Wings win in OT
Mike Dunham refuses to say die and puts up a spirited effort to push the series to game 5 in Edmonton.
Special teams or the lack of it contributed to the first Oil loss of the 2005/2006 play-offs. 2:45 of the opening period Kapanen push a rebound past Broduer on the power play to give the Wings early momentum. Bates scored at the mid point of the first to give the Wings their first ever two-goal lead in the series.
The second period was a good checking affair that had the Oil out shoot the Wings 12 – 7. The Oil responded at 7: 10 of the third closing the gap to one, when The rook Jeff Carter notched his third of the play-offs, this one on the PP. The Oil gained life as big Vinny scored only 53 seconds later to silence the Joe Louis Arena.
2 – 2 with 11 minutes and 57 seconds of regulation still to play. The Wings dreams of hoisting the cup now rested with every play, with every shot. The crowd was insane as the pumped their players up. It was now goaltenders dual, as the next goal could be a huge one. The Oil turned it up in the third out shooting the Wings again 15 – 7, and outscored the Wings 2 – 0. But were unable push the Wings to the golf course. O.T.
The intermission between the third and the OT was as tense as it gets for Wings fans, Joe Louis was in silence with anticipation of a either good party in Detroit or well ……say goodbye.
12:24 of the first OT period Belanger gave the Wings another day scoring his third of the play-offs, an OT Power Play goal. A bitter sweet win, as the fans still said goodbye the there hero’s, as the series now shifts back to Rexall Place where the Oil could end it.
Game Notes
Zhedev re injured his lower body injury and will be re-evaluated tomorrow morning back in Edmonton.
Oil loose their first game of the play-offs.
Gary Roberts sits in the sin bin for the OT winner.
Goalie Statistics
Martin Brodeur (OIL), 24 saves out of 27 shots, L, 7-1-0
Mike Dunham (WIN), 33 saves out of 35 shots, W, 4-4-0
Power Play Conversions
OILERS 1 for 5
WINGS 2 for 5
Game Stars
1 - Mike Dunham (WIN)
2 - Shawn Bates (WIN)
3 - Vincent Lecavalier (OIL)
Tickets for game 5 on sale now
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