For the fifth straight season, the Detroit Red Wings finished at the top of the NHL’s Western Conference standings. Still, many questioned their ability to perform when it mattered most, in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As in so many years past, the Red Wings have once again proved their critics wrong. They breezed through Nashville, a team that only briefly had life in the series due to the heroic goaltending efforts of Dan Ellis. They obliterated a star studded Colorado Avalanche team that saw their chances slip through their fingers with injuries to key players Peter Forsberg and Wojtek Wolski. When they jumped to a 3-0 lead in the Dallas series they appeared to be unstoppable, despite the absence of playoff sensation Johan Franzen. Now, after a brief scare in the form of two losses to a hungry Stars team, they have earned a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2002.

Dallas tried to create a comeback in the 3rd period today, after going down 4-0. But one goal doesn’t win you a miracle, unfortunately for them.

Oh, and Wings fans, Lidstrom didn’t touch the Clarence Campbell. You’re safe for now.

If I recall correctly, Game 1 is Saturday at the Joe. Be ready for the best run and gun offensive series since the 80’s!