Posted by Pierre LeBrun
DETROIT -- So, this is how we all envisioned Game 7 through 40 minutes, right?
The Penguins up 2-0 on a pair of Maxime Talbot goals despite the loss of injured superstar Sidney Crosby?
This is why people watch this game. You just never, ever know what will happen.
Brad Stuart is hoping for a great third period, I'm sure, after stinking up the middle period. The Red Wings defenseman gave the puck away in his own zone on the opening goal, and then took an ill-advised pinch at the Pens' blue line, which led to a 2-on-1 break where Talbot went roof daddy on Chris Osgood.
Losing Crosby is a real downer on such a great platform for the game. But there was no foul play here. Johan Franzen simply finished his check and happened to catch Crosby awkwardly into the boards; the Pens' captain suffered what looks to be a left leg injury of some kind. He needed help from the training staff to get to the dressing room. You know how badly he'll want to try to come back, but if it's serious, they won't let him, I'm sure.
What a story if the Pens hang on without their injured captain; not to mention the fact they're up 2-0 despite their other superstar, Evgeni Malkin, not doing a whole lot tonight.
It was all Detroit in the final five minutes, though, as the Penguins barely stayed alive. What a third period we're in store for.
Scotty?
Scott Burnside: Actually, I'm not sure I agree with you on the Franzen play. The puck was well ahead of both players and Franzen pinned him against the boards. But you're right that it's unfortunate Crosby missed most of that period and, without presuming too much, appears to be a long shot to return.
That's going to put a lot of pressure on Malkin in the third, and after not doing much the last couple of games, I thought he was really engaged, especially in the defensive zone later in the second period.
You can sense the Red Wings' desperation in the final minutes as they're crashing the net like crazy. Bad news for them is Marc-Andre Fleury appears to have forgotten he can't play at Joe Louis Arena. He's been very good, very calm, even with guys in his face.
One more thing about Talbot. He's an unlikely hero at this point, but given his heroics over the past two postseasons, maybe we should just be expecting this kind of thing from him.
ESPN.com Stanley Cup playoffs blog
