Buffalo fans, I get it now. I’ve not kept up on the Sabres enough to know how many injuries to important pieces have seen another season decimated. There were ebbs and flows in this game that made it clear why each team is struggling. There is a certain amount of fragility (more on Detroit’s side) that sets in after a bad bounce, or a bad call, or just life in general happening on the ice. Scott Wilson’s recalled goal was a shock to me. I’ve seen much more egregious interference challenged and upheld. This one was a bit off a mystery. Still, Wilson got his goal back so that’s good to see.
On the positive, Dylan Larkin. The first period was a sorely missed glimpse into how he can step up and take over. The second goal saw Larkin and Fabbri make it from their own zone and into the Buffalo zone to score in 5 seconds. Impressive. Roughly 160 feet with the presence of mind to set up a nice play and that Larkin backhand signature shot. (The same used in the shootout). Well done. Bertuzzi’s power play Tally was also nice. Bang-bang play with his signature pause that makes you wonder if it went in.
The second period felt like a slow and painful tilt. The third period saw Buffalo come alive. What a difference a goal makes. They looked like a completely different team throughout the frame. A very talented and physical team. Rodrigues tying goal with less than 30 secs left didn’t look anything like the frustrating season he’s had. Players were physical and on top of the puck. A tale of two teams, to be sure.
Overtime saw a brutal mishandle by Hronek and, what felt like, possession dominance by Buffalo. Eichel seems to shoot for 1 minute shifts or more. I credit him for wanting to be out there as much as possible. Someone needs to take some of that pressure off of his shoulders. I say that knowing full well that Larkin spends close to 25 mins some nights on the ice as well. Same problem. Those two have an awful lot in common. They both care immensely, and both deserve a better supporting cast. Just my opinion.
The shootout saw Larkin’s aforementioned signature shot, and Athanasiou absolutely rip a 5 hole wrist shot. I wasn’t sure it had gone in because of how fast it was. A.A. is building back up to the player he can and has been in the past. Elite speed and good hands.
Bernier, again, kept this game far closer than it should have been. Several timely saves. I am grateful he is finally rewarded for it. Since his return from injury JB has been solid for Detroit.
There isn’t any time to dwell on this. Detroit will face Columbus tomorrow night. CBJ may be the surprise of the season. They sit currently in a playoff spot after losing 3 major free agents. Tortorella has the group working hard. This will be a tough contest as Columbus has something to prove this year. Hopefully Detroit will put forth a solid effort, regardless of results. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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