OTHL -- Detroit won the lone game played today. The only series in the west that went all the way.
LOS ANGELES (6) at. DETROIT (3) - 2-4 - DETROIT WIN SERIES 4-3
Detroit can thank Manny Fernandez and his goaltending for the win in the deciding game seven. Fernandez stood on his head as he made 37 saves. The Kings man handeld Detroit on the shot chart, but the Red Wings were more effective when it came to scoring the goals. Radek Bonk (1) scored the first goal of the game, 12 minutes after the first face off Bonk found the open net behind Dominik Hasek. A first period that also saw Eric Boguniecki cross-check Cory Cross so bad that Cross had to leave the game with a injury. Forcing the Red Wings to finish the game with five defenders.
In the second period the Red Wings pulled away with three goals. Steve Sullivan (4) scored first. The Kings replied with a goal from Petr Sykora (8). But it was not enough as Jeff O´Neill woke up and scored his first and second goal in the playoffs. Both goals came within 34 seconds, giving Detroit a 4-1 lead after the first two periods.
Los Angeles offense in the post-season can be summed up with one name; Petr Sykora. In the third period Sykora made it a two goal came as he scored his second goal for the night. His 9th goal in the post-season. Sykora could have been a strong candidate for the Conn Smyth if Los Angeles would have made it further in the playoffs. But now they where stoped in the first round, while Detroit moves on for a series against the 2nd seeded Calgary Flames.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Manny Fernandez (Detroit), 37 saves gave the Red Wings a round one win.
TODAY´S GAMES
Los Angeles at. Detroit 2-4 - Detroit win series 4-3
TOMORROW´S GAMES
Atlanta (7) at. Philadelphia (1) - Series tied 0-0
Boston (4) at. Florida (3) - Series tied 0-0
Vancouver (4) at. San Jose (1) - Series tied 0-0
Detroit (3) at. Calgary (2) - Series tied 0-0