Red Wings Get Late Goal for Sweep

The St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets are the first two teams eliminated from the Western Conference playoffs. The first team knocked out in the East - Montreal - could take a few lessons from how the former two played in their elimination games.

The Blue Jackets went all-in against Detroit Thursday night. They may have dropped a heart-wrenching 6-5 decision, but the way they played won them a lot of respect all around the league, including the opposing dressing room.

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The Wings took advantage of a late power play. Columbus was whistled for too many men on the ice - a penalty that definitely happened in this case but that has been called with maddening inconsistency during these playoffs - with just 94 seconds left in a tie game.

They protested loudly and boisterously, and one has to think it caused them to lose a bit of focus. It's always easier to blame the officials when a call like that goes against you, but you still have to kill off the ensuing power play. The Blue Jackets could not, as Johan Franzen banged home a rebound with 47 seconds left.

The inexperienced Columbus team had twice rallied from two-goal deficits. Trailing 3-1, they got two straight - including the first career playoff goal for Rick Nash - to tie it up. Then Marian Hossa scored two straight to give Detroit a 5-3 lead. Fredrik Modin capped a second Columbus comeback late in the second to make it 5-5 after two.

Neither goalie was sharp. Steve Mason allowed 17 goals (Detroit had an empty-netter in Game Three) in four games, which is totally unlike him. After yielding just two goals in three games, Chris Osgood allowed five on 21 shots over two periods.

In the end, Columbus played their final game with spunk and pride, and they wowed their fans with an entertaining performance. The veteran, defending champion Red Wings could be seen in the handshake line taking time to talk to their younger, inexperienced opponents. They had to pour everything they had into this game, and they did what champions do: They found a way to win.

Detroit now awaits their Western Conference semifinal opponent. If Anaheim knocks out top-seeded San Jose, the Wings will draw the Ducks. If San Jose wins, the Wings will draw Vancouver, in what will be a battle of well-rested teams.