By winning the series with Columbus, the Wings did something no other defending Stanley Cup team has done since 2002: make it out of the first round. And that is one big relief.
In the first three games, the Wings taught the first-time-in-the-playoffs-EVER Blue Jackets what the post-season is all about. By game four, they had learned their lesson VERY well. In the first three games, Detroit scored 12 times and Columbus only twice. In the third game, Columbus scored 5 times, only to see Detroit get 6. The sweep wasn't really unexpected by many.
Chris Osgood showed the world that, yes indeed, there IS a playoff switch that can be activated in the post-season. After probably his WORST year ever, he absolutely shined in the first three games. The man did everything but stand on his head and do cartwheels to make some of the saves he did. And then in the third game, he winced. The camera showed a close-up of his face and he was wincing. He did SOMETHING that caused him pain and it was very evident in the second period of the fourth game. WHATEVER they did--injections, probably--between the second and third, gave him enough to let the team win.
Detroit's 'D' threw the switch, also. They HAD started playing better toward the end of the season, but were MUCH better in this series. And when the 'big guns'--the first and second lines--couldn't get the job done, the third line stepped in and took over. There was no evidence of a 'hangover' as far as could be seen. The entire team played much more aggressively and let everyone know that they CAN'T be pushed around--even though they are top heavy with 'soft' Europeans and play a puck possession game. Although the hit-of-the-game was done by Stuart--a Canadian--all of the Wings contributed in the hits department.
As for the hit that Stuart placed on Umberger: UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!! First, it was a purely clean hit--not a thing dirty about it. Stuart hit Umberger so hard that the guy's eyes crossed. I think he may have even blacked out for a second. The only time I have seen someone be so woozy is during a heavy-weight boxing match. I don't think Umberger knew what day it was, much less WHERE he was. He might not have even known his own name. It was the hit of the series--so far--and could even be in contention for the hit of the year. It was priceless. And I HAVE to give the guy credit: he came back to finish the game after resting for a bit. GOTTA love playoff hockey--and hockey players!!
The only thing that kind of marred the win for the Wings is the way they got their last goal. (By no means does ANYONE thing they wouldn't have won the series, just that they might have needed one more game to do it.) Late in the third, the game was tied 5-5. Both teams were playing great. Less than two minutes left in the game, during a line change, Columbus was called for too many men on the ice. It really was too blatant for the refs to ignore: one of the guys actually PLAYED the puck! And Detroit scored on the power play. Columbus felt as if it was something that didn't need to be called and said the refs 'swallowed their whistles' through most of the third, so why call THAT? I certainly understand their feelings--we Wing fans have had to endure 'unneeded' calls VERY, VERY often. But, it is what it is. The series' outcome wouldn't have been any different even if Columbus would have won game four. They learned what it is like to be in the playoffs--it was the first time in franchise history--and they learned what it is like to play against the Champs when they are on their game. These are lessons that will serve them well in the future--and make them MUCH harder for the Wings to play next year. This might turn into a rivalry, yet!
As for who the Wings will play next, we have no idea. If the Ducks can hold on and win their series, then Detroit gets to play them--the dirtiest team in the league. If San Jose manages to win the series--which is beginning to look like a possibility--then Detroit gets to face Vancouver--and a VERY good Luongo in net. Either way, the second round won't be as easy as the first. And I can't wait--even though it will be ulcer time! ;)
Recapping Round One
