A few thoughts and observations following the Penguins’ 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Mellon Arena in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final:
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STAR GAZING
The top three stars from Game 4:
1-G Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins. His 37 saves gave him 64 of 68 in Games 3 and 4. There will be an answer – FLEURY, FLEURY!
2-C Jordan Staal, Penguins. His first Final goal, a shorthanded-tally no less, and dominance all over the ice – this was the best game of his career, and he’s had a few dazzlers.
3-(tie) Cs Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Penguins. Two goals. Four points. Starring when their team needed them most. M-V-Ps.
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STAT THAT SHOULD INTEREST YOU
Red Wings RW Marian Hossa has failed to score a goal on 17 Final shots. Penguins.
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ANOTHER STAT THAT SHOUL D INTEREST YOU
The team to win the in the shots battle has lost every game of this Final.
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THEY KNOW THE DRILL
Detroit coach Mike Babcock was behind one bench for the last Final to open with home teams holding serve. His Anaheim Mighty Ducks won Games 3 and 4 at home in 2003 after dropping Games 1 and 2 at New Jersey. Home games won out in that Final. Also a member of that Anaheim team: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma.
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HISTORY LESSON
Since losing Games 3 and 4 at home of a first-round series against Ottawa in 2007, the Penguins are 15-1 in the first two games of playoff series played at Mellon Arena. If necessary, they’re record in the next road game is 5-1.
