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Sun May 11, 2008 12:08 am EDT

Saturday's three stars: The mark of Zetterberg

By Matt Romig

No. 1 star: Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings
Hey, nice to see the Red Wings get some secondary scoring. The Mule can't do it all, you know. Especially when he's not in the lineup. Ok, so Zetterberg doesn't play second fiddle to anyone on this roster. Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom are getting all kinds of attention, and justifiably so, but Zetterberg hasn't been too shabby of late with points in seven straight and goals in five of six. Saturday he potted the game-winner on the power play, registered seven shots for the second straight game and won nine of 14 faceoffs.

No. 2 star: Darren Helm, Detroit Red Wings
Helm was a fifth-round draft pick. He was drafted by Detroit. So of course he'll be a star. They were gushing about Helm Saturday in Detroit. A sample from coach Mike Babcock:

"Now, in the playoffs, he’s a player that can play against anybody. He’s flat out fast. He’s gritty. Finishes checks. Smart. Good defensively. Good in the faceoff circle. A real good player. I mean, I think he’s an NHL player."
And all the chatter came before Helm tucked one under the crossbar for his first NHL goal at 5:56 of the first period. So yeah, he's an NHL player. The kid also won all four of his faceoffs as this mission went horribly wrong for Dallas.

No. 3 star: Tomas Holmstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Dallas' preoccupation with clearing traffic from in front of Marty Turco may have backfired Saturday. On the goal that held up as the game-winner, Turco engaged Holmstrom briefly and was late covering the near post on the Zetterberg one-timer that put Detroit up 2-1. Homer picked up an assist on the play, was credited with three hits and drew a slashing penalty on Turco in the second period. So the series heads to Dallas and the Holmstrom dilemma remains unsolved.

Major penalty: How many times have we seen it? On one end of the ice, the visitors fail to register so much as a shot on your standard 4-on-1 rush. On the other end a 21-year-old rookie with zero NHL goals of any kind to his credit converts to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Never fails. No pucks on net on a 4-on-1? Don't they have a drill for that? Letting Chris Osgood off the hook was Dallas' theme in the opening period. From Steve Ott's miss on that 4-on-1 to a sublime Niklas Hagman rush that was punctuated by a wide shot, the Stars got the better chances time and again in the opening period while somehow managing to be statistically dominated. Who knows what happens if Dallas gets half those first-period chances on net.

Minor penalty: Sorry Detroit, we don't see a Mike Ribeiro suspension in the offing. His two-hand chop of Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood was reckless, but Osgood's claim that he didn't realize he butt-ended Ribeiro rings hollow. Detroit authorities were unable to verify reports of small-arms fire from inside the arena.

Conn Smythe watch

1. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Chris Osgood, Detroit Red Wings
3. Martin Biron, Philadelphia Flyers
4. Johan Franzen, Detroit Red Wings
5. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
6. Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings
7. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
8. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins
9. Marty Turco, Dallas Stars
10. Brenden Morrow, Dallas Stars.

Related: 3 Stars

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109 Comments

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  1. Two Dot
    1. Posted by Two Dot Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:35 pm EDT

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    i'm LOVING helm and it was great to see him get that pretty goal. i can see him joining the wings' legacy of late-round draft picks turned superstars. all those accolades from babcock are dead on.
    ok, so ribeiro's shot was cheap and intentional, but it wasnt that violent of a hit. and it definitely looked like ozzie got him with his stick. neither was that bad...no suspensions necessary.
    i see a split in dallas and series over in detroit in game 5.
  2. Dsquared
    2. Posted by Dsquared Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:50 pm EDT

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    How does the best goalie in the playoffs only rank 8th in the list above? Best save percentage. Best goals against percentage? Hasn't he played every goalie minute for the Playoffs? Get real and rank Fleury where he belongs.
  3. Boz
    3. Posted by Boz Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:40 pm EDT

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    I can't believe it, but Ozzie did instigate the hit. The retaliation from Ribiero should be penalized because it was after the horn sounded.
  4. Jeremy B
    4. Posted by Jeremy B Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:33 pm EDT

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    Doesnt really matter if the horn went or not. Ribiero's intent to injure was pretty obvious - You don't take a 2 handed whack with the heel of your stick at someones chest without intending to lay that person out. Agreed that Ozzie did the initial hit, but there clearly was no intent to injure on Ozzie's part whatsoever. Ribiero should be suspended a game not only for his intent to injure, but for his own safety in game 3 :) Honestly though, you can't let actions like that go unnoticed / unpunished or everyone will be doing it when someone gets in a little cheapshot.
  5. Rob v.17
    5. Posted by Rob v.17 Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:46 pm EDT

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    the best goalie ni the playoffs isn't ranked 8th. he's ranked 2nd, homer boy.
    throw out ribiero for the next game. teach him a lesson for being a pansy.
  6. Rwings8
    6. Posted by Rwings8 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:50 pm EDT

