Comparing Bounces

As easy as it is to compare this series win to Detroit’s 2002 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, I think there’s one important thing that makes it different.

It could be me looking back with rose-colored glasses but in 2002, the Canucks absolutely collapsed after Nicklas Lidstrom’s goal from center ice. Collapsed to the point that Dan Cloutier was never the same again.

While it’s true that Lidstrom got another long goal today, the Predators still didn’t give up. Ellis recovered. Which is more than you can say about the guy who even wore the same number for Vancouver.

This takes nothing away from what Detroit did. Both times they took the opportunity they got. It just might show how luck isn’t enough anymore. In the “new NHL” teams keep fighting back and you have to take those opportunities when you get them.