Detroit outshot the Blue Jackets 46 to 21 and lost 5-3 in a game the team needed to win. For the NHL, a big win as tragedy turns into a theme for the game setup. Detroit has no excuse for the horrible defense they’ve played and Columbus scored 5 goals on 21 shots
Columbus used the stadium game to re-iterate the loss of Jonny Hockey, having the mother of the players lead the processional onto the field. A feel good moment for the club and fans to be sure. Detroit, on the other hand, has fallen apart in the defensive zone.
For Detroit, the shots on net and dominant posession of the first and second period wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s seeming return to self-sabotage as it feels this may have been the turning point in what has been a dramatic turn around after a coaching change. Detroit just seems to have started the downhill slide that saw them lose out on a post season appearance last year.
Detroit is re-entering the issues that plagued the team early in the year, and trade market prices for Detroit’s needs are out of reach at the moment for a team that still needs to fill the pipeline with the best available prospects. The high price tags for impact players seem to hover around (at least) a first round pick if not multiple and players like Lombardi, Danielson and even possibly Sandin-Pellikka may be part of the cost for a season ending upgrade that won’t likely move the needle for the embattled club.
Now 2-1-2 after the break, Detroit’s remaining schedule could easily find them passed over by teams on the cusp. Larkin is not the same player after the 4 nations tournament and the team’s offensive zone work could not overcome defensive deficiencies to find a much needed win.
The final stretch may well be too much for Detroit to overcome. Management waited far too long to make an obvious change and the rental market is priced beyond what the team should give up to try and grab a wild card spot. Fans may well look back at these two games as avoidable losses that cost them the post season.
1st Period goals:
No goals scored
Shots: 14-6 DET
Score: 0-0
2nd Period goals:
At 5:31 CBJ opens scoring. 1-0 CBJ
At 13:06 DET power play factors in again as Debrincat stays hot and gets his 28th of the season. Another connection from Kane who found his linemate across the crease and ready to tip the puck in for his 28th of the season. 1-1
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 2, 2025
Detroit then gave up 2 goals in 32 seconds and likely the game as an outplayed and outshot to the tune of 2-1 blue jackets team scores at 17:23 on the power play and 17:55. 3-1 CBJ
Shots: 25-13 DET
Score: 3-1 CBJ
3rd Period goals:
At 3:34 in the 3rd Kane got the team within 1 as the veteran winger netted his 15th of the season assisted by Edvinsson (17A) and Johansson (6). Kane showed his trademark patience in the middle of the ice and with help from a screen from Compher found the bac kof the net.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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