Stanley Cup Finals: Game 1 Recap & Game 2 Preview

Red Wings win Game 1, take 1-0 lead on series.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals couldn't have gone much better for the Red Wings. The Wings played a nearly flawless game on the sport's biggest stage, winning the game 4-0.

Things didn't start out very well though. Chris Osgood was great in the first period of the game. Pittsburgh had 4 power play chances to Detroit's 1. Pittsburgh dominated in shots and time of possession. Needless to say the 0-0 score at period's end was a victory for the Wings.

Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin went into hiding. If Crosby and Malkin play like they did in Game 1 the rest of the series, this series will be a sweep. Pittsburgh has awful defensemen, they are lazy and careless in their own zone and inept at getting the puck into the offensive zone.

Chris Osgood was easily this game's MVP with his 12th career playoff shutout. Samuelson was great with his 2 goals and Cleary and Zetterberg chipped in the other two goals, both on aggressive plays.

Now, onto game 2:

What to watch for:

- Penguins to be much more aggresive and physical. They were out-hit by large amounts and were lazy in their finishing of checks. They played on their heels most of the game.

- Tomas Holmstrom not to get another goaltender interference call. The NHL has had to withstand another firestorm from one of their bogus interference calls, watch for them to make sure it doesn't happen again.

- Darren Helm. He was an unsung hero in game 1, in my opinion. Watch for him to have a big game in game 2.

- One of Sidney Crosby, Evengi Malkin, or Jordan Staal to step up. They can't go this silent for long.

Prediction:

3-2 Victory for the Red Wings.