2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Gutty Red Wings Pull Off Overtime Win
By Tony Fischer
May 2, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Gustav Nyquist (14) after passing the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Wings evened their series in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with an overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks. The Wings came out on fire and jumped to a quick 3 goal lead. When the scored again at the beginning of the third period the game seemed to be all but over.
But the Wings sat back and let the Ducks take the play to them and….poof….just like that; the game was tied and it was headed to overtime. In overtime the Wings looked like a reenergized team once again. Early in overtime Gustav Nyquist netted the game winner and …. poof …. just like that the Wings evened the series.
Defending the Joe
The Winged Wheelers will take to the ice on Saturday at Joe Louis Arena with home ice advantage. Something they must have in-hand when they head back to Anaheim for Game 5 on Wednesday. So how can the Wings keep the advantage.
It is really simple.
Play aggressively.
When the Wings play loose, like they have nothing to lose, they are difficult to beat. When they get a lead or feel comfortable they start getting beat on every play. When they played angry in Game 2 they scored, got great hits and won faceoffs. When they feel comfortable they lost concentration and get scored on. In order for the Wings to advance they must play angry and a little dirty. And it’s up to the Wings veterans to set the tone.
RELATED STORY: Wings Must Play Angry To Beat The Ducks
There is always a price
The overtime win did come at a price. The wings lost the services of their defenseman Dan Dekeyser for the remainder of the playoffs. This loss could be big because Dekeyser brought stability to a Lidstromless defense after being acquired midseason. A move to which Red Wings coach Mike Babcock credited the Wings successful playoff push.
Saturday Nights Alright
The Wings will defend their home ice against the Ducks on Saturday at Joe Louis Arena. Puck drops at 7:30. Detroit Jock City will be on twitter during the game to trash talk duck fans, read your comments and retweet your witty banter. Be sure to log on to Detroit Jock City the next day for the latest news and views on the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.