Henrik Zetterberg scored a few highlight reel goals against Colorado. Can he do the same against Dallas? (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Backgrounder
The Third Round
Hockey Night In Canada analyst Scott Morrison breaks down the Western Conference final
Last Updated Mon., May 5, 2008
Scott Morrison, CBC Sports
DETROIT (1) vs. DALLAS (5)
RED WINGS
STRENGTHS - They are well rested, healthy and have so many weapons. Their best players haven't had to be their best players night in-night out, to prevail. In addition to the likes of Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Lidstrom, who have been terrific, they have been getting great efforts from the supporting cast, especially Johan Franzen, who had nine goals in the four-game spanking of the Colorado Avalanche. Four were on the power play, three were even strength and two were shorthanded, making him an equal opportunity threat.
WEAKNESSES - The goaltending has been good, not great. But then it hasn't had to be and Chris Osgood has found a way to get the job done. Not many cracks in this lineup, but if not a weakness, then there is a question as to whether this team has been tested yet. They were ordinary to start against a Nashville team playing on fumes, but got much better and easily won. Then they steam rolled over a Colorado side that was missing five of its top nine forwards and a Cinderella goaltender who saw midnight. So, the question is how good are the Wings right now?
KEY PLAYER - Henrik Zetterberg. He scored a few highlight reel goals against the Avs, but now is the time for the big line to take charge.
Marty Turco will have to be at his best if the Stars jave any chance against the Red Wings. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
STARS
STRENGTHS - Confidence. They got a monkey off their backs by winning the first round, then another by not choking on a lead in round two against San Jose. Marty Turco has been great in goal. Brenden Morrow has been a force up front and virtually everyone is playing well and with enthusiasm. They are a team firing on all cylinders. Now, they did appear rattled at times against the Sharks, surrendering a couple of leads and making life difficult, but they ultimately found a way to win, which is key.
WEAKNESSES - Those blown leads are a concern. Closing the deal is important, especially against a team like Detroit. At times the Stars appeared to sit on leads, to lose the aggressiveness that got them leads in the first place. Worth remembering, is they have knocked off two of the best teams in the west, Anaheim and San Jose, in convincing fashion so as long as the scoring holds up.
KEY PLAYER - Marty Turco. He has proven he is a big-time player and will have to be at his best to survive the third round.
2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Stanley Cup final
DET vs PIT
Conference finals
DET vs DAL
PIT vs PHI
Conference semifinals
DET vs COL
SJS vs DAL
MON vs PHI
PIT vs NYR
Conference quarter-finals
DET vs NSH
SJS vs CAL
MIN vs COL
ANA vs DAL
MON vs BOS
PIT vs OTT
WSH vs PHI
NJD vs NYR
