This game had a playoff feel to it, and with playoff seeds on the line, I went in expecting nothing less.
The Pens don’t have much to worry about, but they would like to lock up their division and one of the top three spots put aside for that honor. A win on Monday would have given them a little cushion (although they’ve played two more games than the Devils, who are chasing them, closely), but tonight’s loss makes an otherwise meaningless nine remaining games that much more interesting before the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Wings held a two point lead on the Flames for the 8th and final spot in the Western Conference, so wins for them are becoming more and more necessary. Tonight’s 3-1 win not only puts them four points up on that coveted final spot, but also pulls them within just a point from the 7th spot and four points from the 5th seed. At this time, most Wings’ fans probably just want them to make the playoffs. And if you’re me, you want them to sneak into the playoffs and shock the world, so to speak, as the underdogs in the 8th spot.
Injuries happen to the best of them, and yes, Malkin was out for the Pens tonight, but the Wings have been hindered by them all season and tonight was no exception as they were playing two forwards down and double-shifting Datsyuk and Zetterberg all night (which is not such a bad thing if you’re a fan).
Zetterberg answered the challenge as he put two by the always ugly, buck-toothed, Marc Andre Fleury. Z, playing his best hockey since November, had a chance at the hat trick with the empty net late, but couldn’t get a clear shot off. It didn’t stop a couple fans from throwing an Octopus and a hat onto the ice during the next stoppage of play, though (I’m going to need that hat back, thanks).
It wouldn’t be a Penguins loss without Sid the Kid Crosby whining about something, so on cue he started to throw a cross-checking tantrum on Henrik Zetterberg as the final seconds ticked off the clock. After the final horn blew, Zetterberg was so busy winning, another shove by Crosby (from behind, just the way Sid likes it) caught Z completely off guard and stirred up a rather large scrum. Jimmy Howard came to defend his star teammate’s honor by gloving Crosby’s bitchy little face. I’m no chemist, but I’m surprised Crosby’s face didn’t ignite immediately, what with the estrogen perspiring and tears dripping from Crosby’s face and the general mustiness of a game worn, leather hockey glove. Crosby then started to flail his limp hands at Howard, but Crosby’s boyfriends broke it up before the rookie goalie could end Crosby’s life. If Jimmy Howard hadn’t already won the hearts of Detroit fans, then that certainly sealed the deal. And lots of clicking on “Become a Fan” to ensue.
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