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Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks NHL Pick
Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 8:00 pm EST on Versus
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Darren Helm’s goal with 1:27 remaining in regulation helped the Detroit Red Wings stay alive in their 2011 Stanley Cup Western Conference semifinal series against the San Jose Sharks. When the two teams meet on Sunday in northern California, the Sharks will make a second attempt to eliminate the Red Wings.
Date/Time: Sunday, May 8, 8:00 PM ET
Venue: HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA.
Broadcast: Versus
Money Line: Detroit +130, San Jose -150
Over/Under: 5½
San Jose is looking to eliminate the Wings for the second straight season, having defeated them in five games in this same round of the playoffs last season.
Game 4 saw the Red Wings get off to a fast start, scoring three unanswered goals in the first 18 minutes of the opening period on Friday night. Considering they had only scored five combined goals in the first three games, it looked as if the Red Wings were on their way to an easy victory.
But goals by rookie Logan Couture, defenseman Dan Boyle, and sniper Dany Heatley, brought the Sharks even in the third period. Helm’s goal prevented the Sharks from sweeping the series, and also from the game heading into overtime. San Jose has won five games without a loss this year in the post-season when games are played longer than 60 minutes.
Many speculated before the game whether it would be the final game for Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom. If that was a motivator for Lidstrom to play well, he could be counted on for a big game again on Sunday. He scored two goals in Game 4, and led the Wings with six shots on goal during his 22:42 of ice time.
The Red Wings understand that they will need to make history if they want to advance to the conference finals. Only three times in NHL history has a team rallied from a 0-3 series deficit to win: the 1942 Maple Leafs, 1975 Islanders, and the 2010 Flyers.
Todd Bertuzzi was also outstanding in Game 4 for Detroit. The veteran forward had a goal and an assist, and was a physical presence for the Wings.
The Sharks were in this exact same situation last season. They had a chance to complete a sweep of the Red Wings with a Game 4 win in Detroit but lost, then closed out the series at home in Game 5.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Sharks – Antti Niemi guided Chicago to the Stanley Cup last season, and is now the Sharks goaltender this season. The last eight times Niemi has lost a playoff game during these past two seasons, his team is 7-1 in the next game. The Sharks should close it out, but it won’t come easy.
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