Anaheim v. Detroit in the Western Conference semi-finals was one of the more exciting sweeps I have ever seen in my time as a Red Wings fan. 4 games, 3 go to Overtime. It was touted as a battle of goalies that had been playing extremely well in Detroit's Mike Vernon and Anaheim's Guy Hebert. Unfortunately for the Mighty Ducks Hebert went down in Game 1 with an injury. Mikael Shtalenkov did just fine between the pipes, but Hebert was the guy in southern California.
He was athletic and smart. The guy had the game down pat. Not quite Olaf Kolzig, but was capable of stealing games.
One has to remember that the sweep included 3 OT games and one 5-3 win for Detroit. For my money Hebert takes this series to 7 games. They have an entirely legitimate chance to win. The top line of Kariya/Selanne/Rucchin had been on fire, and Hebert had a chance to take two or three shutouts, even in Detroit. Jari Kurri and Brian Bellows had also been playing well.
That said, let's ask WhatIfSports.com how this series would have played out.
Game 1 goes to the Mighty Ducks. Goals by Yzerman, Mironov, Rucchin (2). Hebert with 39 saves in an incredible performance.
Game 2 is a shutout for Mike Vernon. Goals by Yzerman (2), Pushor.
Game 3 is a 5-3 win for the Ducks. Goals by Shanahan, Pushor (2), Rucchin (4), Selanne, Yzerman (3), Kurri
Game 4 gives Anaheim a 3-1 series lead with a 5-4 OT win. Hebert with 56 saves to Vernon's 44. Goals for Mironov, Rychel, Shanahan (4), Kariya, Sandstrom, Selanne (GWG) (2)
Detroit goes 2/2 on the powerplay which would prove to be the difference as they stay alive with a 4-2 victory back on home ice. Goals for Rucchin (5), Sandstrom (3), Dollas, Errey, Larionov
Detroit forces a Game 7 back on home ice with an emotional 3-2 OT win. Goals for Shanahan (5), Rucchin (6), Holmstrom, Kariya (2), McCarty (OT GWG)
Game 7 sees Detroit going down after an elite one goal performance by Guy Hebert. The game was tied until the last 4 minutes when back to back goals 60 seconds apart doomed the Red Wings. Goals by Kariya (3), Shanahan (6), Trebil, Rucchin (7)
Now let me reread my article...
"For my money Hebert takes this series to 7 games. They have an entirely legitimate chance to win. "
Welp.
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