NHL Playoffs: Five Reasons why Detroit Is Still in the Series

The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in unfamiliar place.

Down 3-1 going into Game Five of the Western Conference Semi Finals.

The series standings shows that one team has dominated the other. That's not the case.

Detroit lost three straight 4-3 decisions. The only game that can be looked at as a "what the %$@! just happened," was Game Three as Detroit went down in OT on a poorly defended 2-on-1, after a late goal on Jimmy in the third period that squeaked between the pads of Jimmy. Something he should of had.

The first two games could of easily been Detroit's games if the refs didn't make some questionable calls.

In Game One, a questionable call led to a 5-on-3 PK for Detroit, that led to the game winner.

Game Two saw the same fate that led to the tying goal.

Game Four, we saw what Red Wings hockey is all about. The Winged Wheel posted a 7-1 triumph on four Johan Franzen goals.

We now sit at a 3-1 series advantage for San Jose which brings me to seven reasons as to why Detroit is down, but certainly not out.

No. Five — Mike Babcock

He has coached in this scenario before, granted is was junior hockey, but Babcock is the best coach in the NHL and the best under pressure. Yesterday, it was proved with his line juggling.

End result: 7-1

No. Four — Jimmy Howard

This kid has shown that when his back is against the wall, he can step up when necessary and steal a game.

Jimmy is 8-2 in his last 10 games when losing the previous game. That's a sharp record for a rookie.

Jimmy has the ability to steal a game, and we need him to steal three more.

No. Three — Johan Franzen

Yesterday, Johan showed exactly what he can do.

Yes, he is still battling his ACL injury and isn't battling as hard as he usually does, but he can still get it done and the Wings need the Mule to continue doing what he did yesterday with his four goal outburst.

No. Two — Experience

No one has more experience than Detroit.

Compared to the Sharks, 100x more. Detroit knows how to play with their backs against the wall.

No. One — Do or Die Situations

And add-on to the experience factor, so far this year in the playoffs Detroit is 2-0 in elimination games out scoring their opponent 13-2.

I am in no means saying, "Yes, Detroit will come back and win," but I am saying "Yes, there is a BIG chance they can."

Maybe I am just blinded by pride, but this series is far from over and if Detroit wins Game Five, San Jose may just be on the brink of elimination themselves.

Go Wings Go!

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