The Fifth Liners

The Detroit Red Wings  announced this week that they've re-signed defenseman Brendan Smith to a two year contract. The big Canadian put up good numbers last season and as a Wings fan, it's good to the team getting things tied up before the training camp starts in less than two months. Rumour has it that Ken Holland wants to get Gustav Nyquist and Joakim Andersson 's contracts sewn up too. No word on Damien Brunner yet who remains one of the best UFAs currently still available. Good news on the injury front though, Darren Helm is back and skating with the team. Albeit not 100% yet.

With the time difference between the US and the UK, it's pretty rare I get to watch a live game so today's game is extra awesome. The Detroit Red Wings headed to Chicago hoping to get a win on the board and equalise the series. The Blackhawks had different ideas and hit the Red Wings like a steam time right from the faceoff. Detroit held off well and soon were bringing the game to Chicago. Even killing off a powerplay after Brendan Smith was caught hooking Marian Hossa. The deadlock was broken after 14 minutes when a superb passing play allowed Patrick Kane to score past Jimmy Howard . Detroit will be disappointed with the goal as it looked like something straight from the training rink. No keeper in the league would have saved it though so Howard can't be too unhappy. Detroit came close while shorthanded after a loose puck escaped in center ice but Corey Crawford made himself big to deny Detroit. The visitors finished the period with the shot advantage b...

The Detroit Red Wings are the team that refuse to lie down. Twice they've gone behind in the series and twice they've gone on to equalise. The Anaheim Ducks made their second playoff journey to the Joe Louis with the advantage after their previous 4-0 win.  Anaheim took the initial advantage with a first period goal from Matt Beleskey . Brendan Smith drew equal for the Wings before David Steckel gave the Ducks the lead again. It took a snapper from Pavel Datsyuk to draw the Wings equal again and force overtime where Damien Brunner was able to guarantee the win for Detroit Next game is tomorrow at Anaheim.