Red Wings second round three stars

May 16, 9:46 PMDetroit Red Wings ExaminerMike Mouat

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Henrik Zetterberg

The list of Detroit Red Wings three stars from their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Anaheim Ducks reads like a who's who of Swedish hockey.

First Star - Henrik Zetterberg

Zetterberg is beginning to emerge as the Red Wings leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs most valuable player. He captured the award last spring.

Against the Ducks he was the team's leading scorer with 10 points in the seven game series including three goals. He was also +4.

As impressive as his offense was in this series, it was attention to defense that earned him the first star honor. Often times it is his defense that generates offence and that was certainly true in this series. His ability to disrupt the Ducks rushes up the ice through his anticipation and positoining created turnovers and offensice opportunites for Detroit.

Johan Franzen

Second Star - Johan Franzen

Franzen led all Red Wings with six goals in the seven games against the Ducks as he continues to be incredibly hot in the playoffs. Franzen was the first star in the first round against Columbus when he scored two goals and had six points, and he improved in the second round. In addition to the six goals against the Ducks Franzen also had three assists for nine points.

Dating back to last year's playoffs Franzen has scored 21 goals in 27 games, and has 33 points.

Nicklas Lidstrom

Third Star - Nicklas Lidstrom

Lidstrom elevated his play in the second round, at atime when the team needed him the most while his regular partner Brian Rafalski was out of the lineup for most of the series because of an injury.

Lidstrom generated offense with two goals and five assists for seven points in the series, and proved once again that he is the best at breaking up the opponents rushes with his stick, as he repeatedly got his stick into passing lanes or knocked passes out to hte to thwart the Ducks. His  calm and steady play benefitted Jonathan Ericsson who took Rafalski's spot next to Lidstrom. You could see Ericsson's confidence elevate with each game.  

Chris Osgood

Honourable mention - Chris Osgood and Jonathan Ericsson

Osgood was steady throughout the entire series and at times spectacular. He allowed just 17 goals in the seven games and had a goals against average of 2.23 and a save percentage of 0.912.

Ericsson was physical and intimidating along the Wings blueline adn his play improved in each game. His convincing first game fight with Corey Perry sent a message that he was going to a physical force and he dished out 20 hits in hte series.

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