Stanley Cup Playoffs, Night 11

We were light on games today since 5 of the 16 teams that made the playoffs have already been eliminated. Tonight, the Dallas Stars forced a Game 7 on the heels of Marty Turco's third shutout of the series and second in as many games. This afternoon, however, wasn't quite as nice. The Flames lost their minds at the end of the game, which they lost very convincingly. Read on.

Red Wings 5, Flames 1
Red Wings lead series 3-2
Well the Red Wings were certainly in control of this game and, if I may say so, the Flames turned into a bunch of five-year-olds about it at the end of the game. Daniel Clearly opened the scoring when he was awarded a penalty shot three minutes into the second period. A short time later, he left the ice after a scary incident of going head-first into the boards. No one pushed him, though. He fell. Seriously. Not one of Detroit's five goals came at even strength. Three came on the power play and two came while shorthanded (including Cleary's penalty shot). Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk called the game on NBC in HD.

Now here's where Calgary turned sour today. First, the Flames pulled Kiprusoff after he allowed five goals. Jamie McLennan took over and he wasn't on the ice two minutes before sending a violent slash to midsection of Johan Franzen. Even the NBC commentators couldn't believe what they were seeing. It just kept going. Before the final buzzer, Jarome Iginla basically butt-ended Mathieu Schneider for no apparent reason and then cross-checked him to the ice from behind. The league should hand down suspensions for McLennan and Iginla. Big ones.

These are a bunch of stand-up guys on this Flames team. Or so I thought. Down by four goals, the fact that they lost their cool isn't surprising. It's the way in which they handled it that is. Even Detroit coach Mike Babcock was shocked. All he had was a disgusted look for the Calgary bench. And they certainly deserved it. I sincerely hope Detroit takes Game 6. The Flames deserve to have their season ended as soon as possible.

Stars 2, Canucks 0
Series tied 3-3
I love it! Game 7! That's what the Stanley Cup Playoffs are all about. I was starting to get worried with five series ending in five games or less. And more Kudos to Marty Turco for his second straight shutout and third of the series. The Canucks just can't seem to get anything past him lately. Mike Modano scored early in the first period during a two-man advantage for the Stars. Jeff Halpern got an insurance goal in the third to seal the deal for Dallas. Versus had the game in glorious high definition. Amazing stuff!

Photos: ESPN.com, CBS Sportsline.com