As Detroit entered the third period with only 6 shots on net, it’s hard to believe they were leading 2-1. On the 9th shot for the team, Watson got his first of the season with an “over the rainbow” tip from well out. Debrincat brought the tally to 4-1 with an empty net goal with about 2:30 left in the game on just the team’s 11th shot. This was a welcome but strange win.
At this point, don’t look the gift horse in the mouth. An important 2 points on the board each night, combined with other teams falling off, is Detroit’s only shot to the post season. It was good to see Soderblom score after a return from injury and Watson get his first of the year after spending a good deal of the season in Grand Rapids. Motte getting on the board saw one more player with single digit goals contribute.
5 goals on 14 shots is a bit of a shocking result, but one that was needed. Utah is likely wondering how the final was 5-1 and 2 strange goals played a part. One off a defenseman’s foot, and that’s long range arch tip from Watson. Kasper continues to add to his season and Debrincat scored his 33rd. A lot of good things going on, but the low shots on net (including 2 in the first period) were concerning. The team made hay and grabbed the ‘W’.
1st Period goals:
At 3:46 Utah strikes first on the power play. PK is just garbage. 1-0 Utah
At 5:08 Soderblom ties it up as the big man gets his 4th of the season on his first game back from injury. Tarasenko made a nice steal via his skate at the Wing’s blue line and skated up ice. Soderblom followed cross ice wide open as Tarasenko had 2 defenders covering him. . A pass from Tarasenko turned into a nice slap shot finish. 1-1
At 1:34 Marco Kasper got his 14th of the season and gave Detroit a one goal lead. Debrincat had the puck behind the net in the O zone and made a short pass to Kasper. Kasper seemed to be looking to go cross crease and the puck went off a defenseman’s skate and in. 2-1 DET
At 9:51 Austin Watson scored his first of the season putting Detroit up 3-1. A bit of a strange goal. Edvinsson elevated the puck from the blue line, Watson got a high tip from around the top of the left faceoff circle. The puck arched and caught Utah’s goalie off guard (as well as the rest of the players) as it found its way in.
At 17:06 Debrincat’s scored his 33rd of the season with an empty net tally. Just as Utah pulled the goalie, Kane retrieved the puck in the D zone and skated up ice on the right wall, finding Debrincat on the far side. The winger shot a backhander from just inside the blue line and in. 4-1 DET
At 18:32 Tyler Motte got his 3rd of the season leading to the game’s final score of 5-1. Smith put a shot on net and Motte was able to get the rebound and put it home for the game’s final tally
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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