Stanley Cup Finals - Game 1 [Open Thread]
by FrankD on May 24, 2008 1:40 PM EDT
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Game 1
In Detroit at 8:00 p.m.
Watch on Versus, Yahoo! or listen live on WXDX.com.
NOTES
Here were are; the moment we've all been waiting for. It's been a long journey since the first game back in September against Carolina and we're not letting up yet. Only four more wins to go; only four more wins to claim the Cup. Finish your pre-game meals, complete your pre-game rituals and prepare yourselves for the first game of what is set to be an amazing series. If you're new to the site welcome, this can be your coming out party. Join in on the first Pensburgh 2.0 Open Thread.
For the Pens, Gary Roberts turned 42 years old this week but can hardly find a real reason to celebrate. He'll be a scratch tonight and Gary couldn't be more angry .
Video: Gary's Bday
For the Wings, Johan Franzen is going to play the "I might/might not play" game up until the puck drops. Expect him to play.
The Baby Pens are still alive, forcing a Game 7 against Portland. Evidence of this franchise's depth can be seen on all accounts when you have both the parent club and minor league affiliate in their respected championship runs.
There's nothing more to say when you've waited six days for this thing to start.
Let's get it on.
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Comments
Mark Messier
Funny to see him on the cast tonight. My sister met him at the NHL store in NYC. She said he was nice till he asked, “what is that?” in reference to her Penguins pendant around her neck. Once she told him what it was (two days after New York was eliminated from the playoffs) he said, “Nice to meet you” and walked away.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
More info
Notes:
-The team with home ice advantage has won the cup nine years in a row.
-Lidstrom was the first European to ever win the Conn Smythe (2002) and now he could possible be the first European captain to win the cup!
-If the Wings win the series they will have the highest percentage of Europeans on their roster to ever win a cup (50%).
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
What's it going to come down to?
The youngest captain to win or the first Euro Captain to win?
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Almost time for the player introductions… cannot wait for the game! And I’m not even a fan of either team and I’m looking forward to this, too.
Great to see the new look to your blog, Frank! Looks awesome and you’re doing a fabulous job as always. Hope you liked that interview I did with Falcon02520 over at ArmchairGM in previewing this series!
Good to your boys tonight.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 7:55 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks for the support CHF. I literally just read that interview about 10 minutes ago. Thanks for stopping by and hanging out a bit. This is set to be a great series.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
oh yeah – Red Wings in 6? Next to Steely and Gunny, I think everyone on AGM is shooting to see Pitt lose.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
talk about timing, LOL...
Pretty cool you got to read the interview. Awesome.
I was just being honest. I won’t be surprised if the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, but I based my prediction on experience and what the Red Wings as an opponent will be to them. That would be that Pittsburgh hadn’t faced the kind of team Detroit is in this postseason.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
haha Fleury fell down when the team was called out. Way to break the ice, pun intended.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Mellon Arena viewing party
Hey Frank, have you pulled off being at Mellon Arena to see the game with your fellow fans and laptop in hand, or will you go there during Game 2?
Nice to see 13,000+ filling the seats in Pittsburgh.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions
hah no sir
Won’t be making it to Mellon for any of these games. The arena charged $5 for entry with all proceeds going to the Mairio Lemieux foundation for kids with cancer. The guy is always a class act.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
First Period Recap
Score: 0-0
SHOTS
Pittsburgh – 12
Detroit – 11
POWER PLAY
Pitt – 0/4
Detroit – 0/2
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
eventful first period
Despite the game being scoreless after one period, it was pretty entertaining to watch. Good goaltending from both sides, an adequate number of scoring chances and solid hits. Despite Fleury being outside his crease, Lidstrom’s apparent goal getting waved off was the right call. Holmstrom having his stick between Fleury’s legs is a no-no. Fleury has to be allowed to do his job.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions
Incredible
Amazing first period, my heart jumped a lot. You may think I’m a “homer”, but wasn’t Holmstroms stick just before Fleurys five hole? It appeared that it wasn’t touching Fleury at all…..
