4/23. West Conf Qtrs. Red Wings @ Blue Jackets. 7:00 pm FSN-D. Game 4.

[Shinma]

The Wings get a nice week of rest by finishing off the Jackets tonight!


Presents the following thread:

@

3 @ 0

Your defending Stanley Cup Champion

AT
The Columbus Blue Jackets

This game is a presentation of:

GAME 4

Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Oh.
Date: Thu., Apr. 23rd, 2009
Time: 7:00pm EST

Television Broadcast Provided by:

FOX Sports Detroit
DirecTV channel 636

Streaming:
TBA

Radio Broadcast Provided by:

XM Radio: Channel 207

Goaltending Matchup:

Det. - Chris Osgood (3-0-0) .67 GAA .974 sv%, 1 SO

Cbj. - Steve Mason (0-3-0) 3.67 GAA .888 sv%

Recap of the Wings win over the Jackets:

Highlights of the Wings 4-1 win:
http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?h...3,163&fr=false

Blue Jackets 1, Red Wings 4
Wings top Jackets 4-1, lead series 3-0

COLUMBUS - A record crowd of 19,219 witnessed the first Stanley Cup Playoffs game ever at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday with the hope their hometown Blue Jackets would keep the benchmarks going with the franchise's first postseason victory.

But defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings shut down the anticipation with another night of stifling defense. You get the distinct impression Detroit is putting on a clinic of sorts for its Central Division rival: How to Advance in the Playoffs 101.

For the third straight time in this series, the Red Wings struck first to break the ice in the opening period and then shut the door the remainder of the game en route to a 4-1 victory in Game 3 of this best-of-seven Western Conference Quarterfinal. Chris Osgood continued his mastery in goal with 31 saves. Detroit looks to close out the Blue Jackets on Thursday at Nationwide Arena (7 p.m. ET).

Osgood, as he did so often during Detroit's Stanley Cup run last season, came up huge at critical points in the game. Most notably in the opening period, when it appeared the Blue Jackets had much of the territorial advantage and an 11-9 shots on goal advantage, Osgood still found a way to keep the puck out of his net.

"We've played three games and had three great starts and had nothing to show for it," said Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock.

With his team holding a 1-0 edge with seven minutes left in the first period, the 36-year-old Osgood caught a left-circle whistler off the stick of winger Kristian Huselius. With 1:32 remaining, he stopped Jason Chimera off a perfectly-timed tip in the crease.

"They have some big forwards with some big shots but the key for us is the third guy [back] and our back-checking," Osgood said. "I don't care who you are, if you leave your goalie and your defense alone back there, you'll get beat sooner or later. So you have to rely on good team defense. We block shots and are clearing guys in front of the net and that's the difference for us in the playoffs."
Osgood, who went 14-4 with a 1.55 goals-against average and .930 save percentage during the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, has allowed just two goals in three games in this series.

"I've felt good since the start of the playoffs," said Osgood. "I love this time of the year. It was a treat for us to come here to Columbus to play in the first playoff game in this building. For us to come here was fun and it was a great atmosphere. I thought Columbus played really well. It was end-to-end really."

The Red Wings opened a 1-0 lead just 1:07 into the game on a rebound by Tomas Holmstrom -- on his first shot of this series. The veteran club would further complicate matters for the host team with 46 seconds showing in the first when Dan Cleary dazzled the boisterous home crowd with a 360 spin-o-rama in front of Columbus rookie goalie Steve Mason (22 saves).

"We talked about how the atmosphere here was going to be unbelievable right before the game and we talked about the opening 10 minutes," said Detroit coach Mike Babcock. "If we could be patient, we'd be able to take advantage of that and that's what happened on the first goal – a neutral zone turnover and (Holmstrom) was taking it in the other direction."

Hitchcock realizes the daunting task his team now faces, particularly against one of the League's stronger defensive units. The Wings have outscored the Blue Jackets, 12-2, in this series. The Jackets are a dismal 1-for-11 on the power-play.

"Detroit makes you pay for mistakes and they were opportunistic," Hitchcock said. "Yes, we had a lot of scoring chances, we hit goal posts, we hit cross bars, but they end up with the 2-0 lead (in the first) and that's the momentum they wanted."

Hitchcock said earlier in the day that Detroit's defense traditionally dials it up in the postseason. While Columbus held a 38-30 advantage in hits, there was none more impressive than the one Wings defenseman Brad Stuart put on R.J. Umberger with 6:52 left in the second period. Stuart lined up Umberger at the Columbus blue-line along the wall, cruising in at an angle, before leveling Umberger with a hip to the sternum.

"I saw him kind of turn and look at me and I just wanted to make sure guys were covering up and then I went in as he turned," Stuart said. "I was a little surprised he didn't pick his head up sooner. I kind of got him with my rear and that's what I was trying to do."

Big hits have become trademarks of the Red Wings in the postseason, along with consistency on defense and in goal.

"Any time you get a solid hit like that it kind of makes you feel good," said Stuart. "They were running around a bit out of position after that so I guess it worked to our advantage."

