 

I have to admit, before this series started, I had some doubt about the Red Wings beating the Penguins. Just like last year, the Pens looked so good. They were so solid. And just like last year, I feel a little stupid when realizing just how good this Detroit team is. Marc-André Fleury was great last night and he kept his team in the game until Abdelkader's goal, but they still couldn't find a way to outsmart, outmuscle or outplay the Wings. 

I won't be surprised if Pittsburgh finds a way to beat Detroit once the series returns to Pennsylvania. I will be surprised if the Wings don't steal serve from the Pens and heads back to the Motor City with a 3-1 lead.