If you are in the last minute of a game and have the puck in the offensive zone, just take the empty net. Instead, deferring to try and get Patrick Kane his 60th point cost Detroit a tying goal and ultimately the game. Understanding that there was no real meaning in terms of season’s end, that moment left an absolute sour taste in what had been a surprisingly good effort from Detroit.
In fairness, Toronto had rested its top players and this was not the “A” game that the Leafs brought as they prepare for a series against Ottawa. Still, no one had Holl with a goal and an assist, Watson with a goal, but Debrincat getting to 39 was certainly a boost for the end of the season. That is the best single season effort by a Red Wing since 2009 when Hossa scored 40.
Unfortunately, it looks like Detroit lost Raymond but at least the timing is good. The near point per game winger slid awkwardly into the boards and did at least enough damage to his shoulder that one quick shift later in the game was the last he would play for the season.
On the positive, Larkin’s 4 30 goal seasons puts him one back of Shanahan who had 5 straight 30+goal seasons as a Red Wing. Kasper came just short of 20 as he scored his 19th of the season the night before. Edvinsson continues to get a rise out Ken and Mickey and Seider is still making strong plays. It looks like those two may be in line to be the top pair heading into next season, though nothing is certain.
Red Wings fans will now head into the post season waiting for the draft and have the Griffins to watch as two of the more exciting prospects in the system have joined the team. Tomorrow night both Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard will hit the ice for the Griffins in their debut. It’s a moment many (myself included) have anxiously waited for.
The common theme at this point is, let every prospect who is able take the job of a veteran. Many of you have said it, and it’s a hard point to argue. Apart from his 2 point night, Holl hasn’t been the subject of much praise. Petry is departing and Chiarot has not panned out well. The team needs a strong start with consistent defense, PK and goaltending. We’ll break down some possible options as the summer moves on.
A very sincere thanks to all who have stopped by. It has been an honor to blog about my home town team for another season. There are good things on the way, and an important change behind the bench has been made. Nothing is for certain, but thank you all for every minute. This blog is a dream come true and no amount of gratitude can accurately describe how it feels to write and interact with each of you. Rest assured, thoughts about tomorrow’s Griffin’s game and post season will be posted as we see some of the faces that many hope will be on the east side of the state.
1st Period goals:
At 17:53 Matthews opened the goal scoring. 1-0 TOR
With just 40 seconds left Austin Watson tied it up scoring his 3rd of the season on a backhand shot that surprised everyone. Holl was down near the right faceoff dot and swatted the puck out of the air to Watson who took a few strides to the net and capitalized. 1-1
At 2:16 in another strange sequence Holl got his 2nd of the season as the puck was sent by Kasper up the right half wall to the blue line and the former Maple Leaf skated a few strides to the left, wristed the puck and scored to give Detroit a 2-1 lead.
At 5:50 Debrincat scored his 39th on the power play. “The Cat” passed the puck to Seider then repositioned himself in the left faceoff dot. On the return feed Debrincat ripped a shot to put Detroit up 3-1.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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