Alright, I never anticipated this blog stooping to such low heights, but I am actually going to weigh in on Game 7 tonight. One quick note though, the NHL must have the worst marketing strategy of any major sport out there. Not only can they not find a major network to pick up Stanley Cup games (NBC does some I guess), but can you imagine game 7, the most important game in your league being played on Friday night??
All joking aside, this has been an entertaining series thus far. Game 6 was a thriller and now the Pens will look to avenge their Stanley cup loss last year to this same Detroit Dynasty. It won't be easy as they will have to roll into Hockey Town USA and steal a game 7. Though don't count this Pens team out just yet, we saw them roll in to a raucous Verizon Center and take a game 7 away from a strong Capitals team (by the way, call them fair-weather fans if you want, but the Capitals proved if you put a strong team on the ice, field, court etc. Washington fans will come in droves; I am talking to you Nationals and Wizards owners).
The Penguins will need to overcome history because home teams are a record 6-0 in Stanley Cup Finals dating back to 1939 when the best of seven format was first adopted. Not to mention the Wings are a robust 11-1 this playoffs at Joe Louis and have won 8 straight on home ice.
Though it may already be overstated at this point I feel I need to briefly touch upon the Hossa story who as you may or may not know jetted for Detroit after losing the series with Pittsburgh last season. Hossa, a veteran, wanted as close as a guarantee as he could get to win the Cup. It would be quite ironic to see his old team hoisting up the Cup on his new teams home ice. Where is the Loyalty?
Will Sid the Kid etch his name in the Cup tonight and really start to cement himself as the best in the game with a dominant performance? Or will it be Malkin (who is damn good, but wasn't hyped up by the NHL the way Sid was) who takes the reigns for this Pitt club.
I think Detroit is too good and too experienced to let this Penguins team come into Detroit and steal game 7. For what its worth I can see a 4-2 Detroit finish and back to back NHL champs.
Glad you mentioned the Hossa Story. This would be be like Garnett going to the Celtics and meeting the Timberwolves there and then going to a game seven. Hossa is one of the top ten players in the league and turned down insane money from pittsbugh to go to Detroit for a one year deal just to get a cup. If Datsyuk is healthy and on his game tonight Pitt has no chance, even though I think Malkin is the tits.
ReplyDeleteA 4-2 Detroit prediction? You first instinct was correct, stay away from hockey posts.
ReplyDeleteYou were correct about the poor NHL marketing strategy, but the biggest mistake they made was putting games on at the same time as the NBA finals. BTW, the Stanley Cup Finals, blew away the NBA as far as exciting play.