RSS
Datsyuk And Zetterberg Or Crosby And Malkin?
I admit, I wanted to see a Red Wings-Montreal Stanley Cup final above all else.
But now that it appears as if it will be the Red Wings and Pittsburgh, it does seem like the next best thing.
I had somebody ask me the other day if I would trade Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk for Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
The answer is yes, if for no other reason than Crosby and Malkin are not only incredibly talented, but considerably younger than Datsyuk and Zetterberg.
But entering a seven-game series with so much at stake, Datsyuk and Zetterberg would rate an edge over Crosby and Malkin. They are just about their equal offensively - and are much more proficient at backchecking and penalty killing.
Random thoughts
- I find the trend in the NBA playoffs where the home team always wins to be annoying. I understand the benefits of the home court advantage, but it has gotten to the point of being ridiculous during the conference semifinals.
- Yeah, I can see Chris Osgood going into the Hockey Hall of Fame if the Red Wings win this Stanley Cup title. But only if Mike Vernon goes in first. Wasn’t Vernon a better goalie than Ozzie?
- I know they haven’t been hitting, but the Tigers woes are still related to pitching. It is what gets teams over the hump when they are not hitting. Pitching is baseball’s one constant. Hitting is not. That is why the Cleveland Indians will likely be taking off in the next month or so - because their pitching, especially the starters, is so good.
But now that it appears as if it will be the Red Wings and Pittsburgh, it does seem like the next best thing.
I had somebody ask me the other day if I would trade Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk for Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
The answer is yes, if for no other reason than Crosby and Malkin are not only incredibly talented, but considerably younger than Datsyuk and Zetterberg.
But entering a seven-game series with so much at stake, Datsyuk and Zetterberg would rate an edge over Crosby and Malkin. They are just about their equal offensively - and are much more proficient at backchecking and penalty killing.
Random thoughts
- I find the trend in the NBA playoffs where the home team always wins to be annoying. I understand the benefits of the home court advantage, but it has gotten to the point of being ridiculous during the conference semifinals.
- Yeah, I can see Chris Osgood going into the Hockey Hall of Fame if the Red Wings win this Stanley Cup title. But only if Mike Vernon goes in first. Wasn’t Vernon a better goalie than Ozzie?
- I know they haven’t been hitting, but the Tigers woes are still related to pitching. It is what gets teams over the hump when they are not hitting. Pitching is baseball’s one constant. Hitting is not. That is why the Cleveland Indians will likely be taking off in the next month or so - because their pitching, especially the starters, is so good.
posted by Pat Caputo at
11:42 AM
11 Comments:
Book,
I'm with ya regarding wanting to see an "Original Six" match-up for the Cup final. Wings-Habs series seemed highly likely until Briere and Biron played against the French Canadiens with chips on their shoulders the size of Mount Royal. Rangers-Wings would have been pretty cool too.
Happy to watch the Flyers get a win last night. Mainly so that the Penguins can't sit back and rest while waiting for the Wings to finish off the Stars. Should be a heck of a good weekend for the puck hounds.
The Tigers, alas, I thought I knew them well at one time. Two weeks ago they were going into the Twin Cities a game below .500. Now, we wonder if they can get out of the celler.
I've dismissed the notion of 90 wins and any post-season participation. If the pitching, hitting and defense don't start to improve dramatically, 80 wins may become unattainable. But how 'bout that Matt Joyce? He looks like a keeper.
I'm an Ozzie fan, but two cups - as impressive as a cup is - is not (in my humble opinion) grounds for HoF.
Especially given the strength of the teams he did them on.
Especially when your designated as the back up goalie for one of them.
Tigers - [deep sigh] - maybe we could make a clean trade with the Japanese league's Hanshin Tigers.
Hanshin is leading their Central division with a record of 26 and 12 with 1 tie. Selig would love to bring the tie into baseball again.
And I can't get those Tigers on my satelitte either!
Have a great weekend Book.
Book,
Being in Detroit and having the pleasure of watching Hank and Pavel day in and day out, I would not trade them for the Pittsburgh stars. As you stated, so far in the playoffs Hank is 1st in playoff scoring and Pavel is 3rd. Apart from leading the NHL in scoring, they are among the best in the league defensively. I'll take that any day over pure offense with nothing else.
Hey Pat, in one way the Tigers season is a disappointment as we expected fireworks and good solid starting pitching with a shaky bullpen (if anything the exact opposite has occur). It would be nice to see if that would have been was good enough for the Tigers overtake the Indians with their potent team. I do except changes coming by July if things do not turn around.
DD might as well keep upgrading the team. Like you said "You always build your team around pitching, period".
I don't think I'd trade Datsyuk and Zetterberg for anybody. Their puck handling is second to none and their defense is great - both up for Selke and all. I don't think we're ever going to see Crosby and Malkin up for the Selke. Thanks.
Pat,
Sorry about the Wings loss today, man. But it will come. So much for my "Wings in five" prediction.
Have we ever discussed the impact of the Tigers being on the SI cover and the curse that always follows their cover story prediction subjects?
I smell a class action lawsuit.
Andrew Winkle,
That chip on the shoulder can bring a team on. Can't help but wonder if that is what is happening with Stars.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
There are arguments on both sides with Ozzie. Most people having seen him play would say, regardless if he wins another Cup, that he doesn't belong in the Hall. His record, on paper, tells a different story.
Caputo
Tony,
Agreed. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are better than Crosby and Malkin now, but I think you'd have to make the deal based on age.
Caputo
Barry,
I'm not sure how many changes they can make in July. One of the difficult parts of this is that the Tigers are tied into this club as is for this year and next.
Caputo
Tim,
No doubt Datsyuk and Zetterberg are stronger defensively.
Caputo
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home