The NHL’s Western Conference Final between Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings is now tied at a game apiece due to lucky breaks for both teams.
In Game One, the Ducks dominated the Wings but they lost that game 2-1 with both Wings goals bouncing in off Ducks defenceman Francois Beauchemin.
In Game Two, the Wings proved more opportunistic, when three goals coming from special teams (one shorthanded, two on the powerplay) gave them a 3-2 lead in the third period. Just when Detroit appeared in control of the game, however, a controversial video replay decision gave the Ducks the tying goal, setting the stage for their series-tying winner in overtime.
With both clubs checking so well and for the most part playing strong defensive hockey there might be more lucky bounces that determines the direction of this series.
I don’t think we’ve seen the Ducks at their best in this series, but at the same time, the Wings have proven thus far to be able to withstand Anaheim’s punishing physical game.
Regardless of who wins this series (I picked the Ducks in Six), it’s not going to be an easy series for either team. Both will pound each other relentlessly and minimize scoring chances with their defensive play, particularly shot-blocking, which has become the great offensive neutralizer in this year’s playoffs.
In the end, this one could come to the quality of their goaltending, which teams wears down first from the physical play and which club catches the most breaks.
LGB: If Hasek is pushed into the net, which he was, the goal doesn't count even if the puck crossed the line before the whistle blew.However, the video replay only checked to determine if the puck crossed the line, not how Hasek's body with the puck lying on him crossed the line.
Did anyone see a red wings player pick up Hasek's goal stick and bring it to him after the breakaway save he made in the 1st period. Isnt that a penalty ? Overall, I couldnt believe the officiating in last nights game.
I know its off the actual topic a bit, but hey, it was the only game on last night.
Both teams got lucky, yeah the Red Wings have withstood The Ducks physical play, but that was at home and over the course of two games. Anaheim will wear them down, Detroit's down 2 defensemen, Chelios is going to need oxygen, and put them away in 6.
By the way, Hasik did get pushed into the net, saw a replay this morning, it was a goal. No real controversy.
LGB, when is your team going to come alive and make a series of it? I have them winning that series.
Magic- I have no idea. You know its not as bad as some have made it out to be BUT the Sabres are definitely behind the 8-ball now.
Lets not kid ourselves, whoever wins the East is a deserving team. The Sens are playing their best hockey at the perfect time and they would be worthy winners.
Actually I think we havent seen either team at teh top of its game. Detroit has looked fatigued or slow and not on top of there game at all excpet for a few instances during each game. Anaheim has dictacted the flow and the wings have just gone with it. I think wings will re group after this game be better in anaheim and i think the last 4-5 games will be good hopefully.. and damn this stupid Western conference wehre we have a Eastern team traveling each round to the West coast pretty much.
Spector: Isn't there a way to take a more holistic approach to video replays on goals? What is the rationale for the rule that allows the video review to only focus on whether the puck crossed the line without being able to consider other factors - in this case whether the Dominator was pushed.
Controversial goals/ non-goals are point of contention with us Flames fans I guess. I still feel sick when I see shots of the puck sitting behind Khabibulin's pad.
Yay Canada! What an awesome power forward goal by Nash, eh?
Go Tigers Go. WHL final game 7. If you get a chance check it out. Its great hockey. Flames prosepct Keetley has been unbelievable in net. Interesting Memorial Cup coming up this weekend - nice Canada/US rivalry with Lewiston (Maine) representing the Quebec League, Plymouth (Michigan) representing the Ontario League and two Canadian teams representing the WHL.
Well hockeytown, I think the ducks are going to cook us this round. Though Lidstrom and Chelios have played at an unbelieveable level considering there age, I suspect the Ducks have the advantage defensively. Defense wins games. Though I admire and love my team for as far as they've come, I think the injuries to (2) key defensemen are going to sink the ship. But, it's not over till the fat lady sings, and I buried my Wings in round 1 and 2, yet they proved me wrong.
DetGiggy, I can honestly say that, as a Red Wings fan, it wouldn't bother me a bit if the Wings didn't make it past the Ducks. I'd prefer that they win it all, but even if they lose they've answered a lot of concerns. Scoring from their depth? Check. Not wilting in the face of a physical game? Check. Top line scoring and Pavel lighting the lamp? Check. More youth? Check, with more to come as the Wings are finally bringing Grigorenko in.
I'd be happier with the cup of course, but the Wings have done plenty already.
It is not a penalty to bring the keeper a stick. But if your holding his stick and your own and play the puck it is. you are not allowed to hod 2 sticks and play the puck
I must admit at the begining of the playoffs I was very sold on the Ducks winning the cup, but it really is anyone's game right right in the west. With the way they're playing and the way Ottawa is playing do you guys think that the Western finalist will be too tuckered out to withstand whatever Ottawa throws at them?
The Ducks play really physical no matter who they're playing up against and that's gotta be taking it's toll on some of their players. It looks like the Senators are going to sweep the Sabers and then the Sens will get maybe more than a week to rest.
It's a perfect time for a break for the senators. They've gone through three teams and now can get some time in for practaces now and then and at the same time whoever is ####ed up can get some much needed time to heal up.
When the two teams meet the Ducks should by dying for a break, while the Senators will be well rested and ready to get their name on the cup.
Ducks def wings in 6
Senators def Sabers in 4
Con Smyth: Heatley
When Spector, along with all the other analysts & sports writers who've columns I've read made predictions of "Ducks in 6" or "Ducks in 7", I didn't let that bother me. I came in this forum & defended my Wings, and posted MY prediction of "Detroit in 6". Spector said he still disagreed, but that's ok - that was before the puck had been dropped.
The really surprising thing is seeing how many people have posted here AFTER the first two games who still think the Wings are finished. After 2, the series score may have been even, but Detroit had been holding their own. As I said previously, Guigere today is not Guigere of 2003. The Wings haven't had too much trouuble with him yet.
This series is shaping up to be a series of heart - who WANTS it more?
After game 3, I'm still liking the Wings in 6.
BTW - Pronger needs to be suspended for 2 games for his hit on Holmstrom. 2 games is fair - I can see the same length suspension being given in the reg season, and I don't think that they should adjust suspension lengths for leniency in the playoffs. It doesn't matter that Holmstrom was able to come back - elbows to the head from behind have no place in the sport.
disciple: I'm looking forward to Game Four because that one could well be the turning point of the series.
I was impressed (heck, who wouldn't be?)by the Wings performance in Game Three. As I noted in my post-game analysis on Foxsports.com, they caught the Ducks flatfooted with their quick passing transition game and Babcock's line juggling kept Ducks coach Carlyle off-guard.
It's going to be interesting, however, to see how the Ducks react in Game Four. If they cannot adjust, they'll be in trouble, no question.
Lots of hockey left. Ducks in five no longer possible, but they can still win the series. Anaheim has enough veterans to let the young guys know that it was just one game.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
