The Detroit Red Wings showed all the intensity of an optional morning skate in the first thirty minutes of Wednesday’s Game four against the Dallas Stars. An uncharacteristically lethargic experience that provided the Stars with a bit of life, which they took full advantage of to secure their first win in the Western Final and bring Detroit’s winning streak to an end at nine games.
The Stars who looked to be on the ropes in game three two nights ago, battled back nicely in game four, seizing their opportunities to avoid being swept out of the conference final and rewarding their fans with a hard earned 3-1 victory.
As the teams headed into the third period, the Stars once again found Mike Modano ready to score a key goal to change the direction of a game, this one a power play shot that found the back of the net and provided Dallas with the go ahead and subsequent winning goal.
Marty Turco provided the kind of goaltending that the Stars are going to need if they have any designs on a comeback of four straight wins. Turco turned aside 33 of the 34 shots fired in his direction, benefiting from a call that ruled a Red wing goal by Pavel Datsyuk was disallowed when it was determined that Tomas Holmstrom had interfered with Turco, replays didn’t back up the call, showing Holmstrom outside of the blue paint, but play went on, as did the Stars who held off a late game surge by the Wings to secure the victory.
The prospect of the Stars battling back to claim the remaining three games seems unlikely, the Wings who finally seemed to wake up by the middle of the second, will no doubt work hard to insure that there is no repeat of their lack of focus in game five in Detroit on Saturday afternoon.
The Stars are hoping that the two day rest will recharge their weary bodies and bring some relief in the way of returning players. The Wings on the other hand will be relishing the opportunity to clinch the Western Division crown on home ice, in front of the faithful residents of Hockeytown.
Dallas had all their stars align on Wednesday night for the victory; it will be a true test of their resolve to repeat the same scenario on Saturday. Detroit mindful of the disallowed goal and their own tardy ways early on in the game, will most likely be ready to make sure that the series doesn't go much beyond Saturday afternoon.
The Stars who looked to be on the ropes in game three two nights ago, battled back nicely in game four, seizing their opportunities to avoid being swept out of the conference final and rewarding their fans with a hard earned 3-1 victory.
As the teams headed into the third period, the Stars once again found Mike Modano ready to score a key goal to change the direction of a game, this one a power play shot that found the back of the net and provided Dallas with the go ahead and subsequent winning goal.
Marty Turco provided the kind of goaltending that the Stars are going to need if they have any designs on a comeback of four straight wins. Turco turned aside 33 of the 34 shots fired in his direction, benefiting from a call that ruled a Red wing goal by Pavel Datsyuk was disallowed when it was determined that Tomas Holmstrom had interfered with Turco, replays didn’t back up the call, showing Holmstrom outside of the blue paint, but play went on, as did the Stars who held off a late game surge by the Wings to secure the victory.
The prospect of the Stars battling back to claim the remaining three games seems unlikely, the Wings who finally seemed to wake up by the middle of the second, will no doubt work hard to insure that there is no repeat of their lack of focus in game five in Detroit on Saturday afternoon.
The Stars are hoping that the two day rest will recharge their weary bodies and bring some relief in the way of returning players. The Wings on the other hand will be relishing the opportunity to clinch the Western Division crown on home ice, in front of the faithful residents of Hockeytown.
Dallas had all their stars align on Wednesday night for the victory; it will be a true test of their resolve to repeat the same scenario on Saturday. Detroit mindful of the disallowed goal and their own tardy ways early on in the game, will most likely be ready to make sure that the series doesn't go much beyond Saturday afternoon.
CBC Sports-- Stars shoot down Red Wings in Game 4
Globe and Mail-- Dallas stays alive
National Post-- Stars survive, with some help
New York Times-- 2 Close Calls Help Stars Avoid Sweep
Detroit Free Press-- No goal, no sweep
Detroit News-- Dallas gets first lead, victory of series
Detroit News-- Crease call draws Wings' ire
Dallas Morning News-- Still a prayer vs. Wings: Dallas Stars win Game 4, 3-1
Dallas Morning News-- Disallowed goal leads to Red Wings playing from behind
Fort Worth Star Telegram-- Stars stayin’ alive, need fresh tune for Motown
Fort Worth Star Telegram-- Stars avoid sweep, send West finals back to Detroit
Fort Worth Star Telegram-- Stars avoid sweep, send West finals back to Detroit
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NHL.com-- Stats Pack
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