Where do I begin?
Every so often in the sporting world, we are treated to spectactular events which define why there are so many human beings who love sports. That spectacle is enhanced when you get an opportunity to witness it firsthand in person.
For instance, last year, I had the good fortune, despite being a Detroit Pistons fan, of watching Lebron James singlehandedly carry his Cleveland Cavaliers to a win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It was a performance many people will remember for years to come.
Needless to say, tonight's game is one many people will remember for years to come, regardless of whether they were on the winning side of the ledger.
The Pittsburgh Penguins came out on a mission to begin this game. By far, they played their best hockey of the series during the first period. Combined with a nervous Detroit club early on, the results were disastorous for the Red Wings. Dupuis muscled Rafalski off of the puck along the boards to help create Hossa's goal. Niklas Kronvall inadvertently cleared the puck off of Osgood's stick and into the top corner, while attempting to clear the puck into the corner to make it 2-0 Pens after one period.
The second period did not start out much better for Detroit as Pittsburgh had 3 good scoring chances within the first couple of minutes of the second stanza. The tide shifted quickly however with the play of Detroit's 4th line. Darren Helm was the beneficiary of a fortunate deflection off of Rob Scuderi to get the Wings back within one. The Red Wings continued to press for the equalizer during the middle frame, however Marc Andre Fleury was equal to the task. There was no better illustration of it then the phenomenal left toe save Fleury made on Mikael Samuelsson during a 2 on 1 with Johan Franzen. A save I'm sure you will see for many years to come, in particular if Pittsburgh is able to win this series.
During the second intermission, I thought to myself that both Zetterberg and Datsyuk had been rather quiet offensively thus far in Game 5, and in fact, the series. Apparently, Mike Babcock was thinking the same thing as Detroit started the 3rd period with Zetterberg and Datsyuk centering their own lines. Datsyuk scored on the power play and Rafalski scored off of a nice pass from Johan Franzen and just like that, the Wings were up 3-2 with 10 minutes to play.
The true strength of the Red Wings is to continue pressing even when they are up a goal. That is when they are at their best and most effective. Despite being up a goal, it looked like Detroit was the team looking for the tying goal. However, the insurance marker never came.
And then it happened....... a replay of 2007 vs. Anaheim, Game 5.
Fleury raced to the bench with about 1:25 remaining, 50 seconds later, it's knotted up at three.
I hate to single out an individual, but Johan Franzen made a poor clearing attempt while in his own zone, which was retrieved by Sidney Crosby along the boards and the rest is history. Franzen was likely a bit gassed due to the immense pressure Pittsburgh was putting on Detroit in that final minute, the only real pressure Pittsburgh put the entire 3rd period.
Some people have criticized Chris Osgood for coming off his post on that goal, but I find it hard to fault him when his momentum likely pulled him away just enough to give Max Talbot enough space to bang the rebound home.
Despite the late tying goal, Detroit had a couple chances in the final half minute before the final horn. There persistance continued during the 1st overtime period as Marc Andre Fleury took his game to another level and gave his team an opportunity to win a game it was beginning to get dominated in. Detroit outshot Pittsburgh 27-6 during the 3rd period and 1st overtime session. Even with the overwhelming advantage and numerous scoring chances, Detroit couldn't bulge the twine.
In the overtime sessions, there were four penalties called. I would not have minded any of the calls had the referees been more consistent during the overtime periods with their decisions. During the first five minutes of overtime, it was clearly evident the referees were not going to call penalties as a few possible calls were not whistled.
I can even understand the goalie interference calls being made, due to the fact the league has made this issue a priority and it is probably seen as a considerable crime by the stripes. Nevertheless, they seem harsh when the contact is not considerable.
However, the hooking call on Petr Sykora was dreadful. Even the Hudler high stick on Rob Scuderi rubbed me the wrong way, although at the end of the day, Hudler has to be responsible for his stick. Any time an opponent gets clipped with your stick and he starts bleeding, you are asking for a penalty. The kickerwas that it took place literally 195 feet away from Chris Osgood.
The Penguins got a huge emotional boost from seeing four minutes on the power play clock along with Sergei Gonchar, returning for the power play after missing action after a heavy collision into the boards during the first overtime.
It only took 36 seconds before Petr Sykora (Mr. M.I.A.) returned from the abyss to rip a shot past Osgood's glove and send the Detroit faithful home bitter to not see the Stanley Cup on this night.
As for the Pens, they deserve major kudos for the resiliency and determination they exhibited in an elimination game. Whether it was Ryan Whitney stepping up to fill the void of an injured Gonchar or Ryan Malone, returning from receiving a puck to the face, Pittsburgh did not want to die tonight. Even in the third period when things looked bleak and the offense couldn't even muster an attack, the players found that last little bit of energy and were able to prolong the affair.
The Penguins earned some more fans tonight with that type of gritty performance on the road, especially after losing a lead on the road and fighting back to push it to overtime.
When it's all said and done, I couldn't agree more with Coach Babcock's sentiments in the post-game presser. No time to be disappointed over what could have been. They have another game to play in less than 48 hours. Rest up and try it again Wednesday night at the Igloo. Truth be told, the Wings outplayed Pittsburgh once again for significant stretches. I'm certain the mindset in the Detroit locker room is that their slow start and Marc-Andre Fleury were the reasons why everyone is headed back to Steel Town for Game 6. They may have blew one of three chances to win the Cup, but they still remain in the driver's seat.
So close, yet so faraway.
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Where do they go from here? Everyone suspects Detroit will have trouble picking up the pieces after being so close to winning the Stanley Cup. However, I feel the exact opposite to be quite honest with you. As many of you know, during last season's playoff run, the Wings run ended against Anaheim when in Game 5, Scott Niedermayer tied the game during the final minute and Teemu Selanne won it in overtime. Such an experience can only help Detroit prepare itself to rebound Wednesday night in Pittsburgh following such a bitter disappointment tonight in Game 5.
In addition, during its recent postseason history, primarily with this core of players, the Wings have had a tendency of finishing off teams in Game 6's, while playing on the road.
2007 - @ Calgary (Game 6)
2007 - @ San Jose (Game 6)
2008 - @ Nashville (Game 6)
2008 - @ Colorado (Game 4)
2008 - @ Dallas (Game 6)
I expect to see Detroit come out with a strong start in Game 6 to correct the errors they made early on tonight in Game 5, putting them in a hole right out of the gate.
What will be interesting is whether Babcock decides to continue keeping Datsyuk and Zetterberg on different lines or reuniting the big line. Personally, despite the final outcome, I would keep them separated. Both lines looked dangerous during the 3rd period and overtimes. In addition, it ensures the likelihood that at least one Selke trophy candidate is lined up against Crosby on most even strength shifts.
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