Follow me on Twitter
For the first time this year, Detroit has a three game winning streak. Greiss posted a gaudy .957 Sv% stopping 22 of 23. This isn’t what I expected after tonight’s first period. It seemed like another night where the offense would be thin, and Greiss would have to be brilliant with no guarantee of any support. From the second period on, Detroit changed the flow and earned a win.
Jakub Vrana looked uncomfortable in the post morning skate interview. The first period for Detroit was the kind of period that we’ve come to expect. Hard defensive playing and not much offense. Just after Mantha scored his second in two games, Vrana caught his big break. He served the “too many men” penalty. Detroit killed the man advantage, and Gustav Lindstrom made a beautiful stretch pass as Vrana was sprung from the sin bin. The speedy Czech made no mistake, high stick side on the breakaway. First shot, first goal.
The smile on JV’s face was priceless. It was the “Oh thank God” moment that he was hoping for in his debut. It’s also akin to the type of pressure I expect from #15 (ironically Verbeek’s old # after we acquired his nephew. Take that Kevin Bacon). Speed is going to present opportunities, and this one was beautifully executed. Mantha is a different type of scorer. More of a line it up, use your hands/size, get to the net for the tip, snipe after faking the shot type player. He’s certainly found a home in Washington, and Vrana has gotten his first Detroit mantle piece. Congratulations, JV. For good measure, Blashill had Panik serve the next “too many men” penalty, but no luck on another first.
Troy Stecher, what on earth happened tonight? I love his shot when we see it. That slap shot on his first of the game was a laser. The second one was a crazy skill drill hip flexor, backhand whirling dervish tap in. Possibly from the Jeff Skinner “before he got paid” playbook. Beautiful to see.
I’m sure you’re sick of my praise for Filip Zadina by now. Honestly, he just forces himself into being front and center with his defensive play. Backchecking isn’t always exciting. Pav and Z made it fun for years. Zadina is working his way toward that level of back check. Sometimes he even looks like the former captain with his frame and stride. Zetterburg was a powerful player until injuries piled up. That’s who Zadina’s defensive prowess is reminiscent of. If he continues to play like this year after year, the young Czech could find himself in Selke discussions. Yes, he wants to score more. Of course I want him to as well. But when the goals come, it will be from someone who is creating offense from defense. Not at all what I thought we had drafted just a few years ago.
Detroit’s pressure in the third period was some of the best I’ve seen in the past two seasons. The were about three minutes of absolute dominance on the cycle and Chicago was completely hemmed in. It is something we just don’t see right now, and it was fantastic. I will continue to give Blashill credit here. The team is working really hard. Yzerman and Blashill will be discussing his future soon, as the coach is on an expiring contract.
When Rasmussen potted the empty net at around 18:27, I smiled thinking that not many people deserve one of those more. His effort and commitment changed the direction of the franchise this year, and it’s good to see him get rewarded like that. Greiss was also rewarded. Another incredible night between the pipes and Detroit more than doubled his usual run support. Well done boys.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»