Well guys sorry I've been amiss here for a little while (bastards took away my free internet at my apartment), but I just wanted to get on and discuss some puck.
First things first. These were two good games by the pens, and I would argue it was more so about what the pens weren't doing rather than what Detroit was doing.
They're not getting good opportunities what so ever. First game they get THREE big breaks, and when you work as hard as the Red Wings did that'll happen. I would like to point out though that Fleury should've never had his leg so far outside the post on that first goal, and what in the world was he trying to do by diving after the puck on the second goal? If he just simply goes back to the post (like any other normal goalie would do) those goals don't happen. On the final goal I mean seriously WTF how does no one see the puck but the five detroit players in the offensive zone.
Tonights goals were atleast more acceptable as far as being more common. First goal, when Letang has time to skate the puck up why do you fire it down the ice like you're killing a penalty? 2nd goal it's just unfortunate Malkin decided he wanted to take a run at Fleury's head leaving a wide open net, and the last goal just don't even get me started.
We've outshot them both games, we've had more scoring chances, we're hitting them just as much, and we even managed to win more FO's in game 2 than them. Yet here we are down 0-2? What's the difference?? Well it's quite simple actually.
Osgood>Fleury. Agree or disagree with me but I strongly believe Fleury has been very shakey as a whole so far in these playoffs. Against Philly he just gave up poor goals, against Washington he could not help sustain a lead, and against Caroline he benefited from our offense swarming Cam Ward. The positioning, the mechanics, the demeanor, and most importantly the timing of his goaltending is murdering this teams chances. Goal #3 tonight is just unacceptable and has to be stopped. Coming back from being down two goals against a team like the wings can be done but not when that extra goal is tacked on in the 3rd period. Both games Fleury has really broke our spirits, and any shot of a comeback by allowing that 1 goal lead to increase to 2.
Another thing i'm noticing that we obviously still haven't learned from last year. Detroit is not afraid of nearly anything! Too tired to finish their shift? No worry they'll find a way to clear the zone instead of icing it. Having trouble's getting scoring chances? No worries they'll crash the net and create their own luck.
I won't lie these feel like two games that got away. We really played good hockey for about 55 minutes of each game, but the difference is Detroit is playing good hockey for 60. The second we let our gaurd down they're making us pay.
We can still win this series, but Fleury has got to step up. If Fleury steps up we'll be ok, but if not this'll be a sweep. Overall though I'm feeling much better going into game 3 than last year. If we hold court at home we're in for one HELL of a series. It's all up to Mr. #29 because you know Osgood is going to continue with this insane play.