San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings: The Playoffs Have Truly Begun

Last year, the Sharks scored three first-period goals to open their series against Detroit, and the Red Wings never recovered.

With both teams rested, healthy and revamped this time around, play was much tighter from the get-go, as expected.

The Red Wings were coming off a first-round sweep in which Phoenix barely competed. The Sharks were coming off a six-game series in which L.A. competed vigorously, but the series had such a trademark Pacific Division style to it.

So essentially, this was the first playoff-style hockey game for either of these two teams.

The Red Wings controlled this game early, the second period was relatively even and the Sharks played a better third. However, both teams were very stingy defensively and with puck possession. There were very few odd-man rushes either way, and very few rebounds that weren't cleared.

Detroit's goal required a beautiful pass by Pavel Datsyuk, a perfect shot by Nicklas Lidstrom, and Antti Niemi positioning himself poorly. And that was it. The Sharks defense was exemplary, getting into shooting lanes and keeping the crease relatively clear.

As for the Sharks' two goals, one came due to Pavelski making an unstoppable play and being in the right place at the right time. Ferriero's OT winner went in after deflecting of Niklas Kronwall's stick. The Wings did an excellent job clearing rebounds (Howard also did a great job controlling them), and they didn't allow much extended attack time outside of a ten minute stretch during the second period.

Although there were turnovers both ways, there were very few unforced errors. Almost every turnover was due to strong forechecking and incredible backchecking both ways, rather than imprecise passing or failure to clear the zone.

If both teams continue to play a puck possession style offensively, then defense will dictate this series. 2-1 is a score we should get used to. Tonight, both teams were excellent, and goals were nearly impossible to come by despite solid offensive games both ways.

But if there is a defensive lapse either way in any given game, the importance of the goal or extended attack that comes as a result will be magnified.

Sharks Stars

Joe Pavelski - Pavelski was the best forward for San Jose tonight. The Red Wings allowed pucks to get through, but Howard was very good and the defense jumped on rebounds. Chaos is the only way to beat a physically domineering defense that's playing cohesive hockey, and Pavs generated chaos all night.

He also stepped up and made a play that he shouldn't have to make, and should never be expected to make, but did have to if the Sharks wanted a chance to win. Doing your job is one thing, but doing more than your part is what Pavelski's playoff persona is all about.

Niclas Wallin - By far, the most solid postseason game Wallin has played as a Shark. He jumped up into the offense, generating multiple quality scoring chances. He made good decisions with the puck, in contrast to most of the L.A. series.

He was strong defensively, keeping the crease clear and nullifying any potential odd-man situations with supreme positioning and communication with his forwards. He also got the Sharks an overtime power play, which more or less led to the game-winning goal.

Red Wings Stars

Pavel Datsyuk - I'll try to be less obvious when Datsyuk starts being less obvious a choice. When this man is on the ice, he is simply the best player out there, and the game completely changes until he gets off. His backchecking was superb, he made the play that led to the Wings' only goal and generated many more scoring chances.

The Sharks played strong defense all night and were never out of position, but Datsyuk is such a good skater and puck-handler that he can attack a well-positioned defense and still make them look silly.

Jimmy Howard - Howard was just about perfect tonight. He made a high volume of saves (44). He made a couple gigantic, goal-robbing saves (mostly late in the first and early in the second period).

But what really made Howard tough to beat was his rebound control. The Sharks got a lot of pucks through and got some solid screens up as well, but Howard was quick enough to find the puck and react in such a way as to not desperately kick it out, but calmly glove it or knock it out of trouble. The only pucks that got by him were impossible saves, and Howard was one less Detroit penalty (they had seven) away from a shutout.