Turco Shuts Out The Canucks
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by user UNT66
Friday Night at GM Place, The Stars tied up their series with the Canucks, thanks to goaltender Marty Turco recording his 1st Playoff Shutout of his career and Jeff Halpern and Joel Lundqvist marking the scoresheet.
With the win, Dallas claimed home ice and looked to build momentum on Sunday at the AAC in Game 3.
In Game 2, most looked for Vancouver to continue the momentum they generated thanks to winning game 1 in quadruple overtime. Yet, the visitors needed only 24 second to gain something they failed to in the entire hockey madness on Wednesday, the lead.
Jeff Halpern re-directed a shot into the back of the net, giving the hosts a quick lead and silenced the Canucks fans.
In the second period, Joel Lundqvist scored within the first minute of the frame, doubling their advantage. Lundqvist was allowed to skate in the slot area untouched as the Canucks overcommitted to one side of the ice and sent a shot that Luongo has no chance. From there, the Stars would hold on for the victory as Marty Turco made 35 saves.
Notes:
Sedin Twins shutdown:
Henrik and Daniel Sedin of the Canucks scored the first and last goals of Game 1, including the game winner in the 4th overtime.
In game two, both were shutdown and the checking lines of the Stars scored both of the goals for the visitors.
Thus, a trend has been established where the Canucks main line must score in order to win.
Now, if the Stars #1 line with Modano, Lehtinen and Morrow could get it going (Modano had only one assist on Friday), then they would be tough to beat....
Shutout, Really?
For those who don't follow Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars, Friday's shutout was the most unlikely result. Yet, it was Turco who broke through his playoff past and reputation to help even the series.
Here's what Marty Turco overcome:
- In only the second time in his NHL Career, Marty Turco won game two of a series. On April 11th, 2003, Turco and the Stars defeated the Oilers 6-1 at the AAC. In that series, the Stars went on to defeat Edmonton in six games
- With the victory in Game 6, Turco improved his record to 9-15.
- For once, Turco looked like he dominated the ice and the other goaltender. Roberto Luongo was good in net, but his some shady defensive coverage in front of him and in the case of Game 2, no goal support. For the first time since 2003, Turco now looks to be equal to his competition in net and can look to beat Luongo in Game 3, giving the Stars something they haven't had since 2001, a 2-1 lead in a playoff series.
Game 3 could be a late one:
Thanks to the AAC hosting two games in one day and the Stars being the late game, starting at 8:30 p.m. Thus, another long night could happen, as the clock could easily strike midnight before the contest is decided.
Bad Ice In Dallas.....
-Thanks to the quick turnaround from basketball to hockey and the fact that both teams will not skate on the AAC surface before the game, the ice in Dallas could be pathetic......
Just a forecast.....
JG
