This past Wednesday (6/5/08) the Detroit Red Wings bounced back from a devastating game 5 loss at home, finishing off the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals -- truly a case of Age before Beauty. The Red Wings were on a whole 'nother level in the experience department, and this win marks their fourth title in the last eleven seasons. Don't fret for too long Penguin fans, this is the end of an era in Detroit, and likely their final moment in the sun; with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading your team for the next decade or so, your time will come, and likely soon.
Don't feel too bad Sid, Gretzky lost in his first finals appearance too
Look at the Brightside...
With another year under their belt the Penguins have gained some of that good ol' experience, a great thing to have when their battling their way through the playoffs next year. These young penguins showed resilience, even in the face of adversity while on the brink of elimination in game 5, and even at the end of game 6. The Pens have a great young roster, which if they can keep together, should mature into an offensive powerhouse; and after getting a sniff of that Stanley cup, they'll be all the more motivated. On paper, Pittsburgh definately had the talent to win the series, but I believe Michael Therrien overreacted after game one and switched up the starting line (way too soon after just one game), never allowing his players to settle in offensivly. Either way, this team is on its way to greatness, all thanks to players like...
Marc-Andre Fleury
Marc-Andre Fleury is a young, talented goalie who seems to have finally come into his own this year. Fleury showed flashed of greatness during the finals, including game five where he saved a remarkable 55 shots, including 24 in three overtime periods. With a few years behind him, the penguins hope they have found a stable goalie for years to come.
"Gino"
Evgeni Malkin had a spectacular season this year, becoming an offensive star for Pittsburgh. In only his second year malkin totalled 107 points, coming off of 47 goals and 59 assists -- both were team highs. It has to be a great feeling for Penguin fans, knowing they have not only one, but two upcoming superstars.
The Kid
The "Second Coming" did nothing short of spectacular this season, coming off of his MVP year, Crosby was able to lead the penguins into the Finals as the face of the franchise after only three years in the league. Sid already has plenty of records to his name including "Youngest Player to Record 100 Points in a Season," "Youngest Player to Record 200 Career Points," "Youngest Player to be Voted into an All-Star Game," and the list goes on. Crosby immediately changed the culture of the Penguins organization since his arrival, and as the Captain of this squad, he will surely lead himself and his teammates to greatness.
The Future
From 2003-2006 the Penguins picked in the top 2 spots for four consecutive years, and after so many high picks, you HAVE to be good at some point. With such an incredible mix of youth and talent it looks like there will definately be titles in their future... many titles.
With another year under their belt the Penguins have gained some of that good ol' experience, a great thing to have when their battling their way through the playoffs next year. These young penguins showed resilience, even in the face of adversity while on the brink of elimination in game 5, and even at the end of game 6. The Pens have a great young roster, which if they can keep together, should mature into an offensive powerhouse; and after getting a sniff of that Stanley cup, they'll be all the more motivated. On paper, Pittsburgh definately had the talent to win the series, but I believe Michael Therrien overreacted after game one and switched up the starting line (way too soon after just one game), never allowing his players to settle in offensivly. Either way, this team is on its way to greatness, all thanks to players like...
Marc-Andre Fleury
Marc-Andre Fleury is a young, talented goalie who seems to have finally come into his own this year. Fleury showed flashed of greatness during the finals, including game five where he saved a remarkable 55 shots, including 24 in three overtime periods. With a few years behind him, the penguins hope they have found a stable goalie for years to come.
"Gino"
Evgeni Malkin had a spectacular season this year, becoming an offensive star for Pittsburgh. In only his second year malkin totalled 107 points, coming off of 47 goals and 59 assists -- both were team highs. It has to be a great feeling for Penguin fans, knowing they have not only one, but two upcoming superstars.
The Kid
The "Second Coming" did nothing short of spectacular this season, coming off of his MVP year, Crosby was able to lead the penguins into the Finals as the face of the franchise after only three years in the league. Sid already has plenty of records to his name including "Youngest Player to Record 100 Points in a Season," "Youngest Player to Record 200 Career Points," "Youngest Player to be Voted into an All-Star Game," and the list goes on. Crosby immediately changed the culture of the Penguins organization since his arrival, and as the Captain of this squad, he will surely lead himself and his teammates to greatness.
The Future
From 2003-2006 the Penguins picked in the top 2 spots for four consecutive years, and after so many high picks, you HAVE to be good at some point. With such an incredible mix of youth and talent it looks like there will definately be titles in their future... many titles.
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