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Defenders of the Cup | |
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The Detroit Red Wings are going to have a chance to be the first team to repeat as the Stanley Cup champions since '92 Penguins.
It will be the Red Wings' third appearance in the finals in four years, this time they will meet the Washington Capitals.
"This is another big step to where we want to be," said Detroit forward Darren McCarty. "We're not done, yet. Our mission is not over. Our sights are set higher. Not to downplay what we've done, but we've done this before." Chris Osgood redeemed himself with a shutout as Detroit defeated the Dallas Stars, 2-0, in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals to win the series, 4-2. "I felt great tonight," Osgood said. "The last two series have been the best series I've ever played. Today felt great. I can't wait to start the finals." Osgood, who had heard more than an earful from Detroit media after blundering in the overtime in Game 5, bounced back with a strong performance. Osgood stopped all 26 shots and made it look easy. The sell-out crowd of 19,983 showed their support by chanting "Ozzie" during the Star Spangled Banner. "That meant a lot to me when they did that," Osgood said. "The fans never really got on me, that was more the media." One thing that sticks out of Dallas is the total collapse of their power-play in the conference finals. The Stars were 1-for-30 with the man advantage during the series with Detroit. Dallas is also 1-17-2 in their last 20 visits to Joe Louis Arena. |
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