Conversion rate sinks their chances

For the first time this postseason, the Ducks find themselves behind in a series after losing to Detroit, 2-1, in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.

But it’s not as if they didn’t have opportunities.

Seven times the Ducks had at least a man advantage but failed to score against Detroit’s penalty killers.

“Overall, we did a pretty good job, but you have to take advantage of those PPs [power plays],” said forward Teemu Selanne, who had five shots on goal, including three in the third period.

Coach Randy Carlyle said he was pleased with his team’s effort but disappointed in its lack of power-play success.

“Those things come back and bite you,” he said. “If you look at points in the game, we had some chances. I think [Ryan] Getzlaf hit the crossbar on the first one. Then we had a four-on-three in the third period. We just didn’t get the puck over the line when it was needed.”

Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom, who had two assists, said the Red Wings were fortunate to come away with a win after being called for 11 penalties.

“It’s tiring when you’re out there killing penalties, especially when you have 5-on-3 against and 4-on-3 against,” Lidstrom said. “It takes a lot out of you.... But you can tell that it’s going to be these type of games. Everything real tight with high intensity out there. A lot of forechecking and bumping. That’s how I expect the whole series to be.”

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Detroit veteran Kris Draper on Tomas Holmstrom’s game-winning power-play goal in the third period: “I never saw the puck go in, but I just responded with the crowd and the five guys on the ice. But those are the type of things that you need. Guys paying the price by getting in front of the net. Homer was right where he loves to be on the power play and he made a huge play.”

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Although the Ducks had a week off before Game 1 against Detroit, goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere said too much has been made about their lengthy rest between games.

“It wasn’t a factor at all, I think we had a great first period,” said Giguere, who finished with 17 saves. “If anything, we dominated early. The layoff is something you reporters like to talk about, but I don’t think it was an issue with us.”

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Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer on avoiding penalties against the Red Wings: “Our game is to skate, get on top of them and initiate contact. When you’re doing that, you’re not reaching or looking to draw penalties.”

The Ducks gave up two power-play goals in the four times they were short-handed

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At 28, Detroit center Pavel Datsyuk is entering his prime as an offensive star and the Red Wings recognized that by signing him last month to a seven-year, $46.9-million contract.

This, despite a less-than-glowing track record in the playoffs. But Datsyuk has rewarded their faith in this postseason. He totaled five goals and six assists in six-game victories over San Jose and Calgary.

“I’m shooting more,” said Datsyuk, who finished with only one shot on goal Friday.

“When I shoot more, I get more chances. That’s the difference.”

Before these playoffs, Datsyuk had only three goals and 15 points in 42 games.

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lonnie.white@latimes.com

eric.stephens@latimes.com