The Detroit Red Wings are pinched in a tough spot tonight after losing in overtime for game five against Anaheim. The Anaheim Ducks currently lead the series 3-2. If the Ducks win tonight, that would mean a bye-bye playoff time for the Wings. Don't get too down though. If the Wings are able to fight for it and win, we will move to a game seven on Sunday.
Game Five was a nothing short of a fight from both teams. Detroit had only fallen short 31 shots on goal compared to Anaheim's 34. Detroit's Franzen and Samuelsson were able to land goals in regulation. Ducks
Captain Ryan Getzlaf and Kyle Palmieri put two up for Anaheim. After 60 minutes of game play, each team had one power play goal and one full strength goal, tying them at two. A little under two minutes into overtime, we saw a game winning goal from Nick Bonino.
People complained of a poor power play for Detroit when Daniel Winnik was given a five minute major for boarding Dan Cleary. Cleary, who managed to come back in the third after being injured in the second, is still complaining about soreness to his left side but will be in the lineup tonight. Another common complaint was the ice conditions in the Honda Center. What I think it comes down to is Anaheim skating harder and faster than Detroit. If Detroit can play how they did in the second period (minus the five minute major), we could be looking at a win tonight. Regardless, there is nothing that should be enough to hold this team back from working again in game six.
Speaking of working, Henrik Zetterberg has been hurting for a goal all series. The new captain has zero goals in the playoffs thus so far. Offensively, Z has been able to produce about 20 shots on goal alone through five games. But, the Wings captain isn't worried, stating all he could do was "continue to work hard, keep putting pucks at the net, and hopefully one or two will sneak by the goalie." Hopefully, we will see Zetterberg be able to bank one of those shots tonight.
Justin Abdelkader will be hot tonight. The forward is coming back to the ice after a two game suspension for hit on Tony Lydman, who is still out due to headaches and concussion-like symptoms since game two. Abby will join the top line with Captain Z and Pavel Datsyuk to hopefully give the Wings the added pressure they are looking for. After patiently and painfully watching the last two games, especially a loss in game five, Abdelkader is ready to go. Will he be changing his playing style due to the suspension? Doubt it.
Look for line changes tonight with Justin Abdelkader, who will take the first line as previously mentioned and force Patrick Eaves to a scratch. Also, Carlo Colaiacovo will make his playoff debut and replace Brian Lashoff for the lineup tonight.
Make sure to be cheering for the Detroit Red Wings at 8:00pm tonight, Friday, May 10th for game six against the Anaheim Ducks. Follow our Facebook and Twitter for more great Wings conversation and coverage!
