Red Wings vs Stars: Western Finals Thread

Great game. Sorry Wings fans for the hosed call, but I'll take it ANy way, gald we are hanging around a little longer, even if the series itself looks bleak.

Sounds likr the Mule may have the same thing as Stu Barnes for us. He has been out since like the 2nd game of the Sharks series with concussion like symptoms. Hope they ar eboth better soon.

Amen! 

Well, at least I had the score right, and Modano did score a goal last night!  Wish I was that prescient about everything! 

Anyway, to all the Wings' fans I've been talking with here on this thread:  as much as I want the Stars to win, the disallowed goal call was complete bunk.  Holmstrom was no more in the crease than I was last night.  And if that goal was disallowed, then how was Loui Eriksson's goal allowed to stand?  And they didn't even review it.?  Completely baffling.  It would be great if there was some kind of consistency in the enforcement of that "in the crease" call. 

Aside from that, I thought it was Dallas' best game of the series thus far, and not just because they were ahead on the scoreboard at the end of the game.  (Although that didn't hurt.)  They came out and skated hard from the opening faceoff, and really forced the issue in the first period, earning 3 power plays.  (Have to admit I was really worried when they weren't able to convert on any of them.)  Then the second period - WOW - that was some really terrific hockey, especially killing off the 3 Wings power plays.  Eriksson's goal at the end of the 2nd, followed by Zetterberg's answer less than a minute into the 3rd - DOUBLE WOW.  I mean, talk about "take that" - "no, you take THAT"!!!  Then FINALLY converting on a PP chance (thank you, Mike Modano!) to take back the lead.  Morrow's goal was really nice, getting it away from a 1-shot game, but then it almost looked like Tippett pulled in the reins for a bit - Dallas resumed just dumping the puck in, trying to waste clock.  Sure wish he would just keep the foot on the gas!  And surviving a 6-on-3 at the end - phenomenal!  (But I do wonder how Steve Ott doesn't get called for obstruction when he was laying on top of Holmstrom.  Anyway...)

This was the type of game I expected Dallas to give Detroit, all series long.  Hopefully, they can repeat the level of effort, hustle, and determination come Saturday.  With the exception of the 3rd period of Game 3, Dallas has consistently improved their play from the beginning of the series until now.  That trend has to continue in order for them to be able to steal Game 5 at the Joe.  Marty - time to face your demons, and exorcise them!  Just focus on winning one game. 

On to Game 5! 

LET'S GO STARS!!!

rkb, no worries. I enjoyed your posts prior to Game 4, and love a fan that will always believe in their team. I won't specifically name fans I'm talking about, but I know who they are, and if you've followed any of this or any other treads, you probably do too.

Bretticus, the Wings looked tight. For some reason, they played more defense than offense early on, and allowed the Stars to generate momentum. The Stars, for the first time this series, really established their game, which is a lot of dump-and-chase and strong play on the boards. They also did a good job in keeping the puck away from the Wings and limiting their possessions. I think the Wings realized they were in a dogfight way too late, and by the time they caught up, it was 3-1. I fully expect them to come out with all cylinders firing in Game 5.

And to the Wings, a little advice; how about we get the first PP of the game? 3 games in a row we've taken a penalty early, and killed them all. But it's only a matter of time before that comes back to bite us in the behind.

Any word on Franzens availability for game 5 ?  Anyone ?