---

I’ve changed my mind.

After originally being upset that Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final are being played back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday nights, suddenly I am all for it. And my change of heart has nothing to do with Conan O'Brien's debut on The Tonight Show going off as scheduled.

I've flip-flopped because I realize the NHL needs to be seen on big-time national television in the U.S., and NBC is as big as it gets. If NBC gets to dictate when the games are played, so be it.

Besides, watching hockey games – and sports in general – on the weekends is far more fun than watching games played during the week. Hopefully, my wife will understand when I disappear for three hours on both nights to watch Pittsburgh vs. Detroit – HA!

As I write this, there is less than an hour before the puck drops on Game 1 at Joe Louis Arena. It should be a terrific series simply because the two best teams have reached the pinnacle. That doesn’t always happen.

I am disappointed Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk will not play in Game 1 because of a foot injury. I want to see both teams at full strength on this grand stage.

RELATED VIDEO: Stanley Cup Final Preview

For the record, I think Pittsburgh will win the series in seven games. Like all championship teams, the Penguins had to learn how to win when it matters most and I believe they did that last season. Their time has come.


Thanks for reading.

Dave
thedesertdogblog@phoenixcoyotes.com