Posted by Scott Burnside
PITTSBURGH -- After four goals in the first, the second period took on a decidedly more passive tone. That was especially true of the Pens, who managed just four shots. Can't remember any that were particularly dangerous. After holding an edge in quality scoring chances through the first two games, the Pens seem somehow more tentative. Or maybe they're just being patient. Seems like a dangerous strategy, but no one asked me.
The Penguins are fortunate, however, to be tied after two periods.
A brutal line change allowed Mikael Samuelsson to walk in alone, but his hard shot clanged off the post. Through two periods, the Wings have outshot the Pens 26-11 and, with all due respect to Marc-Andre Fleury, the Wings always seem to be on the verge of taking over this game.
Just heard you mention overtime, Pierre. The Penguins will have to ramp it up in the third if they're going to even get to overtime.
Your thoughts, my friend?
Pierre LeBrun: This definitely does not feel like a tie game, Scotty. It's been all Detroit most of the night. The Wings' coaching staff is doing such a good job of getting Henrik Zetterberg, Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski out against Sidney Crosby. Even then, the Pens loaded up with Evgeni Malkin and Crosby, and it has no effect. An amazing job by Zetterberg & Co. again tonight. It's amazing to watch.
Darren Helm is also having another strong game for the Wings. I love this kid. One shift near the end of the period particularly stands out -- his forecheck that started with Brooks Orpik draped all over him, then Miroslav Satan -- which led to Satan's holding him and getting called for it. It's shifts like that by Helm that help win you championships.
Speaking of third lines, this would be a good time for Jordan Staal to contribute offensively. With Crosby being shut down, the offense has to come from somewhere.
This is the biggest period of the Pens' season coming up, and they need to bring it up a notch to have any chance of making this a series.
ESPN.com Stanley Cup playoffs blog
