History Repeating?

The parallels began this time last year.

The young upstarts from Pittsburgh, featuring Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, two of the best young players in the game, were said to be just like the 1983 Edmonton Oilers, featuring a young Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier.

Young, talented, brash, destined for greatness. With two of the greatest players in the game, it was just a matter of time.

But their quick ride to the Stanley Cup finals would prove to not be their time. Standing in the Oilers way was the cagey, wily veterans from New York, in the midst of a Stanley Cup dynasty. The Oilers still needed to learn how to win, and the Islanders proved to be good teachers.

The Penguins suffered the same fate in just their 3rd season since Crosby's arrival. They too were taught the lessons of sacrifice needed to win the Stanley Cup. They too were not yet ready to knock off a dynasty, the Detroit Red Wings.

The Oilers and Islanders met once again in the Stanley Cup finals in 1984, the last such rematch between finalists. Battle-proven and hungry, the Oilers would not be denied their destiny and would win the Stanley Cup, ending the Isles glory years and undeniably establishing Gretzky as the best in the game.

Fast forward to the present day, and Crosby and Malkin's Penguins find themselves with a chance to continue shadowing hockey history.

The Penguins look improved, stronger and confident. Crosby in particular looks driven like few others, while Malkin has looked unstoppable at times. As they meet the Red Wings once again in the finals, can they fulfill their fate like the Oilers did in their rematch 25 years ago? Is this Crosby's moment of destiny?

Were the lessons of 2008 learned by the Penguins? Books under your tables and no talking, Pittsburgh. It's exam time.



Update: As for my official prediction, I will concede that Detroit is a slight favorite, but I will pick Pittsburgh. The story of Crosby's destiny is just too good not to cheer for.