Posted by Roy Mlakar on May 22, 2008

While NHL commissioner Gary Bettman can't pick who will compete in the final for the coveted Stanley Cup, he has to be pleased with this matchup. With U.S. television ratings rising both on Versus and NBC, these two teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings, come from long-time traditional hockey markets that have enjoyed significant success in the last 10-15 years.

The Red Wings, who have long owned the moniker "Hockey Town USA," have a veteran cast of players who are not strangers to the final. Certainly led by Nicklas Lidstrom, clearly the best defenceman in the NHL again, this team is quick and a great transition squad. Chris Osgood has been very sharp in goal in relief of former Senator Dominik Hasek. Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom have been dangerous in all three previous series. The best news is that the playoffs' leading goal scorer, "The Mule" Johan Franzen, is skating and could return in the series. 

Most everyone in our nation's capital is well aware of the Penguins' firepower and speed to burn. They are led by the obvious stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, while ex-Sen Marian Hossa has been a key contributor to their current 12-2 record going into this Cup final. Their offence has also been bolstered by power forward Ryan Malone. And, while their defence has been criticized in the past, they have played extremely well, especially big Hal Gill, who has stepped up his game. Finally, goaltender Marc-André Fleury has been stellar in all three series and seems not to be rattled under the stressful situations.

A "dream matchup" for sure. This one could easily go seven games, unless the veterans of the Red Wings prove just too experienced for the youthful Pens. Enjoy it!