As they did against Pittsburgh in last year’s National Hockey League championship series, the Red Wings have taken a two-games-to-none lead over Pittsburgh in the best-of-seven set.
Evgeni Malkin, who is the scoring leader in these playoffs, gave the Penguins their first lead of the series when he scored on a power play late in the first period.
But Detroit stifled Pittsburgh the rest of the way as Penguins superstar Sydney Crosby was again shut out. Crosby remains without a point in the series so far.
“There’s tons of explanations, but the fact is you get quick chances and either you put them in or you don’t, and that’s the difference,” said Crosby, who was unable to break free of Henrik Zetterberg most of the night.
Ericsson knotted the score with a slap shot from inside the blue line at 4:21 in the second after Darren Helm won a faceoff in the left circle. Ericsson’s goal came just four days after he had his appendix removed.
“We’ve got really good team doctors here, so they take care of that so I can get out there,” Ericsson said. “It doesn’t bother me at all right now.”
Filppula gave Detroit the lead six minutes later with a backhander off the rebound of Marian Hossa’s shot. Detroit rookie Justin Abdelkader scored an insurance goal early in the third - exactly as he did in the Red Wings’ 3-1 game one triumph on Saturday.
The Penguins are hoping to reverse their fortunes when they host game three on Tuesday.
In the first Stanley Cup finals rematch in 25 years, the Penguins are seeking to avenge their six-game loss to the Red Wings in last year’s finals. The Penguins also trailed Washington 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, won two at home and went on to win the series.
“We were down 2-0 to Washington, and we found a way,” defenseman Sergei Gonchar said.
Bill Guerin, however, added that “we know we’re playing a better team.” Marc-Andre Fleury allowed three goals on 26 shots for Pittsburgh, who had their chances to score. Guerin was denied in the second period when his shot hit the left post. Less than two minutes into the third Crosby’s shot bounced off the left post - a non-goal that was confirmed by video replay.
“Instead of hitting the post, we have to hit the net,” defenseman Hal Gill said.
Pittsburgh’s frustration spilled out in the waning seconds when Max Talbot stuck his stick in goalie Chris Osgood’s waist after Osgood made his 31st save, a move that led to a fight between Malkin and Zetterberg. The Red Wings, who are trying to become the first team to claim back-to-back titles since they did so themselves in 1997-98, were again without forward Pavel Datsyuk, who is nursing a swollen foot. He was hurt blocking a shot in game two of the Western Conference finals. AFP
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