Red Wings defeat Hawks, Return to Stanley Cup Finals

Photo by Dave Reginek/NHL via Getty Images

Darren Helm answered the call tonight as he he shot the winning goal at 3:58 of the first overtime. The first two periods were filled with plenty of excitement but nonetheless scoreless. Finally at 6:08 of the third period Dan Cleary placed the puck past Chicago goaltender Cristobal Huet. The fans at the Joe cheered the loudest of the night and were hoping for a shutout with Osgood playing strong at the net. Patrick Kane gave Chicago hope with his first goal of the series, a backhander at 7:05.

With just 17 seconds left in regulation and Huet down on the ice Johan Franzen had a golden opportunity to score the game winning goal. Just as quickly as it came, the attempt was miraculously stopped by Huet by lifting his right leg.

Detroit’s lineup whose injured list is growing larger with defenseman Jonathan Ericsson being the latest addition was able to close the series at home. It has been 25 years since the same two teams met back-to-back in the Finals (NY Islanders vs. Edmonton Oilers, 1983) but alas here come the Pittsburgh Penguins, again. Go Wings!

Game 1 of NHL Finals are Saturday.