Wings Soar to Game 1 Victory

by motownchollis on Apr 16, 2009 11:16 PM CDT

The Detroit Red Wings opened the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs much the same way they finished the regular season: flat and seemingly disinterested. But one thing was immediately different: the goaltending.

Anchored by a 20 save performance from goaltender Chris Osgood, the Red Wings overcame a slew of early penalties and a sluggish offensive start to down the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1, and take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

The Blue Jackets roared out of the gate in their first ever playoff appearance, outhustling the Red Wings and generating a number of scoring chances. However, the oft criticized Osgood rose to the occasion, making 13 saves in the first frame to keep the game scoreless after one period.

The action continued to go back and forth in the second, until Jiri Hudler beat Steve Mason on a snap shot at 10:48 in the second to give the Wings a 1-0 lead. That lead would be short lived, as R.J. Umberger beat Osgood on a backhand shot 52 seconds later to tie the game at one.

The turning point in the game came at the 14:21 mark of the second period, when Red Wings rookie defenseman Jonathan Ericsson ripped a slap shot that hit the glove of Columbus' Manny Malhotra and deflected into the net, giving the Wings a 2-1 lead. 48 seconds later, Niklas Kronwall added a power play goal to give the Wings all the room they would need on the scoreboard. Johan Franzen would add one more goal in the third to round out the scoring.

Aside from the superb goaltending, special teams was the difference maker in the Wings win tonight. The difference between the best power play in the league during the regular season and the 30th ranked unit was obvious, as the Wings went 1 for 4 with the man advantage, while the Jackets went 0 for 5.

Chris' Red Wing of the Game: Chris Osgood

In a performance that was reminiscent of the 2008 playoffs, Osgood's 13 saves in the first period gave the Wings (and the fans) the lift they needed to overcome a sluggish start.

Chris Osgood

#30 / Goalie / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 5-10

Weight: 178

Born: Nov 26, 1972

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2008 - Chris Osgood	46	2663	26	9	8	0	137	3.09	1208	1071	.887	2

Game 2 of the series is back at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday. Puck drops at 6:00 PM. The game will be aired on TSN and the NHL Network.

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Comments

It certainly was a pretty well controlled game by the Wings. Certainly thought it was going to be a huge swing in momentum when the Jacket’s answered in 52 seconds after the first goal, but that ceased to mean anything because of 2 goals to end the period.

Strong game, and on an un-interesting note, this was the least cheap shotted game of them all, very clean competition ;)

Any picture of Osgood’s first mask that was damaged?

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on Apr 16, 2009 11:28 PM CDT reply actions

How fantastic did the 3rd line play tonight? It was like nobody told them they weren’t the 1st line. (5 points tonight)

Osgood in the 1st period was simply amazing. 13 saves and most of those on the beleaguered Detroit PK which ranked 25th overall during the regular season but was perfect tonight.

If they keep playing like this it should be a short series.

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by WpgMikos on Apr 16, 2009 11:45 PM CDT reply actions

Totally agree.

I actually wrote a post about this very topic last week, and I know we talked about it during the chat tonight. When the Wings can get production out of guys that aren’t named Datsyuk, Zetterberg or Hossa, they put themselves in a great position to win. When the defense starts scoring, it’s even tougher to beat this squad.

Best game we have seen out of them in awhile.

by motownchollis on Apr 17, 2009 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Wasnt able to see the game here in Toronto, had to watch Boston/Montreal and Chicago/Calgary. but the rest will be on here on TSN, from what ive read looked like a great game,hopefully the Wings will continue…….

by nighthawk55 on Apr 17, 2009 12:55 AM CDT reply actions

Didn't catch the game...

But from the highlights I saw on NHL.com, you’re exactly right. Wings did come out flat and Columbus could have put away the game early if it wasn’t for Ozzie’s play in net. Maybe he’s just been messing with us all year long? Either way, glad to start the postseason with a W

by Casey Richey on Apr 17, 2009 6:03 AM CDT reply actions

Anyone going to the game Saturday?

For more hockey news; www.illegalcurve.com

by WpgMikos on Apr 17, 2009 11:59 AM CDT reply actions

MaxHockey.com - Wings-Jackets Coverage

I’ve been doing some writing for a new hockey website, MaxHockey.com. I wrote a series preview and a story on Game 1 there if anyone wants to check it out.

Wings-Jackets Coverage

I’ll be offering up thoughts all series long

by emailmike1994 on Apr 17, 2009 2:10 PM CDT reply actions