A more detailed blog will follow on Friday morning, but I figured many of the fans would like to jump on to the site to share their thoughts.

Without question, Detroit looks less energetic than Pittsburgh. That shorthanded marker by Jordan Staal definitely altered the momentum in this game and quite possibly could be a series-changer.

The Wings defense just looked awful all night long. In the first period, the number of defensive zone turnovers were astonishing. The whole group had a night to forget but Brian Rafalski in particular did not have a game to remember as he was burned several times, including Malkin a minute prior to Staal doing the same to knot up the game at two goals apiece.

This is not a knock on the player, as he has a very bright future in this league. However, if Darren Helm remains Detroit's most dangerous offensive player as he was this evening, Detroit is in trouble.

I suggested from the start that this series would go the distance and it certainly looks to be the case after four games. Detroit, even without Datsyuk, looks to be the better team when the teams play at even strength. But their special teams have completely gone cold in this Final (including their vaunted power play), Marc-Andre Fleury has stepped up his game and the Pens have taken advantage. That Jordan Staal line tonight certainly played extremely well and provided Pittsburgh with an added dimension we haven't seen as of yet in this series.

Unlike last year, the Pens now appear very confident and belief in themselves that they are every bit as good as Detroit. Should be a fascinating game Saturday night in Motown.

mark.spizzirri@hockeybuzz.com