Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011

[Sohel]

2 down, 2 to go. Gotta believe!

Red Wings 4, Sharks 3
Associated Press


SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - The Detroit Red Wings are coming home with a chance to take a step toward history.

Suddenly, that seems well within reach.

Tomas Holmstrom broke a tie with 6:08 remaining, and the Red Wings scored three third-period goals to avoid elimination with a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night.

"There's a lot of character on this team. There's not any quit," said Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard, who made 39 saves. "Our season was on the line there in the third period, and we found a way."

Danny Cleary and Jonathan Ericsson also scored in the final period to send the series back to Detroit for Game 6 on Tuesday night. After winning the first three games, San Jose is clinging to a 3-2 lead.

Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi scored to help the Sharks take a 3-1 lead early in the third period. Then the Red Wings scored two quick goals before Holmstrom redirected the winner past Antti Niemi, leaving a sellout crowd stunned and silent.

Niklas Kronwell also scored and Pavel Datsyuk added three assists for Detroit.

"I think you put yourselves in a very dangerous position if you get back on your heels against that team," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "I didn't think we did that tonight. They just outplayed us in the third period."

The Red Wings moved closer to adding to their already storied history.

The 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, 1975 New York Islanders and 2010 Philadelphia Flyers are the only teams to win a series after losing the first three games. With Chicago winning three straight to force a Game 7 against Vancouver in the opening round, that's enough precedent to give Detroit hope that it can push San Jose to the brink.

The Red Wings already have overcome a repeat of last season, when they went down 3-0 to the Sharks - just like this year - before being eliminated in Game 5 at San Jose.

No encore this time.

Detroit came back again with a strong push up ice and sent several shots at Niemi after going down two goals. In a span of 1:46, the Red Wings got a goal from Ericsson and another from Cleary on a wraparound shot for the equalizer.

Then Nicklas Lidstrom sent a slap shot from the center that was deflected on net by Holmstrom, redirected top shelf to beat Niemi and shock a towel-waving crowd that was ready to toast a berth in the Western Conference finals for the second straight season.

"I didn't know it went in right away," Holmstrom said. "But I saw the ref point at the net and I felt pretty good."

Fans had reason to be optimistic: the Sharks had controlled the puck and forced the action from the start.

But they failed to convert on two power plays in the opening period - not even registering a shot on the first - and nearly fell behind again if not for a spectacular save from their goalie. Niemi kept the Red Wings from going ahead first, diving to his left to rob a slap shot by Ericsson with a glove save.

A few minutes later, Joe Thornton won a faceoff in Detroit's territory and passed it back for a slap shot by Dan Boyle from just inside the blue line. Boyle's shot was redirected by Setoguchi for his fifth goal of the playoffs to put San Jose up 1-0 with 2:42 left in the period.

The Red Wings were able to kill off another power play in the second to give themselves a chance, only to fail to even get a shot off when they had their own man advantage. Then Pavelski made them pay when he took a pass from Ryane Clowe on a 2-on-1 break, flicking the puck past Howard to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead.

The goal also was Pavelski's fifth of the playoffs, although he didn't have much time to celebrate. Kronwell scored 53 seconds later with a wrist shot that beat Niemi top shelf with 3:35 left in the period.

Any momentum the Red Wings had entering the final period seemed to end with a thud.

Dany Heatley came out of a scrum along the side boards and shoved a pass ahead to Couture, who finished on a wide-open breakaway past Howard's left leg 54 seconds into the third period to give the Sharks a 3-1 cushion.

"When we go up 3-1 we usually finish teams off," Thornton said. "They fought back very hard. We made a couple of careless plays and against their skilled players, they put those in."

NOTES: Red Wings F Johan Franzen tweaked his ankle and was limited in the third period. ... The Red Wings inserted left winger Drew Miller into the lineup and scratched Jiri Hudler. ... The Sharks are 7-0 when they lead a series 3-1. ... The announced attendance was a sellout crowd of 17,562. ... The Sharks fell to 5-1 when they score first in the playoffs.

LINK

[Beamer]

Datsyuk was really amazing in that last sequence prior to the go ahead goal. Simply brilliant. I can smell the Sharks panicking. If they go down in game 6, which is a strong possibility, they will lose badly in Game 7. So, Game 6 is really a make or break game for them. I wish I watched the game last night. I am gonna watch Game 6 for sure.

