Does Detroit Have A Chance to Come Back?

The San Jose Sharks were so close to sweeping the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Semifinals. But they ran into a hot Nicklas Lidstrom.

The Red Wings stayed alive in the series by winning 4-3 in Game 4 thanks to two goals from Nicklas Lidstrom, showing that Lidstrom has what it takes to not go into retirement completely out of it.

But Game 4 was more than just a fight along the boards or a sudden shot on goal. The big story was of course Nicklas Lidstrom. Of course we've heard all the rumors and all the talk that he might retire, but you just had that feeling that maybe he does have a little bit left for another season. Like Teemu Selanne for the Ducks, Nick Lidstrom has been the soul and heart of that team.

Now with that in mind, do you think the Red Wings have a chance to come back in the series with the Sharks? In my mind, it is somewhat still a series because Detroit has all that offensive firepower and such, but the truth is that the Sharks know they can't afford to blow a three-game lead and lose the series to Detroit, so there's that chance that San Jose will make sure that the Red Wings are done in five games. I don't think the Red Wings have what it takes to really make a statement in the series anymore. They won Game 4 to stay alive, but it's going back to San Jose and you know what happens when you enter the Shark Tank or the Joe: not a lot of good things for the opposing team.

So it looks like the books are on this time. San Jose will hit the Western Conference Finals and even though Detroit won game 4, it looks like their time in the playoffs is over. Now we'll see if Nick Lidstrom retires or stays another year!

The recap of Game 4 from ESPN can be seen here at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMT0Z0fwIDw

The highlights of Game 4 from NHL.com can be seen right here: