DETROIT, Michigan -- The Detroit Red Wings became just the eighth team in NHL history to rally from down 3-0 in a series and force Game Seven, defeating the San Jose Sharks 3-1 in Game Six Tuesday night.
The teams will meet in the deciding game of their Western Conference Semifinal matchup on Thursday night.
With their season on the line for the third consecutive game, the Red Wings dominated early but were unable to beat Sharks goalie Antti Niemi. Detroit outshot San Jose 32-13 through the first two period but the game was still scoreless heading into the third.
Logan Couture beat Jimmy Howard to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 3:54 of the closing period. After the Red Wings failed to clear their zone, Dany Heatley put a shot on net that Howard knocked aside. Couture swatted the rebound between Howard's pads and it just barely crossed the goal line.
Henrik Zetterberg tied things up with 9:22 left in the period, tipping a Niklas Kronwall shot high over Niemi and into the top of the net.
Just 1:54 later, Valtteri Filppula took a feed from from Pavel Datsyuk at the top of the crease and tipped the puck past Niemi to put the Red Wings in front with 7:28 to play.
After Detroit killed a late penalty, Darren Helm added an empty net goal to finish off the game's scoring and ensure that the series would return to San Jose.
Niemi finished the night with 42 saves on 44 shots. Howard made 24 saves on 25 chances.
Neither team scored a power play goal. Detroit had six chances with the extra attacker to San Jose's four.
Notes: The Red Wings were without Johan Franzen for the game, out with a sore ankle that was aggravated in Game Five after a hit by Joe Thornton. Mike Modano replaced him in the lineup. Jiri Hudler was also swapped in for Kris Draper, while Jakub Kindl remained a healthy scratch on defense... The Sharks were without Ryane Clowe, who did not make the trip to Detroit. Ben Eager played in his place.
Hudler in for Draper. Not sure what I think of that.
Hudler in for Draper. Not sure what I think of that.
I guess we don't want to win face-offs.
No boarding? Figures...
Holy Christ, crazy shift there
Wings are absolutely buzzing. Gotta get something off of this soon.
Demers got thrown down by Hudler. Never thought I'd see that.
Another stupid holding penalty.
Wow. Yay consistency.
I cry every time Datsyuke's shift ends...
What a cheap MF thornton is...
Fantastic effort from the Wings, they came to play from the start. Need goals though, worried about not breaking through Niemi yyet.
What a cheap MF thornton is...
As I Tweeted, "So does Thornton only play like a bitch against Detroit or do all the people who fawn all over him just like that kind of play?"
Dammit, Miller!
Sweet jesus how is Niemi doing all of this?
+ How does everyone keep missing?
Hudler in for Draper. Not sure what I think of that.
I guess we don't want to win face-offs.
Also, that is beautiful hahahaha.
How in the f*ck did that Cleary shot not go? Jesus Christ...
This cannot stand...
Wait, they called that *goalie* interference? Holy Jesus.
Where was this level of play was for games one through three? Can I sue them for stress/blood pressure issues incurred during the post-season?
There are no words right now. If the Wings weren't playing, I'd love this game. As it is, far too nervous.
There are no words right now. If the Wings weren't playing, I'd love this game. As it is, far too nervous.
Agreed... I'm not sure what to do.
I have a horrible feeling about this game but maybe it's just nerves. Can't get over it.
After all that, Jimmy f*cks one up. No luck but bad tonight.
Wings have definitely slowed down. Not a good sign.
Stick got on the puck.,, dang!
Tied up, motherbitches!
YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!
Zata barely got his stick on that. It's enough, and even though they didn't take the time to review, I think it's under the crossbar.
Filppula is fantastic.
Dr. Fil! Wings lead!
James making up for the goal against. Jesus.
Abby again with a stupid penalty at the end of the game.
Can't decide what I think of the Abdelkader penalty but he's killing the Wings this series.
I think I'm just going to scream until this game is over.
ENG! Darren Helm!
I think I'm just going to scream until this game is over.
Even now? Holy sh*t I can't believe they pulled this off so far(knock on wood).
And it's on back to the left coast folks!
Way to stay classy, San Jose.
Well, you saw the cheap stuff coming...
How does anyone respect the Sharks? Seriously?
Mother f*ck Yes. Holy Christ.
Did they really just boo Niemi? I get that he's opposition, but he's been doing a bang-up job for a long time. Way to stay classy, people of Detroit.
You're right, the Wings players should have just run him at the end of the game.
I'd boo any Sharks after the classless sh*t at that final whistle.
I'm Ron Burgandy... You stay classy San Jose!
Another Red Wings adventure...I attended the game with someone who suffers from ptsd (not making a joke here) from former hockey experiences...he just can't tolerate the noise and tension of the games...big mistake on my part. Anyway, after 2 periods, we opted to exit (I HATE leaving early and HATE seeing people leave early, but in this case we were the only ones who did). We reached our car in the parking lot just as the Sharks' goal dribbled across the line and opted NOT to listen to the game on the way home (hey, it worked last game)....Home, in the door, tv on and the Wings are leading 2-1! The rest is history, as they say!
Three observations: 1) I commented during the early going that I almost didn't want to see the Wings score the first goal/s for fear they'd lapse into that "sitting on the lead" mode, and 2) This was their best game yet, by far, a game they have been working toward, better each game, a game they deserved to win. Now, I'm hoping they haven't peaked too soon! As a fan, though, I always say, win or lose, just play well...no regrets! 3) I'm always proud to be a Wings fan...they're never/rarely cheap on the ice and they're always classy off the ice. They always give credit to their worthy opponents, praise their team...and I love that Zetterberg talks about having "fun"!
You're right, the Wings players should have just run him at the end of the game.
Of course they would get in trouble for doing that though because the refs eyes are glued onto them 
Valtteri Filppula
Credit: Clark Rasmussen
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