Stanley Cup Finals Observations II

by javaball on Jun 3, 2009 9:39 AM PDT Comment 4 comments

The Star Power

Red Wings' coach Babcock has been matching up Zetterberg and Lidstrom against Penguins' Crosby. The problem is, although the Red Wings have shut down Crosby so far, they haven't been able to keep Malkin off the score sheet in all 3 games. Malkin had 3 assists in Game 3, which the Penguins won 4-2. Are there nobody else on the Red Wings team who Babcock can trust to shutdown Malkin? Or will he try matching up Z and Lidstrom against Crosby and Malkin respectively?

The Fatigue Factor

For the second time in 3 games, Lidstrom logged the longest TOI on both teams. In Game 3, Lidstrom's TOI was 26:40 and Zetterberg 24:19, longer than all the other players. Babcock also relies on Lidstrom for the PK. Penguins' coach Bylsma commented after their Game 3 win, to the effect that, Lidstrom and Z were so tired that they were less effective than they would normally be.

Lidstrom did seem a bit off in Game 3. He had a rare giveaway near his own net that almost caused them. He wasn't as quick to the puck as he usually is and was visibly tired late in the 3rd period. In fact, the entire Red Wings team looked exhausted in the 3rd after controlling the play in the 2nd.

The fatigue factor is a cause for concern for the Red Wings. They have already been through two tough, physical series against the Ducks and Hawks. Injuries are piling up and fatigue is setting in. Will they raise their game as a team or will they fade away? How much longer can Lidstrom and Z carry the heavy workload?

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some thoughts

this may just be me looking through my black and gold colored glasses but it seems to me that the wings are starting to get a little drained. in game one they bassically had crosby completely shut down not so much as a sniff of the net. game two things started to open up a bit. then in game three there were several huge scoring chances that presented themselves. granted the top line didnt convert but it is a bit of food for thought

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 3, 2009 2:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m getting a funny feeling that the home team will win every agame in this series. So Wings in 7! haha
I don’t know if I buy into the fatigue factor, but we’ll see. The Pens changed their game up last night and played a better forecheck. That’s the only way to beat Detroit’s trap or lock or whatever you call it.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Jun 3, 2009 3:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, the Penguins played better forechecking in Game 3, however, the Wings still outshot them 26-11 in the first two periods. In the 3rd, the Penguins outshot the Wings 10-3. They won the “puck battles” in the pivotal PP, when the Wings were out of gas.

In the battle of the strong, victory goes to the brave.

by javaball on Jun 3, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs