Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks Series Recap

Chicago Blackhawks (1^st Seed) vs. Detroit Red Wings (7^th Seed)

Game 1 Thursday 5/15/13  Detroit-1  at  Chicago-4

Game One between the top seeded Chicago Blackhawks and the seventh seeded Detroit Red Wings took place in Chicago on Thursday 5/15.  The Wings had not beaten the Blackhawks during the regular season and that trend continued in this game.  The Hawks opened the scoring with a powerplay goal scored by Marion Hossa, his fourth of the playoffs Jonathon Toews and Patrick Sharp at 9:03 of the first period.  Detroit tied the score 1:54 later on a goal by Damien Brunner, his third of the post season, assisted by Gustav Nyquist and Jonathon Ericsson.  The Wings outshot the Hawks 7-6, while Chicago was 1-1 on the powerplay and Detroit was 0-2 with the man advantage in the period.  The second period was scoreless with Detroit getting one powerplay chance and Chicago, two.  The Blackhawks outshot Detroit 17-5 in the period as Chicago took control of play in the period.  The third period saw the Hawks score three goals, the first, scored by Johnny Oduya assisted by Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp 8:02 into the period.  The second goal was scored by Marcus Kruger, his second of the post season, assisted by Daniel Carcillo and Nick Leddy making the score 3-1 Hawks.  The score stayed that way until the Red Wings pulled goalie Jimmy Howard for an extra attacker.  Patrick Sharp scored into the empty net, his sixth of the playoffs, assisted by Niklas Hjalmarsson at 19:11 to give the Blackhawks the 4-1 victory and the early 1-0 series lead.   

Game 2  Saturday 5/18/13  Detroit-4   at  Chicago-1

Game Two, again being played in Chicago saw the Hawks trying to seize a two game lead in the best of seven series.  The Wings were victorious to tie the series at one game apiece.  The first period saw Chicago score first on a goal by Patrick Kane, his first of the playoffs, assisted by Michal Handzus and Patrick Sharp.  The period ended with Chicago up 1-0, the Red Wings outshot the Blackhawks 12-8.  Detroit was 0-2 on the powerplay while Chicago did not get a powerplay opportunity.  The second period saw the Wings score two goals.  The first, scored by Damien Brunner, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Jakub Kindl and Joakim Andersson.  The second goal scored by Brendan Smith, his second of the post season, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Dan Cleary.  The period ended with Detroit ahead 2-1.  The Wings outshot the Hawks 8-5while each team was 0-1 on the powerplay.  The third period featured two more Detroit goals, the first scored by Johan Franzen, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Jonathon Ericsson and Niklas Kronwall.  The second goal was scored by Valtteri Filppula, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg.  Detroit outshot Chicago 10-7 for a three period total of 30 for Detroit and 20 for the Hawks.  For the second period in a row Chicago did not get a powerplay but Detroit was 0-2 with the man advantage.  Chicago still has not given up a powerplay goal this season    

          

Game 3  Monday 5/20/13  Chicago-1  at  Detroit-3

Game 3 was played in a sold out Joe Louis Arena and with the series tied saw each team trying to earn a 2-1 series lead.  Detroit was able to prevail with a 3-1 score and take that 2-1 lead with game 4 in Detroit as well.  The first period was scoreless and featured three Detroit powerplays where Chicago was able to continue their penalty kill perfection.  Chicago outshot the Wings in the period 15-9.  The second period saw the Wings score two goals, the first scored by Gustav Nyquist, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Damien Brunner and Joakim Andersson at 7:49.  The second goal was scored 31 seconds later by Drew Miller, his first of the post season, assisted by Patrick Eaves and Corey Emmerton.  The only two penalties of the period were assessed to Brendan Smith but Detroit was able to kill both off.  Detroit outshot the Hawks 14-8 for the period.  The third period saw the teams exchange goals.  The first goal was scored by Patrick Kane, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Duncan Keith at 4:35 of the third bring the Hawks within one goal.  Detroit re-established their two goal lead on a goal by Pavel Datsyuk, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Johan Franzen and Brendan Smith.  The Wings had four powerplays in the period but were unable to convert as Chicago remained perfect in shorthanded situations. Game 4 is in Detroit on Thursday                                   

