Red Wings trio not Hart-worthy but all Heart
So with Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Nicklas Lidstrom all getting passed up on the voting for the Hart Trophy as far as being named a finalist, last night was the perfect time for them to display their all-around game to remind people that the Hart isn’t just another name for the Rocket Richard trophy. Three of the top four goal scorers made the cut. What, did Ilya Kovachuk finish fourth in voting?
Not to take anything away from any of the individual finalists [Ovechkin is going to win the award going away anyways], but Detroit’s Big Three played a role in winning Game 3 last night, and in doing so put the Colorado Avalanche on the brink of elimination. Pavel Datsyuk scored two goals and Hank Zetterberg notched the game winner, but they were also dominant along the boards in Colorado’s end late in the game to prevent the Avs from making any kind of progress at tying the game.
Nick Lidstrom edged out Nik Jr in ice time and was on the ice for three of Detroit’s four goals and tallied one assist. He’s been on the ice for nearly 30 minutes a night and the Avalanche have only scored two goals with him on the ice in the first three games. One of those goals came at even strength during the first game while the other came last night while Colorado was on the power play.
And what can you say about the job Mike Babcock has done? He’ll never win the Jack Adams [Bruce Boudreau should win it this year] but he further minimized Detroit’s one weakness - their third pairing on defense - by rotating his top three defensemen in to play on shifts with Brett Lebda and Chris Chelios. That helped to minimize their ice time as Ledba played less than 9 minutes and tallied an assist. Cheli played a little under 10 minutes.
Finally, the Mule kept his improbable goal scoring run on track. He scored another goal last night which brings that remarkable run to 23 goals in 25 games. He tied Dan Cleary for most shots on goal with 6 apiece. Anyone who follows sports knows about the old cliche that your best players have to be your best players. Pavs, Hank, Lids and the Mule were just that last night and as a result the Red Wings are one win away from making a return trip to the Western Conference Finals.
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[…] Dave @ Gorilla Crouch: Finally, the Mule kept his improbable goal scoring run on track. He scored another goal last night which brings that remarkable run to 23 goals in 25 games. He tied Dan Cleary for most shots on goal with 6 apiece. Anyone who follows sports knows about the old cliche that your best players have to be your best players. Pavs, Hank, Lids and the Mule were just that last night and as a result the Red Wings are one win away from making a return trip to the Western Conference Finals. […]