In a dream matchup for the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Detroit Red Wings in the Finals. Detroit has drawn big television crowds for over a decade and Pittsburgh has the NHL's golden boy Sidney Crosby who himself draws big television crowds. Neither team is short of stars as Detroit has the best defenseman in the league in Niklas Lidstrom, John Franzen, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and unsung heros Kris Draper and Tomas Holmstrom. Pittsburgh has of course Sid the Kid, Evgeni Malkin, Marian Hossa, Marc Andre Fluery, and an up and comer in Jordan Staal. Gary Roberts could be playing his last year and is obviously looking to go out on top, hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup.
Both teams have proven to be very tough opposition. Detroit roared through the Western Conference playoffs, but had trouble closing the deal in their series against the Stars. If they do that against the hungry Penguins they won't know what's hit them. Pittsburgh has proven to be a very tough opponent in the playoffs as they've gone 12-2 throughout and are a perfect 8-0 at home. Very impressive records that few teams troughout history have been able to accomplish.
This should be a tough, hard fought series that should have huge hockey fans and the casual viewer alike revved up for some great hockey. If the NHL were smart, and when it comes to marketing they unfortunately are not, they'll market this series all over the place. From billboards, to commercials, to an internet blitz, they need to jump on the marketing wagon and finally promote the sport. In fact, they should go out and find NASCAR's marketing team and way overpay these guys to market this great game.
Some amazing hockey should be ahead. While I'd love to see Roberts hoist the Cup, I don't think Pittsburgh has enough to combat Detroit's overall game. I'm calling Detroit in 6.