Game 4  Thursday 5/23/13  Chicago-0   at  Detroit-2

Game four in this best of seven series saw the Blackhawks trying to tie the series at two games apiece.  The Red Wings were looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead, before the series shift back to Chicago for Game Five.  The first period was scoreless with Chicago getting the only powerplay, which they were unable to convert.  The Hawks outshot the Wings 14-10 in the period.  The second period saw the Wings get on the scoreboard on a powerplay goal scored by Jakub Kindl, his first of the post season, assisted by Carlo Coliaicovo and Johan Franzen.  This was the first powerplay Chicago had given up in eight games.  Detroit was 1-3 with the man advantage while Chicago was 0-1.  The third period saw the Blackhawks pressing hard to tie the score by Jimmy Howard was up to the task stopping every shot he faced. When Chicago pulled Corey Crawford for the extra attacker, Detroit was able to capitalize on the empty net with Dan Cleary scoring assisted by Valtteri Filppula with 39 seconds left in the game.  After the goal the focus shifted to securing the shutout for Howard, the Wings did, giving Howard his second career post season shutout and his first of these playoffs.  With the victory Detroit has a 3-1 lead in the best of seven series as the series shifts back to Chicago for game 5       

Game 5  Saturday 5/25/13  Detroit-1   at  Chicago-4

Game 5 played at the United Center on Saturday saw the Red Wings trying to end the series and upset the #1 seeded Blackhawks.  Chicago, on the other hand were playing for their playoff lives.  Chicago outclassed the Wings to earn a 4-1 victory and force a game six in Detroit Monday 5/27.  The first period saw the Hawks score first on a goal by Bryan Bickell, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Patrick Kane and Michal Handzus at the 14:08 mark.  That was the only goal of the period.  Chicago outshot Detroit12-11 and each team was 0-1 on the powerplay.  The second period had Detroit scoring once and Chicago getting two goals.  The Wings tied the game at the 9:37 mark of the period on a goal by Dan Cleary, his fourth of the post season, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg.  Chicago regained the lead 3:31 later on a powerplay goal by Andrew Shaw, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.  Chicago added another powerplay goal 2:39 later when Jonathon Toews scored his first of the playoffs, assisted by Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith.  The period ended with Chicago leading 3-1, they outshot the Wings 16-11 in the period and were 2-3 with the man advantage while Detroit was 0-2.  The third period saw the Hawks increase their lead on a goal by Andrew Shaw, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, assisted by Victor Stalberg and Brandon Saad.  The victory for Chicago allowed them to stay alive in the series, now trailing the Wings3-2 in the best of seven series, with game six in Detroit.   

Game 6  Monday 5/27/13  Chicago-4   at Detroit-3

Game six played Monday 5/27 at a sold out Joe Louis Arena saw the Red Wings again trying to close out the series with a victory and Chicago playing to force a Game 7 in Chicago.  The first period had the teams trading goals, the first, scored by Chicago on a backhand shot by Marian Hossa, his fifth of the post season, assisted by Jonathon Toews and Duncan Keith at the 3:53 mark.  Detroit tied the score with 1:09 left in the period on a goal by Patrick Eaves, his first of the playoffs, assisted by Drew Miller and Brendan Smith.  Each team had ten shots in the period and both were 0-1 on the powerplay.  The second period saw the Wings take the lead on a goal by Joakim Andersson, his first of the season, assisted by Jakub Kindl at 10:11 of the period.  Detroit outshot the Hawks 18-10 in the period, while Chicago was 0-2 and Detroit0-1 on the powerplay.  The third period was the difference maker in this game with Chicago scoring three goals.  The first goal, scored by Michal Handzus, his first of the playoffs, assisted by Niklas Hjalmarsson was just 51 seconds into the period.  The second goal was scored by Bryan Bickell, his fifth of the season, assisted by Jonathon Toews and Marian Hossa.  The third goal was a controversial goal, on a breakaway after a blocked shot, Michael Frolik was being chased by Carlo Colaiacovo, Colaiacovo gave Frolik a sleight tap on the gloves with his stick and the Ref called a penalty shot.  Frolik scored on a backhand shot just over Jimmy Howard’s left pad.  It was Frolik’s third goal of the post season.  Detroit closed the gap at the 19:08 mark on a goal by Damien Brunner, his fifth of the playoffs, assisted by Pavel Datsyuk and Dan Cleary but were unable to tie the game even after pulling Howard for an extra attacker.  The win by Chicago sets up a pivotal Game 7 in Chicago Wednesday 5/29.  If Detroit loses they will be only the ninth team in NHL history to blow a 3-1 lead in a best of seven series.    

