I'll admit, I was a bit nervous about this game.
While the Detroit Red Wings certainly had some momentum on their side after a very a strong Game Four performance, I wasn't sure that they'd maintain that intensity and high level play.
As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about.
For the second straight game, the Detroit Red Wings controlled their counterparts from Phoenix, taking a 4-1 win and a 3-2 series lead back to Detroit.
Jimmy Howard has certainly shaken off whatever was making him so tentative early in the series. Despite the shutout he had in Game Four, I honestly think this was his best game.
Outside of a sensational play by Ed Jovanowski, the Coyotes found themselves facing a wall when they took a shot on goal. Howard's exchange to stop not one, but two excellent shots by Hanzel completely turned the momentum of the game.
It's somewhat unfortunate that the Calder voting doesn't take the playoffs into account, because to see Howard in these last two games would demonstrate exactly why he deserves the honor.
The defense, much maligned through the first three games, also showed up in a v ...
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Article written by Thomas Knapp
Wake up Call: Detroit Red Wings Take Command of Series with Game Five Win
April 23rd, 2010 by Thomas Knapp Leave a reply »
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