Update (1:28 PM): A2Y’s liveblog is here. - Matt
Update (12:40 PM): The FanHouse liveblog is here. - Matt
This afternoon is the fifth game of the Western Conference Finals. Detroit leads the series 3-1 with wins in Games 1 through 3 (4-1, 2-1, 5-2). Dallas won Game 4 (3-1).
Dallas is on the brink of elimination and must win today to remain in the playoffs. Some keys to the game for the Stars:
Score first. This has been a key for them all series and is no less so today. Game 4 showed the effect of a lead on Dallas’ confidence level. They are a much better team when playing with one than without one.
Special teams. The Stars will have to make the most of their power play opportunities today. They’ll also need to kill off any chances the Wings may have.
Marty Turco. I keep listing him as a key and I’m doing it again. Turco was strong in Game 4 and will need to repeat that performance in Joe Louis Arena today. If he can’t exorcise whatever demons the Joe holds for him, the Stars lose. It’s that simple.
The Stars will be without Jere Lehtinen (leg), Stu Barnes (concussion-like symptoms), Philippe Boucher (hip) and Mark Fistric (mono).
For Detroit this is not technically a must-win game, but it might as well be. The last thing the Wings need is to lose today and return to Dallas with the Stars smelling blood. Some keys for Detroit:
Score first. Yes, it’s repetitive, but it’s a key for both teams. The Wings need to dull the Stars’ mental edge by striking first.
Puck possession. This task will be much easier with the improve quality of the ice surface at the Joe. A return to an efficient, businesslike puck possession game will prevent the Stars from doing much.
Depth. Every line needs to contribute offensively today. That doesn’t necessarily mean goals, but it does mean every line needs to give the Stars fits.
Detroit will be without Johan Franzen (concussion-like symptoms).
I will be part of the FanHouse liveblog of the game with Kevin Schultz and Eric McErlain. We’re kicking it off at 1:00. I’ll have the link for you then.
Also, Mike Heika reports that we’ll have one other option if the game goes into overtime and your NBC affiliate switches to Preakness coverage: NBCsports.com. Evidently, the game will be streamed live from there. I assume viewers from inside the Detroit and Dallas viewing areas will be blacked out, but anyone outside should be able to watch.
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