The Penguins made a commitment to one another going into Game 3 on home ice in Pittsburgh, vowing they would leave it all on the ice. To a man following the victory, they all acknowledged that. The team rode the backs of Marc-Andre Fleury's spectacular performance and the leadership of captain Sidney Crosby.
Ryan Malone talked about how the team performed tactically, saying that the forecheck was very aggressive, unlike Games 1 and 2 at Joe Louis Arena. They were able to establish that forecheck because they were much more patient in this game. They made smart dump-ins, instead of attempting to make the low percentage passes.
As a group, the Penguins were very pleased with their performance and they believe that if they are able to duplicate this effort, they will be just fine in Game 4.
Following the game, the Red Wings were very concerned with the health of forward Tomas Holmstrom and whether the speculated knee injury is going to be significant enough to keep him out of the lineup in Game 4. However, as one of his teammates pointed out, Holmstrom is like a walking ice bag so there is a firm belief in that dressing room that he will be good to go in Game 4.
Kirk Maltby told me that his team looked nervous going into Game 3. He also said that through three games in the series, the Wings have been 'poking the bear' by taking bad and ill-timed penalties against a powerful Penguins power play. They felt like that was something that they would have to tighten up going forward.
I also asked him if this was a statement game for Sidney Crosby and the way he delivered. Maltby stated: "Well I wouldn't say that, but you could."