Huh? Wha? How the heck did the Wings play their best, most focused game of the series without Nick, Pav, and Drapes? Perhaps it's yet another example of the Ewing Theory. For those unaware, the "Ewing Theory," coined by ESPN writer Bill Simmons, states that teams often play better when a superstar is out. In the Red Wings case, the entire roster, from Hossa to Abdelkader, played with the same determination and fight that they brought against Anaheim.
When I first saw the d-line pairings and noticed Lidstrom was absent, I arrogantly stated, "No Lidstrom or Datsyuk? Count this one as a loss." My Dad wisely responded, "Lots of hockey to be played." A few seconds later, my Dad added, "Hossa's due for a goal." As if on cue, Hossa and Filpulla pounced on a Blackhawk miscue and raced down the ice for a shorthanded 2-on-1. Hossa's goal set the tone for the game, and I think it sent a message to the fans that the United Center would not be a party that day. My Dad then commented, "You know, Franzen is also due for a goal." Boom! Franzen scored that backbreaker right before the end of the first.
While that was the end of my Dad's prognostications, it was not the end of the goals. Trailing 3-0, the Hawks managed a power play goal to get within 2. But a shocking 12 seconds later, Hossa (again) answered to retake the 3 goal lead. The Hawks lost their cool after that one.
With such a dominant win, Yahoo sports printed a Wings vs. Penguins Stanley Cup preview. I suppose that means the Blackhawks will win Game 5. Didn't newspapers learn their lesson after Dewey Defeats Truman? Thanks to sweet NHL scheduling, we gotta wait until Wednesday to find out. Despite such a dominant win without the two stars (and one reliable role player), the Wings need those guys. Both Datsyuk and Lidstrom could return, but Draper is out indefinitely.
Et tu Sergei?
In not-at-all related news, Fedorov played his last game in the NHL, without even a goodbye. I can't blame the guy for wanting to maximize his earning potential. He certainly wouldn't have been able to earn $10million/year with the Wings. But how much money did the dude need? He earned $14million in ONE SEASON (1998) thanks to a clause in his contract that gave him a massive bonus if he reached the conference finals. Yet, his actions say he wasn't all about greed. He donated $2million the next season to start the Sergei Fedorov foundation to help Detroit area children. A pretty complicated dude. From a hockey standpoint, it's rather sad he left Detroit. His production tailed off dramatically, and he basically became irrelevant. He'll probably land in the Hall of Fame, and I guess it's deserved... right?
Just a quick note on an irrelevant pattern in Hossa's goal scoring. This post-season he has only scored goals in game 4s. Each game 4 he's scored exactly two goals.
ReplyDeleteYeah, what's up with that? He looked pretty stellar tonight, btw. Dude is so freakin' fast! Great win while severely shorthanded. I honestly don't know what to expect against the Pens.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to expect either but last goofy stat I have in my backpocket. Since Joe Quenville became a head coach in the '97 NHL season he's faced the Red Wings 5 times in the playoffs (3 years w/ the Blues, one year w/ the Avs, this year w/ the Hawks). After the previous four encounters, the Wings went on to win the cup after beating his team. The seven times we didn't face a Joe Quenville coached team we lost somewhere along the way to the finals. I can't imagine the Penguins were aware of this continuity. If they had been, I have to imagine they would have made some late effort to trade Bill Guerin to the Canucks for a snack to be named later. Also not to be a slappy but I think Samuelson should have gotten an assist on Helm's series clincher as opposed to Holmstrom. Check out 3:31 of the video attached to my name. I don't think Holmstrom touches the puck, it goes off Huet's right skate into the crease. Maybe Holmstrom deflected it initially and was awarded for that? Anywho I'm just happy to see the Wings advance!
ReplyDeleteWow, good find. That video is sweet, and makes me wish that announcer was calling the games on Vs. Now, the crew that did the Wings game last night was decent, but they do make me pine for the days of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement.
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