That's That.

Very exciting finish, but the Detroit Red Wings were just too strong for the Pittsburgh Penguins and had their turn to lift the Stanley Cup again, their fourth Championship in the last eleven years. Despite a strong finish by Pittsburgh and a Sidney Crosby backhand that trickled just wide of the net with fractions of a second remaining on the clock, they couldn't come back from a 3-1 deficit, losing 3-2 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Evegeni Malkin showed too little too late, finally scoring and adding a helper. His performance in the Finals was one to forget and has been compared to Jason Spezza's invisibility last year versus Anaheim. After being an MVP candidate this season, Malkin disappointed when the Penguins needed him most.

Sidney Crosby played great the entire series, but the veteran leadership and great playing ability of Nicklas Lidstrom held Crosby to just a single power-play assist in the final game of the season. Crosby showed great character, grit and leadership throughout the playoffs but came up just short.

Given the knowledge that the Leafs probably won't do much next season, I hope the Pittsburgh Penguins can keep the majority of their lineup including Marian Hossa who joined at the trade deadline. Only time will tell whether their players hearts outweigh their pocketbooks next season, giving them another chance at the hardest trophy to win in all of sports.

Taking nothing away from the Detroit Red Wings, their team was just too good. I discussed the game with a few friends who were over watching it and a great point was raised and agreed to by all: the Pittsburgh Penguins were just outcoached. If Mike Therien and Mike Babcock switched places I feel that we would be seeing a different champion. Playing Crosby 18 minutes a game and on top of that, playing him with Dupuis was a waste of time and an illogical move. Pascal Dupuis was by far the weakest player on the ice for either side and somehow found his way onto a line with Hossa and Crosby. Gary Roberts, the heart and sole of the Penguins and the most intense player in the series should have been on that line. If not Gary, whose age would only have shown if he was overused, Ryan Malone earned a spot on that line.

Great effort Penguins. Good luck in the future.

Just a side note: the Sidney Crosby/Wayne Gretzky comparisons just seem to keep popping up. Both players have lost their first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Hopefully both will win their second try.

Peace and much love to you. Great season Penguins. Congratulations Nicklas Lidstrom (the first European born and raised Captain to lift the Cup in history) and the rest of the Detroit Red Wings.