        

Game 7  Wednesday 5/29/13  Detroit-1  at  Chicago-2 (OT)

Game seven was played in the United Center Wednesday night in front of 22,103 screaming fans.  The Chicago fans were hoping to see the Hawks completed a historic comeback and Detroit fans were hoping to see their underdog team advance to the Conference finals against the LA Kings.  There was no scoring in the first period, a tight checking period where players found little room to maneuver Chicago outshot Detroit 13-11 and neither team scored on the powerplay, with Chicago getting two chances and Detroit one.  The second period saw Chicago take the lead on a goal by Patrick Sharp, his seventh of the playoffs, assisted by Marian Hossa and Michel Handzus, just 1:08 into the period.  The rest of the period went by without a goal being scored as Chicago had 11 shots on Jimmy Howard and Detroit sent six at Corey Crawford.  The third period saw the Wings tie it up as the carried the play in the Chicago end.  The goal, scored by Henrik Zetterberg, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Gustav Nyquist and Dan Cleary.  The period ended with the score tied as each team had nine shots on goal.  Detroit was 0-1 and Chicago 0-2 on the powerplay in the period.  The overtime period did not last long with Brent Seabrook scoring 3:35 into the period, his first goal of the playoffs, assisted by Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik.  The goal sent the Chicago faithful into waves of frenzy as their team became only the ninth team in NHL history to comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to win in game seven.  As the Red Wings and the Blackhawks shook hands, a tradition only followed by the NHL, the Hawks were planning to face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings.  Detroit on the other hand were left wondering how a collapse of this magnitude could have happened to a team with the history of Detroit.

Cumulative Round Two Stats:

	G	A	P	S	H	+/-	PIM	TOI
Brendan Smith	1	2	3	10	9	EV	6	131:01
Jakub Kindl	1	2	3	17	11	+3	6	117:38
Justin Abdelkader	0	0	0	18	43	EV	16	116:16
Daniel Cleary	2	2	4	11	16	EV	0	118:36
Pavel Datsyuk	1	1	2	16	12	EV	2	144:50
Gustav Nyquist	1	2	3	15	4	+2	2	84:06
Patrick Eaves	1	1	2	8	13	+1	0	67:52
Drew Miller	1	1	2	4	13	+1	2	78:45
Damien Brunner	3	1	4	15	8	+3	0	88:45
Cory Emmerton	0	1	1	8	14	+2	2	68:03
Kyle Quincey	0	0	0	2	8	-1	4	132:28
Carlo Colaiacovo	0	1	1	4	8	+2	2	106:20
Henrik Zetterberg	1	1	2	25	9	+1	2	136:07
Todd Bertuzzi	0	0	0	0	1	EV	0	7:56
Valtteri Filppula	1	1	2	6	7	-3	0	106:29
Jonathan Ericsson	0	2	2	2	18	EV	2	161:46
Niklas Kronwall	0	1	1	7	4	+1	4	177:34
Joakim Andersson	1	1	2	8	2	+3	4	82:45
Johan Franzen	1	2	3	13	12	-2	0	133:02
Totals	15	22	35	189	212	+11	54
	W	L	SA	GA	SV	SV%
James Howard	3	4	236	16	252	.936
Totals	3	4	236	16	252	.936

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings Games 3 and 4 Recaps

Game 3  Monday 5/20/13  Chicago-1  at  Detroit-3

Game 3 was played in Detroit at a sold out Joe Louis Arena and with the series tied saw each team trying to earn a 2-1 series lead.  Detroit was able to prevail with a 3-1 score and take that 2-1 lead with game 4 in Detroit as well. 

