Really? You feel if Pittsburgh had played a significant portion of Game 6 without a goaltender they'd have forced a game 7? Interesting take.
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Jeff,
I think you know what I mean with the urgency of the last two minutes. But you make a very valid point that the only reason that they were able to press and appear to be able to play with urgency was the attacker advantage. Tactically that's very true and I should have made that point, I suppose, but for that very brief period of time, they were able to complete passes and get off shots that just weren't happening for most of the game. Again, maybe that was only because of the attacking advantage but I also thought it was because they came up with a few more ounces of effort.
-- Bill O.

Bill, as an avid player I agree with you that the intensity of offense in the final two minutes of close games is typically derived from intensity and effort rather than the statistical advantage of the extra attacker.

A 6-on-5 attacking advantage is far less significant than a 5-on-4, not simply because of the proportional difference in manpower percentage. Passing lanes are narrower in the former situation, with each defender needing to move significantly less to set up in a comfortable zone.

Or, more simply put: battles in the corners and cycling the puck are keys to maintaining offensive possession. Those fights are won on guts.
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Jay,
Thanks for the note. I would like to give credit for the entire game ... and most the series ... to the Red Wings who didn't play at all like the older team, and not criticize the Penguins. But certainly if they could have mustered a similar effort earlier, we might be watching Game 7 tomorrow.
-- Bill O.

When you have a lead late in the game you know that it's going to get intense. Why it was intense late was because:

1. Pitt was desperate
2. Detroit was dropping back
3. Extra skater

Not only does the team behind forecheck harder, they have an extra guy to do it and close out the exit paths. The reason that's not done all game is because if an exit is gained, the rush is more likely to give you odd-man rushes. Play like that the whole game and you give the team more scoring chances than you get.

I agree that Pitt looked dead most of the game. I figured it was because they had a shorter bench in the 3 overtime game, but you do think they could have given a harder push given the stakes. Just a guess, but maybe they thought games 5 and 7 were the tough ones and game 6 would be in the bank.
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A home rink left-down, interesting thought.
-- Bill O.