Wings vs Stars Game 6 Preview
Andrew Chiappazzi | National Hockey League
May 19, 12:50 AM | Hype this story!
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Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. Dallas Stars (5) Game 6 Preview
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Series Score: Wings 3 – Stars 2
Game Time: 8:00 EST
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas
Television: Versus, CBC, TSN
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It wasn’t supposed to be this hard. The Detroit Red Wings were supposed to utilize the opportunity to take advantage of a winded Dallas Stars team, jump out to a 2-0 lead at home, and then just keep the Stars away from the puck in Dallas.
The first part went well. And then, Johan Franzen’s concussion symptoms cranked up. The Wings were able to hold off the Stars in Game 3, but the Mule’s absence – and a questionable call by Kelly Sutherland and the Zebras on Tomas Holmstrom – gave the Stars life.
Suddenly, it’s the Red Wings pedaling backwards, on the defensive, hoping and praying that they can hold of the Stars in Dallas for Game 6. Dallas has already proven they can win in Detroit, so if they can win their third straight and tie this series, the fact that everyone would jet back to the Motor City for Wednesday’s Game 7 would do little to concern the Stars.
Detroit is practically begging for the Return of the Mule – the Detroit Free Press seems ready to hire a witch doctor to ensure his return to the lineup – while Dallas has refused to blame any injuries or ineffective play for their performance so far.
The four overtime win over San Jose likely did more to Dallas’ legs than they’ve let on. Having to skate more than usual, even against a team they played four times in Detroit, is a hard task for even the freshest legs. Dallas went seven games, played a relatively rested Wings team in Detroit twice, and they hadn’t had a chance to catch their breath before Pavel Datysuk cashed in on his outstanding goals for Game 3.
The thing that has shifted for Dallas is their physical play is enabling them to get to the pucks faster. Detroit is the better possession team, Detroit is the better offensive team. But Dallas is more than willing to play the body, and that willingness to play rough along the boards has enabled them to get Detroit to shy away from getting to the puck. Or, if they do beat a Stars player in, they’re more hesitant to turn their back to the play, lest they get a face full of dasher.
With the momentum in the series and the energy of a hot, passionate fanbase – do they ever sit down in Dallas? – it would seem that the Stars have a solid chance to tie this one up. Detroit will need to pump in a few quick goals to subdue the crowd.
They have the capability. But can they do it? That remains to be seen.
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Injuries
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Detroit: Tomas Kopecky (knee, IR); Johan Franzen (concussion, out)
Dallas: Stu Barnes, IR (Concussion); Phillipe Boucher, (Doubtful, hip); Jere Lehtinen (leg, doubtful)
Comments
DaBich
May 19, 07:42 AM
Andrew, I’ve been saying that I’d love to see a Pens/Wings Stanley Cup final, as the Wings are my second fav team. Now I’m not so sure….but then again, would Dallas be any better to play? Who would YOU rather face in the finals?
Matt Bodenschatz
May 19, 10:09 AM
I picked Dallas and, against common sense, I am sticking with that pick. To be honest, neither team is going to be easy. Both teams play well-balanced games and have strong goaltending. I’d prefer to play Dallas only for the nostalgia associated with the concept (Pens vs. North Stars in 91…Pens vs. Stars in 08).
But, I’m going to say this: regardless of who the Penguins play, they will win the Stanley Cup. A 12-2 playoff record is nothing to sneeze at. And the Pens have defied odds all season. It’s not time to start counting them out.
DaBich
May 19, 10:13 AM
After more thought, I’m with Matt in that I would RATHER play Dallas….because of the home ice advantage. We play so well at home and the fans give us 110% support.
I think this team has what it takes to go all the way.
Ben Schmidt
May 19, 12:38 PM
I originally picked the Stars, and it was mostly because I thought they’d wear down the Red Wings. When the Red Wings got off to a 3-0 start, I even posted to say that I was wrong in my prediction. I may have thrown in the towel too soon. The Stars look like they’ve hit a second wind, meanwhile the Red Wings look like they’re trying to catch their breath.
It’s not the way I expected it to turn out, but I may yet end up having the correct prediction after all!
As a side note, I think either team will be a tough challenge for the Pens, but I would prefer a matchup with the Stars if only for the home-ice advantage.
Ashley Gallant
May 19, 01:13 PM
Stars vs. Wings…to be honest, I’ve been thinking about this for a week now and I’m still not sure which one I’d rather see win the West. Both teams can score, both have great goaltending, both are great defensively, and both have a hard time closing out a series when up 3-0.
Either way you look at it, it is going to be one crazy Cup Final.
Andrew Chiappazzi
May 19, 06:18 PM
Well, I picked Dallas in the Faceoff Factor prediction section.
I stand by that pick.
However, I do believe that a Detroit-Pittsburgh series is better for the NHL. Despite the intermittent attendance in “Hockeytown, USA” during the playoffs, that arena will be full when/if the Pens come to town – either with Wings fans or a good contingent of Pens fans. I think the series is a perfect showcase for the NHL and the style of play people enjoy.
I just don’t know if the Wings can get that momentum back.
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