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Detroit lost to Vegas last night in the first part of a back to back. That loss saw the team slip outside the bubble and finish off a 3 game home losing streak after winning 4 straight on the road.
Game Summary:
I try to take all factors into consideration the longer that I write about this game. First, I still believe hockey is the greatest game in the world. No matter how much this Detroit team has suffered through in an overdue rebuild, it’s still a joy whenever I get to see the sport. Second, there’s a wide chasm between being a fan of the game or a fan of a team (or player). I want to be respectful of the game as a whole as well as author a blog that focuses on the Red Wings.
That said, I have to ponder what CBJ would be like this year without all the injuries. It would be a night and day difference. Detroit has its own injury woes, but isn’t missing the same type of players. Vrana is the biggest gap, and hopefully he is healthy and finding whatever it is he needs.
Detroit went from playing a Vegas team that has a lot going for it to a Columbus team that has a lot missing. That said, it’s still nice to see the win. Copp is finding his way. I like the line of Larkin with Perron and Raymond. I really like seeing Veleno and Berggren play off each other’s strength. I told one of my good friends that Veleno on the wing with Berggren makes a lot of sense. Joe is stronger, better in the corner and board battles. Berggren “processes” better strategically (my opinion).
An interesting point was made during the broadcast. Seider is getting top D assignments. I believe his presence has helped to free up Hronek a bit and he is taking advantage of that in an impressive way. His confidence and overall game seems to have grown. To see Mo be this young and able to compete and learn at this level is promising as well. Maata has been a huge add. Up front, Kubalik continues to look like an incredible pickup.
There are still some cringeworthy passes, and a sequence in which “Johnny Hockey” literally skated circles around Detroit. That young man has been part of the change in how “smaller” skaters are viewed and valued. Gudbranson made life difficult, and I am more and more impressed with Raymond’s refusal to back down. He will mix it up and get into the scrums.
If Detroit can split the Florida trip, that would be a good sign. We’re going to see more of Tampa Bay and the Panthers as the season goes on. The Red Wings need to tune up their game against opponents that are built for post season play. It will be interesting to see what moves Yzerman makes as we get into 2023. This isn’t a year to spend and go “all in”, but are there trades that make sense for this group going forward?
It’s still a newer feeling, but I’m more comfortable going forward with the state of the right side D than the left. A few of you have pointed that out over the past season or two as well. Obviously there are players developing in the system, but the addition of another Left D that could help the team take another step forward would be a welcome one.
I loved Copp’s goal. I liked Larkin’s rip (though it was called back for offsides) and Raymond’s tip in. There were some nice looks tonight, and you want the team feeling good as they head down to Florida. Hopefully we’ll get news on Vrana as we move forward. Fabbri will probably get a conditioning stint while it’s decided where he will slot in. Regardless, there are improvements (especially coming from players new to the team). I like the creativity that we’re seeing and the pace is getting stronger. Games against Boston and Tampa Bay will be good indicators of how this team is going to try and move forward in a very difficult division. For tonight, a reversal of fortune on the scoreboard will hopefully lead to confident play against some very difficult upcoming opponents.
First Period Detroit goals:
At 6:34 Czarnik got his 2nd of the season as Berggren floated a pass from the half wall and CZ had his stick on the ice for the tip. Maata with the 2nd assist, Veleno skated well to help get things in motion.
At 17:36 while on the power play, Kubalik did his best Brett Hull impression and finds himself with 10 goals. A really nice pass from Hronek that didn’t need to be settled. Perron with the other apple.
Shots on goal: 13-7 Detroit
Score: 2-0 Detroit
2nd Period Detroit goals:
At 7:03 Raymond scored on a 5 on 3 by tipping a shot from Hronek (2nd primary assist for Hronek tonight) with Perron getting another 2nd assist
*Hronek broke up a 3 on 1 with a nice diving deflection
At 16:10 CBJ got on the board with a power play goal.
Shots: 24-18 Detroit
Score: 3-1 Detroit
3rd Period Detroit goals:
Jackets score 1:58 into the 3rd after JG skated circles around the Wings. Now a one goal game.
Larkin looked to have scored at 3:35 after a nice pass from Raymond. Review for offsides took it back of the board.
At 6:08 Copp got it back just standing next to the net after a faceoff win back to the defense. Maata with the primary assist, Sundqvist with the secondary. 4-2 Wings.
Final shots: 35-34 Detroit
Final Score: 4-2 Detroit
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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