Red Wings Blank Penguins 4-0

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A post hit and some close calls is all the action the Pittsburgh offense saw around an infallible Chris Osgood. If age was ever considered in the equation in the Battle of the Netminders, then worry not Detroit; Ozzie played like a 20-year-old out there Saturday night.

Pittsburgh had four power-play opportunities in the first period, a chance revered close to that of divine intervention. Amazingly (or skillfully), Detroit pecked away at any and all Pittsburgh chances to keep them scoreless with the man advantage and just as scoreless in even strength situations.

For allowing four goals to hit the mesh, Fleury didn't look half bad in net. All things considered, two of the goals were genuinely as a result of his own doing. The remaining two came from an exhausted defensive core and an overall lack of aggression in the face of the Game 1 loss.

From the second period on Pittsburgh was unable to get anything going offensively. Michel Therrien juggled the lines to his best capabilities but ultimately faced the paradox of "you can't force something that isn't there." It wasn't there tonight, and unless the Penguins can complete a one-eighty heading into Game 2 it won't be there Sunday night either.

Pittsburgh's twelve first period shots was more than just evidence to Detroit that they came to play, it was further proof that they could get to Osgood and make it all happen. However the first period would be the only period in which the Pens would top even five shots, as both the second and the third saw the Penguins combine for only 7.

Detroit no doubt takes the pivotal Game 1 in this series, but they also did more than just outplay and outscore the young Pens squad; they shook them up. Confidence is key when playing on the road, even more so in a playoff setting. Pitt's best bet heading into Game 2 is to put this one entirely and completely behind them, hope for the split and head home to Pittsburgh for the relief of playing on home-ice.

Back in Mellon Arena the Penguins' faithful filled close to 12,000 seats (netting close to $60,000 for the Mario Lemieux Foundation) to share in the excitement of watching Game 1 on the jumbotron. Unfortunately for the fans, that excitement will have to carry over to Game 2.

Until then Detroit remains in an early 1-0 series lead and Pittsburgh remains on the hunt for answers.

Tej8722JV Squad

533 days ago

Score 0

Detroit looks too deep and too good without the puck. And I think Malkin looked a bit lazy with the puck, committing a couple of turnovers that he shouldn't. I agree that Pittsburgh it going to have to pretty much forget this one ever happened and move on. And hope that Ozzie looks human in game 2 on Monday.

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FrankDDiv-I Stud

533 days ago

Score 0

Even if Detroit still won, I would've love to see a 1-0 or 2-0 Detroit win. At least it would've shown that the Pens kept it close. 4-0 just proves that Pittsburgh gave up on all aspects of the game and couldn't even fire up the D to keep it a "close" loss. More important than simply forgetting this one, is for Pittsburgh to really clamp down on the PP and make something happen out there. 0-4 on FOUR STRAIGHT chances is just painful.

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Falcon02520Legend

533 days ago

Score 2

Ok, some thoughts...

Osgood played very well but also got lucky a time or two. Credit Detroit's defense for the shutout...

Fleury was so nervous, he fell coming onto the ice... Ok, so he tripped and it had nothing to do with nerves, but he only looked bad on two of the goals (as you said)...

Pittsburgh came out of the gate well, I thought. They spent a good deal of time in the offensive zone and the defense for the first ten minutes was amazing at making Detroit have to dump-n-chase and not letting the Wings carry the puck into the zone...

The Penguins did fall apart, but I'd have to say it is because of their awe of actually playing in the finals. Lack of experience hurt them, but the only way to gain experience is to play. I think the experience-factor won't have too much effect on the remainder of the series...

Nicky Lids' goal counted. I'm sorry but Fleury came out of the crease and inniciated contact...

Game One was more important for Detroit to win than Pittsburgh. It solidifies the home-ice advantage, as well as hurts the confidence of the young 'guins (again, as you said)...

I can't see this series being over in less than five games, and even a five game series would be pushing it because I can't see the Penguins not winning at home...

Crosby played well for the first ten minutes in terms of trying to set up his teammates. That is why - I believe - his total may have been lower than usual...

Great stuff once again Frank...

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FrankDDiv-I Stud

533 days ago

Score 1

Thanks for the input Falc.

I didn't see much interference on the disallowed goal either, but CityHockeyFever and a Sabres blogger were commenting during the game on my blog and said it was definitely questionable. Kind of pointless to argue from where I stand though; best case scenario was a 4-0 over a 5-0. Ouch.

Everyone is saying Detroit in six because Game 5 and 6 would be played back on Joe Louis ice. It's kind of understood that home-ice is huge in this series - so Detroit comes out on top with that advantage.

I'm really hoping for a split back to Pitt. If Pitt could somehow head back to Detroit for Game 5 up 3-1 (this is my optimism speaking), then I think there is still a solid shot for a Cup in Pitt. But if they come out playing like they did in the second and third periods, then this thing is going to be an example of slow bleeding.

By the way - notice the vets Chelios and Roberts both as scratches? Isn't that kind of...insulting?

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OvertheedgeVarsity

532 days ago

Score 0

penguins down one game to none, exactly what the red wings were supposed to do

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