Abdelkader Nets Insurance Goals in Wings' Victories

In the first two games of the Stanley Cup finals, former Spartan Justin Abdelkader scored his first and second career playoff goals. The Detroit Red Wings had 3-1 victories over the Pittsburgh Penguins in both games. After only playing a few games with the Wings during the regular season, Abdelkader has scored two crucial goals in the finals. He has definitely earned the trust of Mike Babcock and the commentators of CBC were really singing his praises throughout the game.

I hope his performance thus far in the playoffs will earn him the chance to start out the season with the Red Wings next season, instead of with the Griffins. He has really shown that he can compete with the very best players in the NHL. Spartan fans have plenty to be proud of with Abdelkader's two clutch goals. I am changing my prediction for the finals. I think the Wings will win one game in Pittsburgh, and finish them off at the Joe in game five.

Abdelkader, Wings Punch Ticket to Finals

Justin Abdelkader and the Detroit Red Wings advanced to the Stanley Cup finals with a thrilling overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Red Wings will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a repeat of last year's finals. Abdelkader was called up in the Anaheim series to replace an injured Red Wing. He logged quite a bit of ice time and played very well. He remains the only Spartan alum still alive in the playoffs. The Wings knocked out Duncan Keith's Chicago Blackhawks and the Penguins swept Rod Brind'Amour's Carolina Hurricanes. The Stanley Cup finals will begin on Saturday, May 30.

Abdelkader has a chance to win a second Stanley Cup in only two years in the NHL. I may be biased when it comes to the Detroit Red Wings, but I have them winning in seven games. The Wings' superior depth will overcome the scoring firepower of Crosby and Malkin.

Spartans in the NHL

There are currently three former Spartans still playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. They are Rod Brind'Amour with the Carolina Hurricanes, Duncan Keith with the Chicago Blackhawks, and Justin Abdelkader with the Detroit Red Wings. Check out the article at msuspartans.com. Who will bring home the Stanley Cup? I'm pulling for all of these players to do well, but my favorite has to be Abdelkader. I hope the Wings win it all for the second year in a row.

Spartan Hockey

Today marks the first day of my Michigan State hockey blog. This is the official blog of Spartan hockey. I will be blogging about the 2009-10 hockey team and our former players in the NHL. I am very excited about a great year of Spartan hockey even though its only May. Feel free to contact me with suggestions/comments at spartanhockeyblog@gmail.com. Go State!