Follow me on Twitter
Until the numbers come in this will be one of my last references to the ESPN layoffs. The entire sports landscape is in the middle of a make-over and instead of talking about consumption changes, we’re still hearing about “shutdowns” and how bad those were. In truth, I think “consumer confidence” and disposable income levels have as much to do as anything. A “binge” culture was created but once the doors were opened, people had learned to live without some things. Now, I see consumers making decisions they didn’t used to make. At the checkout, people are asking for items to be removed from the tab, etc.
Baseball is looking to pick up fans with wider bats, bigger bases, and a time limit between pitches. If you’ve ever sat through an at-bat that lasted several minutes at least some of that makes some sense. We won’t know exactly how Bally’s bankruptcy and ESPN’s changes will affect hockey until the fall. This year saw complaints of too many places to try and find the games. Is it on Bally? ESPN? ESPN+? TNT? USA? Etc. The savvy fans found a way to limit subs via VPN, but new legislation has that type of service targeted as revenues from Cable companies (and dish/direct) continues to fall off in favor of streaming. Cable has the advantage with strong internet offerings in contrast to dish based services. They can at least retain internet only subs.
All that aside, on to the game. Detroit has had a couple of good showings against Toronto and Montreal (thank you dear goalie). How did they fare against Toronto’s honorary sister city, Buffalo?
Game Summary:
As the rebuild finally actually started, I’d set my sights on Ottawa as a team to try and keep step with. Buffalo may be a hot ticket if the coming seasons are anything like this year. The Sabres have had Detroit’s number this year and have plenty of young talent to grow into something special.
Yes, it’s not much fun to lose but this was an adrenaline ride. The last minute goal by Perron in regulation was a drink spiller for sure. People leaping to their feet and coffee and hot chocolate splattering against the pavement. If you have to lose, this is the type of game where it’s not as painful as being beaten 8 to 3.
Full marks to Buffalo. After years of not quite getting the formula together they seem to have a group that looks ready to try and move forward. I’ll also tip my hat to Detroit. In the past, we’ve seen the team deflate in high scoring affairs. They were in lock step. Once you get to a shoot out, it’s anybody’s game.
This is the kind of game that will make the next generation of hockey fans. Any young kids that were there tonight felt the adrenaline and the thrill of the back and forth. That’s how I fell in love with hockey, and how many of you did too. The smells, the power and the back and forth of what I can only describe as high speed chess during an earthquake. Every 30 seconds the pieces go through changes but the strategies continue.
Tip of the cap to the Sabres, and a tip of the cap to the Red Wings. This is what the sport is when it’s fun. Competitive with highs and lows and everything in between. I don’t put a lot of stock in year end performances for teams outside the playoffs, but a part of me hopes Detroit can make some of this carry over. Edvinsson seems to be finding his game just a bit more. His skate work and awareness belie the 6’6” frame and youth. Seider is strong. He looks lean but man he can stay in it. Berggren was around the play all night, and the Captain continues to be in the thick of it as well.
We’re winding down on a positive note. What a treat for those who pay their hard earned money to go down and be part of this. I looked at the jersey auction and it’s already well out of reach. Seider’s is at 2,500 with a week to go. Cool idea, I hope they make a replica version at some point.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the past few. It’s been fun and there’s been some good signs. Next year is a reboot. I don’t really believe in carry over, but the fundamentals of a good attitude and a team that wants more seems to be there. I hope you let yourself just soak it in. There’s enough stress waiting for everyone, these moments of escape are a true blessing, courtesy of what I think is the greatest sport in the world.
First Period Detroit goals:
Sabres got a shot with a penalty shot at 4:00, luckily Tuch was unable to convert on the opportunity. Just 35 seconds later Buffalo scored. 1-0 BUF
At 10:38 Czarnik tied it up after a nice drop pass along the sidewall from a rushing Berggren. Czarnik went top corner on his off wing to tie it up. 2nd assist goes to Walman.
At 15:05 Larkin scored his 32nd of the season (77th point) on the power play, deflecting a pass from Raymond (Seider with 2nd assist). It was an oddly slow trickle that just found it’s way 5 hole as the Buffalo netminder slid across the crease. 2-1 DET
Buffalo scored the tying goal at 17:10 with plenty of post goal activity as several scraps seem to break out. Skinner took a shot at Raymond up high and Larkin took exception to it. He and Walman both ended up in a time out.
Buffalo got a 4 minute power play and scored on the first portion. 3-2 BUF
Shots: 16-9 BUF
Score: 3-2 DET
Second Period Detroit goals:
Just 1:33 into the second Buffalo added to their lead. 4-2 BUF
At 16:04 Larkin took a pass from Raymond and made a no look backhand pass across the crease to Chiasson for an easy power play tap in. 4-3 BUF
Just about 48 seconds later Edvinsson ripped a snap shot from a few feet in off the half wall and tied it up. (Unassisted) 4-4
Shots: 22-22
Score: 4-4
Third Period Detroit goals:
In the first 5 mins Buffalo scored twice on 7 shots. 6-4 BUF
At 8:02, Luff intercepted a pass in the O zone in between the lower dots. He seemed to face a shot then get the puck to Berggren who was all alone for a tap in. 6-5 BUF
With less than 1 minute left Perron scored the tying goal as he one timed a pass from Seider. Red Wings had pulled the goalie and were 6 on 5 with an o zone faceoff. Raymond came up with the puck and gets the 2nd assist. 6-6
Shots: 32-30 BUF
Score: 6-6
Overtime:
No goals scored
Shots: 36-32 BUF
Score: 6-6
Shootout:
Thompson - stopped
Raymond - scores
Quinn - scores
Perron - stopped
Tuch - scores
Larkin - stopped
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»