Stanley Cup Final Matchups

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 29, 2009

Stanley Cup Final Matchups

Forwards

Forget that old saw about defense. In the New NHL, scoring wins championships. The Penguins are led by high-octane superstars Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby (28 points each so far) and boast the most efficient offense in the playoffs. The Red Wings take a four-line, offense-by-committee approach that's allowed them to thrive despite scant output from Pavel Datsyuk and Marian Hossa. Edge: Red Wings

Defense

How solid is Detroit's blueline? They played Games 4 and 5 against Chicago without Norris Trophy-winner Nick Lidstrom (inset) and gave up just two goals and 59 shots. The Penguins have gotten yeoman-like performances from Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill and are almost as effective at moving the puck in transition. Almost. Edge: Red Wings if Lidstrom plays. If not, call it a draw.

Goaltending

Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury has been a composed and resilient presence, limiting the damage after soft goals and taking care of his team's rare defensive breakdowns. Detroit's Chris Osgood seems determined to stick it to everyone who criticized him as his team's weak link during the regular season. Osgood's playoff numbers (2.06 GAA, .925 save percentage) are eye-popping, but his experience and game-stealing ability set him apart. Edge: Red Wings

Power Play

Both teams have dynamic pieces. The one difference? The Red Wings can slap together a pair of elite units centered around Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom, giving them consistent net presence. That's why Detroit is clicking on every fourth chance, while the Penguins (led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin with five power play goals each) come in at just under one in five. Edge: Red Wings

Penalty Kill

With Kris Draper out, Detroit's unit is forced to rely on more minutes from Henrik Zetterberg (40), Valtteri Filppula and Dan Cleary (11). So far, not so good. The Wings are struggling at 73.7 percent -- 10 full points behind Pittsburgh's stout penalty kill. If Jordan Staal, Craig Adams (27) and Max Talbot (25) can gum up the shooting lanes and prevent pucks from getting to Detroit's big bodies down low, this will be big. Edge: Penguins

Depth

The ability to seamlessly mix up their lines, or morph minor leaguers like Darren Helm (left) and Ville Leino into reliable contributors, demonstrates Detroit's unmatchable depth up front. The Penguins may have an advantage on the back end. They've gone seven deep on D, using back-bencher Philippe Boucher (right) to keep the entire unit fresh. That could be a difference-maker if this series goes long. Edge: Even

Coaching

The instant success of Dan Byslma (right) in Pittsburgh has been one of the year's most inspiring stories, but this is a guy who spent the better part of the season scheming to beat Hershey and Bridgeport. Mike Babcock (left) is the leading candidate to coach Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics because he just may be the best in the business. His experience is a huge plus for Detroit. Edge: Red Wings

Health

Sergei Gonchar (right) suffered Pittsburgh's only serious injury of the postseason when he was laid out by that knee-on-knee hit from Alexander Ovechkin in the second round. It cost him two games in that series, but he appears close to full strength. The Red Wings are far more battered, with the availability of Pavel Datsyuk (left), Kris Draper and Jonathan Ericsson for Game 1 in question. Nick Lidstrom is expected to return, but who knows how much he'll have to offer? Edge: Penguins

Intangibles

Remember that Sidney Crosby ad from the beginning of the season? The one that showed him and his teammates stunned and drained in the aftermath last year's final? Sid and the Pens are highly motivated not to experience that suffering a second time. Too bad their drive won't be enough to top Detroit's experience and poise. You can't rattle a room full of been there-done that guys like Osgood and Lidstrom. Edge: Red Wings