Datsyuk and Red Wings just one win away from finals

Detroit takes 3-0 series lead

Game #3– Detroit Red Wings 5 – Dallas Stars 2

Detroit decided to get revenge on Mike Ribeiro by claiming another victory instead of how it used to be, with right hooks. Dallas took advantage of the home ice, starting off strong in Game #3 hitting hard and out-skating the Wings. As the game went on, the Stars slowed down while watching Pavel Datsyuk score a hat-trick to lead Detroit to a dominating 3-0, in the series.

Datsyuk opened the scoring on assists from Henrik Zetterberg and Brian Rafalski at the 9:27 point of the first period. Nicklas Grossman saw his tying goal, 5 minutes later, only last 37 seconds as Datsyuk punished the Dallas D with another goal for his second of the game. The opening period had Dallas applying all the pressure but still losing 2-1 in on the board.

Brad Richards scored the equalizer 3:47 into the second frame assisted by Loui Eriksson and Joel Lundqvist to make the score 2-2. At this point, the Stars looked to have a chance to win Game #3 as they continued to attack with their defense but Detroit kept the rollercoaster going. Jiri Hudler was sent on a breakaway from Niklas Kronwall to score the leading goal that the Wings would not give up in the second period.

Dallas went into the third period behind by a goal until Zetterberg embarrassed and undressed Richards to pop in the heartbreaking shorthanded marker. At the 17:19 mark of the final period, Zetterberg again, dangled around the four lost Stars players and fed Datsyuk for his first career hat-trick in the NHL, and the 5-2 win.

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Here are the key factors in this series as stated in our 2008 Western Conference finals preview:

Marty Turco was dreadful in Game #3 making 16 saves on 21 shots for a .762 save percentage and his third loss in a row. Failing to play under pressure, Turco has led Dallas to 3-0 series deficit. Chris Osgood is on a complete different road than Turco as he won his 9th game in a row making key saves at key moments.
I stated that Zetterberg and Datsyuk had more skill than the entire Stars team. They combined for 6 points and a +7 plus/minus, proving that the grinding Dallas team cannot keep up with them. Detroit is picking up the pace in the hitting department as well, leaving Stars Coach Tippett, scratching his head.
Johan "Mule" Franzen missed his second game in a row with concussion-like symptoms. Not being missed as much as I thought, he now has time to get some rest for the Stanley Cup Finals. Ribeiro’s karate chop in Game #2 on Osgood did not lead to any personal retaliation, just a beat down on the scoreboard. His one shot on net added with his -2 plus/minus leaves him in the dust of over half the Detroit team.

The Wings are winners of 9 straight and look to make it 10 on Wednesday night to finish this series early. Dallas has dug themselves a very deep hole that they have no chance to get out of. The Stars had a feeling of destiny after dominating the defending champs in round 1 and over powering the Sharks in round 2. Now in the conference finals, reality has set in and this series will end within the next 2 games.

This Dallas team has over stayed their welcome in these playoffs. Time to go.

Detroit leads series 3-0.

By Kevin Chaves
ProHockey-fans.com Staff Writer

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