What Went Wrong For the Detroit Red Wings?

4. Nashville Predators defeat 5. Detroit Red Wings in 5 games
Game 1: Det 2 Nsh 3
Game 2: Det 3 Nsh 2
Game 3: Nsh 3 Det 2
Game 4: Nsh 3 Det 1
Game 5: Det 1 Nsh 2

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Need I say more?

Yes, it is true that there were other aspects to this series than the fact that Pekka Rinne played like the superstar goalie that he is, but this is most likely the number one reason Detroit only scored 9 goals in 5 games while they averaged 2.92 goals in the regular season. But I'll just try to throw in a few others.

Seemingly in each game this series, Detroit was asleep through one period (aside from game 2). They gave up several first period goals and they didn't really start putting on pressure until later in the game. True, Detroit was 5th in the league this season in wins when trailing after the first period, but Nashville's stingy defense and remarkable goaltender did not allow any comebacks and were strong even after Detroit woke up in the later periods.

Also, the Red Wings simply did not at all play like the Detroit Red Wings we have grown to expect out of them. They made terrible decisions on the ice and at times looked clueless. Here is perhaps the most un-Detroit like goal we have seen in a long time:

Martin Erat takes the puck up the ice and draws, not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 Detroit players along with him to the corner. Included in that list? Solid defenseman Ian White, good defensive forward Jiri Hudler, how about (gasp) potential Norris Trophy candidate Nicklas Lidstrom, and as if that was not embarrassing enough, goalie Jimmy Howard joined the skate to the corner as well. And nobody thought of picking up Kevin Klein who slipped right in front.

Additionally, Detroit gave up a pair untimely, crushing goals late in games that killed whatever momentum they had going at that point. In game 1 they gave up a goal to go down 3-1 with 8 minutes left in the third (ended up being GWG). In game 3 they gave up a goal to go down 3-1 with 3 minutes left in the third (ended up being GWG).

But again, they were playing a stingy Nashville team, stacked with timely scoring, shut down defense, and an all world goalie. You can't exactly blame them for losing this series.

But then again, you can.