That snapping sound coming from Joe Lewis Arena Saturday was the Dallas Stars snapping a 10 game playoff losing streak in the building (since 1992), and
Marty Turco breaking into the win column for the first time ever as a pro
at the Joe.
After a rough start for Turco, losing the first 3 games in a row, he's
back in stellar form and recorded his 2nd post season assist today in
Detroit. He's also blocked 72 of the last 74 shots in the last 2 games, as the Stars have tightened up the series. Detroit now leads the series 3-2.
Turco is no stranger to the Joe, started his career at the University
of Michigan, with whom he won 2 NCAA titles. He was drafted in the
fifth round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars, and went
on to play for Michigan that fall. Turco earned many awards in his four
years at Michigan, including Rookie of the Year in 1995, Tournament MVP
in 1998, and nominations to the First All-Star team in 1997, the Second
All-Star Team in 1998, and the All-Tournament Team in 1996 and 1998.
"It was a gutty performance by my team to help me get over the
schneid," Turco said. "This team hasn't made any excuses for what's
gone wrong. We just weren't playing well, but now we're playing a lot
better. This was a big game. It feels good, but it feels more good
about the situation we were in and the ability that we were able to
overcome it. We thought we were going to need at least one here, and
now we need two."
After the Red Wings jumping out to a 3 games to none lead, Dallas is
dictating the way the game should be played, at a pace in
which the defensive-minded Stars can impose their will upon the
flash-and-dash Wings. Doubt is setting in for the Wings. The failure to
close brings on more doubt as the intensity increases by the game in
Conference Finals.
Team captain Brenden Morrow said "We know the feeling. The doubt starts
creeping in. We know how tough it's going to be for them in our
building."
So congrats Marty Turco! I've got my Game 6 tickets in hand, and I
should (hopefully) have fully regained my voice by the time the puck
drops Monday night. I'm gradually getting it back from attending game 4
in Dallas.
This is the highest level of intensity witnessed in American Airlines Center, and it's approaching the games of lore played in Reunion Arena! Deja Vu all over again!
I hail from a large family where after school we went in 7 different directions, to either play or coach in every sport available. As a child I got in free to the Cowboy games at the Cotton Bowl as a tag-along to my Dad's credentials. It was the ultimate childhood dream scenario to play football there, under the lights with the kids of other players and personnel after the games. I have been a Cowboys fan since those days in the 60's and like Willie Nelson says "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys". I've witnessed a few Stars Stanley Cup games and I have been a Mavericks fan since day one. Hopefully, in the future, G.W. Bush will re-take control of the Texas Rangers and they will once again become competitive.
