Thursday May 17

With Game 4 up for grabs in the Western Conference Final and the Anaheim Ducks facing a 2-1 series deficit without there top defenseman for the night things looked rather bleak. But despite blowing a 2 goal lead the Ducks edged the Detroit Redwings at home 5-3 on Thursday night to knot the series up at 2 wins a piece. Play resumes in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. For the lone Former Islander things looked up as Todd Bertuzzi played a vital role in the Detroit resurgence midway through the game, albeit the effect was short-lived. Bertuzzi had 2 points on the night. Here is an in depth look from the FI perspective:

• Bertuzzi cut the Duck lead to 3-2 with a powerplay tally 7:48 into the second period. The goal, his 3rd of the playoffs, was his first with the man advantage in the postseason since April 21, 2002 against none other than the Redwings in a first round matchup with his former Vancouver Canucks. Bertuzzi then added an assist on a powerplay goal less than 8 minutes later to temporarily tie the game at 3. The powerplay assist was his first since April 29, 2003 when the Canucks were in a second round set with the Minnesota wild. With 3 points in his last 2 games Bertuzzi's play has really kicked into high gear. In 14 games this postseason Bertuzzi now has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points.

Play is off on Friday and resumes Saturday afternoon as the Ottawa Senators look to eliminate the Buffalo Sabres in a surprisingly low 5 games. Check back for all your updates on FIW.