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Before the season began, Dallas seemed to be setting up as serious contenders. A bit of a slow start and some offensive issues plagued the team, but the pieces are coming together in time. A recent coaching change seems to have benefitted the club as well.

There was a physical tone to this game from the first shift. Dallas has a unique combination of grit and skill that could pay dividends this coming post season. Along with the best Goalie tandem in the league and a stifling defensive system, this is a team that can win 2-1 when goals will be harder for everyone to come by.

Detroit did have positive moments of possession, but in the final period they were completely shut down. Zadina was a marked man as he took several hard hits, and shots on net were few and far between for the Red Wings. This is the kind of game that helps you put together a shopping list. Dallas has some impressive young players in Lindell and Heiskanen, as well as a solid veteran set with Seguin, Benn, and Pavelski. This team is, frankly, impressively put together. Jim Nill has had some very good picks and trades.

As hard as it may be to watch, these are the exact kind of games Detroit needs to play. The Western Conference is much more rough and tumble. Whichever team makes it to the cup finals will probably have more bruises than skin. It’s games like this where teams come together, huddled in the trenches. Zadina is now seeing how much less time and space exist, and how tough you have to be. I would sincerely like to see a teammate come to his aid, but Detroit just doesn’t have that player right now.

At a glance, you can see how desperately Detroit needs defense and goaltending. In truth they need a great deal of everything, but those 2 elements can help you past opponents when the scoring is tough to come by. Bernier gave another solid outing, but turnovers left him unable to bail the team out this time.

It was fantastic to see Larkin score again. Fabbri set him up brilliantly and there was reason for hope in the three players on that line. The other three forward lines just don’t have enough going for them. Save for Hronek, our defense looked a step behind Dallas. Contracts are running out and, in reality, Hronek and Dekeyser may be the only D coming back from this current group. Nemeth is fine defensively and Bowey has had some good moments (he’s saved a couple goals, but gave up a disastrous turnover). The “man on man” system has been working better, but the team still isn’t playing 60 minutes. Too many lapses and let downs.

Every time Detroit faces a team with a GM who is familiar with the players, I ponder any potential conversations. Are there any players Jim Nill would like to add from this roster? Probably not, although Dallas may be the type of team where Athanasiou could shine. Their defensive structure is nearly flawless, allowing wingers to move up and attack.

It will be interesting to see how Detroit responds to this when they face Chicago. Hopefully they can buckle down in their own zone and have a better forecheck. I liked the intensity Detroit started the game with and hope they are able to replicate that.

Thank you so much to everyone who stops by to read and comment. 2020 is still a blank slate with plenty of opportunity to make a positive mark. Here’s hoping we all make the best of it.

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