2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Red Wings (Post Series)

So much for a lack of poise or confidence. The Red Wings jumped all over the Stars in the first period by scoring three goals in a series ending twenty minutes. The series ended the way it began. With the Red Wings being the best team on the ice and spending, virtually, the entire game in Dallas' zone.

Not there's anything wrong with losing to the Red Wings. They have been the best team in hockey this year. They proved it by getting to the Stanley Cup Finals in a dream matchup with the Penguins. Whether or not the series would have been closer if Dallas could have finished off San Jose in four games is mute. I still believe that Detroit would have won the series. Probably in the same number of games.

Regardless, the Dallas Stars went far beyond anyone's realistic expectations this year. Mired in an inability to win a first round series, reaching the Western Conference Finals is a remarkable achievement. The foundation that was built this year looks promising with Joel Lundqvist, Loui Eriksson, Matt Niskanen, Mark Fistric and Nicklas Grossman attaining invaluable experience in a deep playoff run.

Mike Babcock said that playing in playoff games was like a growth hormone for his young players. Hopefully, his words will ring true for our squad.

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Red Wings (Game 5 Postgame)

Marty Turco finally breaks the win barrier in Joe Louis Arena. After going 0-9-2 in his career, Turco made 38 saves to keep Dallas in the Western Conference Finals. Not only did he stop 38 shots, he initiated the attack on both of the Stars' goals. Turco was truly at the top of his game yesterday.

The series now shifts to another elimination game in Dallas. The Red Wings talked about professionalism and intent to injure after the Game Two Ribeiro incident. It looks like the Red Wings might be losing some of that mystique and composure. With seven minutes left in the third, Tomas Holmstrom picked up a roughing penalty as he punched a Stars player as he skated by the Dallas bench.

The scene shifts to Dallas for another elimination game as the Stars continue their bid to come back from a 0-3 hole.

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Red Wings

The Dallas Stars are down 3-0 and it looks like the magical run will close on Wednesday night. Detroit has answered everything the Stars can muster. Nicklas Grossman tied up Game Three at 15:13 in the first period. Pavel Datsyuk got his second goal at 15:50. Johan Franzen is scratched from games two and three. Losing the top goal scorer in the postseason and still finding little difficulty in dispatching the Stars.

Chris Osgood is now 9-0 in the postseason and Turco has lost another game to the Red Wings. Although it's looking ugly, the Dallas Stars have made significant strides this season and a young nucleus has emerged. But the Red Wings are simply better. For now.

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Red Wings (Game 1 Postgame)

0-7-2 was Turco's record at the Joe Louis Arena heading into Game One of the Western Conference Finals. Heading into the game, it was asked if it was something that Turco should think about. The way the first two periods went, it might not matter how Turco plays.

Detroit completely outplayed Dallas and I'm afraid we might not be in Detroit's class at this point. No matter what the state of the game was in, it seemed like Detroit was on the verge of scoring. Even with a man down, the Red Wings still generated quality scoring opportunities. 

The Red Wings cruised to a 4-1 victory and took the first game of the series. Hopefully, Dallas can find a way to stay with Detroit on Saturday.

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Sharks (Game 6 Postgame)

It's over. Finally. It only took the eighth longest game in NHL history. Who else would end it besides Brenden Morrow? He's been absolutely the best player on the ice for the Stars. And that includes Stephane Robidas and Marty Turco. 

The Sharks did not go quietly though. And after Nabokov's save 1:31 into the first overtime on Brad Richard's shot. I thought this series was destined for a seventh game. That save by Evgeni Nabokov was one of the best saves I've ever seen in a playoff game. It was so close that even in his glove, Richards still almost had the series clincher. 

But the Stars had an answer for that as well. Now, the Stars will meet the mighty Red Wings in their first conference finals since 2000. They've knocked off the defending champions and the 2nd seed in the West. Now, they only have to beat the best team in hockey. 

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Sharks (Game 4 Postgame)

I don't understand the back to back games in the playoffs and you could tell it was affecting the players last night. It had the feel of a game that had gone to overtime. And the Sharks had the fresher legs last night.

After a turnover by the Sharks and a point blank goal by Jere Lehtinen, It felt like the Stars would walk through this game and close out the series. Especially after withstanding the flurry of opportunities in the first period by the Sharks. Marty Turco looked brilliant last night.

But, Zubov made another unforced error which looked eerily similar to the Game 3 error that led to goals by Patrick Marleau. This time the Stars had no answer. The Sharks came out for the third period with a non stop onslaught on Turco and the Stars finally succumbed to a beautiful pass across the crease to Michalek to put the Sharks up for good. The Stars had some opportunities but could not cash in on any of them as they looked a tad off cue all night.

So, the Sharks are on the board and the series now shifts to San Jose for Game 5. It might be fitting that the Stars have to finish this series at their home away from home. Let's hope that trend continues.

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Sharks (Game 3 Postgame)

The Sharks played like a team down 2-0. Taking an early lead on a Zubov turnover. Everything was pointing toward a vital Game 3 win. But the Stars answered the challenge again. 

Methodically wearing the Sharks down, tying the game on a 5-3 power play, the Sharks fought for their lives to get the game into OT. Unable to sustain any consistent scoring threat, the Sharks barely fought off a furious attack from the Stars and forced the game into OT.  

Nabokov tried to keep the Sharks in the series. He denied several scoring opportunities by Loui Ericksson. But the Stars finally punched it through, once again making sure to close out games when they have the chance. Norstrom scored from the top of the left circle with 4:37 elapsed into OT. 

The Stars now have a deathgrip on the series with a 3-0 lead and four chances to advance to the West Finals. 

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs. Sharks (Game 3 Postgame)

The Sharks brought a lot of pressure in the first period and forced the Stars into a lot of early penalties resulting in an early hole. The Stars responded, twice, to the Sharks attempts to build some momentum in this series. The Sharks posted 31 shots on goal and Turco stopped all but two shots. One goal resulting from questionable judgement by Turco. But the Stars continued their dominance on the Sharks' home ice. 

Brad Richards converted a turnover into an unassisted goal and you can feel the air suck out of the arena. When a power play goal by Modano was converted, off an absolutely gorgeous pass from Zubov, you can almost feel the Sharks' doubts amplify. 

The Stars are playing wonderful hockey right now and have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the favored Sharks. Every night, it seems like someone new is stepping up. Not counting on one scorer puts a tremendous amount of pressure on opposing teams and Turco is playing brilliantly in net this post season. Hopefully, we can continue to improve on our ice.

2008 NHL Playoffs: Dallas Stars vs ??

Awaiting our second round playoff foe. Needless to say, it's been a long time since we've had this feeling. In my opinion, this season is already a huge success. Obviously I would love for us to go further but regardless, huge success.

What can I say that hasn't been beaten to death? I love how Modano is no longer the primary goal scorer. All of the defensemen have played out of their mind and exceedingly well, especially Stephane Robidas. And Marty Turco definitely stepped up. In my opinion, he stepped up last year but didn't get any help. This year, obviously, he got some help.

Go Stars!!