By Jay Clemons, SI.com
1. Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings: Zetterberg was all over the ice in Detroit's series-clinching 4-1 win over Dallas on Monday. He won eight of 11 faceoffs, recorded a team-high seven shots on Stars goalie Marty Turco and logged 22:19 of ice time, tops among all Red Wings forwards. More importantly, Zetterberg dished a primary assist to linemate Pavel Datsyuk, whose first-period goal at 11:41 proved to be the essential game-winner. And for good measure in the second period, Zetterberg stole an errant Dallas pass at his own blue line and took the puck all the way to Turco, unobstructed, before stealthily scoring his second shorthanded goal of the series.
2. Dallas Drake, Red Wings: At the tail end of a productive, yet unspectacular NHL career, Drake perhaps enjoyed one last moment in the sun on Monday, earning an assist on Kris Draper's goal early in the first period and then netting the rebound-aided goal 13 mintues later that effectively closed the door on the Stars' championship hopes.
3. Chris Osgood, Red Wings: This jovial goaltender is wrapping up his 15th NHL season -- a stunning fact to most Wings fans that still see Osgood as the baby-faced newbie who openly wept after Detroit's Game 7 loss to San Jose in the 1994 playoffs. But through all the years and playoff wars, Osgood -- who was in net during the Wings' 1998 championship run -- may never be more secure as the go-to-goalie than right now (even with Dominik Hasek waiting in the wings -- no pun intended). On the night, Osgood turned away 28 shots (including 15 in the third period) and weathered seven power-play opportunities for the Stars.
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Comments (4) Add A Comment
lol why are you busting on Dallas Drake?
pjdk28
Stony Brook , NY
Total Comments (48)
Dallas Drake may end up being a huge factor in the Wings winning the Cup. He is going to punish Crosby and frustrate the younger Pens.
Spkill
Washington , DC
Total Comments (18)
The only thing Drake is going to punish is the ice, his face will be implanted in it after Rutu and Laraque get a hold of him. Drake is overrated.....
Monarch97
Johnstown , PA
Total Comments (3)
Can you feel the love in the room......
T Rocks
Mysterious, PA
Total Comments (2574)
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