NHL / Richard Douglas / 09 June 2009 / Leave a comment

Penguins are the bet ahead of the sixth game of the series, say Richard Douglas.

If this year's Stanley Cup series has taught us anything it is that home ice gives a team much more than cold comfort.

All five games so far have been won by the hosts. Detroit Red Wings began with two 3-1 wins at the Joe Louis Arena before Pittsburgh Penguins levelled with back-to-back 4-2 victories at the Mellon Arena.

Detroit went a long way to retaining their title with a thumping 5-0 triumph at home on Sunday to open up a 3-2 lead. Victory on Tuesday in Pittsburgh will see them retain the Stanley Cup. But momentum has meant nothing so far so why should we believe it has divine power ahead of Game Six?

The best answers lies in the sizeable figure of Pavel Datsyuk. Although only semi-fit, his return after five weeks out with injury was said to be crucial to Detroit. The previews had predicted that his primary function was to nullify Pittsburgh's main threats - play-off top-scorers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But Datsyuk also had a supporting role in the attack and, if he came off, then the Red Wings would be more than likely to lift this sizeable trophy again.

That is exactly what happened.

Not bad for a player who reported was nursing himself through despite a broken foot.

If Detroit do retain their trophy then history will state that Datsyuk was the crucial factor that forced them over the line. But, at the same time, it would be foolish to discount Pittsburgh - and not just because they are playing at home.

Coach Dan Bylsema has presided over a run of 18 wins, three losses and four overtime victories since mid-February when their play-offs hopes looked remote. They trailed Washington 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semi-final before coming back to win and, of course, have levelled from the same position in this series. It makes Pittsburgh ([1.8]) a reasonable punt to win this game against Detroit ([2.1]).

And given the all-or-nothing nature of the game, over 6.5 goals looks interesting at [2.24].

However, the Stanley Cup overall is a different matter. If there is a final game it will be in Detroit ([1.28]), where Pittsburgh ([4.3]) have lost five out of six in final over the past two seasons. They have been outscored 20-5 in the process.

The Penguins could well grab victory in Tuesday's battle but the Red Wings should still win the war.