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
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Holmstrom’s stick did interfere with Fleury as it was between the legs. The “above the net” camera angle clearly shows it.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions
no
His blade was just before the five hole and his stick didn’t come in contact with Fluery. Looks like people were right… the NHL will stop at nothing to ensure the Golden Boy gets his cup.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
I'm impartial
I thought it was interference. It was definitely good action and the reason it’s tied is Chris Osgood. He mad three or four outstanding saves.
Osgood
He has been incredible… first time this play-offs he has had to make that many good saves in a game, let alone a period.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
FYI Adam
Cityhockeyfever is a Rangers fan. And he even predicted the Wings in 6. If you were looking for non-biased views, he and D.O. are the best bets for it.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Also note that my two out-of-town teams are the Minnesota Wild and Phoenix Coyotes. The Rangers have been my hometown team for at least 22 years and counting.
Thanks for the props, Frank. I have to be unbiased with my analysis when talking about NHL issues as a whole and I have no problem doing that for your Pens. :)
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I disagree Adam
Even if it was a bad call, which I don’t believe it was, it has nothing to do with Crosby and everything to do with Holmstrom. He has a reputation for interfering with the goalie and they are watching him like a hawk. This isn’t a conspiracy issue, as a Sabres fan I can tell you that the refs aren’t always right but it’s not a conspiracy.
Eh
The whole conspiracy thing is something shared with all non-Penguins fans, I don’t even take it personal anymore.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Not all
I don’t think it’s a conspiracy. In fact I got really tired of hearing about it after the Winter Classic.
by David Oleksy on May 24, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Holmstrom gets an unfair rep
Remember Game 3 against the Stars? No disputing that.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
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game three
game three happened because of game one, no denying that.
by David Oleksy on May 24, 2008 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
ya
ya but if you make a mistake you can’t erase it with another… You just gotta call it next time, if it actually happens!
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
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I saw the replay on that. I found it unbelievable that they called it off.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
WOW, Samuelsson
No surprise that it comes on a wrap around, he may be one of the leaders in shot… but they all suck! :D
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
And the announcers are always sure to say something like, “The former Penguin.” always twisting the knife in the wound.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
some wrapper there...
Note that Doc said Mikael Samuelsson is a former Penguin (and he’s a former Ranger, too), LOL.
Nice goal there. As I mentioned in my interview from yesterday, I said that it may take one of the goalies to be out of position in order to be beaten. Fleury was taken out of his comfort zone on that goal.
I know the Penguins are 10-0 this postseason when scoring first. I wonder what their record is when giving up the first goal. I’m assuming it’s 2-2 because both losses came when the Rangers and Flyers each scored first (both Game 4s).
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 9:40 PM EDT reply actions
Don't forget
Game 1 against the Rangers too – New York was up 3-0 and Pitt came back to win it. That’s definitely an interesting question though, I wish I had more on it.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Franzen for Game two?
Please come back!!!!
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
He should be back
He’s been practicing; his sit down tonight was just a precautionary thing. Sit tonight for one game or risk the chance of playing and taking a shot that puts you down for the rest of the series. Wise decision to sit him.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
No harm in rushing Franzen back too soon...
Normally I’d be wanting Franzen back in the Detroit lineup so both teams are at full strength, but I agree with Frank. If the Red Wings can afford to sit him perhaps one more game, all the power to them.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions
2nd Period Recap
SCORE
Detroit 1
Pittsburgh 0
SHOTS
Pittsburgh – 4
Detroit – 16
POWER PLAY
Pitt – 0/0
Detroit – 0/2
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Am I allowed to be here?
Hardly anyone at the Wings blog.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
Dude
of course, you don’t have to ask. I don’t mind your allegiance, I actually like it when we have intelligent hockey-minded peeps tossing up some comments.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Plus
I’m really the only Pens fan here right now.
