Penguins vs. Sharks: The Biggest Takeaways from Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final

The Pittsburgh Penguins had a chance to win the Stanley Cup at home for the first time, but the San Jose Sharks were uncooperative in Game 5. So the caravan of players, management and national media from two countries headed for the coast and Game 6.

With the series winding down, there were still many questions left to answer. Sharks fans were looking for 60 minutes of hockey from their team, and Martin Jones was looking to become the Conn Smythe winner—but would need to push the series to Game 7 with a big effort.

The Pittsburgh Penguins controlled the series entering Game 6, confident of a win and the fourth Stanley Cup championship in team history. The high flying Penguins have enjoyed the edge in play throughout the series, with several of the team's big stars in contention for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

After two periods of Game 6, the Penguins held a 2-1 lead, but the Sharks had just completed possibly their best 20 minutes of the entire series. In the final stanza of the season, with the Stanley Cup on the line, Pittsburgh allowed the Sharks only two shots on goal—after all the statistics and numbers have been tabulated from a long season, that may be the most incredible number of all.

Great teams and great players are never promised the Stanley Cup—but the Pittsburgh Penguins won it all on a June night in San Jose California. Here are the immediate takeaways from a hard-fought series and a great season of NHL hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins: After All These Years

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In the end, winning at home was not to be—but the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup, and that is all that matters. The NHL championship is so difficult to win because it is a marathon after a grueling regular season—and each winner has a unique story.

To win it all a team must have supreme talent, great endurance, a balanced roster, good health and a great deal of luck. The Penguins had a long and winding season—including a coaching change, a rookie goalie for the playoff run and a defensive group cobbled together from remnants and roll ends.

None of that matters now, as Pittsburgh rules as the new hockey champions. The victory comes mid-career for greats Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin—twin towers of talent who were expected to win many—and they must be very happy to have the second ring of their respective careers.

The Penguins won with three impressive scoring lines, along with brilliant play by defender Kris Letang and rookie goalie Matt Murray who arrived right on time. An unlikely winner based on the season's first half, the team took on a completely different look after Mike Sullivan arrived in December—story via Penguins website.

San Jose Sharks: Getting Outshot Every Night Is Not a Recipe for Success

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The San Jose Sharks got the hard part done, winning the Western Conference and advancing to the first Stanley Cup Final in team history. A team that combined the young, the strong and the aged looked primed to win it all when the series began May 30.

The Sharks could not get their shots through, and when they did Matt Murray seemed to have the answer. Pittsburgh got the puck on net almost 70 more times than San Jose during the series and were far more efficient in getting the puck out of their zone.

San Jose's run was magical, and in the coming days, fans will reflect on the most successful run in team history. A team that entered last summer with some real issues in goal can now point to Martin Jones, who was fantastic between the pipes—especially in the final.

It is too early to think about the summer and what to improve, but one thing that was clear during this series: The Sharks' third pairing had a very difficult time getting the puck out of the San Jose zone under control. The team has a lot of skill up front, but passing tape to tape on the fly is key to building momentum through the neutral zone—that part of the game failed San Jose time and again during the final.

Pittsburgh Penguins: The Conn Smythe Goes to Sidney Crosby

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Throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs, various Pittsburgh Penguins appeared to be emerging as favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Matt Murray was a big story early, reminding fans of rookies emerging from past years—Cam Ward, Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden. He held the net for the entire playoff year and was full value to be on the ice for the celebration as time wound down in Game 6.

Phil Kessel was hot throughout the spring, scoring enormous goals and having games filled with brilliant chances. In a low-scoring playoff series, he was the most dangerous player on the ice most nights. Although Kessel is viewed as a somewhat one-dimensional player, his ability to create offense was a key element in the Pittsburgh win.

Kris Letang became exactly half the game on defense, playing outrageous minutes every night. His ability to help in all areas showed in Game 6, with his goal proving to be the difference. He logged big minutes and tough opposition and was splendid in important areas—like keeping the puck in the zone on difficult chances—and he deserved strong consideration.

Sidney Crosby is the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the best player in the game. His 200-foot dedication to helping his team win was on full display in Game 6, with his efforts key in the game-winner and the insurance goal. Faceoffs, checking, battles, passing and shooting, Sidney Crosby is hockey's best and most complete player.

San Jose Sharks: What's Next?

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The San Jose Sharks have a large group of players over 30, including Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, Brent Burns, Paul Martin and Joel Ward. The team also has several players to make decisions on, including restricted free agent Tomas Hertl.

It would be a mistake to suggest the older players in San Jose are fading or losing their skills. The Sharks' scoring stats—regular season and playoffs—show the older stars posting terrific numbers and pushing offensively.

San Jose had to deal with injury during the playoffs, but there was also an issue with roster depth. Coach Peter DeBoer did not use his fourth line much, meaning more pressure was placed on the top three lines. He also played his third pairing a lot, which was harmful considering a 44 percent possession number—via Corsica.hockey.

San Jose fans are some of the NHL's best. They waited 25 years for the Sharks' first Stanley Cup appearance, and those fans will no doubt be back again. It is extremely likely they will see another trip to the final before 2040.

Pittsburgh Penguins: The Turning Point

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At 6:27 of the second period, Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks scored to tie Game 6 at one goal per team. The Sharks worked very hard to get back to even, and—at that point—it felt like it was anybody's game.

In what became the key moment in the deciding game of the season, Pittsburgh gained possession in the opposition end. Kris Letang received the puck on the left side of the ice and drove down toward the net. He faked a shot, executed a spin-o-rama around the oncoming checker and held the puck as he headed behind the San Jose net.

He fed the puck in front, but it resulted in nothing—a broken play. Letang continued around behind the net as Sidney Crosby gained control among a group of players. Two gifted offensive stars—Letang and Crosby—made brilliant moves simultaneously. Crosby drove behind the net with purpose, and Letang backed out into the slot and waited for the pass.

The play was over in a heartbeat. Letang found the net, and Pittsburgh went ahead 2-1 to win the Stanley Cup for the fourth time. The long NHL season, with its beginning on a cold October evening, had finally been put to rest for another year.

Congratulations to the Stanley Cup champions.