Team match-up pretty well.
Detroit's top line match-ups to anyone's Pens included. But that Pens second line, how does Detroit match-up to that? Even the Pens third line is a tough match. This is a hard call to make. I think I give a slight edge to the Pens.
The Lidstrom/Rafalski pairing is excellent. Pens Gonchar/Orpik pair is very good too. Good depth after those for both teams. But Wings get the slight edge here.
Goaltending is even IMO. Both are playing great. Osgood has the experience, Fleury has been one of the best, if not the best, goalie in the league since he came back from the high ankle sprain.
Special teams.....both are very good. Pens PK is on another level right now and the Pens PP is almost there too. Plus the second unit is very good too. Pens get the edge there.
Coaching is very good from both teams. Plenty of right, smart, timely moves made by both. No real edge there.
Detroit has experience. Pens have those young legs. Plus the Pens roll the lines like no one else I've seen in the playoffs. I have to think that late in games and the series those young legs will have an effect.
I've been saying for a couple of months now if the Pens play like they are capable of, like they have since February they shouldn't lose a 7-game series to anyone.
Pens in 6. In a great series.
Just my opinion. With my reasoning.
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