Phoenix Coyotes host Detroit Red Wings in game three of quarterfinal series (Preview)
The third game of the Western Conference clash between Phoenix Coyotes and Detroit Red Wings will take place on April 18, 2011, at the Jobing.com Arena. The Red Wings have been quite impressive in the series so far as they have won both the first two games.
The Red Wings have been superb in the series and dominated the game both on the offence and when it comes to the physical aspect.
The Red Wings have been very consistent in the regular seasons in their history and this season was no different. This was the 20th consecutive time that they were able to make their way into the play-offs.
Another glimpse of their brilliance can be seen from the fact that out of the 20 consecutive play-off appearances, they have maintained a 19-4 record in the postseasons that have witnessed them winning the first two games.
The Red Wings came out strong in the second game, which didn’t have the Coyotes having any answer for the attacks, as they established a 4-0 advantage.
However, they managed to carve a way back into the game scoring three goals from nine penalties. The Coyotes were led by Captain Shane Doan but fell short by a single goal, which resulted in the Red Wings winning 4-3 in the end.
The Red Wings were led by Pavel Datsyuk, as the Russian star was absolutely exquisite in the offence, scoring a goal and ending the night with three assists. Johan Franzen, the veteran returned to the squad but went to the bench soon after as he was hit
by Coyotes Captain Shane Doan.
"I probably should have stayed out", Franzen joked with reporters after his team continued surrendering the lead upon his return. "But I just needed to clean up a bit and that concussion test takes a long time. I probably should have been back out there
earlier than I was".
The Coyotes gave it all they had but still they fell short by goal. Captain of the Coyotes kept hopes of a comeback alive with two third period goals but this was all they could manage. The Coyotes improved on their offence despite the loss in the game.
They Coyotes outscored the Red Wings 33-31 in the second game as Jimmy Howard (goal keeper of the Red Wings) proved to be the difference. The Coyotes also did pretty well during the power-plays, as they scored three out of the seven power-plays coming their
way.
Now that they have improved on the offence they need to convert that into goals so that they can open their account in the series.
"You put yourself in a hole, you've got to find a way to dig out of it", Doan said following thier loss. "We've got to find a way to pick up a win".
The Red Wings lead the series 2-0 with this game being crucial, as the Red Wings can get into a commanding 3-0 lead while the Coyotes can cut the lead to1-2 with a win.
Tags: