Different series, same Ducks

Anaheim shows same spunk as it did against Detroit

What do first-round results tell us about the second-round matchup? Apparently, not too much.

Dallas seemed completely unimpressed by Anaheim's sweep of the defending Stanley Cup champions in the first round. How else do you explain the Stars' lackluster start against the Ducks? And even if Dallas wasn't watching that series, you'd figure the Stars would want to avoid losing Game 1 on home ice, a fate they endured against the Oilers.

Further, the Stars compounded their low energy level by committing sloppy turnovers in dangerous situations and yielding their blueline on the rush with surprising ease. As a result, they found themselves trailing 3-1 after 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Ducks were much more recognizable, looking just as solid as they did against the Red Wings. Steve Rucchin marked Mike Modano smartly, while solid Keith Carney anchored the blueline. As a group, Anaheim played with the same mix of discipline and diligence, and it was opportunistic on offense, cashing in on Dallas' giveaways.

But if any of the Wings watched the third period, I'm sure they scarcely recognized their tormentors. For the first time in the postseason, the Ducks' coverage broke down at the top of Jean-Sebastien Giguere's crease, allowing Jason Arnott to cut Anaheim's lead to 3-2. Giguere proved he was human -- too late for the Wings, mind you -- by whiffing with his glove on a deflected shot by Brenden Morrow with 2:47 to play. The first sign of sloppiness in the postseason from Giguere meant the Stars were going to overtime with a chance to win a game they didn't deserve to.

In OT, things began to finally look familiar. Dallas played with the necessary passion, banging bodies at every opportunity and forcing the puck to the front of the net. But Giguere's first-round form returned, as he was simply spectacular, especially in the third overtime session. Ah, yes, triple overtime -- the same position the Ducks prevailed in Game 1 against the Wings. At the end of the third overtime period, the Ducks had a goal disallowed that would have brought this epic full circle from round one.

Well, it took another full period and just 48 seconds of the fifth overtime for the Ducks to keep their perfect playoff run going. Peter Sykora scored the game-winner after some excellent forechecking by Mike Leclerc. In the end, the Ducks are right where they were ... and where they want to be.

Three Stars

First Star: If Giguere grabs the deflection, there is no overtime. But he was magnificent with 40 saves in the overtime periods.

Second Star: Similar to his counterpart Giguere, Marty Turco was brilliant in overtime.

Third Star: Leclerc was a physical factor on the forecheck, and was especially effective on this long night.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. Eliot will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason and is also broadcasting games for NHL Radio.

 

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