ANAHEIM, CA – The Detroit Red Wings entered game six of this series with the objective of clearing away the Ducks and moving on to face the Blackhawks.
But a tentative start by both clubs in the opening frame gave life to Anaheim and the Ducks cashed in early in the second period when Ryan Getzlaf connected on tip-in on the power play to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead. Scott Niedermayer and Corey Perry each picked up assists on the goal. Niklas Kronwall was in the box for Detroit after being called for a delay of game penalty for directly sending the puck off the ice surface.
Getzlaf’s goal broke through an otherwise tight game with Chris Osgood and Jonas Hiller defending their nets well. Hiller had 12 saves through the first period to Osgood’s 8.
Detroit took control of the second period at about the mid-way point when the Ducks took two consecutive penalties and the Red Wings took momentum away from the Ducks. Hiller was equal to the Wings’ offense and managed to stone Detroit on each of the power plays.
Hiller’s heroics and penalty killing unit gave the Ducks time to regroup and the effort led to a goal from Corey Perry at even strength at 17:35 of the period. Bobby Ryan and Getzlaf were credited with the assists.
Perry’s shot beat Osgood and restored Anaheim’s confidence. It also deflated the Wings heading to the locker room less than three minutes later.
J Hiller. Photo courtesy of the NHL.
The third opened with the Wings once again taking control of the follow of the game and stormed the Ducks’ net in waves. At the same time the Ducks were unable to break out and generate much offense. Through the first half of the third frame the Ducks managed one shot on goal.
Hiller was spectacular in the third in matching each rush from Detroit.
Anaheim’s Andrew Ebbett took a tripping penalty 16:43 to inject a bit more anxiety for the home faithful. And with good reason as Detroit’s Johan Franzen tipped in a shot from Jiri Hudler. Henrik Zetterberg also picked up an assist on the power play goal.
The series now heads back to Detroit where the Ducks have had success. Giant killers?
Contact lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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