What will be the deciding factor in the Stanley Cup Finals?

Question

What will be the deciding factor in the Stanley Cup Finals?

Answer 1

I also agree that defense is going to play a major factor - as will puck possession.  I think the Wings have an edge in both these categories.  The Pens won't know what to do with a team that has better puck possession, IMO.

Answer 2

defense and goalies

Answer 3

The winning team needs experience so I am guessing wings in 6 games but the penguins have a grweat goalie, but so do the wings, well wings have alaround better players they will win

Answer 4

The team that scores the most goals will win the Cup.

Answer 5

Defense wins championships.

And the Pens D is so underrated that all those who think the Wings' puck control game will dominate are in for a rude awakening.

The Pens system is based on EVERYONE playing D.  Backchecking forwards like Hossa, Talbot, even Crosby are going to shock the Wings, and the Pens transition game is light-years ahead.

Pens in 6.

Answer 6

I agree with defense, nerves and goalies.  It will be fun to watch!  Seems to me it is the best match up for a cup final in a very LONG time!!!

Answer 7

Defense, goalie and coaching.

I give Detroit the top marks on all three.

Answer 8

For Detroit, how their tight defense handles the Penguins top guns is the most key aspect of the game.

For Pittsburgh, the goaltending will be the key factor. Their defense will not always be able to stop a Red Wings charge.

Personally, I think Detroit has the slight edge because of their experience and no panic level.

Answer 9

i think for the first game its going to be nerves and settling into a different kind of team than one you've seen yet. pens haven't seen the wings kind of defense, and the wings haven't really seen the offense like the pens can have.

that said, defense wins championships and the way these goalies have been playing is going to be a major key.

Answer 10

If either teams goalie plays very well that team will win.

Answer 11

well, the red wings are the top seed.. and all post season they are showing why... osgood has the best record in the post season.. and the wings D is just overwhelming.. their offense is also overwhelming.. which makes them so dangerous. the pens have decent offense, if they are allowed to get the puck.. and the pens d. well lests just say they are.. alright, but with a puck possesion team like the wings.. the pens offense is going to be under some serious pressure.. we will just have to wait and see now wont we.

Answer 12

Defense and experience... and to a lesser extent goaltending.

Detroit has the edge in all three departments and I think that's why they're the favorites to win the series.

Answer 13

The team that wins 4 games first.  Its as simple as that. The Red Wings have the experience and the total TEAM effort behind them.

Answer 14

Victories

Answer 15

I agree with (z)ther, defense.  Both goalies will not get rattled and have a breakdown.  Even if they somehow do, both teams have great goalies to back up their starters.  It will come down to defense and turnovers.  Both teams are equally dangerous to commit turnovers against.