Gene Principe

If there is one thing Detroit proved by winning one game is that the Red Wings were too good a team to be swept. That's what they showed in Game 4 but they'll need more of the same in Game 5 vs. the San Jose Sharks.

"I don't believe you get momentum early in a series" said Wings head coach Mike Babcock. "But as the series goes on that can change, [but] we have to do it again tonight."

In order to keep this series going, the Wings have to beat San Jose on home ice where the Sharks have won four in a row.

"We just totally forget about that game and we just get back to doing what we do best at home and get off to a good start in our building", explained Sharks forward Manny Malhotra.

Now that wasn't the case to start the playoffs as the Sharks lost the opener of the 2010 playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche at the HP Pavilion. Since then they've been perfect and to stay that way they will have to stay out of the penalty box. "You're sitting on the bench and the score is 7-1" said Ryane Clowe. "[At that point] you think the game's been lost and you're not worried about penalties as much as you are concerned on setting a tone for the next game."

We'll see if there is any carryover from Game 4 where the Sharks put up 49 penalty minutes. Prior to that they only had 70 total in the playoffs which was the fewest among the postseason teams. They lost the game and at the same lost their cool.

"We have guys who can respond to that" said Detroit's Todd Bertuzzi. "But there wasn't any point in doing that when we're in a 7-1 game. I guess it makes us feel good in that we were able to have that effect on them."

The Red Wings have never been bullies or even had a bully very often. Instead they play the game, as necessary, to win.

"We're not going to intimidate them" explained Sharks coach Todd MacLellan. "That's not going to happen but we do have to be physical with them. We got frustrated and didn't do that last game."

The one lineup change of note may occur on Detroit's side. Brad Stuart hopped on for the morning skate but didn't stay long before leaving. He has a lower body injury and will be a game time decision after he was hit by Rob Blake in Game 4. If he can't play Brett Lebda draws in to replace him.