Jimi Begin's Detroit Red Wings fan blog

The agony of defeat!

After a serious battle in which the home team dominated play in every game but the last in the series, the Detroit Red Wings fell to the Pittsburg Penguins 2-1 in the final NHL game of the year.  Pittsburgh was obviously hungry for the Cup, and they played a great game and a great series to win it!

Suffering from a number of injuries,  the Wings just couldn't pull it off - although it actually came down to the last few seconds of the game, as Detroit continued to put pressure on Fleury right up until the end.  Detroit was exhausted by the end of the series and was running on fumes.  A lack of goals from a number of key offensive players, combined with Pittsburgh's stifling defense sealed their fate as the final seconds ticked off the timeclock. It's amazing that after well over 100 games, it can all come down to a few seconds in time.

Continue reading "Wings Suffer Crushing Blow in Game Seven"

Red Wings record on home ice for the 2009 playoffs: 11-1
Red Wings outscoring Pitt at home in this series: 11-2
Number of Stanley Cups in the last 12 seasons: 4
Total number of Wings Stanley Cup wins: 11
Home teams vs. visitors winning Game 7 of Cup Finals: 12-2

Stanley Cup Back-to-Back Win (AGAIN): PRICELESS!!!!

What more do I need to say? The Cup WILL stay in Hockeytown.

GO WINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Continue reading "The Simple Facts"

The Pittsburgh Penguins squeaked by the Detroit Red Wings by a single goal to take Game 6 by a score of 2-1 on their home ice.  As has been the precedent, the team having home ice advantage has taken every game so far in this too-close-to-call series.  The Red Wings will be glad to come back to play Game 7 at Joe Louis arena where they rarely lose.  They have an 11-1 record so far this year on home ice in the playoffs - and have outscored Pittsburgh 11-2 so far at home in this series.

After suffering a devastating 5-0 loss at the Joe in Game 5, Marc-Andre Fleury rebounded in typical fashion, playing some stellar hockey.  He stopped 26 shots in the game and fought off some quality scoring chances late in the  third period.  The only goal he let in was that of Kris Draper in the second period, after Detroit had gone down by a two goal deficit.  Chris Osgood was also excellent on the other end of the ice,  stopping some key shots by Pittsburgh's dangerous offensive machine and finishing with 31 saves overall.

Continue reading "Penguins win at home to force Stanley Cup Finals Game 7"

All eyes will be on the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday as they seek to keep the Cup in Hockeytown for yet another year.  Although the Penguins have played well on their home ice in this series, it is clear that the Red Wings are on a mission after last week's 5-0 blowout in Game 5.  The Penguins were clearly frustrated and showed a lack of class in Game 5, taking several unnecessary penalties and game misconducts.

Datsuyk's return seemed to be a great catalyst for the team, and despite Pittsburgh's attempts to take him out, constantly hacking at his injured foot, he managed to come back with two assists and some really great plays around the net.  Osgood put on a stellar show in Game 5, and truly deserved the shutout.  No doubt Pittsburgh fans will complain about the officiating (as we have here in Detroit for many years), but their team was clearly outmatched and outclassed in Game 5.

Continue reading "Red Wings Seek to Clinch Another Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Title in Game 6"

Datsuyk's return seemed to be a catalyst for the Red Wings tonight as they destroyed the Pittsburgh Peguins 5-0 to take Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  The Wings now lead the series 3-2.  History seems likely to repeat itself as the Wings get closer to another Back-to Back Stanley Cup Win!

Pittsburgh got frustrated tonight and had 12 penalties with three 10-minute game misconducts -  totally unnecessary.

If the Wings win one more game, this will be their... 

• 12th Stanley Cup Title!
• 5th Stanley Cup in 12 Seasons!
• Second Back-toBack Stanley Cup title in 11 seasons!

Go WINGS!!!  We could have the Cup again in a mere 72 Hours!!!

What do you think?

Click on "Continue" to check out some cool photos!  Don't forget to leave your comments!!

Continue reading "Detroit Red Wings Destroy Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5"

To get everybody ready for the remainder of the Detroit-Pitt series, check out the following video clip (If you click on the continue reading link below, you can click on the video without cutting and pasting this address into your browser):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sboI7oS9iZg

Continue reading "Cindy Crosby Voted #1 Whiner in NHL!"

Okay Folks, three games remaining now with the Detroit Red Wings Tied 2-2 with the Pittiful Penguins:

Sat, June 6   Penguins @ Detroit   8 p.m.    NBC, CBC

Tue, June 9*  Red Wings @ Pitt    8 p.m.     NBC, CBC 

Fri, June 12*  Penguins @ Detroit  8 p.m.    NBC, CBC

In light of the recent Pittsburgh offensive rally, I think it's important to remember that the team that takes a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Finals is 31-1!!!!  To me that says a lot - plus the fact that we have home ice advantage with two more games at the Joe can't hurt either.  It allows Babcock to change lines more efficiently against Pitt, and gives Ozzy a little more confidence in the net!

Continue reading "Remaining Games:"