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Third period Summary-
Detroit finally caught up to Dallas in SOG, both ending regulation at 21. Strong goaltending at both ends. Detroit’s power play didn’t click in the third, but saw some much better looks and shots on net. The Red Wings were skating harder than they had during the Chicago series. Things seem to be picking up momentum. Greiss inspired a lot of confidence with his outstanding performance.
OT - Detroit was unable to turn a solid minute of possession into an overtime win. Very good patience by Klinberg led to a wide open Dickenson netting the game winner. Still a better effort for Detroit, and could turn into another solid performance as long as they focus on the positive shifts and increased confidence that the team was showing.
Second Period Summary-
Dallas only needed 4 seconds on the power play to even up the score. Hronek did what he needed to stop a breakaway, unfortunately Detroit PK couldn’t hold them off. All stemming from a faceoff win/set play. The PK came up big later in the period, and led to a 3 on 1 rush. Mantha’s confidence just isn’t there, and he chose to pass with out a lane. Dallas broke it up easily. Very important PK late in the period turned 4v4 with a Pavelski penalty. Over passing and poor passing decisions ate up Detroit’s opportunity. Bobby Ryan with a dangerous turnover. Detroit still needs to simplify their play when it comes to the man advantage. Cycle in the last minute showed promise, Namestnikov shot intentionally wide looking for a rebound or tip. Puck on net would have been much more effective, no SOG during a cycle that saw Dallas down with a broken stick. Greiss really kept Wings in it, very fortunate to be tied going into the third.
First period Summary -
Detroit’s first shot on goal at 11:37 is Namestnikov’s first as a Red Wing. Good dump in and retrieval with G. Smith exploding into the zone. Such a breath of fresh air. I’ve been tough on Smith at times, he and Hirose have both looked better tonight. Well done to that line. Killing the Dallas power play was a big shot in the arm leading up to that goal. Detroit found some momentum following, and had some good looks on the late power play. Larkin recognized quickly an unwise pass choice led to an interception and nearly a good short handed chance. Lessons still being learned, but the team seems more positive tonight.
Things did not go well for Detroit in the Chicago series. The absences of Zadina and Fabbri continue to magnify, and neither are available tonight. Detroit has to dig deep and have a better start, line changes have to be flawless. Stay out of the box again (Dallas had 5 power play goals in their first game back). Regardless of the final score, most of us just want to see the compete level be as high as possible.
The lines has changed up a bit for tonight:
Bertuzzi-Larkin-Brome
Ryan-Filppula-Mantha
Namestnikov-Glendening-Rasmussen
Hirose-Nielsen-Smith
Nemeth-Hronek
Staal-Stecher
Dekeyser-Djoos
Greiss gets the start
Part of me is excited to see Brome on the top line. This is a chance for him to make an impact, and Ryan with Mantha and Fil could help find some traction. We’ll see how it goes. I’ll try and update when I can, thank you guys for steering the ship while I’m down!
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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