It was a heavy-hitting, hard charging, offensive, aggressive first period at the Joe Louis Arena. Yet, it all ended with the score the same as it was when we began. The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks are scoreless after one period in Game 6 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal.
Sharks Vs. Red Wings: Niemi Holds Off Red Wings Heavy Attack In Scoreless First
The Red Wings came out loaded for bear in the first period, out-shooting the Sharks 18-6. Antii Niemi, however, was fantastic in the opening period, stopping all 18 of the Red Wings shots. The Red Wings had two power plays (one short) and went 0-for-2. Detroit kept getting chance after chance, but the Sharks eventually started to come along towards the end of the period. Their lone power play lasted only 32 seconds and was unsuccessful. Jimmy Howard made six saves for the Wings.
The period was also extremely hard hitting. Douglas Murray and Niclas Wallin led San Jose with three hits in the period, with Murray letting go on the loudest thumps of the opening 20 minutes. Jonathan Ericsson led the Red Wings in hits with three himself. San Jose actually out-hit Detroit in the first by a count of 15-14. This is shaping up to be a goaltending duel as the Red Wings look to force Game 7.
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