Vrana to miss most of the season.. A bit of unwelcome news we heard early on. All eyes were on Veleno and Raymond tonight, and both had some good shifts. Raymond, though, just looks like the real deal. His goal was a thing of beauty, even his late assist where he gloved down the puck and saucered the puck to Fabbri for an open net was nicely executed. This kid may grab a roster spot.
The first saw dominant play by Detroit, but Buffalo ended up cashing in the only tally. In the second period, Detroit landed 4 tally’s and things came together. The line of Suter, Fabbri and Raymond looked fantastic. Zadina and Veleno had some nice shifts and good looks as well with Gagner rounding out that line. Stecher had a goal and an assist in the contest and continues to look like a really good pickup by Yzerman.
Special teams look better than last season, for sure. The movement of the PK was better last night, but still a step up tonight. The power play had some really nice looks off of faceoff wins as well as some solid zone entry and cycle work. The team is just easier to watch right now. There seems to be a general optimism as the team goes to work. There’s also a very real feeling of work being done.
I didn’t break down the first period, I just watched. I picked up my recap on the second. The final two goals will be added once those shots and embeds are available. I hope you’ve enjoyed the first couple of contests. Definitely enjoyed seeing Suter and Raymond hit the ice tonight.
Second period:
I was thinking to myself how much easier this team is to watch, even though they’re not converting. And then, the best 23 seconds I can remember (and if you say my honeymoon, you’ll be banned from the board). Fabbri scores off of a rebound with a lightning quick release. Any hesitation and it doesn’t go in. 23 seconds later, Raymond just fed his own hype machine a roll of quarters. What a beauty, and Suter figures in on both.
The broadcast was playing highlights when Stecher scored. Another impressive shot (that I was worried would be challenged). Stecher also had some incredible backcheck work soon after. Ned is playing really well. The one that went in, what do you do? But he stopped a 1 on 0 and his mechanics are so smooth. Really enjoying watching this team. Veleno hasn’t scored, but he had a really nice attempt early in the second, and a skate to stick move that was fairly impressive. Gagner and Veleno getting some short handed looks.
Buffalo really picking up the effort got a power play goal with a lot of 2nd and third opportunity. Sabres have really turned it on and almost caught up on SOG.
At 17:01 Witkowski restored the 2 goal lead. Had to watch replay because the broadcast hadn’t returned in time. This is one of those teams even skeptics will admit faceoffs can be pretty important. Witkowski just skated into a hard shot off a faceoff win by Pius Suter. Beautiful having a right shot on the left side for that one timer.
Very timely, and momentum seemed to shift back Detroit’s way at the end. The early goal fest got Detroit a little off their game, but they reeled it back in. It’s easy to forget what a boost Fabbri has been to this team. He was missed last year due to injury/illness for sure. Stecher may go down as one of Yzerman’s sneaky good acquisitions of the rebuild. When he’s feeling confident, he really moves the puck and skates well. Like watching these guys enjoy the game. It’s been tough sledding, and these moments are like a desert oasis for the Wings and fans alike.
3rd Period:
Zadina has had some good shifts in the first and the third. Is able to muscle the puck away, had a beautiful attempt in the first. Looks even stronger this season. Brattstrom continues to impress. Wings could have some tough decisions as the backups in both games have been impressive. Waiver wire could prove difficult.
Wings PK gets the job done, much better movement again. Power play at around 14:00 having trouble getting set up. Passing decisions not great, having trouble holding the zone. Wings have a big opportunity with a 12 second 5 on 3 at 15:11. Cody Eakin was somewhat hesitant to serve the time. Suter with a faceoff win and that helps create a couple of good looks. Wings with a good zone entry and getting a very good cycle. Hard pass goes past Leddy and sends Wings all the way down. Much better look.
Full marks to Buffalo PK and goaltending. Very strong for that sequence. Brattstrom bails out Wings after turnover turns to shot at 17:32. LCA is having a good time today. Crowd is enjoying moments from “Animal House” and feeling it all the way. John Belushi, gone way too soon.
Buffalo pulls goalie and Fabbri gets down the ice for an empty net goal. Nice work to get the puck out. Raymond catches the puck, throws it down and gets a nice pass to Fabbri. Raymond looks to be the real deal folks. Just so creative and seems to be learning more with each shift.
Fabbri’s 2nd of the night:
Just a minute later Martin with an insanely beautiful play and stick work to slap another one on the board.
Martin’s goal
Shootout:
Fabbri ripped a far corner shot as he changed the angle on his stick.
Buffalo missed their first attempt
Gagner skated in and did some nice deke work but was denied.
Quinn for Buffalo lost his handle and Brattstrom covered the puck
Zadina shot third for Detroit. He beat the goalie, but got the post on a beautiful backhander
Ruotsalainen seemed to have Brattstrom beat but the goalie extended his pad and caught it. Fabbri scores the only tally.
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