Taking a punch

The Wings' loss Saturday was a real stunner. They had their chances, especially early, and you just seemed to feel when they didn't solve Turco early that he would get stronger and stronger. The Stars obviously have some momentum, and they seem to be much better at competing in scrums and such.
One frustrating aspect of the Wings' game was their dump-ins. They kept putting pucks to close to Turco, and he was able to make outlet passes. It seemed bad luck early, but as the game went along you had to figure the Wings would put more pucks in corners. Instead, they just kept making dump-ins that Turco could handle. As a result, the Wings did not have as much sustained pressure in the Dallas zone.
I also was surprised the Wings were caught making bad changes on both of Dallas' goals. This goes back to Turco, making good clearing passes. But on both Dallas goals, Brett Lebda was hung out to dry. You have to give the Stars' forwards points for making great shots. But better dump-ins and better changes, now, that's not too much to ask. It is disappointing to watch that 3-0 series lead fizzle away, no question.
But let's put this thing in perspective: If you'd have told ANY Wings fan before the beginning of the series that Detroit would be ahead 3-2 going back to Dallas for Game 6, they'd have taken it without reservation. So that's where we are ... now what?
Obviously, if the Wings are going to win tonight it's going to be a 2-1 or 1-0 game. Dallas is into its stingy mode, and the Stars are one of the best defensive teams in the league. In front of its crowd, with Turco playing so well, the Wings MUST to score first and score early. Leading 1-0 after one would be a great scenario; now, Dallas has to chase some and gamble a little more. And its crowd is a little tentative, not so raucous.
In today's NHL, with so little separating the teams, from top to bottom, the key factors are goaltending and getting the first goal, especially in the playoffs. Ozzie has been excellent, even in defeat. Let's hope some of the Wings' snipers have enough in the tank for a victory in Dallas.
If it goes back to Detroit for a Game 7, I still like the Wings' chances. But, now, there's no margin for error, and the pressure is all in the Wings' court.