The second period has typically been Detroit’s problematic stanza. In last night’s contest, Detroit actually came out of the middle frame on top 3-2 thanks to a short handed tally by Luke Glendening. It appeared as though the Wings had exorcised the demons that seemed to haunt every losing contest. That, however, was not to be the case. 2 goals 1 minute and 3 seconds apart in the third started the spiraling again. A Power Play goal off of a huge rebound and a Boone Jenner tally from an almost impossible angle served to shut down Detroit. The eventual game winner came 5 minutes later from Eric Robinson after Detroit lost an offensive zone faceoff. It turns out faceoffs can, indeed, make a huge difference. Even 200 feet away.
Tyler Bertuzzi’s 2nd of the night brought Detroit within 1 with 3:14 remaining in regulation, but the club couldn’t close the gap and lost 5-4 in regulation. 3 goals against in a single period, this time in the third, it just seems to be a recurring theme that Detroit cannot shake.
It is easy to look at goaltending. The numbers for Jimmy Howard are not good. But, Columbus didn’t get stellar goaltending either. The first goal against Detroit was a net front battle that the defense has to win. Texier was able to get two swipes at the puck in close quarters. Cam Atkinson scored on a 5 on 3. Credit Seth Jones for baiting Ericsson with a fantastic fake and moving the puck to Atkinson. A lack of discipline put Detroit in that spot.
A team can’t win if they can’t get saves. However, this team is putting the goalie in bad positions. Jimmy looked Shaky from the start. The defense did little to help calm him down. Tyler Bertuzzi had a 2 goal night, a short handed tally from Glendening, and a bizarre defensive kick in off of a Hronek pass intended for Fabbri should be enough offense for the team to walk away with something. It wasn’t.
Even as the Wings were up 3-2, the eye test saw that Columbus was out playing Detroit. For a team that lost a lot of star power, they come to the table and try to grind it out. Tortorella may not be a favorite for many, but he demands effort. Foligno and Jenner bring a lot of sand paper and Atkinson has strength and skill that are impressive. The Blue Jackets found a way to win in spite of goaltending, Detroit needs to be taking notes.
The plus is that Bertuzzi finds a way to contribute night in and night out. He is an absolute gamer. Opponents will knock him down, drag him down, multiple times per shift and he still fights through it. Fabbri is still looking like a fantastic pick up for Yzerman. He has been engaged since his arrival. Detroit simply needs goaltending to help make up for defensive gaffes, they aren’t getting it.
Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Bernier are in an unenviable position. Jimmy refused to sign elsewhere, and it looks like that may ultimately have cost him. His numbers have closed the door on any trade, and with the unwillingness to play anywhere else this may well be his swan song. Bernier is, by far, the Wings best and most consistent goal tender. It feels that, if this team is going to have any chance, he will have to be carrying the load.
Detroit has players who can score. The back end and blue line are too porous. It is hard to imagine a trade this season that will significantly improve either position. Pickard’s play in Grand Rapids certainly warrant a call up, but shy of injury it doesn’t seem likely to happen. Blashill gave Howard an opportunity last night that ultimately cost the team. One can only speculate as to how many more chances #35 will be given to get his season, and possibly his career, back on track.
Thank you to everyone who reads and comments. It’s “hockey fights cancer” month, and this horrible disease continues to claim lives. I lost a dear and close friend last week. His children’s lives will never be the same, nor will hundreds of friends and family. Jim, we love you and miss you. This is a wound that feels like it may not heal in this lifetime. For all who lose someone to this disease, our deepest sympathies. You are not alone. Our thoughts and prayers go out that you can find peace and joy once again.
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