Dallas Stars (5) at Detroit Red Wings (1) Game 1
For Dallas to not only win the game, but the series, they must claim Joe Louis Arena (much like they did the Shark Tank) as their own. Winning on the road is tough, but so far the Stars have done it.
Some are questioning Marty Turco's ability to win in Detroit. My answer to this is simple. If the Stars defense slow down the pace of the game in Dallas' favor, and not only retain control of the puck, but also block shots and protect Turco like they have throughout the playoffs, then Marty and the Stars should hold their own in Hockey Town.
Dallas' defense is very young and had they had less success than they are enjoying in the playoffs, I might even call them inexperienced; clearly that would be wrong on my part. The Stars defense has shown even with youth on the blue line that they are capable of the suffocating defense Stars teams have been known for since the late 90's.
The reason Dallas will win or lose is because of the defense and protection of Marty Turco. I was present in the January 5th meeting of these teams. Although the Stars had great chances, the game, all in all, was terrible. The Stars defense must make it hell for Detroit’s amazing and quick forwards to get shots off. Less shots on goal for Detroit makes Marty's job easier, and the team's likelihood of winning greater.
The Stars offensive attack will no doubt get good chances and play a physical game against Detroit. The offense must seize good opportunities and get good shots on Chris Osgood. The Stars shooters must score early and often, taking the Detroit faithful and octopi flingers out of the game early. Furthermore, the Stars forwards must get back on defense and help out.
The bottom line for the Stars is to do the little things their Peewee coaches taught them to do long ago to be successful in hockey. The Red Wings and Stars will be an even matchup, and one of great Western Conference powers meeting in an epic battle to journey on for the ultimate prize. The Stars and the Stars' faithful now must do as they have said all spring and Believe. Believe in their abilities and of the destiny to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Ken’s Prediction: Dallas in 7
Comments (5) Add a comment »
from 8 days ago
If it goes seven, Dallas loses. They have had more of a struggle so far and will wear down, plus they don't win a game seven at the Joe. I love how biased all the fans in this series are--I have yet to find a single Dallas fan who picks the Wings or a Wings fan who picks the Stars. At least you guys are making it out to be closer.
In my case, I picked the Sharks in each of the first two rounds, but in seven games each time. And we should have beaten you in seven, since we gave you game two (and arguably game one when Marleau lept over that power play shot). And I originally had us losing to Detroit in this round.
from 8 days ago
All is true, throw away the stats about how Turco hasn't won a the Joe and blah blah. Look at the past meetings between these 2 teams, Stars have shown they can run with them and they are no longer the team that dominated us with there old line up full with Shanny, Federov, Yzerman, etc. This is a different Red Wings team and we have shown we can out play shoot them and hit them and control the boards better.
I dont like to make predictions cause I think its bad luck, but I will let you guys decide what I think :)
from 8 days ago
I'm a Stars fan, check out my predictions. The road factor, among many, is the big key. Then again, really unpredictable things happen in the Playoffs, hockey or otherwise (see: most recent NFL playoffs and Super Bowl).
Exciting times!
from 8 days ago
Can the Stars contain the three-headed-monster of Dats, Z and the Mule? Can the Wings stop the red-hot duo of Morrow and Turco?
This could become an epic series in the tradition of Wings vs. Avs, with mucho hitting - Morrow watch your coconut, Kronwall is lurking- and plenty of other action that will bring one's blood close to the boiling point. I'm lookin' forward to a tough, grinding series in which goals are the deciding factor but heart is the all-important difference maker.
Our speed through the neutral zone and superior puck handling abilities will make life miserable for Turco today - Game 1 is key in setting the tone and I can already envision the traffic Marty will face. Maybe he will try to handle the puck too much and get burned - it has happened before.
From Long Beach, SoCal - Go Wings!
from 6 days ago
I agree with shady that predicting who will win a series is bad luck. Besides, it is really more of a guess in most cases. I really didn't think that Dallas would beat San Jose, but they did convincingly! For Dallas to take games 1 and 2, on the road, against the Ducks and the Sharks is amazing.
My keys for Dallas to take the series are these:
1) They need to control the puck more than Detroit. The Wings are a puck control team and if you have the puck more then them, it is hard for the Red Wings to score.
2) Keep Franzen and Holmstrom away from Turco. You know what they can do in front of a goalie.
3) Find a way to beat their D-men. With Detroit hands-down having the better defensive corp, Dallas has to find a way to break the line to get to Ozzie.
4) Turco MUST shine. The only teams to beat the Wings since their last Cup in 02 were riding hot goaltenders (Giggy (ANA), Kipper (CAL), and Bryzgalov (ANA))
I'm still a Wings fan, rain or shine, but I think that being able to know your opponents keys to win are essential to your own productivity. Comments more than welcome!
Write a new comment