Western conference final: Datsuk scores three, Wings up three.

The Detroit Red Wings crushed the Dallas Stars hopes of coming back into the series tonight with the help of Pavel Datsuk who registered his first career playoff hatrick.

After ten minutes of play, the hero of the night, Pavel Datsuk, opened the score for the Wings. Then the Dallas Stars tied the game up at 1-1 with the first playoff goal from defensemen Niklas Grossman. But Datsuk replied only 37 seconds later and gave a 2-1 lead to the Wings.

Brad Richards tied the game at 2-2 and gave hope to the home crowd early into the second period. But once again, the Wings pulled ahead thru Jiri Hudler, this time, the Wings never allowed a tying goal from their opponents.

The third period was all in favor of the Red Wings. The killer goal came very early in the third period when Henrik Zetterberg scored while his team was shorthanded. Pavel Datsuk completed his hatrick with three minutes to go in the contest.

Final score: Detroit Red Wings 5 - Dallas Stars 2 (Detroit leads the series by 3-0)

Thursday could mark the end of the Stars season as they are now facing elimination.

(Picture: Pavel Datsuk, Canadian Press.)