[Beamer]

Oh, and Howard was fantastic yesterday...

[Sohel]

Datsyuk played the whole game with an injured wrist, and was a possible scratch before the game. Didn't take a single faceoff and lost out on takeaway chances he converts close to 90% of the time. Franzen with his injured ankle will probably make way for Modano who's eager to play. Great to see our Swedish D stepping up to score. Lidstrom, Kronwall and Ericsson are finding room in the slot as the forwards get crowded. Our PK was good also and other than Abdel Kader's idiotic penalty, nothing stupid either. Eaves was outstanding in the PK.

Howard has kept us in the series so far. You only need to look at the way we've been outshot us to see why. Those 1 goal losses could very easy have been 2 or 3 goal losses, especially in the first 2 games. Helm joined Datsyuk and Zetterberg in taking quite a few chances away with their backchecking in front of Howard. Other than Salei and Stuart, the D has been solid and getting stronger.

The Preds trail 0-2 after 1. Kesler's simply too hot to handle offensively and too hard to get past defensively, especially during PPs. The way he takes the passing lanes away and blocks shots during PK reminds me of Yzerman and his students: Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Draper, other other fabled penalty killer in the Winged Wheel, has mentored Helm, Eaves and Miller well. The Preds wasted 4 PPs already, unable to get the puck to Weber at point to unleash those heavy shots. Luongo's looking solid also.

[Sohel]

Preds trail 1-2 at the start of 3. Weird goal but the Preds were clearly dominant. Very 1990s Devils-like.

[Sohel]

Almost halfway through the 3rd and the Preds aren't creating good chances coming out of their zone. Not being able to possess and cycle the puck will do that to you. Just containing the Sedin sisters, something they've done extremely well, won't get you goals. Legwand, Ward and Tootoo are controlling the boards, but there's nobody outside the scrum to make the pass to anyone at the slot.

[Sohel]

HUGE last second save by Luongo on Weber takes Wankuwah to the WCF. Lack of scoring punch up front, coupled with Kesler's relentlessness cost Nashville the series.

The Preds are one 30 goal and two 20 goal scorers away from the next level. Their coaching could improve in the innovation department.

Neither we nor the Sharks will have trouble in WCF with this team. If they manage to make it to the SCF, both Tampa and Boston have the ability to beat them.

[Rinathq]

Originally Posted by Sohel NR
HUGE last second save by Luongo on Weber takes Wankuwah to the WCF. Lack of scoring punch up front, coupled with Kesler's relentlessness cost Nashville the series.

The Preds are one 30 goal and two 20 goal scorers away from the next level. Their coaching could improve in the innovation department.

Neither we nor the Sharks will have trouble in WCF with this team. If they manage to make it to the SCF, both Tampa and Boston have the ability to beat them.

We will see how far arrogance takes Detroit fans! Both Detroit and Sharks are shaky as one team was down 3-0 the other failing to hold onto it. Yea i know that happened to us too, but lets wait and see what happens with these 2 teams. Nashville got lucky all the way. One odd goal last game to tie it up and another odd goal today. If it wasnt for Rinne, they would have been destroyed 4-0. We have come this far without the Sedins, without Ballard, without Malhotra. Finally after a month the team will get some practice and rest. Whatever team is moving on, they better watch out, because if the Sedins and Kesler fire together, no team will stand a chance.

Go Canucks!!!!!!!! We got this year

[Sohel]

What you sulkingly refer to as "arrogance", anyone with a basic understanding of playoff hockey (not of the EA Sports variety) looking at our record - or looking at the Sharks, Tampa or Boston for that matter - would see as the truth. As great as AMERICAN & MICHIGANDER Kesler is, Vancouver simply doesn't have the lines to counter the second and third lines of the 4 teams I think can easily beat them.

We shall indeed see that a mediocre defense, a suspect goalie, and a couple of Swedish wimps up front won't take you all the way.

If the Canucks win the Cup, I'll never post anything hockey-related in this forum ever again, so hear me GOD.

[Bancan]

Originally Posted by Sohel NR
What you sulkingly refer to as "arrogance", anyone with a basic understanding of playoff hockey (not of the EA Sports variety) looking at our record - or looking at the Sharks, Tampa or Boston for that matter - would see as the truth. As great as AMERICAN & MICHIGANDER Kesler is, Vancouver simply doesn't have the lines to counter the second and third lines of the 4 teams I think can easily beat them.

