I have a prefatory note.  “Thank you” to Time Warner Cable, who’s scheduling inflexibility and overall poor hours prevented me from seeing the ENTIRE Conference Finals or providing any sort of commentary.  Long story short, the right two teams made the final, and I expect Detroit will add to their infuriating Stanley Cup collection in six games.

Stanley Cup Finals - Game 1

Pittsburgh 0 vs. Detroit 4 (Det leads series 1-0)

Folks had been waiting the entire post-season to see the Penguins play like a young, inexperienced team.  The DOA Ottawa Senators were a non-challenge in round one, the Rangers couldn’t score enough in round two and the Flyers weren’t exactly seasoned playoff warriors themselves.  When confronted with a full-blooded Red Wings squad, however, the kids had their first stumble of the post season.  Fleury was average, the power play had no teeth and the Malkin/Crosby duo was kept in check for long stretches of the game.  The scoreline was a bit deceptive, Detroit broke it open late, but that’s what good teams do.

Pittsburgh shouldn’t worry yet, unless they have honest expectations they’ll get two bad games in a row out of their superstars.  The defense was largely effective - inexcusable gaff on the second Detroit goal aside - but Fleury could do himself a lot of favors managing the puck better.  Also, an 0-fer on the power play for this team is embarassing.

Detroit, meanwhile, played composed, kept the puck away from their younger opponents and were ruthless with the chances that came their way.  I wonder every series when somebody will finally touch Osgood, but when the defense allows 1 or 2 quality chances a game I guess mediocrity is just fine.  Wings fans should be pleased to see scoring coming from outside of Zetterberg/Datsyuk, and even happier with the announcement that co-leading scorer Johan Franzen will be making his return in Game 2.

Were I Mike Babcock, I would be worried about two things.  Firstly, I would not count on keeping Crosby as marginal as he was during game one throughout the series.  At some point, the Penguins’ elite players will make a statement, and Detroit is going to have to be ready to weather the storm.  Secondly, there were too many penalties in game 1.  Pittsburgh is one of the few teams in the league that can match power plays with the Wings.  As good as Detroit’s penalty killing has been, giving the Pens that many chances is just asking for trouble.