CHF – Rangers (http://cupcrazynhlblog.blogspot.com/)
D.O. – Sabres (check out his blog, http://www.diebytheblade.com)
And of course, you – my Red Wings loving friend.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
I've checked his blog out
I remember that it was the first hockey one here…. It’s pretty good. It seems as if there hasn’t been a new one in a while!
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
We're hoping
to have all of the teams represented by September. That’s the goal at least.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Thanks for the plug, Frank. :)
Remember my blog is dedicated to the entire NHL as a whole, not just the Rangers or the Wild and Coyotes. I have to learn more about this site and see if I should create something here (maybe a duplicate of my Blogger site).
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Another entertaining period...
There is just something about this game that just has me glued to it. It’s been a good one here despite it only being 1-0.
And I meant to say in my last comment “No harm in not rushing Franzen back too soon…”
Adam, I just registered at SBNation tonight, so I haven’t explored the site yet. I have only known about Frank’s blog here since the two of us are fellow ArmchairGM members who love hockey.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply actions
Yup
And plus, CHF is a New York fan – if he’s welcome here we roll out the red carpet for you.
haha j/k
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Detroit's puck possession
has been unreal. Key to scoring a goal for the Pens… getting the puck in past center.
Even more so
Capitalizing on those PP chances. 4 in the first but none in the second. I suppose this is where you get the discplined veterans separating themselves from the boys.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Yup, puck possession is a key part of Detroit's game...
I stated this in my interview over at ArmchairGM yesterday as far as keys to the series… The Red Wings are very well known to be a dominant puck possession team. They keep the puck for stretches at a time, they’ll burn you eventually. With the Penguins, it’s if you give them enough power plays, they’ll find a way to burn you.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
True
but that PP thing hasn’t been working out all that well so far tonight. Really need a big third period for this game to shift gears.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Unfortunately,
I don’t think they can afford to wait for power plays to score. They need to find a way to gain possession if they want to get back in it. Detroit isn’t going to walk into a penalty for them.
I registered here a long time ago...
yesterday was the first time I logged in for a while and I find that the website has been completely re-done, it looks awesome!
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
Thanks a bunch man
It’s so much easier for you guys and a million times easier for me to post as well. The total definition of the word “upgrade.”
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Agreed, this site looks great!
I love the site design. I wonder if there’s a way to have a blog here dedicated to the NHL as a whole instead of just one particular team.
Another thing off topic… I just love that Dockers commercial and the song that was used for it… “California Soul” by Marlena Shaw.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:03 PM EDT reply actions
ugh
that commercial plays SO much.
I’m sure it’s something the admins on the network would consider. As long as you can maintain a site (as you’ve done) and post regularly (5-6 times a week) you should be able to get on. Keep doing what you’re doing and consider submitting on the main SBNation page in/around late July early August.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
If anything
Would you consider doing just a Rangers blog? I’d imagine they’re really looking to get team specific first before general.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
will do, thanks for the advice
Sounds like a plan. I thought there is already a Rangers blog here, isn’t there?
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions
No sir
There is not. BTW. I think they do general blogs for the NFL and MLB.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
SBNation
has a minor league baseball ‘general’ blog and a NFL Draft/Prospect blog, but nothing general for either (or any) of the sports. I think they may be iffy about general only because they don’t want a self-contained blog with only one voice…they want each team represented by biased fans. It creates cross-blog promotion and even some rivalries.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
I'll definitely look into it for next season
I just signed up as a member for the Minnesota Wild blog like I did here, but the person has not posted much there lately from what I see… I see potential with SB Nation for sure. If it wasn’t for Frank’s original blog since I started being active at ArmchairGM regularly again, I would’ve never known about here. Good that I do though!
