Marian Hossa is in the Cup Final for the second straight year -- only thing is last year he went to the championship series with Pittsburgh.
"Obviously this is a different situation… to be in the final in straight years on different teams," Hossa said. "But it will be a challenge and now I'm on this side"
It was quite a summer of unrestricted free agency for Marian Hossa even though it only went until July 2. He received a $35-million offer to stay in Pittsburgh. Hossa also reportedly received an $81-million offer from Edmonton but instead decided to go to Detroit for one year and $7.4 million.
"It came down to the final two (Pittsburgh and Detroit). It was a tough decision but in life you have to make them. I feel good about what I did and I have no regrets."
His choice of teams was a hot topic the day before his old team faces his new one.
The Wings, Hossa felt, were hockey's version of the 'Sure Thing' and that's why he departed Pittsburgh after being a dealt to the Pneguins on deadline-day in 2008. The winger also liked the Wings makeup… as much or more talent than the Pens, but Detroit had veterans like Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios to lead the way.
After Hossa made his decision he sent an email to Penguins young captain Sidney Crosby explaining his decision. "I just wanted him to know why I did what I did. We also had dinner this season and we talked about it."
From Crosby's standpoint he appreciated the explanation but the decision did surprise him.
"If you asked me after the season if Marian would be coming back I would have said 100 percent for sure. It didn't work out that way so no hard feelings and we've all moved on," Crosby said.
