The Detroit Red Wings began the Western Conference finals the same way they finished the semifinals – in dominating fashion. Detroit used three power play goals and excellent goaltending by Chris Osgood to beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 for a 1-0 series lead.
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As has been the case throughout these playoffs, puck possession was the key for the Wings in Game One. They scored three power play goals (including a 5-on-3 tally from Brian Rafalski en route to a 4-1 win and a 1-0 series lead.
The Detroit Red Wings are in for the series of their lives against Brenden Morrow and the Dallas Stars. Imagine trying to tame and overcome a pit bull that has nothing to anticipate but a lifetime in a cage.
When will Chris Osgood ever get the respect he deserves? In the latest installment of "Brad's Barbs," Inside Hockey's Brad Kurtzberg examines that issue, evaluates the playoffs' first two rounds, and looks ahead to the conference finals.
Renowned cartoonist Tuck has joined the Inside Hockey team for the 2008 NHL Playoffs! Here's his latest submission, in which he takes a look at the mighty Detroit Red Wings...
Normally in the playoffs, even if a sweep occurs, both teams make the series close by tight games. The Detroit Red Wings, on the other hand, absolutely dominated the Colorado Avalanche en route to a commanding four-game sweep.
It's over and done for the Colorado Avalanche. Johan Franzen's hat trick helped pace the Red Wings to a lopsided 8-2 win in Game Four, and Detroit moves on the Conference Finals after sweeping their once-mighty rivals.
With their backs against the wall, the Colorado Avalanche was in need of a miracle in Game 3. The return of Peter Forsberg to the lineup after missing the first two games of the series. That’s as good as it was going to get for Colorado, but not even Forsberg could prevent the Red Wings from taking a 3-0 series lead.
Inside Hockey's Brad Kurtzberg offers his observations and analysis on the second round of the playoffs and what's happening around the league.
