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Buffalo’s sauce too hot for Wings - Rodrigues and Bogosian score |
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In preparation for this game, I watched Buffalo face off against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. It was abundantly clear that Buffalo was carrying much of the play but wasn’t rewarded for the effort. The resulting play today seemed to carry over and the Sabres overwhelmed Detroit early. Evan Rodrigues and Zack Bogosian both scored their first tallies (Rodrigues also scored his second) in the contest. Detroit gave up an even strength goal, a power play goal, and a short handed goal all in the first period. A rough start to be sure.
The news came out earlier that Bernier was “under the weather”, but was later corrected as he is nursing an injury. Without J.B. Backstopping the Wings, the young team simply doesn’t have a chance in any games. Jimmy Howard is having his career worst season and the defense isn’t doing much to make it any better. Until the blue line and goalie position are addressed, this team will not be able to move forward.
In truth, Detroit is having the season they’re “supposed” to have. A couple of recent wins will have had some fans worried that the last overall position was somehow in jeopardy. It is difficult to imagine that to be the case. Yzerman mentioned in a recent interview that Jeff Blashill was doing a good job considering all of the injuries and the rebuild status. While many fervently debate that point, I doubt many fans would be happier with a strong finish that saw Detroit end up 3rd worst and picking 6h again....
The positives, for the most part, came in the second period. It was Detroit’s best and their strongest opportunity to try and close the gap. Madison Bowey made a beautiful wrist shot count and narrowed the margin to 2 goals, but Buffalo’s goaltending was very good, enough to shut it down after that tally.
The Sabres have some very, very good pieces in place. Eichel looks every bit the franchise center, and Dahlin has impressive abilities. Buffalo has suffered the loss of some key contributors and is looking to add offense. Ralph Krueger is helping the team come together. Things could be much better over the next 20 games for the Sabres.
For Detroit, a couple of recent wins helped some of the players to find some swagger. Tonight was a tough setback, but ultimately another “learning experience” for the rebuilding group. No one in the room felt good after this one, you can be sure.
Tuesday will see Detroit face the Islanders at Nassau Colleseum. The team is a deadly mix of impeccable coaching, relentless effort, and skilled players. Potentially the best coached team in the league, they give very few high opportunity chances and capitalize when it counts. The Wings will have their hands full.
Please leave your thoughts in the comments section. If you were impressed by any Red Wing in particular let us know. I look forward to examine the Islanders pregame as well as posting any moves that may come along. Teams are deciding if they are buying or selling very soon, and so the market should pick up accordingly. Stay tuned!
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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