The Dallas Stars were looking to rebound in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, but it was Detroit’s defense that stopped the Stars instead of the offense. Detroit’s defense led them to a 2-1 win and a 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3.

The Detroit Red Wings were without the services of leading scorer Johan Franzen because of concussion-like symptoms. Franzen leads all playoff scorers with 12 goals and is tied for second in the playoffs scoring with 15 points. Franzen has been experiencing headaches since early in the semifinals and won’t be available until further testing is completed. The loss of Franzen is a major blow to the Red Wings.

Dallas needed to come out in Game 2 and play their best offensive game of the playoffs if they hoped not to go down 2-0 in the series. The Stars kept up with the Red Wings for most of the game, but they were unable to produce much offense. Dallas was only able to record 18 shots on goal and were only one-for-five on the power play.

Dallas and Detroit were in a dead heat throughout the entire game, which put the Red Wings in something of an unfamiliar spot. The Red Wings had only been involved in one-goal games four times heading into Game 2. The two teams played a back-and-forth game with Detroit getting most of the chances; while Detroit’s defense was like a brick wall for most of the game allowing only 18 shots.

Detroit got the scoring started when Darren Helm accepted a pass from Jiri Hudler, who stole the puck at Dallas’ blue line, and fired the puck over Marty Turco’s left shoulder at 5:56. The Stars had an excellent opportunity only 20 seconds earlier when they had a four-on-one break, but were unable to get a shot off.

Dallas tied the game at one with Nicklas Lidstrom serving a two-minute minor for delay of game. The play started with a bouncing puck ricocheted of Daniel Cleary right to Mike Ribeiro; Ribeiro sent a cross ice pass to Stephane Robidas who fired the puck past Chris Osgood.

Henrik Zetterberg would put the Red Wings back in front with a power play goal with 4:47 remaining in the first. Zetterberg received a pass from Pavel Datsyuk and fired a one-timer through Turco’s five-hole. The goal was Zetterberg’s eighth of the postseason and it was the eventual game-winner.

Once Detroit went up 2-1; both teams buckled down on defense. The Stars were hoping not to allow any more Detroit goals, and the Red Wings wanted to hold the lead and not allow Dallas back into the game. They played a back-and-forth final two periods with very low scoring opportunities. Both team played dump and chance, but it was Detroit that was able to get the upper hand in the corners and not allow Dallas to get any momentum or scoring chances.

Dallas pulled Turco with 1:15 remaining in the third, but was unable to get anything developed with the extra man. Brenden Morrow took a holding call with 18 seconds remaining which sealed the game for Detroit. With five seconds remaining, the game got a little rough when Steve Ott was determined to get Kris Draper. Ott was called for rough and given a ten minute misconduct.

The game finished on an even uglier note. With time expiring, Osgood appeared to use the end of his stick to make contact with Ribeiro, who was skating around the net. Ribeiro got up and slashed Osgood across the chest and Osgood went down to the ice. Ribeiro was given a match penalty and is facising a possible suspension.

Dallas also lost forward Jere Lehtinen to a leg injury ealr in the second and his status is unknown for Game 3.

The series now shifts to Dallas for Games 3 and 4. The Stars are going to have to figure out how to create some offense against Detroit’s experienced defense. Dallas will also need to figure out a way to exploit Osgood, who has now won eight straight playoff games. Some home cooking might do the Stars good, but they must not underestimate just how strong the Red Wings are.