      The first period was scoreless and featured three Detroit powerplays where Chicago was able to continue their penalty kill perfection.  Chicago outshot the Wings in the period 15-9.  The second period saw the Wings score two goals, the first scored by Gustav Nyquist, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Damien Brunner and Joakim Andersson at 7:49.  The second goal was scored 31 seconds later by Drew Miller, his first of the post season, assisted by Patrick Eaves and Corey Emmerton.  The only two penalties of the period were assessed to Brendan Smith but Detroit was able to kill both off.  Detroit outshot the Hawks 14-8 for the period.

      The third period saw the teams exchange goals.  The first goal was scored by Patrick Kane, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Duncan Keith at 4:35 of the third bring the Hawks within one goal.  Detroit re-established their two goal lead on a goal by Pavel Datsyuk, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Johan Franzen and Brendan Smith.  The Wings had four powerplays in the period but were unable to convert as Chicago remained perfect in shorthanded situations. Game 4 is in Detroit on Thursday.                                           

Game 4  Thursday 5/23/13  Chicago-0   at  Detroit-2

Game four in this best of seven series saw the Blackhawks trying to tie the series at two games apiece.  The Red Wings were looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead, before the series shifts back to Chicago for game 5. 

      The first period was scoreless with Chicago getting the only powerplay, which they were unable to convert.  The Hawks outshot the Wings 14-10 in the period.  The second period saw the Wings get on the scoreboard on a powerplay goal scored by Jakub Kindl, his first of the post season, assisted by Carlo Coliaicovo and Johan Franzen.  This was the first powerplay Chicago had given up in eight games.  Detroit was 1-3 with the man advantage while Chicago was 0-1.

      The third period saw the Blackhawks pressing hard to tie the score by Jimmy Howard was up to the task stopping every shot he faced. When Chicago pulled Corey Crawford for the extra attacker, Detroit was able to capitalize on the empty net with Dan Cleary scoring assisted by Valtteri Filppula with 39 seconds left in the game.  After the goal the focus shifted to securing the shutout for Howard, the Wings did, giving Howard his second career post season shutout and his first of this playoffs.  With the victory Detroit has a 3-1 lead in the best of seven series as the series shifts back to Chicago for game 5

Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks games 1 and 2 Recaps

Second Round Playoff Recap Games 1 and 2  

Chicago Blackhawks (1^st Seed) vs. Detroit Red Wings (7^th Seed)

Game 1 Thursday 5/15/13  Detroit-1  at  Chicago-4

Game One between the top seeded Chicago Blackhawks and the seventh seeded Detroit Red Wings took place in Chicago on Thursday 5/15.  The Wings had not beaten the Blackhawks during the regular season and that trend continued in this game.  The Hawks opened the scoring with a powerplay goal scored by Marion Hossa, his fourth of the playoffs Jonathon Toews and Patrick Sharp at 9:03 of the first period.  Detroit tied the score 1:54 later on a goal by Damien Brunner, his third of the post season, assisted by Gustav Nyquist and Jonathon Ericsson.  The Wings outshot the Hawks 7-6, while Chicago was 1-1 on the powerplay and Detroit was 0-2 with the man advantage in the period. 

