Stanley Cup Finals Game 6

Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh wins 2-1 (Series tied 3-3)

The Pittsburgh Penguins talked about change. That they were a different team. At least they changed one thing: Detroit didn't celebrate the cup on the Penguins's home ice, right in front of their faces and their fans. Jordan Staal caught Detroit sleeping early in the second, and Tyler Kennedy added a much needed insurance goal in the third period as Fleury held off an onslaught of 14 shots and a power play in the third period by Detroit to help the Penguins tie the series at 3-3 with a 2-1 victory over the Red Wings. Once again, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were held without a point and combined for 3 shots, but secondary scoring came through huge for the Pittsburgh in a game that was almost stolen by stellar goaltending on Chris Osgood's part. The Penguins thoroughly dominated the first period and outshot the Red Wings with the second, but their combined 24 shots in 2 periods accounted for only one goal. Still, a win is a win, and now it all comes down to who can win one game in Detroit.

Before everyone starts jumping back on the Pittsburgh bandwagon, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, the home team has won every single game. Secondly, Detroit's game plan of shutting down Pittsburgh's scorers almost worked: they held them off the score sheet but just couldn't get the win. Third and most importantly, Pittsburgh has been in this situation before: right after game 4. They tied the series, they outworked Detroit on home ice, and they went back to Detroit for game 5 with what seemed to be all the momentum and a game plan that underminded the puck-possession of the Red Wings. Then they got blown out 5-0. With all that said: Fleury gets better with time. If Detroit scores early and often, Pittsburgh's goaltender has no chance. But if the Penguins hold off Detroit until late in the second and the third period like they did in game 6, Fleury will bail them out for the win and the Stanley Cup.