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Defining moments Game 3 could've gone either way, but Detroit got it donePosted: Sunday June 09, 2002 10:34 AM
RALEIGH, N.C. -- It’s the morning after. Well, actually, it is just later in the morning after the game. In all, the teams turned in nearly six full periods of hockey action. And, finally, we got to see the two teams play extensively at full and even strength, which allowed each to find their rhythm and strut their respective styles. The Hurricanes showed their physical forechecking nature from the outset -- the size and speed of their forwards being all the Red Wings could handle. As the marathon wore on, the younger ‘Canes remained the more physical team. The scoring chances they generated were largely the result of hard work in their low rotations in the offensive zone. They were much more effective in driving to the net without the puck, forcing Dominik Hasek to make saves in traffic.
Interestingly, though, neither ‘Canes goals came from their ability to cycle the puck. On both Josef Vasichek’s goal and Jeff O’Neill’s tally, it was Carolina setting up the scoring opportunities with speed through the neutral zone. Further, the game’s defining goal -- Hull’s game-tying redirect with only 75 seconds remaining -- was borne of determined zone pressure and not a rink-long dash. So, while the long stretches of uninterrupted 5-on-5 play highlighted the natural tendencies of the two finalists, the fact that each had success outside their main mode showed why they are here in the first place: neither is one-dimensional in their approach or execution. As the drama unfolded, back and forth, up and down -- the action riveting and breathtaking -- the sheer energy exuded became the story. The ebb and flow of the extra sessions took on an otherworldly quality, as a majority of the packed house refused to sit, standing in mesmerized unison. Would their team prevail, overcoming the agony of being so close to taking a 2-1 series lead in regulation? In the end, the ‘Canes stubbornness fell just short of the Wings’ championship will. Yes, the game could have gone either way, but the experienced team from Detroit found a way to get it to fall its way. The question now becomes one of after-effect. Is the emotional burden of losing in such gut-wrenching fashion more of a hurdle for Carolina’s cast of first-timers to overcome than the physical toll taken on the vintage legs of the Red Wings? We will find out Monday night. Or, as the case might be, sometime early Tuesday morning. Three Stars1. Detroit Red Wings: For winning this classic affair. 2. Carolina Hurricanes: For almost winning this classic affair. 3. The Fans: Standing as one throughout overtime was a spontaneous and telling response to the action -- something I’ve never seen before. Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason for CNNSI.com. Eliot will be joining Sam Rosen and Gary Green on NHL Radio's broadcasts of the Stanley Cup finals. |
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