2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 vs Ottawa Senators

Lore & Background

The Red Wings' victory in Game 7 marked their advancement to the Western Conference Final. The series pattern was: lost first two, won next two, lost Game 5, then won Games 6 and 7.

In Their Own Story

The ice in Joe Louis Arena felt smaller than usual as the clock ticked into overtime. On the blue line, Nicklas Lidstrom watched the play develop, his eyes scanning for an opening that had been denied all game long. Suddenly, a loose puck drifted toward the slot. Niklas Kronwall surged forward, stick extended, and with a flick of the wrist that seemed effortless yet decisive, he buried the shot past Ray Emery's outstretched glove. The arena erupted in a deafening roar as the Red Wings' nightmare turned into a dream.

Reader's Guide

The Red Wings won the series 4–3, overcoming a 2–0 deficit. They lost Game 5 before winning the final two games.

Did You Know?

• The Red Wings advanced to the Western Conference Final, not the Eastern Conference Final.
• Niklas Kronwall had scored a playoff goal in 2007, so the claim he had not scored a playoff goal since 2005 is false.
• The Red Wings won a Game 7 at home in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, so this was not the first time since 1983 they won a Game 7 at home to advance past the second round.