      The second period was scoreless with Detroit getting one powerplay chance and Chicago, two.  The Blackhawks outshot Detroit 17-5 in the period as Chicago took control of play in the period.  The third period saw the Hawks score three goals, the first, scored by Johnny Oduya assisted by Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp 8:02 into the period.  The second goal was scored by Marcus Kruger, his second of the post season, assisted by Daniel Carcillo and Nick Leddy making the score 3-1 Hawks.  The score stayed that way until the Red Wings pulled goalie Jimmy Howard for an extra attacker.  Patrick Sharp scored into the empty net, his sixth of the playoffs, assisted by Niklas Hjalmarsson at 19:11 to give the Blackhawks the 4-1 victory and the early 1-0 series lead.   

Game 2  Saturday 5/18/13  Detroit-4   at  Chicago-1

Game Two, again being played in Chicago saw the Hawks trying to seize a two game lead in the best of seven series.  The Wings were victorious to tie the series at one game apiece.  The first period saw Chicago score first on a goal by Patrick Kane, his first of the playoffs, assisted by Michal Handzus and Patrick Sharp.  The period ended with Chicago up 1-0, the Red Wings outshot the Blackhawks 12-8.  Detroit was 0-2 on the powerplay while Chicago did not get a powerplay opportunity. 

      The second period saw the Wings score two goals.  The first, scored by Damien Brunner, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Jakub Kindl and Joakim Andersson.  The second goal scored by Brendan Smith, his second of the post season, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Dan Cleary.  The period ended with Detroit ahead 2-1.  The Wings outshot the Hawks 8-5while each team was 0-1 on the powerplay. 

      The third period featured two more Detroit goals, the first scored by Johan Franzen, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Jonathon Ericsson and Niklas Kronwall.  The second goal was scored by Valtteri Filppula, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg.  Detroit outshot Chicago 10-7 for a three period total of 30 for Detroit and 20 for the Hawks.  For the second period in a row Chicago did not get a powerplay but Detroit was 0-2 with the man advantage.  Chicago still has not given up a powerplay goal this season.

Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks Game 7 Recap

      Sunday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim was the site of the most exciting thing in sports, a Game 7, this one between the 2^nd seed Anaheim Ducks and the 7^th seed Detroit Red Wings.  If Detroit won they would advance to the second round to face the 1^st seed Chicago Blackhawks.  If the Ducks won they would face the San Jose Sharks in the second round. 

      The first period saw the Wings score first on a goal by Henrik Zetterberg, his third of the series, assisted by Valteri Filppula and Jakub Kindl at the 1:49 mark.  The Ducks tied the score at the 13:48 mark on a goal by Emerson Etem, his third of the round, assisted by Francois Beauchemin and Jonas Hiller.  Detroit retook the lead on an unassisted shorthanded goal by Justin Abdelkader at 16:37 of the period.  The period ended with the score 2-1 for the Wings.  Detroit was 0-2 and Anaheim was 0-1 on the powerplay.

      The second period featured a goal by Valteri Filppula assisted by Dan Cleary and Henrik Zetterberg at the 13:45 mark.  That was the only goal and the period ended with the Wings leading 3-1.  There were four penalties in the period that resulted in one powerplay for each team, but neither were able to cash in.

      The third period saw the Wings trying to hold a third period lead for the first time in the series.  After a delay of game penalty to Henrik Zetterberg at 16:14, the Ducks cashed in on a goal by Francois Beauchemin, his second of the series, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Cam Fowler to bring the Ducks within one goal.  The Ducks pressed for the remaining 3:46, pulling their goalie at one point, but Detroit was able to hold on and earn the 3-2 victory and the 4-3 series win.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 6 Recap

