INSIDE HOCKEY

The Stanley Cup Finals have been nothing short of epic this year. The Penguins and Red Wings have been going at it like two prize fighters each taking the others best shot. After six hard fought contests the series is tied 3-3 with a winner take all scenario this Friday night. What more could National Hockey League fans ask for?

Although exciting and action packed, the series has brought few surprises as each team has held serve on home ice. The Wings and Pens have each looked comfortable at home but seem out of sync on the road. Detroit normally very calm and in control has looked frustrated and timid in Pittsburgh as they were really never able to sustain any real pressure on the Penguins. Much of this has to do with Pittsburgh themselves being more aggressive in the offensive zone and throwing their weight around. The Red Wings are used to slipping off of checks but in Pittsburgh the Pens have found a way to play the body and force Detroit into some mistakes.

At Joe Louis Arena however it has been a much different story. The Wings have looked in complete control and the Penguins youth has shown. In Game 5 they imploded down the stretch taking penalty after penalty allowing one of leagues top power plays to take over. Pittsburgh had the momentum and a real opportunity to steal Game 5 and put the pressure on Detroit but they let it slip away. In Games 1 and 2 Marc-Andre Fleury looked shaky at best allowing some soft goals giving the Red Wings an early lead in the series where they didn’t even play all that well.

If Pittsburgh hopes to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup on Friday they are going to have to find a way to break this cycle. Malkin and Crosby are going to have to stay composed and carry the team to victory because if the Penguins take as many penalties as they did in Game 5 it won’t be much of a game as the Wings offense will surely capitalize. They also need to use what has made them successful at home, energy and pressure. They are a young team that relies on emotion and big plays but in Detroit they have played a more laid back style.

Detroit has the home ice advantage and the experience of being in this position before. There is no chance that they will be rattled or make mental mistakes so Pittsburgh is going to have to earn it.

After eight long months it has all come down to one game. There is truly nothing like a Game 7 as both teams lay everything on the line for a chance at the Stanley Cup. It is where all the cuts, bruises, aches and pains seem worth it as you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. On Friday one team will reach that light and pass the Stanley Cup around the ice, while the other will have the longest summer of their lives as they ponder what might have been.