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh the memories
of the old blogspot account. I guess this would officially be the third upgrade then…
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
No sir
Red Wings, Sabres, Leafs, Penguins, Wild, Sharks, Blackhawks. That’s all we’re working with right now. All things considered, pretty sweet that we have both Stanley Cup teams represented.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Samuelsson strikes again
Wow, bad turnover by the Penguins in front leads to a lightning quick goal there by Samuelsson. Nice goal nonetheless. (nods)
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:13 PM EDT reply actions
BTW Paul
your username is good for all of the sites. All you ave to do is agree to the TOS for each site and you’re registered with them.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
thanks for the heads up there
Cool. Thanks for letting me know that. I’ll be sure to add SB Nation hockey blogs to my blog roll if they’re at least fairly active. (nods)
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Woot
Malkin with the give-away, can’t believe its Samuelsson again!
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
Oh yeah
and to continue with the intrablog promotion, Dayna is a Pens fan/Habs fan and has a blog at : http://the-offseason.blogspot.com/
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Very cool
I am also starting my own blog but as you have probably soon, my grammar is terrible. I’m just starting with a general NHL blog.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
Seen not soon
Sorry.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
Yeah I checked it out
Keep going with it. You’d be surprised with how many people read but don’t comment. It’s like some people are comment-shy.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Nice
It’s not a bad place here. A lot of new areas going up and are population is growing fast.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
I know peeps all over Cananda – friends in Toronto, Montreal (Lenoxville to be specific), Calgary and Saskatoon.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Adding Dayna's blog to my blog roll...
I’ll go ahead and add Dayna’s blog to the list of hockey blogs I’ve bookmarked. Going to go take a look at Adam’s as well.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
also
What is this armchair gm CHF keeps talking about?
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
in regards to ArmchairGM...
Not to talk about another site intentionally and for too long…
I first go to know Frank as a fellow hockey fan from that site. We both write hockey articles there. Good he took my comments with a grain of salt (is that the right phrase?) when I sounded off after the Penguins eliminated the Rangers nearly three weeks ago (will be by tomorrow).
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:32 PM EDT reply actions
hey whatever
I’m not gonna knock you for standing by your team. Comments like that are driven by passion; an emotion known by many a sports writers.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Oh I know, I definitely want to thank you for being understanding that day. But I must admit that losing to the Sabres last year was tougher than this year (maybe Chris Drury’s Game 5 had something to do with that).
And for any others that want to check out that series preview interview I did, you can find it here:
Resident Interview (5/23/08)
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Lidstrom
Not to bash the guy or anything, but all of the pre-series coverage and “keys to victory” focused on his flawless play. While he’s been solid on D, he’s definitely taken his share of penalties this game.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
What a shot by Cleary...
Whoa damn, that was some bullet by Dan Cleary… what a bankhander!
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:41 PM EDT reply actions
Cleary looks like he just got off some Nordic invasion with that facial hair there.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
Its over
sixth shorty by the Wings this play-offs and the Wings take the all important first game! :)
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
It's been basically even...
Ya know, this was one of those games where the Penguins haven’t played badly, but just simply got shut down. I know Samuelsson’s second goal came off a turnover, but I just think Detroit defensive as a whole has put a strangehold on Pittsburgh.
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:44 PM EDT reply actions
agreed
Detroit really kept the Pens on lockdown but they PK unit is what you really have to give the credit to. They stopped one of the best PP units in the league on 4 straight attempts.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
That does it
Was a pleasure friends, don’t be strangers for Game 2 and everything in between. Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend.
FrankD from Pensburgh.com
pretty good discussion here
hope everyone comes back next game! Zetterberg now leads the play-offs in scoring.
NHL BLOG: http://nhlhockeycentral.blogspot.com/
Please check it out, I love to write.
Holy crap, Zetterberg with a great shot there.
Wow, that was some shot by Henrik Zetterberg. Some way to cap Game 1 for the Red Wings. Frank, I wouldn’t be concerned unless the Red Wings also take Game 2.
Looking forward to your Game 1 recap article, Frank. :)
by cityhockeyfever on May 24, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
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