I want to write a recap of Game Five but I'm still so psyched about the win that I don't feel like I can put it together.
After Radek Bonk scored to tie the game, I was thinking it was going to be one of those nights. I knew the Red Wings could win - that they had the talent and all that - I just expected it to be a night where Nashville got that one extra bounce.
Instead, Detroit's strong team defence forced the bounce, a turnover in the neutral zone that Niklas Kronwall used to spring Johan Franzen in all alone on Dan Ellis.
And Franzen, as has been said so many times this season in the forums here, is a beast.
Compare this season to the Red Wings' 1998 campaign (so much easier to do now with Chris Osgood in goal) and Franzen is playing Tomas Holmstrom's role. We're watching his breakout and he's just got insane amounts of confidence right now.
Speaking of Osgood... Twenty saves on twenty-one shots is about everything anyone could have asked of him. He was steady, not spectacular, and the team played more confidently in front of him than they do in front of Hasek.
Obviously, the Predators were without David Legwand and Jason Arnott, which makes a big difference. I fully expect them to be back for Game Six though I do wonder what was actually bothering Arnott, since I don't think the flu would have been enough to keep him from playing in such an important game.
If the Red Wings play Game Six like they did Game Five, the Predators will not return to Detroit when the Wings do.
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It's about damn time! Hasek is complete garbage now. He better not be resigned next year.
I think this could be a twist of fate for the wings. Wings look confident with ozzy in net. He's improved alot. I remember him being known for giving up goals in "waves" in the playoffs, lets hope he can stymie the preds, I believe he can.
As for other changes I think that should take place...
MEECH in for STUART
ABDELKADER in for HARTIGAN or MCCARTY (hate to say it)
Move FILPULLA to FOURTH LINE as Center
I really think we need fresh legs, some of the guys in the lineup "hit the wall" after rejoining the lineup. NEED TO ADD SPEED ON DEFENSE!!! Oh and need to run 4 lines, not 3 lines.
I begin to realize how much we miss Kopecky as a fourth line grinder.
I don't think things need to be drastically shaken up. I would go with Abdelkader over Hartigan, though. If I make any change on defense, it's Ericsson for Lebda. I like Lebda more than Lilja, and Meech more than both, but Ericsson most of all of those four.
He should have gone with Abs, much more physical. He lives for these kind of games, plus he can shoot the puck.
As much as I get frusterated with Dom, Osgood scares me just as much. He started the season out great but after the all star game...which he got lit up he hasn't looked the same. Being at home should help the cause knowing that a majority of the fans probably want this to happen anyway. One or two big saves right away and the fans should be behind him all the way. Wings still have home ice advantage lets just hope they protect it. I don't think any other changes are really a must, the bottom line is those top 3 lines need to produce hands down. Yes the 4th line could make a difference but the top guys need to produce thats what their payed for.
I think Helm's addition is more to give that bottom line some speed to help them recover from their f*ckups than to help them score. Hartigan lost faceoffs all over the place in Game Four, he needed to go. Now, if Mac gets caught up, Helm is quick enough to get back to cover for him.
And I think that's why he's in instead of Abdelkader. It's not more grit that the Wings need (though it probably wouldn't hurt), it's speed. It's not that Abs is slow, it's that Helm is faster. Wonder how their faceoff prowess matches up.
Why!?!?!??!?!?!?! ): They play Helm in the game I won't see T_T
Is it only on Versus, or is it on FSN, also? D:
&& yes, Hartigan really needed to go =/
I dont believe playoff games are broadcasted on FSN. Generally all of the games are played on versus, with the exception of a few being played on CBC, the Canadian Broadcasters.
It's not a question whether or not which goalie is better than the other. This decision is purely to try and force a momentum swing. The predators have all the confidence in the world right now, and they think they've found a way to consistently beat Hasek. With Osgood in net they will need to find new methods to score, and I dont think Osgood will get continually beat from outside shots as much as Hasek has. I believe this to be an excellent switch, and the Wizard will rise to the occasion. Osgood's change from Standup to the Hybrid style has allowed him to cover more of the net while not compromising speed and agility. He was prone to getting beat from far out on his old style, but his new adaptation has seemigly paid some great dividends. Look or Osgood to come out strong and only get beat by quality scoring chances. I personally dont invision Osgood pulling a Patrick Roy in Game 7 of the 2002 finals, so there should be no worries with this move.