      The first round series between the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks continued on Friday at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.  The Ducks had the lead 3-2 and were looking to close out the series Friday.  Three periods were not enough to settle the contest for the third game in a row and the fourth game out of the six so far.  Detroit blew a two goal lead late but pulled it out in overtime 4-3 to force a Game 7, 10:00(EDT) Sunday in Anaheim.  Given the tenor of this series it would be no surprise if Game 7 goes into overtime as well.
      The first period saw the Ducks carrying the play in Detroit's end but Detroit scored first, on a goal by Pavel Datsyuk, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Jonathan Ericsson.  There was only one penalty in the period, a tripping call to Ryan Getzlaf, but Detroit was unable to capitalize on the man advantage.  Detroit outshot the Ducks 11-7 in the period.
      The second period saw the Ducks tie the game at 11:31 on a goal by Kyle Palmieri, his third of the post season, assisted by Emerson Etem.  The Ducks outshot the Wings for the period 14-6 for a two period total of 21 for the Ducks and 17 for Detroit.  There were no penalties in the period. 
      The third period saw a lot of action with each team scoring twice.  Detroit scored the first two goals.  The first, a powerplay goal, after Kyle Palmieri was called for hi-sticking, scored by Henrik Zetterberg assisted by Mikael Samuelsson and Pavel Datsyuk at 6:19.  Daniel Cleary scored his second of the playoffs at 11:30, assisted by Justin Abdelkader and Valtteri Filppula.  Filppula figured prominently in the first Ducks goal of the period, when he was going behind the Detroit net and thinking he had a trailer dropped the puck.  He did have a trailer, unfortunately it was Emerson Etem who slid the puck past Jimmy Howard for his second of the post season at 16:32.  51 seconds later it was Bobby Ryan scoring his second, assisted by Corey Perry and Francois Beauchemin to tie the game.  The period ended with the Ducks outshooting the Wings 16-9 for a three period total of 37-26.  This would be the third overtime game in a row but it didn't last long.  Henrik Zetterberg was the hero scoring his second of the game assisted by Niklas Kronwall and Pavel Datsyuk 1:04 into the extra frame.
      This win for the Wings sets up the most dramatic thing in sports: a Game 7. This will take place Sunday 5/11 at 10:00(EDT) at the Honda Center in Anaheim.  If that game goes into overtime it will set a NHL record for overtime games in a single series.  If the Red Wings can upset the Ducks in Game 7 then they will earn the right to advance to the second round and face the first seed Chicago Blackhawks and the Vancouver Canucks will play the San Jose Sharks.  If the Ducks emerge victorious then they will face the Canucks and Chicago will play the Sharks.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 5 Recap

      Game 5 of the first round match-up between the Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks took place Wednesday night in Anaheim.  The best of seven series was tied at two games apiece going into the contest.  The winner of the game would take a 3-2 lead and history says that 73% of the time the winner of game five will win the series, making this game very important.
      The first period saw the teams trade goal with Detroit opening the scoring on a powerplay goal by Johan Franzen, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Damien Brunner at 5:28 of the period.  Anaheim tied the score with 2:19 left in the period on a goal by Kyle Palmieri, his second of the playoffs assisted by David Steckel.  The Ducks outshot the Wings 18-9, while Detroit was 1-2  and Anaheim was 0-2 on the powerplay in the period.
      The second period saw both teams score and had the Wings get a long powerplay.  Detroit scored first again with Mikael Samuelsson lighting the lamp assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk at 10:08.  The Ducks even the score with 32 seconds left in the period on a powerplay goal by Ryan Getzlaf, his third of the post season, assisted by Francois Beauchemin and Sheldon Souray.  The Wings outshot the Ducks 15-9 while the Ducks were 1-1 with the man advantage while detroit was 0-1 even though the had a long powerplay after Daniel Winnik was giving a major for boarding.
      The third period was scoreless with Anaheim getting five shots for a three period total of 33 and Detroit getting six for a total of 29 shots.  There were two penalties in the period with Brendan Smith and Matt Beleskey both going off for roughing at 16:53.
      The overtime did not last long with Nick Bonino scoring his third of the series assisted by Ben Lovejoy at 1:54 into the overtime period.  The Duck outshot the Wings for the game 34-31 while both teams were 1-3 on the powerplay.
      The series now shifts back to Detroit for Game Six on Friday, time to be announced, where Anaheim will try to close out the series with a victory.  If Detroit can come up victorious on Friday then the series will return to Anaheim for Game Seven on Sunday, time TBA.