Pittsburgh Penguins
The stage is set at Consol Energy Center for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Pittsburgh Penguins have the chance to take the final step to complete their Cinderella story this season — at one point, early in the season, the Penguins looked like they wouldn’t even make the playoffs. They were still feeling the growing pains of adjusting to new head coach Mike Sullivan’s style of play. Now, Pittsburgh seemingly has everything figured out, which makes them incredibly dangerous.
No one was entirely sure what to expect from Phil Kessel when he signed with the Penguins in the offseason, and he struggled early this season. But he adapted well to Sullivan’s scheme, and he’s benefited greatly from this fast-paced and shoot-happy Penguins offense.
“Phil’s been very receptive all year long,” Sullivan said. “I think he’s made great strides over the last couple months. I think his offense speaks for itself, and we try to stay out of the way when he has the puck. He certainly has way better instincts than the coaching staff does.”
Defenseman Kris Letang will be a key piece of the puzzle for Pittsburgh and will need to make significant contributions if the Penguins plans on having their name etched into Lord Stanley’s Cup (Pittsburgh last hoisted the Cup in 2009.)
San Jose Sharks
For the first time in their 24-year history, the San Jose Sharks have a chance to hoist the most coveted trophy in all of hockey. While the pressure must be daunting, the Sharks are entering Game 1 of the fight for the Stanley Cup with a calm and relaxed perspective.
San Jose is stacked on both offense and defense. Forward (and captain) Joe Pavelski leads all players in playoff goals, and Joe Thornton has also played very well in these playoffs. On defense, Norris Trophy Finalist Brent Burns leads the charge — he’s also very dangerous on offense — and Marc-Édouard Vlasic will likely be responsible for slowing down Crosby.
Both teams enter tonight’s game with the same record in this year’s playoffs: 12-6.
“Obviously, this is going to be a different level (of speed) than we’ve seen, but we’re not going to change the way we play based on that,” said San Jose head coach Peter DeBoer. “If we control the puck, then it’s hard to create speed.”
The Sharks will aim to do what other opponents couldn’t: contain Pittsburgh’s offense. San Jose must move the puck quickly and have an equally aggressive forecheck to create quick chances and opportunities against Pittsburgh’s goaltender, Matt Murray.
Prediction
Too many days off can become a bad thing. Still, even with an extra day off, San Jose has been preparing themselves for battle. The Penguins — arguably the league’s hottest team since February — have put themselves in position to win their fourth Stanley Cup.
In a series that’s pretty equal, it’s very much a toss-up as to who will take Game 1. Still, the Penguins will take advantage of home ice and will edge out the Sharks in a close game, 4-2.
Where: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA
When: Monday, May 30 @ 8:00 p.m.
Watch: NBC, CBC, TVA