The substitution of Darren Helm in for Mark Hartigan is also a good move. Although we are losing grit, we are tremendously gaining speed, which was stated by somebody before me. The Red Wings have much more speed than the Predators, and it's about time we use it to our advantage. Overall, the biggest thing Detroit needs to improve on is face-off percentage. If we can once again dominate the face-off circle, then we will be home free.
The game is on Versus nationally, FSN Detroit where available. The local broadcasters are allowed to carry the first two rounds of the playoffs even if it's on Versus (but not if it's on NBC).
Agreed about faceoffs. Draper keeps getting his ass kicked by Arnott (who Ken and Mickey won't stop reminding us is one of the guys Draper hates going up against).
To be honest I had no idea that Arnott was that amazing at face-offs. At least now they are back at home and have the luxury of last line change. So they can decide when to place Draper out there. That way he is not up against Arnott.
Anyone else nervous as hell? Yeah, thought so.
Legwand and Arnott are both out. Langfeld and Bochenski are in. Wings have to take advantage of this.
Nervous doesn't even cover it. The news has only slightly eased it.
Wings buzzing already. Came close. Gotta keep it up.
Dr. Fil! Wings on the board!
That's a goal! Filppula's first of the playoffs.
Holy hell, great chance by Cleary and Draper shorthanded. Cleary's already looking better than he has of late.
That would have been one hell of a goal by Cleary.
Preds buzzing for a couple shifts there. Gotta keep that stuff limited, Wings need the next goal too.
Ellis looks shaky. Get more on him.
I'm sorry, you call the Hudler interference but not the one on Nashville earlier?
I'm still nervous. The Wings need another. They're playing well when they get into the Nashville end but the Preds are pushing a lot in the Detroit zone.
I won't be calmed down until Detroit takes a 3-0 lead. I swear if they blow another lead i'll probably go insane. Good work during the first period, and with Arnott and Legwand out, they need to take advantage.
I probably wouldn't be comfortable until the wings are winning by at least 5. They'd probably blow that as well.
I didn't say another one would make me less nervous. 
I'll feel less nervous about this series if the Wings can get two more wins. Number of goals doesn't matter.
Excellent point. I'm not too worried about Detroit not winning the Cup at this point, I will just be peeved if they endure another first round flame-out. I think these lower-seeded teams scare Detroit to be honest. They never know what to expect from them. That is why I'm hoping for a higher-seeded opponent in the next round if they advance.
Solid PK to start the period.
Excellent point. I'm not too worried about Detroit not winning the Cup at this point, I will just be peeved if they endure another first round flame-out. I think these lower-seeded teams scare Detroit to be honest. They never know what to expect from them. That is why I'm hoping for a higher-seeded opponent in the next round if they advance.
Cup or nothing. One winner, 29 losers.
Holy sh*t that was close.
That was scary. Phew.
I'm concerned about not cashing in on the power plays. Gotta take goals however they come and it feels like that should be where they come.
Franzen goes down but it looks okay. Winded after getting his face smashed into the glass.
Jesus Christ, Draper just can't finish.
I have a bad feeling about this. Again....
20 shots on goal in that period. How did they not get a second?
Oh no, the Tigers are winning in the 7th.
I wouldn't usually give two sh*ts about glorified rounders, but I do now.
Babcock just said they're comfortable with the 1-0 lead. I'm sure as hell not.
I'm nearly sh*tting myself here. I'm watching through my fingers.
I'm shaking. Can barely type.
My arms hurt from clenching my fists so tightly.
5 minutes. 5 loooong minutes.
Power play Detroit. This is f*cking huge.
Empty net, I think my stomach is about to be empty.
Just.Hold.On!
mother f*cking christ
I think I'm going to cry.
Over f*cking Time. I'm not sure if I'll survive.
I had no reaction at all, this is so common nowadays for the wings. all season this type of thing happened, outplayed the opponent only to let them back in it somehow, this game eerily similar to wings v ducks last year in playoffs game 5. Enjoy the OT while wings are still in it...
I sympathize, I hate OT with a passion.....
Comes down to making one mistake .....
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