Series tied at 2-2
Throw out those first four games. As far as the Red Wings and Ducks are concerned, this is no longer a best of seven series bet rather a best of three. Whoever wins two of the remaining three games gets to head on to the Western Conference Finals and each team virtually starts over. Although, the Red Wings will carry some momentum back home to the Joe following a 6-3 blasting of the Ducks on Thursday night.
Detroit had trouble in Games 1-3 solving young goalie Jonas Hiller but in Game 4, the Red Wings posted 5 goals on 28 shots; a save percentage of 84% compared to his 95% in Games 1-3. If Hiller is back in net, the Wings will look to try and make some shots on goal to continue putting the pressure on the Ducks and off of Osgood.
What to look for: The Red Wings will look for another great night from the Franzen-Filppula-Hossa line that sparked the 6-3 win. That line accounted for 7 points in Game 4 (4 G, 3 A). If that line continues rolling and the Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom line can get on track, this could be an ugly game for the Ducks. The Ducks will continue to look for Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry to lead them offensively. Getzlaf and Perry have amassed 14 points in the 4 games and are the biggest part of the Anaheim success.
Game 5 starts at 5:00 p.m. ET and will be aired on FS-D or NHL Network and as always, GO WINGS!
