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Positive signs in Wings loss to Leafs |
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If I hadn’t watched the game, the final score of 5-2 would seem to indicate an anemic effort on the part of Detroit. However, there are signs that this team is headed in the right direction.
50 solid minutes (in my mind) of tight defensive play and solid forechecking. Jimmy Howard gave the team a chance to win. Depth scoring showed up. Detroit made life difficult for Matthews and Tavares. Then the game opened up and Toronto did what Toronto does. Most teams cannot run and gun with the Maple Leafs, and Detroit shouldn’t try that with most teams right now.
I honestly thought Jacob Delarose was the best player for the Wings. Not just his goal, but his physical play. He did what a depth player needs to do. Make life tough for scorers. I am still happy the Wings picked him up last year. Helm also scored, and if the top line had broken through, that is the kind of support they could really use. Mantha came very close. Ripped one off the pipe. However, multiple times he wasn’t quick enough and Toronto got the puck off of his stick. Live and learn.
I am honestly happy with the effort. I think there is a lot of good tape for the guys. There is also a “Herb Brooksian” bit of advice here. “You don’t have enough talent to win on talent alone”.
As will be the case on many nights, Grand Rapids was victorious. Zadina netted his first of the season and Rasmussen had a goal and an assist. Positive growth.
Detroit ends up 3-2 in the first five, a better record than I thought they’d have. Plenty to be optimistic about for the future, and concerned about the present. I hope you enjoyed the game!
Thanks for reading, keep the comments coming!!
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