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Sergei Tchekmarev passed away on Friday night. If you’re able, please head to that blog using the link and leave a comment in honor of a truly fantastic human being. I’d like to send them along to Detroit’s media team.
The Red Wings were very raw and emotional after a lopsided loss 7-2 on Friday night. They were met with the news that a man who was beloved by the team and teams past (back to 1998). The team hit the ice and sought to honor the late Tchekmarev. Thanks to the first goal Nemeth scored as a Red Wing and the first goal Brome scored in the NHL, and a stellar effort by Bernier, the team gained a very emotional and much needed victory.
Detroit didn’t outplay the Panthers. Tonight’s win was a gift as Bernier stopped 38 of 39 shots. Sometimes in hockey, and in life, you need a lucky break. Larkin assisted on Brome’s first tally, and the celebration was pure joy. In a year short on highlights, it was a welcome sight as the entire team celebrated a long overdue tally. Brome is a workhorse. It’s good to see him rewarded for the effort.
A bit on Mantha. The big winger rang the pipe on a very nice move. He managed to go 5 hole on Bobrovsky and just missed the net. It was a beautiful vision, and indicative that the former first round pick still has a mind for scoring. Mantha also took exception to a low dangerous hit that Barkov used to take Larkin out at the knee. That’s the type of hit that can end a career (unpenalized). Some broadcasters call it a “submarine” move, one that has been taken out of the league for the most part. Mantha saw his Captain in pain and decided to dust it up with Barkov. After 6 games this year, there is a healthy bit of “nastiness” brewing between the two teams. Glendening and Larkin have both been targeted, dangerously so. Though #71 came back out, that illegal hit could leave him in a good deal of pain.
Joel Quenneville has the team believing they can contend with Tampa Bay to take the division. I’d be hard pressed to disagree. The battle of Florida may be the highlight of the Central division this year.
Detroit, after this, will face Nashville on Tuesday. With Sunday and Monday off, it is the first 2 day break the team has had since February 1st. Almost three weeks of games every other day, 6 of them on the road. The team will stay at LCA for the next 2 game tilt against the Preds. Hopefully the extra day will help heal some bumps and bruises.
Congratulations to Detroit for the win, and for honoring a friend to the organization who will be sorely missed.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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