Goal of the Game vs. LA, 12/17 - Snowman Bracket Edition

8 goals. A snowman. Nice.

The Kings came to town with dismal offensive output, but helmed by a disciplinarian coach with a reputation for quick turnarounds. The Wings stepped on their necks, in the most finesse-infused sense of the phrase.

Since they were so many candidates for goal of the game, we decided to bracket them out and let the Wings' scorers duke it out playoff style. We figured we would line the goals up chronologically, rather than seed them somehow or try to re-randomize their occurrence. So here we go:

Quarterfinals

Goal #1 by Miller vs. goal #2 by Emmerton.
We're going with Miller on this one based on the fact that he battled hard to gain position in the crease. His goal was dirtier, and we are huge fans of dirty. Miller moves on to round two.

Goal #3 by Kronwall vs. goal #4 by Emmerton
Preference goes to Kronner on this one because, jeez, sometimes you just have to give a blueliner some props when he steps into a shot like that. Just a ripper, right in off the crossbar. Emmerton would have had to execute some sick deke and outskill Kronner to move on to round two, but he didn't need to for his second of the game. Nevertheless, young Cory took second star for the game.

Goal #5 by Zetterberg vs. goal #6 by Datsyuk
Holy cow, tough call. The strength of Zetterberg to drive that deep and wide and still find the near top shelf on the backhand was ridiculous. But we have seen that type of goal before. The Datsyuk goal, on the other, that was the first time we seen that particular move, and it was executed with virtuoso precision. Absolute craftsmanship by Pav.

Goal #7 by Miller vs. goal #8 by Stuart
Consider us predictable, but we're going with the defenseman again. Miller did a great job of drifting in as the third forward and finding the back of the net, no doubt. But Stuart stepped up and hammered a shot through the net front screens and past the goalie. Advantage Stu.

Semifinals

Goal #1 by Miller vs. goal #3 by Kronwall
Kronwall. As much effort as Miller put in, it's just not as impressive as the power Kronner put into that slapper. Kronwall on to the final.

Goal #6 by Datsyuk vs. goal #8 by Stuart
As we mentioned earlier, the only way to beat an authoritative blast from the point is with a display of overwhelming skill, which is exactly what we have here with Datsyuk's goal.

Finals
Goal #3 by Kronwall vs. goal #6 by Datsyuk
In what may come a surprise, we're going with Kronwall in the final analysis. His shot was an absolute laser, and it was the game-winner.

Goal of the game, thanks for hanging in there: