Todd McLellan’s quote of “the first team to 3 wins” continues to bear out for this team. After opening the scoring, Detroit ended the first period down 3-1. Getting within 1 in the second saw an immediate response from Vegas. In the third, the team had a 2 goal deficit after a Debrincat goal but pulling the goalie put Vegas up to the final score of 6-3.
Montreal lost in a shootout and the Rangers won. At this point, the climb seems out of reach. It was a long shot when Todd came in but an initial explosion from the team made it a possibility. After the 4 nations, Montreal got hot and Detroit was derailed and at one point hit a 6 game slide. The record needed because of a bad season start up to the Christmas break made the climb incredibly steep.
There are still games to play, but this felt like a big loss. Let me know your thoughts. At this point, it feels like an inevitable fall as Montreal continues to pile up points and Detroit sits several spots back.
1st Period goals:
At 4:47 Lucas Raymond got his 24th of the year on the power play. Kane took a pass from Debrincat as the HOF winger stood at the half wall. After opening up the ice as he does, a pass to Larkin at the bumper then found its way to Raymond down by the goal line on his off wing. It looks like #23 intended to pass the puck cross crease to Debrincat but it was tipped in by Pietrangelo as the Dman tried to break up the attempted fee. 1-0 DET
At 16:32 Vegas takes the lead 2-1. This one may be over already.
Vegas again at 18:07. 3-1. Definitely over.
Shots: 16-13 VGK
Score: 3-1 VGK
2nd Period goals:
At 1:49 Patrick Kane got Detroit back within 1 on the power play. Moritz Seider made a solid shot on net with a big save, the rebound went to Kane who elevated over the sprawled out goaltender. 3-2 VGK
At 7:07 Vegas restores 2 goal lead. 4-2 VGK
Back up to 3 goal lead for Vegas at 8:02. 5-2 VGK
Shots: 24-21 VGK
Score: 5-2 VGK
3rd Period goals:
At 9:36, Debrincat gets his 32nd of the season. Kane skated the puck up ice from the D zone, Debrincat jumped on the ice during a change and skated to Kane’s right side. After entering the zone, Patrick Kane passes the puck to Debrincat who skates down to the right faceoff dot and snaps a shot bar down. 5-3 VGK
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