It's Official: Wings and Penguins Clash Again

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Only four games were needed for Pittsburgh to send themselves to the Stanley Cup Finals again, and it took Detroit only five to find the 2009 Stanley Cup Final will feature the same teams as the previous year.

The Red Wings just beat the Chicago Blackhawks in five games, finishing them off at home in overtime 2-1, with a goal from Darren Helm. Helm buried the rebound in from the backdoor on Cristobal Huet to end Chicago's Cup dream.

The Penguins were all over the Carolina Hurricanes, sweeping them from the semi-finals and moving on to another chance for the Cup.

This years' Stanley Cup Final will feature the same teams as last year, but that shouldn't mean you shouldn't watch it. There are many reasons this years' series will be better than before, regardless of the same teams.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have something to prove, and that is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh, something they didn't accomplish last year losing to the Wings, 4-2. Pittsburgh has shown they are more driven than they were last year, and they are playing their best hockey right now.

Detroit has something to prove, as well—that they are the best team in the NHL—again. Winning the Cup this year would prove to the NHL, fans, and players that the city of Detroit has the best NHL team for the second year in a row.

Marian Hossa is playing outstanding for Detroit, and if he can keep providing goals for this club, it could help immensely as I see Osgood giving up easy goals and falling apart to the offense of Malkin, Crosby, Staal, and more.

Anyway you look at it, it's the Stanley Cup Final, and although this year features the same teams, it should make for a great series, and hopefully could pull some surprises out, so everyone should make sure they catch a game or two (or hopefully seven!).

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