We shall indeed see that a mediocre defense, a suspect goalie, and a couple of Swedish wimps up front won't take you all the way.

If the Canucks win the Cup, I'll never post anything hockey-related in this forum ever again, so hear me GOD.

You are quite unnecessary.

[Sohel]

I'm glad YOU think so

[Rinathq]

Originally Posted by Sohel NR
What you sulkingly refer to as "arrogance", anyone with a basic understanding of playoff hockey (not of the EA Sports variety) looking at our record - or looking at the Sharks, Tampa or Boston for that matter - would see as the truth. As great as AMERICAN & MICHIGANDER Kesler is, Vancouver simply doesn't have the lines to counter the second and third lines of the 4 teams I think can easily beat them.

We shall indeed see that a mediocre defense, a suspect goalie, and a couple of Swedish wimps up front won't take you all the way.

If the Canucks win the Cup, I'll never post anything hockey-related in this forum ever again, so hear me GOD.

haha i do understand hockey, but throwing out predictions on a team that is the presidents trophy winner and are in better position than your team is underestimating them. Did u say a mediocre defense? Funny how are one of the best powerplay killing teams and u just randomly throw things out like that! A suspect goalie? How many more gold medels do u need before that suspect is over?? And why does it matter if Kesler is American? And if he can pull through Predators he can pull through Sharks, Wings, Bruins and Lightning........

Unlike you i wont say anything like i will never post anything sort of trash, because i respect other teams and i am confident that canucks will make it through but not overconfident.

[Zeeshan]

rinat apa ke mohila naki..not that anythings wrong with it....mohilarao bhalo hockey bujhe...amader FaHiMa apao hocker khub bhokto

[Rinathq]

Originally Posted by ZeeshanM
rinat apa ke mohila naki..not that anythings wrong with it....mohilarao bhalo hockey bujhe...amader FaHiMa apao hocker khub bhokto

That was the most uneducated comeback ever!
Anyways one more personal attack/ rude comment and I won't be so nice

Posted via BC Mobile Edition (iPhone)

[Zeeshan]

Lol no seriously i was curious. Hope you didn't mind. Rinat sounds like a female name yet you give male vibe. Just being curious...

[Bancan]

Originally Posted by rinathq
That was the most uneducated comeback ever!
Anyways one more personal attack/ rude comment and I won't be so nice

Posted via BC Mobile Edition (iPhone)

I think you are here long enough to know that Zeeshan never attacks anyone personally.

[Rinathq]

Originally Posted by ZeeshanM
Lol no seriously i was curious. Hope you didn't mind. Rinat sounds like a female name yet you give male vibe. Just being curious...

Haha ur sense of humor is remarkable. I don't need to prove my gender.... My real name is Niloy if that helps

Posted via BC Mobile Edition (iPhone)

[Rinathq]

Originally Posted by Bancan
I think you are here long enough to know that Zeeshan never attacks anyone personally.

Sorry mate but I don't observe individual commenting patterns

Posted via BC Mobile Edition (iPhone)

[Sohel]

Can't wait. It's 6 PM in Dhaka and the puck drops at 6 AM. We either execute and extend our quest for number 12 or stay home. Hockey is a cruel mistress. Go Red Wings! Go St. Nick! You deserve to retire with a fifth Cup over your shoulders.

Wings aim to force a Game 7 against Sharks
Dave Lozo - NHL.com Staff Writer

Big Story -- Every time the Red Wings look like they're out, they pull themselves back in. Facing a 3-0 series deficit in Game 4, they didn't get rattled when the Sharks scored three straight goals to tie the game at 3-3. Darren Helm scored late to give the Wings a series-saving win. In Game 5, the Sharks held a two-goal lead in the third period, but the Red Wings scored three straight to force a Game 6. Detroit can force a decisive Game 7 back in San Jose if they can find a way to win at Joe Louis Arena.

Team Scope:

Sharks -- After taking 10-of-12 from the Red Wings, there was a notion that perhaps the Sharks were in the heads of their tormentors. But with two inspired performances with their backs to the wall, the Red Wings are showing they're not ready to go away just yet.

The Sharks played two great periods in Game 5, but fell apart after taking a two-goal lead less than a minute into the third period. They now must find a way to improve, or it will come down to a Game 7 on home ice Thursday night.

