On the same day after learning they'd be without Matt Cooke for the rest of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins stormed out of the gate at Joe Louis Arena, taking a 4-0 lead by the midpoint of the second period. Pascal Dupuis scored two, Chris Kunitz scored one and Tyler Kennedy scored. Typically, when a team takes such a lead, the game is over -- right?
Penguins Vs. Red Wings: James Neal’s Shootout Winner Gives Pittsburgh Big Win
Ah, but these are the Detroit Red Wings, and a few minutes after Kennedy's goal, the tide completely turned. The Wings reeled off goals from Henrik Zetterberg, Valtteri Filppula, Dan Cleary and Mike Modano in just about 13 minutes to tie the score. That's how we sat through the rest of the third and overtime, and after two and a half scoreless shootout rounds, James Neal broke the deadlock.
Now, listen: this game was incredible from start to finish. People realize that. Hockey fans definitely realize that. This is what we all get upset about, though. Reading the NHL.com recap of this one is like being stared by a stranger in the shower: you feel awkward, uncomfortable, and you just want to go away.
All the talk about the GREAT RIVALRY between the Red Wings and the Penguins, who are SWORN ENEMIES -- you know, just because they played in the Finals twice -- just feels so disingenuous. It almost feels insulting.
Why can’t we just let a great game be just that? /end rant
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