This is why the Red Wings are the defending Stanley Cup champions.
The Blue Jackets played a better game than in Game 1, but it wasn’t nearly enough. In Game 1, you got the sense that after 30 minutes the team just wasn’t sure what to do. Tonight, they tried to do some of the right things, but none of it was good enough to have success against the Wings.
Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood, who so many questioned leading up to the post season, has surrendered just one goal in 2 playoff games against the Jackets. But that really says more about the Jackets than it does Osgood. The Blue Jackets have had 46 shots on goal to the Red Wings’ 73 in the first two games. Steve Mason had some incredible saves tonight and did everything in his power to keep the team in the game.
The Red Wings’ All-Stars put on a show tonight. It was the 2nd period goals from Datsyuk and Zetterberg that really put this game out of reach. With 3 of 4 goals coming on the power play tonight, the Jackets never really had a chance. The Wings finished 3 for 8 on the power play, and they’re running at a cool 25% on the series.
Hopefully the Jackets are quick learners. The biggest lesson is that the playoffs are more than one game, and they get yet another crack on Tuesday night in Columbus. The Wings have had some issues in games 3 and 4, including last year against Nashville, when the Predators evened up the series at 2-2 after opening with two straight losses.
Derek Dorsett, who was inserted for Jared Boll, looked great tonight. You can tell when he’s truly on his game — he hits, agitates, and looks solid in the offensive zone. It’s a shame his sweet pass to Jason Chimera wasn’t converted into a goal that could have changed the course of the game.
Jake Voracek is another rookie that had a good game. He’s been one of the Jackets that really looks like he’s comfortable in the playoffs. The few times we had some possession in the offensive zone was when his line was on the ice. He took 3 minor penalties, however, and Coach Hitchcock will have that corrected by Tuesday.
It seems to be an insurmountable task to overcome the Red Wings at this point, but that’s the beauty of the playoffs — it’s not over until it’s over.