Nhl Playoffs, Stanley Cup | featured news

NBC's Red Wings-Penguins broadcast on Friday night represented a huge leap for hockey on TV in the U.S. -- and even a big gain on the N.B.A. on ABC.

The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame the loss of captain Sidney Crosby and a whole lot of history to beat the defending champion Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on Friday night in Game 7 and win the Stanley Cup for the third time.

History is supposed to teach us lessons and give us insight into the future. When it comes to tonight's Game 7 in Detroit between the Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins, what view is pertinent -- the overall history or recent recall?

Marc-Andre Fleury made a breakaway save with a minute and a half to go and the Pittsburgh Penguins held off the Detroit Red Wings.

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit’s leading scorer, returned to the lineup with two assists, inspiring a 5-0 thrashing of the Penguins that gave the Red Wings a 3-2 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals.

Johan Franzen scored the go-ahead goal late in the second period and Chris Osgood made 31 saves, helping the defending champion Detroit Red Wings beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

It's time to drop the puck on the Stanley Cup playoffs. As 16 teams prepare to battle for the Cup, SI.com's Michael Farber unveils his picks: A repeat champion?