Red Wings continue quest for repeat title

The Detroit Red Wings, looking to become the first repeat Stanley Cup champions since they accomplished the feat in 1997 and 1998, continue their quest in the Western Conference finals against the Chicago Blackhawks today at Detroit.

The Eastern Conference finals begin in Pittsburgh on Monday night, when the Penguins play host to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Red Wings are in the conference finals for the third consecutive year and for the eighth time in 14 seasons. The Blackhawks haven’t been to the Stanley Cup finals since 1992, when they lost to Pittsburgh. They haven’t won the championship since 1961.

The Red Wings will rely heavily on goalie Chris Osgood, who has played every minute in the postseason, posting a 2.06 goals-against average. Chicago goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is looking to return to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since backstopping Tampa Bay’s run to the title in 2004.

In the East, Carolina advanced with two dramatic Game 7 wins on the road. The Hurricanes have won six consecutive playoff series, dating to the Cup finals in 2006.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will have to deal with the letdown after his hyped matchup against Washington’s Alex Ovechkin. Crosby had eight goals and 13 points against the Capitals and will be trying to lead the Penguins to a second straight finals appearance.