Well, San Jose might be the odds on favorite for the Stanley Cup so far this season, but the Detroit Red Wings let them know in no uncertain terms tonight that they aren’t ready to relinquish their hold on Lord Stanley’s mug.
Detroit dominated the game from start to finish tonight and made Evgeni Nabokov, who should have won the Vezina trophy last season, look like an AHL goaltender, pumping in 6 goals on the Sharks’ star goalie. Slick forward Pavel Datsyuk led the way for Detroit, potting 2 goals and adding a pair of assists for a 4 point night. Detroit didn’t just dominate offensively, they completely stymied the Sharks’ powerful offense, and when they faltered Ty Conklin was there, stopping all 24 shots he faced for his 6th career shutout.
Though this is just one game it could be a landmark game when it comes to the San Jose Sharks’ season. They were soundly drubbed by the defending Stanley Cup champions. How they bounce back the next time they play Detroit will be an important psychological factor should these two teams eventually meet in next spring’s Stanley Cup playoffs. You can bet when these two teams next meet the fans are going to get their money’s worth.