Red Wings Must Win Game Five
By Tony Fischer
The Red Wings opening round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning is tied at 2 but the Red Wings backs are against the wall none-the-less. Tampa Bay had the best home record during the regular season after setting a 32-8-1 mark. The Lightning also scored a league high 262 goals. That is a potentially deadly combination for our Hockeytown heros who must win at least one more game in Tampa to be in the drivers seat again.
While it is true the Red Wings have two chances to win the series the prospect of having to stave of elimination during game seven in Tampa Bay is daunting. That is why the Wings must win game five to have a shot to close it out in game six in Detroit before the Lightning can capture all the momentum in the series.
The Red Wings will have a full staff for the game against the Lightning. Luke Glendening will be ready to go after suffering a cut to his hand in Game 5. Justin Abdlekader also remains in the line-up after returning for game 3 in Detroit.
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Glendening’s return to the line-up will help the Red Wings defensive efforts. The fourth line center is an excellent two-way player and will be a key to slowing down Tampa’s offensive attack. That said it will take more than Glendening’s considerable skill on the defensive end of the ice to put a check mark in the win column.
The Wings must stay out of the penalty box. Giving power play chances to the leagues best offense is a recipe for disaster. The Wings must play disciplined and avoid the mental lapses that have plagued this young team for much of the season. It will be up to the leaders, Coach Mike Babcock and Captain Henrik Zetterberg, to keep this from going off the rails like they did in Game four. If the Wings can’t put together a full sixty minutes in-game six, it could not only cost them the game but the series.
Game 5 – Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning
Where: Tampa bay, Florida
When: Saturday April 25th
Start Time: 6:00 pm
TV: NBCSN