Redwings Lead Stanley Cup Series 2-0

It feels like déjà vu. At this time last year, the Detroit Red Wings were leading the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Finals after playing the first two games in Detroit's Joe Louis Arena. However, there are some key differences this time around and these are not the same two teams that played in last year's final.

The Red Wings are playing without two key players, Pavel Datsyuk who is sidelined with a foot injury and Kris Draper, a four time Stanley Cup champion who is out with a groin injury. The Penguins, on the other hand, are a much more mature team than last year and all of their starters are healthy. Also, the Penguins are playing much better hockey than in the first two games last year and have out shot Detroit in both games one and two this year. The Penguins received more good news today when they learned the NHL decided to rescind the instigator penalty charged to Evgeni Malkin, the league's leading scorer, after Malkin started a fight in the last five minutes of Sunday night's game. The Red Wings' Chris Osgood is proving to be unstoppable in the net and the Penguin's Marc-Andre Fleury who is usually flawless has left a few slip by him into the net.

Another key difference is Marian Hossa is wearing the red and white sweater of Detroit this year instead of the black and gold Penguins sweater he wore last year. Hossa signed with the Red Wings after last year's finale stating that he felt he had a better chance of winning a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings and reportedly signed for less money. Penguin fans are showing their anger by wearing anti-Hossa t-shirts that read "WANTED HOSS for High Treason Against the Pittsburgh Nation."

The series moves to the Igloo in Pittsburgh for games 3 and 4 and the loud and cheering fans will hopefully be just what the Penguins need to turn the momentum in their direction. Thousands of Penguin fans have been gathering outside the Mellon Arena to watch the games on the big screen and support their team at each home game. NBC has not allowed the Penguins to broadcast the games they are covering on the big screen and that has proved to be a great disappoint to loyal Penguin fans that turn out even in the pouring rain. However, games three and four will be shown on Versus so thousands are expected to gather again outside of Mellon Arena tomorrow night. City officials have scheduled a Penguins Pep Rally at 12:00 PM on Tuesday in Market Square. Fans across the Burgh are encouraged to wear their black and gold tomorrow in support of the team.

Source: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/sports/19618362/detail.html