SAN JOSE, California, May 1 (Reuters) - Netminder Antti Niemi clipped the Detroit Red Wings for the second consecutive game, backstopping the San Jose Sharks to a 2-1 win on Sunday as they took command of their Western Conference semi-final.After a pair of 2-1 losses in San Jose, the
Red Wings head back to Detroit for Games Three and Four Wednesday and Friday trailing 0-2 in the best-of-seven series and in need of a win in the Motor City to avoid being swept from the second round.
Niemi, who backstopped the Chicago Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup last year, is once again producing some playoff magic and has surrendered just two goals in two games.
After some occasionally spotty play in the first round, the undrafted Finn was almost unbeatable again on Sunday handling 34 shots.
Ian White's powerplay goal accounted for the first period scoring, the Sharks defenceman moving in from blueline and pounding the puck past Jimmy Howard as the game slipped into another goaltending duel.
Howard was equally sharp in the Red Wings net, particularly in the opening minutes of the third period as the Sharks swarmed into the Detroit zone looking to pad their advantage.
But the Sharks' initiative was soon rewarded with a goal from Niclas Wallin, who now has four career playoff goals, all of them game winners.
Henrik Zetterberg's power play goal with six minutes to play spoiled Niemi's shutout bid but not the party as the Sharks held on for the victory.
Red Wings head back to Detroit for Games Three and Four Wednesday and Friday trailing 0-2 in the best-of-seven series and in need of a win in the Motor City to avoid being swept from the second round.
Niemi, who backstopped the Chicago Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup last year, is once again producing some playoff magic and has surrendered just two goals in two games.
After some occasionally spotty play in the first round, the undrafted Finn was almost unbeatable again on Sunday handling 34 shots.
Ian White's powerplay goal accounted for the first period scoring, the Sharks defenceman moving in from blueline and pounding the puck past Jimmy Howard as the game slipped into another goaltending duel.
Howard was equally sharp in the Red Wings net, particularly in the opening minutes of the third period as the Sharks swarmed into the Detroit zone looking to pad their advantage.
But the Sharks' initiative was soon rewarded with a goal from Niclas Wallin, who now has four career playoff goals, all of them game winners.
Henrik Zetterberg's power play goal with six minutes to play spoiled Niemi's shutout bid but not the party as the Sharks held on for the victory.
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