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Detroit swept in California after 5-4 OT loss to Sharks |
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Detroit was outshot 10-3 in the third. Debrincat’s power play goal was an unbelievably lucky turn of events as San Jose clearly dominated what has become an absolute farce of a Detroit team in their efforts. Giving up shots at one point nearly 2 to 1, easy zone entries and scoring, and it seems that management is content to ride this brown wave all the way to 82.
The look on LaLonde’s face after the game was about as unhappy as I can remember and with several days off, maybe a surprise is coming. It can’t be stressed enough, the defense is horrid. Edvinsson coming up was supposed to see some sort of mentorship but the sad state of the D-core has a 23 year old and a 21 year old as the top minute munchers and top pairing.
It’s impossible to sugar coat what a disgraceful effort so much of the games look like. Forwards with clear chances continue to overpass the puck which ends up intercepted without a shot on goal. Raymond’s point totals are at the PPG level, but deferring to Copp on a breakaway (or whomever else) may help explain the lack of goal scoring.
It’s a long flight from California anyway. It just got a lot longer. I do believe there are players and coaches that care about this team, and they are probably trying not to be physically ill. If this sounds overly harsh (and no, I don’t need to be reminded that this is a rebuild) it’s a culmination of just watching the bad getting worse.
To the good, seeing Kasper get 2nd line looks and another goal. He’s a strong skater, wants to be there. Larkin could be on the way to another 30 goal season to make it 4 straight. Seider made some strong plays getting back and defending and Edvinsson wants to be on the ice and getting into it. He was an integral part of the first goal and has shown flashes of a very promising blue line.
It’s beyond what can be said or done at this point. The team either needs to change or just ride the wave to the lottery. Now that you can only drop 2 spots that’s at least encouraging.
Let me know your thoughts. Is this a mixture of no real structure (except an ironically potent power play) and individuals trying to put together an effort that makes up for a lack of a team game? Twice on PKs we saw the puck moved back toward the net instead of cleared. Whoever is running that group, those sessions must be uplifting indeed. Grand Rapids is having a much better season (yes it’s a different league) but there seems to be energy and continuity within the group as a record setting season opening and recent 5 game streak sees more players get in on the action.
The immediate future for the big club doesn’t feel nearly as optimistic as it did at the end of last season. What’s happening on the West side of the state is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
1st Period goals:
Larkin scores his 11th at 7:28. Edvinsson kept the puck in the zone as it was sent around the boards. The big rookie found the captain oh the edge of the left faceoff circle, Larkin quickly sent in a backhand shot for the lead. 1-0 DET.
San Jose got it back on the power play about 2 minutes later. 1-1. PK just brutal, Copp blocked a pass but ended up sending the puck deeper into the zone.
Wings regain the lead on the power play as a shot from Gustafsson at the blue line rebounded right to the stick of the rookie who quickly roofed the shot for his 2nd of the year. 2-1 DET
Shots: 12-10 SJ
Score: 2-1 DET
2nd Period goals:
At 5:59 Talbot just missed on a far out shot as SJ ties it up 2-2
*Detroit had a 4 man rush soon after and just can’t get away from overpassing.
Detroit gets their own bizarre goal as Rasmussen goes for a poke check in front of the Shark’s net. The puck goes off a Shark and past Blackwood. 3-2 DET
With 41 seconds left Detroit just watched as San Jose skated the puck in and Toffoli was left uncovered in front of the net. 3-3
Shots: 23-16 SJ
Score: 3-3
3rd Period goals:
At 6:19 San Jose went end to end off of a D zone faceoff and scored. Detroit just has no ability to play a full game. 4-3
With 2:06 left the power play strikes again as Debrincat gets two shots in tight, collecting his rebound off of a block and scoring. 4-4
Shots: 33-19 SJ
Score: 4-4
OT
Wings lose as Celebrini embarrasses all 3 Wings on ice
Shots: 34-20 SJ
Score: 5-4 SJ
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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