Stanley Cup Finals Game 4
Detroit Red Wings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
It was mentioned in the Stanley Cup Finals Game 3 Analysis that the Penguins could steal both games at home. On Thursday night, they sealed the deal and now head back to Detroit in what is now a best-of-three series.
Malkin Gets an Early Goal
About one minute into game 4, Nicklas Kronwall was called for tripping and the Red Wings would have to kill off a penalty early. The Penguins wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Malkin slipped the puck under Chris Osgood’s pad and put the Penguins on top two-and-a-half minutes into the game.
The intensity level was at an all-time high at the start of game 4 as both teams traded big hits. The Red Wings would eventually out hit the Penguins, but only by a margin of 33-32.
Staal, Crosby and Kennedy Score in the Second
After a late first period goal by Darren Helm and an early second period goal by Brad Stuart the Red Wings were back on top 2-1. However, the second period was a nightmare for the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
The Red Wings, on the power-play, gave up a short-handed goal when Jordan Staal protected the puck from Brian Rafalski and beat Chris Osgood to record his third goal of the playoffs.
Just two minutes later, the Penguins got a 2-on-1 break. Malkin attempted a pass to Crosby, but Jonathan Ericsson blocked the initial pass. Malkin attempted a second pass and Crosby stuffed the puck in the net to score his first goal of the series. Mellon Arena erupted as the Penguins had just overcome the 2-1 deficit to go ahead by one.
The Penguins would add another one almost four minutes later. It was a gorgeous tic-tac-toe play in which Chris Kunitz passed to Crosby, who hit Tyler Kennedy on the opposite side to put the Penguins up by two.
Fleury Dominates in the Third
The second period ended with the Penguins up 4-2. The Red Wings started the third period getting many opportunities, but were unable to get any by Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury had another outstanding game stopping 37 shots.
Osgood also played phenomenal giving his team an opportunity to get back into the game. However, turnovers and an unnecessary penalty early in the first hurt the Red Wings in game 4.
Game 5 is pivotal for both teams. A win for the Penguins means coming back from a 2-0 deficit and having the opportunity to claim the Cup at home. However, look for the Red Wings to re-gain the series lead in game 5. The Red Wings will most likely have Pavel Datsyuk back in the line-up and his presence will no doubt energize the Red Wings.
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