The San Jose Sharks, last years worst CPHL team, have eliminated the Detroit Red Wings in the Howe Conference Final and now await the winner of the Pittsburgh/Carolina series to see who they will face off against in the Finals!
"It's an amazing feeling!" GM Ryan was quoted as saying, "I knew we had a strong team and we had as much of a shot at getting here as any other team in the Howe, but it's still hard to believe we've gotten so far and accomplished so much in such a short time."
The fifth and final game was more one-sided than anticipated as the Wings went down early and were unable to mount any kind of comeback. Down by 2 to start the 3rd period, it was do-or-die for the Wings and they put forth their best effort of the game, and possibly the series, but still could not get past Belfour's strong play as the elderly netminder was insistent on making the finals and getting one last shot at the cup.
San Jose completed their Howe domination in exactly the same fashion as the first two series' - 4 game to 1. With that, they head into the finals with the best record of any playoff team regardless of the winner in the other series at 12 - 3.
"I want to Congratulate the Wings on a great season and strong playoff performance! Jokinen was an amazing player in the playoffs, and had he gotten them to the finals, there was no doubt who the playoff MVP would be" Ryan said.
The
players will enjoy a night of celebrating their accomplishments before getting back to the rink for some hard practising and preperation for what should be a great final series regardless of who they face.
Howe Game 5 Results
