Controversial penalty calls dominated much of the chatter - at least among Detroit Red Wings fans - when the team lost to the San Jose Sharks in the 2010 semifinals. If the Sharks’ 2-1 OT win in Game 1 is in any indication, those tin foil hats might get some serious mileage this year, too.
The Sharks weren’t able to score after Justin Abdelkader was whistled for a high-sticking double-minor in overtime, but Ben Ferriero’s winning goal came just 20 seconds after the Red Wings killed a rare OT penalty.* People will surely discuss the fact that San Jose received six power plays while Detroit only had two man advantages in Game 1.
San Jose 2, Detroit 1 (OT); Sharks lead series 1-0
When I heard announcers mention that Friday was Mike Babcock’s 48th birthday, I thought: “Oh, so that explains Jimmy Howard’s otherworldly play ... he forgot to get Babs a present.” Apparently Ferriero’s birthday (he turned 24 on Friday) trumped Babcock’s, though, as the young Sharks forward scored that OT winner in his first career playoff game.
Howard truly was outstanding in defeat, though. Perhaps the Sharks’ high-volume offense brings out the best in opposing netminders, as Howard stopped 44 out of 46 shots in this game. He didn’t win tonight, but if Howard can keep this up, Detroit must like their chances. In the opposing crease, Antti Niemi was solid in a relatively light night of work, making 24 out of 25 saves.
Things began well for the Red Wings, as Pavel Datsyuk set up a Nicklas Lidstrom goal midway through the first period to give Detroit a 1-0 lead. Howard kept that lead intact through the second period despite the fact that the Sharks out-shot his team 18-7.
There was a give-and-take between Howard and Joe Pavelski, which probably shouldn’t be surprising since “The Big Pavelski” experienced his breakout 2010 playoff run during the teams’ semifinals series. Howard sent a few blows Pavelski’s way after the Sharks forward showered him with ice.
Pavelski got the last laugh (in this game, at least) by scoring a power-play goal that revealed his world-class hand-eye coordination.
The overtime period didn’t last very long, as the Red Wings killed off that double-minor shortly before that Ferriero goal. On a night when the Sharks didn’t get many bounces, they earned them on their two goals. That was especially true with the OT winner, as Ferriero sent a shot that deflected off Detroit defenseman Brad Stuart’s stick and into the Red Wings net.
The outlook for both teams:
As usual, the Sharks created more scoring opportunities than their opponents but barely won. All negativity aside, though, they found a way to win their fourth overtime contest in only seven playoff games. It’s getting tougher and tougher to glue that choker label back on them, but many won’t be satisfied unless they win a Cup.
Both the Red Wings and Capitals lost tonight after hearty breaks from playoff action. Does that mean Detroit was rusty? You might call it that, but I cannot help but wonder if the real problem is their shaky defense. It’s possible that this game might have been lopsided if Howard wasn’t playing like the elite goalie he can often be.
Still, it’s just one game, something both teams are well aware of. The Sharks won in five games last year, but few would be surprised if this series ends up being lengthy. That might be tough on both sides in the long run, but it should be a great treat for fans considering how much talent each team boasts.
* - Then again, maybe overtime penalties are becoming more common. The Sharks were forced to kill part of a major penalty in overtime themselves while Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows received a penalty in overtime of a Game 7.