"I have a pretty good idea what I'm going to share with our club later on today," coach Todd McLellan said. "We'll have a meeting and we'll keep that inside the locker room. We worked hard all year to prepare for these moments. We'll make sure that we take it up a notch higher than we did last night."

Red Wings -- There was never a doubt in the minds of players when they were down 3-0 in the series, and there wasn't any doubt when they were down two goals in Game 5.

"There’s a calmness," second-year goalie Jimmy Howard said of Detroit's mood when falling behind 3-0 in the series. "There's a lot of experience in our dressing room and when your leaders have been through a lot, you just look to them. When you see (Lidstrom's) face and see how calm he is, it just trickles down."

"That's what's got us to this point," GM Ken Holland said. "When we were down 3-0, nobody wanted to go home. We plan to be flying back for Game 7."

Who's Hot -- Devin Setoguchi has come alive this round for the Sharks. He has 4 goals in 5 games against the Red Wings. … Pavel Datsyuk has been a force against San Jose, posting a goal and 6 assists.

Injury Report -- Red Wings forward Johan Franzen (ankle) was in obvious pain during Game 5 and did not play at all during the third period. He will likely be a game-time decision. If he can't go, Jiri Hudler or Mike Modano could take his place.

Stat Pack -- It's no coincidence that in the two losses, the Sharks are 0-for-6 on the power play. In their three wins, they are 4-for-15. … The Red Wings have never come back to win a series when trailing 3-0 but have come back from a 3-1 deficit twice.

Puck Drop -- "Right now we need him to be better. It's a simple as that. We need him to be better offensively and defensively, but again I'm talking about one individual. There are others on that line. There are a pair that are on that ice at that given time. There is a goaltender and there are a number of other people that have to pick up their play." -- Sharks coach Todd McLellan on Patrick Marleau and Antti Niemi

LINK

[Beamer]

Originally Posted by Sohel NR
What you sulkingly refer to as "arrogance", anyone with a basic understanding of playoff hockey (not of the EA Sports variety) looking at our record - or looking at the Sharks, Tampa or Boston for that matter - would see as the truth. As great as AMERICAN & MICHIGANDER Kesler is, Vancouver simply doesn't have the lines to counter the second and third lines of the 4 teams I think can easily beat them.

We shall indeed see that a mediocre defense, a suspect goalie, and a couple of Swedish wimps up front won't take you all the way.

If the Canucks win the Cup, I'll never post anything hockey-related in this forum ever again, so hear me GOD.

Oh Boy..Now Canucks can't win. Not after that ultimatum. There will be no NHL thread without you. IC doesn't visit anymore. I dearly miss his comments. I don't want to be stuck alone with Zeeshan.

I have made similar observation about Preds and their lack of dynamic players. They will need a few proven scorers if they want to move beyond being a perennial first-second round team. They have a great scouting dept and they draft great. But, they are a small market, and I read somewhere that they usually can't afford to spend up to the cap. So, they stick to their system which is great, but at the end, you do need elite players to win a cup.

[Beamer]

Originally Posted by rinathq
We will see how far arrogance takes Detroit fans! Both Detroit and Sharks are shaky as one team was down 3-0 the other failing to hold onto it. Yea i know that happened to us too, but lets wait and see what happens with these 2 teams. Nashville got lucky all the way. One odd goal last game to tie it up and another odd goal today. If it wasnt for Rinne, they would have been destroyed 4-0. We have come this far without the Sedins, without Ballard, without Malhotra. Finally after a month the team will get some practice and rest. Whatever team is moving on, they better watch out, because if the Sedins and Kesler fire together, no team will stand a chance.

Go Canucks!!!!!!!! We got this year

Loss of Malhotra is huge. He is one of the best face-off man in the league.

[Beamer]

Originally Posted by ZeeshanM
Lol no seriously i was curious. Hope you didn't mind. Rinat sounds like a female name yet you give male vibe. Just being curious...

Rifat sounds like a female name, but he also gives female vibe. What about that Sherlock?

[Zeeshan]

Originally Posted by Beamer
Rifat sounds like a female name, but he also gives female vibe. What about that Sherlock?

Lol what are the odds he will actually read this? Fire and brimstone, my friend!

[Sohel]

0-0 after 1 and for once, we're winning the battle of the boards and outshooting them 18-6, but have no goals to show for it. That can be REALLY demoralizing if they score against the run of play. Niemi has been good.

[Sohel]

Miller misses the open net off a Niemi rebound early in the 2nd!