Western conference final: Detroit takes game 1.

Yesterday, the Western conference final between the Detroit Red Wings and the Dallas Stars began at the Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings completely dominated the match to take the early lead in the series.

The Red Wings' power play produced three goals during the game. First, Brian Rafalski opened the score with a shot from the blue line while Tomas Holmstrom was screening goaltender Marty Turco. Then Johan Franzen doubled the Wings lead when he deflected a shot from Niklas Kronvall. Franzen is having his way during these playoffs as he now totals 12 goals.

Tomas Holmstrom deflected a shot from Niklas Lidstrom during another power play early into the second period. Then Valterri Filpulla sent Detroit up 4-0, putting the game out of reach for Dallas. Only Brenden Morrow was able to get one past goaltender Chris Osgood and avoided the shutout.

Final score: Detroit Red Wings 4 - Dallas Stars 1. (Detroit leads the series by 1-0)

With at least one goal in each of his last five playoff games, Johan Franzen tied a club record held by two Red Wings legends. Gordie Howe (1949 and 1964) and Ted Lindsay (1952) have also scored in five consecutive playoff games with the Detroit Red Wings.

Game two of the series will be played saturday.

(Picture: Detroit Red Wings, Getty Images.)