Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 Pittsburgh vs. Detroit June 12, 2009

There is one other Stanley Cup moment that was more memorable in my opinion than this one that I will reveal in the coming days. This Game 7 however has to be mentioned for not just the moment, but for the fact that both teams went head to head in back-to-back Stanley Cups. Detroit took the Cup in 2008 in six games celebrating in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh were the underdogs going into 2009, but they weren’t going to let themselves go down to Detroit in their own building again.

All the Hockey world figured the Red Wings weren’t going to let the Penguins win in Joe Louis Arena in a Game 7. The Penguins were looking outside of the playoffs as late as February during the regular season. There was no way they were going to beat the Red Wings who had already beaten Columbus, Anaheim and Chicago to get to the Finals. Pittsburgh had barely skated by them in the previous game winning 2-1. They had to play perfect hockey to beat Detroit in their home arena.

The Penguins got out to a fast start out shooting the Red Wings 10-6 in the first period. No score going into the second period when forward Max Talbot scored the first goal to start the period. Talbot would add another half way through the period. The second one mind you was done when their captain Sidney Crosby wasn’t on the ice. He would return later in the third, but it seemed all was lost for Pittsburgh by everyone except the players for Pittsburgh.

Detroit did out shoot the Penguins in the second 11-7, but Pittsburgh had the lead 2-0 going into the third. Detroit scored a goal thirteen minutes into the third period to be within one of tying. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins was phenomenal. Stopping 17 of 18 shots in the second and third periods combined. Pittsburgh only had one shot on goal in the third period, but Fleury wasn’t worried. In a Game 7, one player usually shines. Sometimes it’s the one you least expect or the one that you always knew would answer when called upon.

Detroit was as aggressive in the third period as in the entire playoffs. Fleury was repelling every attack they could muster. When soon to be Hall of Fame defensemen Niklas Lidstrom of Detroit shot one final attempt at a goal. Fleury had enough strength to do a Superman dive across the goal to stop the shot with his chest. The most iconic save he will ever have in his career. The NHL’s star player Sidney Crosby got his first of what will probably be many Stanley Cup titles. NHL fans were also treated to a very exciting series that showed when a team is cornered with what seems to be no way out, they will find a way through determination and teamwork. A game 7 for the ages in 2009.