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    My only question isn't whether or not Ribiero will be suspended, (which I could see going either way, Ozzie did start it but it was a dirty play, even with Ozzie over acting) my question is I wonder if Datsyuk got credit for the KO hit Morrow laid out on his own teammate Lehtinen =P. This is the second time that I can remember someones went to hit Datsyuk only for him to make them look silly and hit their own teammate. It kind of says a lot about tonights game that Dallas biggest hit was on their own team. Unless Detroit forgets how to play hockey in the next two game, this series is done in 4. Ozzie 14-0 oO
  7. HellYeahHampton
    7. Posted by HellYeahHampton Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:10 pm EDT

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    if ribiero is suspended it will be a crock. the playoff precedent has been set. malkin was not suspended for intending to injure ranger defense man mara. in both cases it is fairly obvious both forwards in frustration intended to do bodily harm to the other. however, in ribiero's defense it looked as if osgood got him in the face the butt-end before the retaliation. No suspensions.
  8. chadzaske
    8. Posted by chadzaske Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:21 pm EDT

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    Ozzies little tap with the stick was no worse than all of the cheap shots that Turco has been taking on Holmstrom, but Homer isn't retaliating with a two hand chop. Bottom line is, Dallas is losing their cool right along with the series. Wings in 5.
  9. rappar30
    9. Posted by rappar30 Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:29 pm EDT

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    that's what I'm saying detroitin5, turco taking cheap shots at holmstrom's head is dirtier than what ozzie did. you don't see detroit goalies pulling that crap because they don't play that way unless warranted. more and more, i see detroit's opposition taking cheap shots at the wings after the whistle, and like last nites game, after the final horn. look at the replay. Dallas was head-hunting for lidstrom behind the net after time expired. yes, ozzie knew what he was doing, trying to protect his player. he admitted that. robiero knew time had expired, and dallas coach tippett is full of it, robiero wasn't letting up when he flew past ozzie on his way for lidstrom, well after time expired.
  10. James M
    10. Posted by James M Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:35 pm EDT

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    Stop, and think about it. This is what you people like about hockey. It's semi-controled warfare.
  11. ArrogantBastard
    11. Posted by ArrogantBastard Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:32 pm EDT

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    Detroit in four! Suspend that little punkass Ribeiro! Real classy......
  12. James S
    12. Posted by James S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:33 pm EDT

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    Saw Helm screw-up several times, but....
    Ozzie's stick was pointed toward the board so it wasn't a butt-end. Ribeiro should sit.
    Z was the best player on the ice.
    We need the Mule.
  13. madcityhockeydad
    13. Posted by madcityhockeydad Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:02 pm EDT

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    I am responding to the incident regarding the ending of game incident between Mike Ribeiro and Chris Osgood, if the NHL suspends Mike Ribeiro, then the same for Chris Osgood because of his own admission of 'butt-ending' Mike Ribeiro. Chris' statement that “Even if I did butt end him it was an accident,” but the game films shows differently because it showed that Chris aggressively moved the butt-end of his stick towards Mike's face as he skated around the net. I am not saying that Mike's actions were okay, but if Mike had been hit by Chris' butt-end under the visor that Mike wears it would be a different story with a possible eye injury; also he would have gone to the ice without even having the chance to do the stick swing at Chris. Would the story be different then from you, the NHL and Chris?
    Then there is the question why wasn't Draper's spear in the face off at 19:55 of the 3rd on Ott, talk about an attempt to injury. If the NHL and you don't think that was or Osgood's no-call merits a review by the NHL powers for subsequent actions of discipline, maybe you all should get a stick up the crotch.
    I have officiated ice hockey from youth to the colligate level and also played in goal in the youth, high school, college and adult programs and there is no-place for what Chris tried to do, he is too good of a goalie to do that. Leave that to Hasek, Chris!
  14. danny
    14. Posted by danny Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:08 pm EDT

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    Rapper so what your trying to say like the rest here is that a hit to the back of the helmit with a glove is worse than the butt end of a stick near the eye? Nevermind I will not comment to people who are biased because their guy did the stupid thing trying to hurt a player. Stay in denial for your beloved Red Wings. I hope nobody touches anymore Red Wings players with gloves when fighting for a puck in the corner( which happens on every play might I add) or Rapper and the rest of the fans will want them suspended like they are playing golf or something.
  15. garage
    15. Posted by garage Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:06 pm EDT

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    What more needs to be said...dallas look out! The big red machine just keeps steam rolling along. You soon will be joining the avs and nashville playing golf next week.hank w
  16. danny
    16. Posted by danny Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:08 pm EDT

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    James S have you watched replay's of the incident? How can you sit here and tell people that he didn't move the butt end of his stick to the face at the moment Ribiero was skating by him. HE WAS LOOKING RIGHT AT HIM AND MOVED THE STICK TO HIM. It's not even debatable. Only I guess if your a Detroit fan and are biased and in denial that your own player took a cheap shot. He didn't need to do it btw cause your team has been owning us this series. I am in awe of their abilities compared to other team in this league. But the simple fact, it was a cheap shot and you nor anyother Detroit fan can't change that by making it seem so little.
  17. drdalecharrette
    17. Posted by drdalecharrette Sun May 11, 2008 11:25 am EDT

