NHL / Richard Douglas / 06 June 2009 / Leave a comment

Game five could prove to be a crucial one in determining who wins this year's edition of the Stanley Cup. So crucial in fact that the Detroit Redwings have hurried back a half-fit Pavel Datsyuk. But will the gamble backfire, asks Richard Douglas.

"He'll play," said Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock ahead of Game Five of the Stanley Cup series against Pittsburgh Pengiuns on Saturday.

Given that the "he" involved, Pavel Datsyuk, has not featured since May 19, you can surmise that all is not well with the holders right now. Only struggling sports team make saviours of those on the sidelines

Detroit ([1.78]) v Pittsburgh ([2.2]) is a repeat of last year's showpiece and the first three games this time around have followed the pattern of 12 months ago. The Red Wings looked the part by winning Game One and Two with the Penguins pegging them back in the next.

However, last year Detroit re-asserted that two-game advantage in the following rubber but this time Pittsburgh have levelled up matters.

Suddenly there are doubts about the champions. Has age caught up with them after four games in six days? How can they stifle the goal threat of Evgeni Malkin? Can Detroit ever be as good when they are forced to play on the back foot and why is Henrik Zetterberg finding it increasingly difficult to mark Sidney Crosby out of the game?

It is the last issue that has precipitated the questions about Pavel Datsyuk. A few weeks ago, the defenseman damaged his foot blocking a shot against Chicago in the Western Conference final. He had a practice skate ahead of Game Four but decided against playing. His return will help the struggling Zetterburg but even coach Babcock suggests it would normally take two weeks before he is back to his best.

Detroit don't have that luxury here. After Saturday's encounter, Game Six takes place on Tuesday with a potential decider next Friday. But if Datsyuk's return does work then Under 4.5 goals ([2.52]) looks interesting.

The worrying part of Game Four for the holders was not the defeat per se but the manner of its execution. Detroit had back-to-back powerplays in the second period but only did they fail to make them count but, with that man advantage they actually conceded a goal to Jordan Staal.

The momentum is with the Penguins ([2.42]) for Game Five and if they can take the win that could see them take full revenge and lift the Stanley Cup this year.