Experience 6, Youth 1

No Datsyuk, no Lidstrom… no problem. Detroit pummeled the Blackhawks 6-1 in today’s Game 4 at the United Center. Hossa & Zetterberg led the way for the Wings as they have put the ‘Hawks on the brink. And the Hawks’ youth definitely showed in this embarrassing loss. The sand-paper guys started taking dumb penalties after Detroit went up 4-1 in the 2nd. Detroit’s experience showed as well, as they didn’t let the selfishness & ignorance of Chicago get to them. It was complete dominance for Detroit…

Marian Hossa had his best game of this series with 2 huge goals. The 1st came short-handed, and his 2nd of the day shut up the Chicago faithful for good just seconds after Jonathan Toews made it 3-1. Last year’s Conn Smythe winner, Henrik Zetterberg, put in the final nails in the coffin with goals 5 and 6 for the Wings. Valterri Filppula also had a good game, as he picked up a PP goal and a SH assist.

Filling in for the hurting Khabibulin, Cristobal Huet was dreadful! Goals 1, 2, and 4 were soft… and the 3rd one by Filppula was a bad rebound by the Frenchman. Huet seemed to be spinning in circles all day. Also, the temporary fill-in (Corey Crawford) looked scared to death between the pipes, surrendering 1 goal on 7 shots in 15+ minutes of the 2nd. You have to wonder what Dale Tallon will do about the goalie situation in Chicago. Do you find a trade partner for Huet, and re-sign Khabibulin?? Or stick with the guy you put $5+ million into for 5 years and let ‘Khabi’ walk?? Either way, one of them will be playing elsewhere next season.

The Red Wings go back home with a commanding 3-1 series lead. Last year in the conference finals, the Stars won at the Joe facing this same situation to force a Game 6. But I don’t know if this Chicago team can pull off the same feat. There’s no guarantee ‘Khabi’ will return, and Havlat was knocked out again by a big hit… this time from Brad Stuart. Nonetheless, we’re headed for a Cup Final rematch between Pittsburgh & Detroit… along with a long layoff before June 5.