Stanley Cup Finals has matchup NHL, and fans, want

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2008 | by Jacques Demers

The stars are out, and we're not talking about Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie at the Cannes Film Festival.

These Stanley Cup Finals are filled with stars. Though the NHL would never say so, this is their dream matchup.

The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins are what hockey in the postlockout era is supposed to be about: great scoring chances, puck control, great passes. Pittsburgh defensemen Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar and Detroit's Brian Rafalski and Nicklas Lidstrom can get the puck up ice quicker than anyone.

Both teams love the transition game. Their coaches are among the elite of the NHL. Even if they're strong defensively, you're still going to see a lot of offense.

You have two of the classiest captains in the league in...