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Jakub Vrana seems to be finished with Detroit (or vice versa). I posted some thoughts earlier today.
Game Summary:
I expected a loss going into this game, but Detroit did a lot of things well (particularly in the first period). The one plus to having the game on ESPNs streaming service was Chris Chelios chiming in on the youth of the team. He gave a lot of props to Seider and the oft maligned Rasmussen. I’ve always enjoyed hearing from Cheli, and the few times I’ve met him have been really nice in terms of back and forth. A bit of a walking historian for hockey from the 80s until now. Messier (who is as trim as I can ever remember) very much the same in those terms.
To Edmonton’s credit, this is a very different looking team. There were a lot of fisticuffs (with many scuffles involving E. Kane) and a general sense of a team for whom the post season can’t come quickly enough. The Oilers have made changes that make a difference.
Still a tale of two cities, the visitors have had (and not always used well) several kicks at the first overall pick. McDavid is the obvious prize of those attempts, with RNH finding his place in the line up. If the stats listed are correct, no team scores more on the rush than the Oilers (makes sense). Also, no team scores more in traffic than Detroit. That was a pleasant surprise.
Detroit has made some important adjustments. Puck toward the net for deflection or battle in the crease. Bertuzzi back in the lineup brought back some of the “bite” that has been missing up top. Raymond continues to have moments where he seems to control the tempo of the game. Larkin continues to go out and go all out.
Back to Rasmussen for a minute. He’s learning when to lean on his physicality and when to allow frustration to give Detroit an advantage. I think Chelios said it well that next season there should be an expectation of at least limited post season action. I’m sure that’s been talked about by Larkin’s camp as the speedy center is yet to participate in the NHL post season.
The 2 goals for Edmonton that were less than a minute apart in the 2nd were, for me, the kill shot. On the offensive attack, this team is at its most effective. They also did well to keep Detroit on the perimeter for many of their extended pressure moments. When it comes to “the cup”, the back end could still be the weak link. Detroit is certainly at the ground floor of building a contender. Edmonton (like Toronto) expects quite a bit more with genuine generational talent and a bit more sand paper this go around.
Losses are still losses. The talk of the team was that their play coming out of the break would determine Yzerman’s mindset in the next 4 weeks leading up to the deadline. 9 points removed from a wild card spot and 5 teams to jump ahead of (3 of which have positive differentials) seems to be too much. If the “rumors” of Vrana being moved out see the light of day, then Yzerman has other thoughts on what next year’s top 6 will look like.
The rest of Western Canada will be in town on the 9th and 11th with the Flames and Canucks coming to town. Wednesday Disney and co are going to make some announcements and possibly start the process of shifting some of the IPs that were gathered by the mouse. The most relevant in all of this is ESPN/ESPN+. If the early “leaks” on streaming revenues are at all accurate (a possible 8 billion dollar loss for 2022) expect changes as ESPN, Hulu, Marvel, Fox and Star Wars have all had moments of underperformance for the brand. Next fall could be another “shift” in how fans access the NHL.
First Period Detroit goals:
At 10:24, Bertuzzi broke through on a 2 on 1 with Raymond backhanding the puck through the blue paint and on to the gritty forward’s stick for a Brett Hull kneeling tap in. Just Bert’s 2nd goal due to a season of injury, Raymond’s 18th assist and Larkin with 2nd assist (his 29th). 1-0 “we’re getting the band back together”
Shots: 10-8 DET
Score : 1-0 DET
Second Period Detroit goals:
At 3:02 in the second Edmonton tied it up as the teams skated 4 per side. 1-1
36 seconds later the Oilers scored again 2-1 EDM
At 11:55 Edmonton scored again after some nice pressure by Detroit. Game may be out of hand now. 3-1 EDM
With just 9 seconds left in the period Edmonton’s power play having expired just seconds ago, Veleno gets it back to a 1 goal game scoring his 7th of the year. A beautiful wrist shot far side, and an important boost going into the locker room. (assists by Seider and Walman).
Shots: 22-17 DET
Score: 3-2 EDM
Third Period Detroit goals:
No 3rd period goals for Detroit.
With less than 5 minutes left, Detroit (who had been playing with fire on giving EDM power plays) finally paid for it. 4-2 EDM
Oil seals it with an ENG with under 3 minutes to go
Shots: 32-27 DET
Score: 5-2 EDM
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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