Not to jump the gun here… but…

After watching some of the Pens vs. Canes game 2 last night and the final highlights today (I think Canada’s Top Model was on our TV or something so I decided it was a good time to get some sleep) it appears that it may be another Pittsburgh vs. Detroit final. Sorry Hawks & Canes fans… Okay, sorry Hawks fans but it appears as though it might be heading that way for a second straight year. Just a few points on how I feel about this:

• It’s very impressive if both the Wings & Pens can get to the cup final for a second straight year. Especially for the Pens who were just about down and out after the first half of the season. Many thought they weren’t even going to make the playoffs - I guess a coaching change really can make a difference.
• I am noticing more than ever this year in the playoffs that “your best players have to be your best players”. For both these teams, their major leaders seem to step up when they need them the most. Think Crosby and Malkin last night for the Pens. Detroit is loaded with “best players” and they seem to step up frequently - Lidstrom, the mule, Zetterberg.. I think the only one that seems to be struggling a bit is Datsyuk & he is rumoured to be injured or sick (and I’m not just talking about his hands).
• What makes this even more impressive is the parody that exists in the league today. As we’ve seen anyone can beat anyone and with the salary cap it’s that much harder to build a solid team over the span of a few years. Detroit has this figured out, maybe Pittsburgh is figuring it out also. They made some key trades that have really made a big difference.

So, hopefully I’m not jumping the gun here. I know there is a lot of hockey left and both the teams that are down 2-0 are heading home. But from my view it looks like a rematch all over again from last year. And since the Bruins lost last week I am fine with that and if it does happen I’ll be cheering the Pens on. They have come along way this year and it would be nice to see Sid and the boys pick up a ring! Let’s see what happens!

Cheers,

Adrian