Never thought the first game would see such a score. And quite honestly, the game was closer then that. The Wings last two goals came with two and a half minutes left in the game or less.
First, it was nice to see the ceremonial first puck drop with two legends representing both teams. Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman did the honors.
Mario and Stevie drop the puck for Niklas Lidstrom and Sidney Crosby.
The first period was impressive, in my opinion, for both teams. The Penguins didn’t show any first Finals game jitters at all. They were very composed, went about their business, and did about everything right, except score a goal. The Wings on the other hand had their backs up against the wall quickly, giving the Pens four power plays in the first period, looking a little weak on two of them, yet came through with a scoreless period. Goalie Chris Osgood was the most impressive.
Finally, mid-way through the second period, Mikael Samuelsson got Pens’ goalie Marc-Andre Fluery to drop to his knees too soon, then circled around the net for a wrap around. From that point on, the Pens were lacking in offensive power.
The Wings mob Samuelsson after one of his two goals.
I think Game 2 will be different. The look on Crosby’s face after the Wings went up 3-0 was one of resolve, not dejection. If he can hand that feeling down to his teammates, it could go a long way. And I suspect, this is going to be a long series.
Game 2 is Monday night.
May 25th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
The wings only allowed 7 shot in last two periods combined. Wings in 5
May 27th, 2008 at 5:10 am
Oh, yeah…hockey, which will stretch into June; something wrong with that. Good luck on the bet.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:20 am
If the Wings keep up their display of machine like dominance, this will be over before June. (And I will have won the bet, too.)