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    no suspensions, just frustrated Dallas Players trying to make a statement for next game, and take Detroit off their purpose, which will not happen. Each tema will be warned by the league and that will be the end of it. Of course until game three starts and this one will have some fights, and McCarty will be a part of it.
    It is desperation time for Dallas, Both are wrong here, two wrongs dont make a right. Dallas is going down 4-0
  18. James S
    18. Posted by James S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:33 pm EDT

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    Danny, Ozzie put his stick (pointed away from the body) in front of a player who was trying to board a Detriot player after the game was over. If Ozzie was a dirty player, he would have acted like the thug at the other end of the ice did the whole game.
    Quit acting like a crazy ex-girlfriend and get over it. Your team is getting beat by a better team.
  19. MICHAEL C
    19. Posted by MICHAEL C Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:18 pm EDT

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    A butt end NEAR the eye? Come on Danny. Turco's punch was near Holmstroms temple and Rabiero swung the stick across Ozzies heart. Hey, doesn't Rabiero wear a shield down past his nose? Rabiero running at Lidstrom with a second to go, Turco tripping and hitting during play and Ozzie throwing the stick up is part of the game but a two hander like that is diff. Not saying a susp. is needed thats up to the league. A two handed chop is diff.
  20. Nick
    20. Posted by Nick Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:31 pm EDT

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    yeah Osgood did take a cheap shot Rabiero, but Turco was doing the same stuff all game with the slash on Holmstrom then when Filppula was skating backwards in front of the net and Turco stuck out his stick tripping Filpulla. The only reason the "cheap shot" on Rabiero is a big deal is becuuse Rabiero retailiated unlike any of the Red Wings players. If Rabiero does play in the next game, watch out becuase McCarty will be coming for you.
  21. guillory33
    21. Posted by guillory33 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:14 pm EDT

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    “Even if I did butt-end him, it was an accident,” Osgood said. “I was trying to protect our best player, Nick Lidstrom, so he didn’t get run.”
    Blah...blah...blah...!!!
    What a punkass comment!! Osgood started the mess. Robstradamus you think Ribiero is a pansy??
    Osgood is the PANSY for not facing up to what he instigated. You Detroit fans are brainwashed
    into thinking that Mr. GIRLIE-MAN Goaltender is exempt from any action from the NHL just because he plays for the DEAD WINGS!!! If Ribiero is penalized in any fashion, Osgood should be as well. Danny
    I commend you for your comments.
  22. Nick
    22. Posted by Nick Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:31 pm EDT

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    chris those "DEAD WINGS" are about to sweep your stars. And Turco was doing the same stuff all game taking cheap shots on the Wings. Did you watch the game?
  23. James M
    23. Posted by James M Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:35 pm EDT

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    Look, I agree with all of you. Let’s take them both out, and shoot-um. Listen, Ozzie knew exactly where his stick was. He’s saying, “If ya wanna take a run at Nick, you’re going to have to go through this stick” Most of the time a goalie will just put his shoulder out there. Ribiero is saying “Get that ^%$$#ing stick out of my face”, and he gives him a short two hander. Let see, Ozzie can stop a puck in the same place, going 100mph, but the stick drops him, like he was shot. We’re making to much out of this. On to game three. Go Wings!!
  24. MICHAEL C
    24. Posted by MICHAEL C Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:18 pm EDT

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    I agree with Chris the Dead Wings look dead out there.
  25. Travis
    25. Posted by Travis Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:14 pm EDT

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    i agree with james. ribeiro's stick hit him right where he stops pucks all game. if it hurt him that much to take that stick he would be crying when those pucks hit him. osgood is the pansy. at least ribeiro sticks up for himself and makes it where everyone can see it. had ribeiro not retaliated, no one would've seen what osgood did.
    the stars will figure out how to capitalize on all those chances they are getting. and if they can figure out how to get at least a 40% faceoff win percentage they still have a shot.
    it all comes down to game 3 and 4. if dallas can hold serve, i think detroit is in trouble.
    all i'm saying is that even as a detroit fan you have to admit that the puck at the end of the 2nd almost tied it and the stars had several that just barely squeaked wide of the net. detroit was lucky the stars didn't have 4 or 5 goals. detroit had some chances too, but they didn't have any breakaways and had the shots that went wide actually been on goal it would've been a different outcome. we're a couple of inches away from it being 1-1 instead of 2-0.
    maybe i'm blind as to what the outcome may be, but the theme of the playoffs this year for the stars is "believe" and if there are any stars fans commenting in here, i seem to be the only one who still thinks they can pull it off.
    no one believed they would beat anaheim, let alone san jose, so after a couple of losses to detroit everyone jumps ship. marty has never won there. and it wasn't his fault they lost this game. 32 saves on 34 shots will win you 90% of any other game you play. the offense just has to capitalize.

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