Notes:
A great example of teamwork was exhibited on Detroit's third goal of the game with 6:05 remaining in the second when, following a delayed penalty call on Columbus defenseman Mike Commodore, Detroit wing Dan Cleary found Henrik Zetterberg in front for a 3-0 cushion. Zetterberg, who would also hit into an empty net with 31 seconds left in the third, is tops on the team with 3 goals this postseason.

Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart was a one-man wrecking ball. Stuart, who is in his ninth season and second with Detroit, finished the game with four hits. None, however, was more devastating than the one he laid on R.J. Umberger just inside the Columbus blue line along the wall. Stuart lined up Umberger, who was just lifting his head when Stuart cruised in at an angle before leveling Umberger with a hip to the sternum with 6:52 remaining in the second.

The Wings were able to take a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks in large part to the goaltending of Chris Osgood, who is looking more and more like the goalie that led the Wings to the Stanley Cup one season ago. The 36-year-old Osgood went 14-4 with a 1.55 goals-against average and .930 save percentage during the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He turned aside 11 shots in the first period, including a dazzling glove save off a left-circle whistler by winger Kristian Huselius with less than seven minutes remaining. On top of that, he rarely relinquished a rebound all night. Ozzie finished with a game-high 31 saves for the game.

Prior to scoring his first goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs just 1:07 into the game, Detroit wing Tomas Holmstrom hadn't registered a shot in six previous periods of this best-of-7 series. The goal was Holmstrom's only shot of the opening 20 minutes.

The Blue Jackets finally connected on the power play but it was too little, too late. The Columbus power play is 1-for-11 in the series, including three failed opportunities on four chances on Tuesday in Game 3.



Series Schedule:

Thursday, April 16 @Detroit 4, Columbus 1
Saturday, April 18 @Detroit 4, Columbus 0
Tuesday, April 21 @Columbus 1, Detroit 4
Thursday, April 23 at Columbus, 7:00 p.m. TSN
*Saturday, April 25 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Monday, April 27 at Columbus, TBD TSN
*Wednesday, April 29 at Detroit, TBD VERSUS, TSN

*if necessary

Season Series:

11/28/2008 - Blue Jackets 3 @ Red Wings 5
1/6/2009 - Blue Jackets 0 @ Red Wings 3
1/27/2009 - Red Wings 2 @ Blue Jackets 3, OT
2/13/2009 - Red Wings 2 @ Blue Jackets 3
3/7/2009 - Blue Jackets 8 @ Red Wings 2
3/15/2009 - Red Wings 4 @ Blue Jackets 0

[lesgoblu02]

I would take a bloody nose and a face full of mace to be able to throw an octopus on their white trash ice.

[Shinma]

Here I come again now baby
Like a dog in heat
Tell it's me by the way now baby
I like to tap the streets

Now I've been smoking for so long
You know I'm here to stay
Got you in a stranglehold baby
You best get out of the way

Gonna cruise is a ***** now baby
You know you can't do me 'round
If your house gets in my way baby
You know I'll burn it down

You remember the night that you left me
You put me in my place
Got you in a stranglehold now baby
You better cross your way

Sometimes you wanna get higher
Sometimes you gotta start low
Some people think they gonna die someday
I got news you never got to go old

Come on come on up X4
Come on come on baby
Come on come on up
Come on come on baby
Come on come on

Gonna cruise is a ***** now baby
You know you can't do me 'round
If your house gets in my way baby
You know I'll burn it down

You remember the night that you left me
You put me in my place
Got you in a stranglehold now baby
You better cross your way

[nmuman]

This seems like an appropriate time for an April in the D commercial...

[Shinma]

Umberger tried to look at the upside of that jarring hit.

"I had a kink in my neck for the last two months. It's gone now," he cracked Wednesday. "So I'm actually pretty happy. I should send him a thank-you note. ... It was better than a chiropractor can do."

For his part, Stuart was happy to oblige.

"Anytime, anytime. Glad to help," Stuart said with a grin. "I don't charge anything. Pro bono."

Damn, thats funny stuff right there.

[donny1351]

Both the Home and Away feeds were listed on the Center Ice/Extra Innings schedule as of this morning!

[Chaz]

GO WINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I guess I will have to watch it again with the PC! THIS IS BS!!!

[DGTigers]

I'm feeling quite confident going into tonight's game. As long as the Wings come out hard, Ozzie keeps playing well, and Chaz and DennisDubay hit the beer nice and early, I like our chances!

[lordstanley]

Lidstrom announced as a Norris Trophy finalist today, along with Boston's Zdeno Chara and Washington's Mike Green. Awards will be presented June 18 at the Palms Hotel in Vegas.

[drownwithyou]

Originally Posted by donny1351

Both the Home and Away feeds were listed on the Center Ice/Extra Innings schedule as of this morning!

I hope this happens, otherwise I'm going to have to find a stream somehow.

[DennisDubay]

Originally Posted by donny1351

Both the Home and Away feeds were listed on the Center Ice/Extra Innings schedule as of this morning!

Still is listed that way here! Woot. Mickey and Playoff hockey ... nothing beats that!

