ESPN 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs Blog

Posted by Scott Burnside

PITTSBURGH -- Here are five things to watch for in tonight's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings:

1. Look for Marc-Andre Fleury to bounce back after two subpar efforts in Games 1 and 2. He must avoid giving up the soft goals that have marked his performances in the first two games of the series or the Penguins have no chance to get back in it.

2. With the Penguins having the last line change on home ice, you can expect Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma will try to free Sidney Crosby up from Henrik Zetterberg, who made life miserable for him in the first two games. Crosby has no points in the series so far, but one gets the feeling it is only a matter of time.

3. Which of the Wings' unheralded young players will step up tonight? Jonathan Ericsson, Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader all have been terrific through the first two games, taking the pressure off the Wings' big guns. Who gets it going tonight, Ville Leino?

4. You can predict the reception Marian Hossa will receive whenever he touches the puck in Game 3 as he makes his playoff return to Pittsburgh, and it will likely begin with "B" and end in "OO." Hossa notched two assists in Game 2; can he help put a dagger in the hearts of his former teammates?

5. Look for more finish from the Penguins, who outchanced the Wings in the first two games but hit a couple of posts and missed other solid opportunities. They'll have to find the back of the net instead of the iron.