Originally Posted by JayJamJah

If Lidstrom are healthy Datsyuk play Detroit in Five otherwise Detroit in Seven.

Lidstrom is the best defender in the league and the best or second best of all-time. Datsyuk is the best defensive forward in the league and he and Zetterberg will shut down Crosby and Malkin much of the series as they did last year and have done to Rick Nash, Martin Getzlaf, Patrickj Kane and Johnathan Toews thus far and have done to pretty much everyone the past 15 years.

Pittsburgh does seem improved, but really are they? The had a better regular season and a better record in the playoffs getting to the cup round. Sykora and Gonchar were playing at a much higher level and Hossa (one of the top 10 forwards in the league) was on their side not Detroit.

The wings have (if healthy) the best forward, best defensemen, the better goalie, the deeper team, more expereince and the better coach.

The x-factor is the Penguins hunger. They are a very talented offensive team and with the Wings fresh off a Cup victory it's unlike they'll be as desperate for the cup as Pittsburgh.

I can't wait.