DETROIT – Report card on Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final:
FORWARDS
Penguins, B: They had enough chances to win but didn’t bury them. Led by Sidney Crosby, a standout, they vastly improved on their meagre 30 per cent faceoff win rate from Game 1, and goal-scorer Evgeni Malkin was a presence for a second straight game. Crosby and Bill Guerin hit goalposts.
Red Wings, B: Marian Hossa was much less visible than in Game 1, but his centre Valtteri Filppula scored on a tough backhander and fourth-liner Justin Abdelkader again came up with a big third-period goal. Gritty Darren Helm again was a factor in the faceoff circle and on the forecheck.
DEFENCEMEN
Penguins, B: The Red Wings didn’t get many clean shots on Fleury, but they were loose on Abdelkader’s goal. A strong, physical game for Brooks Orpik.
Red Wings, B-minus: The Penguins had the better chances and much came from pressure in the Detroit zone. Malkin and Crosby broke through for big chances, but Osgood saved the day.
GOALTENDERS
Penguins, D: Marc-Andre Fleury had no chance at all on Filppula’s goal as he was buried under Marian Hossa and Malkin, but letting in Jonathan Ericsson’s point shot was costly and Abdelkader’s long shot was a killer for his team.
Red Wings, A: He got help from his goalposts, but Chris Osgood may have taken another step toward a Conn Smythe Trophy. For a second straight game, he robbed Malkin in alone with his glove at a key moment – with Pittsburgh leading 1-0 early in the second period.
The Canadian Press Top Three
1. Chris Osgood. Probably a bigger performance than his Game 1 heroics.
2. Tomas Holmstrom. Two assists, made the key play on Filppula’s game-winner.
3. Sidney Crosby. Should have been at least a two-point game, save for Osgood and his posts.
