MiddleClassSports.com

This was the gimme game for the Red Wings.  It was apparent that the Penguins needed this game to get their feet wet.  Hopefully, that will lead to a more competitive Game 2.

Detroit was physical.  They knocked Crosby and Malkin around, making them ineffective.  They took away the skates of the Penguins as well.  When I’ve seen Pittsburgh during the playoffs, they have been a high-speed skating team, but the Red Wings clogged up the ice and took that away from them. 

The Penguins lost this game in the first period when they blew four straight power play chances.  After that, they were never in it.  Detroit dominated all of the even strength shifts. 

Pittsburgh’s all-star was Marc-Andre Fleury.  He made some stellar saves.  They will need more of that in this series.  Chris Osgood was brilliant for Detroit.  His saves were outstanding. 

Versus did a great job as well.  They had a camera angle for every hit and every shot in this game.  My favorite camera shots were the ones behind the goalie during power plays.  We were able to see, for an extended length of time, what the goalie sees.  It was great.

For Game 2, Crosby and Malkin need to break through early.  Otherwise, the frustration will mount and the Red Wings will be in control.