[lordstanley]

Nice local TV ratings for the Wings so far:

Game 3 averaged a 12.0 household rating in metro Detroit (approximately 231,240 households), on Fox Sports Detroit. That's the highest rated Red Wings telecast on FSD since the 2004 playoffs. The first three games of the series are averaging a 10.4 rating. Last year's playoff coverage on FSD (five games in the first two rounds) averaged a 9.1 rating.

[Chaz]

Originally Posted by DGTigers

I'm feeling quite confident going into tonight's game. As long as the Wings come out hard, Ozzie keeps playing well, and Chaz and DennisDubay hit the beer nice and early, I like our chances!

I turned down going to a game in Lakeland tonight ($1 beer night at that), but I brought home a big 12 pack!!!! I am ready to go!!!

Skyguy needs to get on tonight also

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

Lidstrom announced as a Norris Trophy finalist today, along with Boston's Zdeno Chara and Washington's Mike Green. Awards will be presented June 18 at the Palms Hotel in Vegas.

I fear this will be viewed as sacreligious, but I didn't think Lindstrom really was a top notch defenseman this year. Maybe it is just me.

[lordstanley]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bigglesworth

I fear this will be viewed as sacreligious, but I didn't think Lindstrom really was a top notch defenseman this year. Maybe it is just me.

It's not just you. This was a reputation nomination.

[Tint]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

Lidstrom announced as a Norris Trophy finalist today, along with Boston's Zdeno Chara and Washington's Mike Green. Awards will be presented June 18 at the Palms Hotel in Vegas.

If Mike Green wins that would be so sad. He is a TERRIBLE defender. He can score because he pretty much plays offense. But if your looking for skill in a certain position then it is not Green. I think Chara wins hands down.

[tigerkid23]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

It's not just you. This was a reputation nomination.

Disagree. Even in a down year for him, he was probably the best all-around defenseman in the league this year. He finished third among defensemen in points and second in +/-. Chara was probably better defensively (from what I've heard, I never really saw him play) and Green was the best offensive defenseman (I heard his play in his own zone wasn't that good, but again, didn't really see him), but Lidstrom was the best all-around player. And that is what the Norris Trophy is based on: all-around play from a defenseman.

However, I think Chara will win it and I think he is very deserving. He had an excellent season for a great team.

[Johnny Mac]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

It's not just you. This was a reputation nomination.

He is better still than Green

[Shinma]

The league must want a game 5.

Dan O'holycrapwhatabadcall'Halloran is a ref tonight.

[JMB]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bigglesworth

I fear this will be viewed as sacreligious, but I didn't think Lindstrom really was a top notch defenseman this year. Maybe it is just me.

THIS is what is sacrilegious....

[moonwatcher]

You could argue that this nomination is a reputation nomination. You could also argue that he got shafted early in his career when he was far better than others who won based solely on their reputations.

It cuts both ways.

I can't see Mike Green winning it this year. I think you'll see #5 bring it home again, even though we all know, this hasn't been his best year.

GO WINGS!

[lesgoblu02]

I wouldn't be surprised if Chara gets every 1st place vote. And I wouldn't be upset either. He's really f'n good.

[Airborn]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

It's not just you. This was a reputation nomination.

I disagree. Maybe this year wasn't up to his usual standards, but he was still among the leaders in points and plus/minus among defensemen.

Personally, I would vote Chara for the trophy, but feel Lids deserved to be nominated.

[Airborn]

Originally Posted by Shinma

The league must want a game 5.

Dan O'holycrapwhatabadcall'Halloran is a ref tonight.

I would sit Homer. If he so much as breathes near Mason, you know the goal is coming back.

[Shelton]

Originally Posted by Airborn

I would sit Homer. If he so much as breathes near Mason, you know the goal is coming back.

Just curious, but were you invented by a teacher?

[Chaz]

I can't see Lidstrom getting it because he is a cheater! just like rest of the Wings!!! he is always cheating by standing in front of the net because he doesn't let the goal tender get a good look to what is going on..

[JackMorrisStache]

Anyone got any leads on internet streams for tonight's game? Thanks in advance. -JMS

[Chaz]

http://www.atdhe.net/6447/watch-detr...s-blue-jackets

should come up at 7.. it maybe the Columbus announcers too


http://www.justin.tv/nhl_1

[JackMorrisStache]

Chaz, I thank you. -JMS

LET'S GO RED WINGS!

[rush]

Originally Posted by Airborn

I would sit Homer. If he so much as breathes near Mason, you know the goal is coming back.

It's true, too. I hate Dan O'Halloran. And I think he hates the Red Wings.

[DennisDubay]

Did Mick almost drop an F-bomb there?

[Chaz]

oh crap!! the ref should of let them go for it

[Chaz]

LOL!! 2 Jackets in penalty to our 1

[Shinma]

HOMERRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

1-0!

[Chaz]

sssssssssssssscccccccccccccoooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrr eeeeeeeee

[jackson_cannery]

Too easy.

[EatEmUpTigers711]

Nevermind....Lidstrom gets credit.

[Chaz]

It is interesting listening to the Columbus announcers..

[Shinma]

=(

[Johnny Mac]

Originally Posted by Chaz

It is interesting listening to the Columbus announcers..

not quite the words id use to describe them