The Detroit Redwings look to finish off the Phoenix Coyotes

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The Detroit Redwings look to finish off the Phoenix Coyotes

The Detroit Redwings have a commanding lead on the Phoenix Coyotes and it seems like a matter of time before they usher Phoenix out of the 2011 NHL playoffs.

The Wings responded to Phoenix's physical play with a quick-strike offense. They scored two goals within the first three minutes of the game, from Ruslan Salei and Drew Miller, and also scored early in the second period (Valtteri Filppula) and the third (Johan Franzen) to further deflate the Coyotes. Detroit got a balanced scoring attack and a strong defensive effort. And goaltender Jimmy Howard made 28 saves in his best game of the series.

Phoenix's most accountable line all season has been a no-show in this series. Taylor Pyatt, Vernon Fiddler and Lee Stempniak don't have a single point between them and were a combined minus-6 in Game 3, on the ice for both Detroit goals scored in the first 2:41 of the game.

Since Kyle Turris scored for Phoenix in his first shift of Game 1, the Coyotes have put a grand total of one even-strength goal behind Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard in 170-plus minutes. Much of that credit goes to the Red Wings, who have hounded Phoenix defensively and made every trip into their zone uncomfortable.

Team defense and goaltending was supposed to be the Red Wings' Achillies' heel heading into the playoffs, their soft spot. But those concerns are quickly being put to rest. Detroit leads Phoenix 3-0 in their first-round playoff series, thanks mainly to strong team defense and solid goaltending from Jimmy Howard.

The Wings are playing great hockey and will sweep Phoenix out of the playoffs.

Hockey Picks: Detroit Redwings

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