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.