The setting was familiar for the Detroit Red Wings – up a goal in the third period, precariously trying to hang on to their advantage without hanging themselves.
This time, they survived.
An empty-net goal by Detroit forward Steve Ott was the only tally of the final frame as the Wings downed the Dallas Stars 3-1 Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena for only their second home-ice win in their last eight games at the JLA.
It was also the first time in five games that the Wings didn’t surrender the tying or winning goal in the third period, something Detroit had done in eight of its 12 previous games.
“I think it’s important from a confidence standpoint,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “When you’ve given up leads, it eats away at you a little bit, so every time you maintain the lead it builds your confidence.
“We need to take this and build from it and get better tomorrow.”
Mantha Delivers
Scoring for the third time in eight games, right-winger Anthony Mantha netted the game winner during a second-period power play.
The 6-5 Mantha stretched out to reach beyond Dallas defenseman Jamie Oleksiak to tap the puck into a wide-open net after taking a feed from captain Henrik Zetterberg.
“Not everyone has that reach,” Mantha said. “I need to take advantage of my advantage.”
It’s not a reach to suggest that the Mantha who arrived in Detroit this time around is far more confident, comfortable and capable than ever before.
“He’s got everything,” Zetterberg said. “He’s got real good size, reach, he’s got a good shot, he skates well.
“It’s hard to find any negative right there.”
Powering Up
Both Detroit goals were scored on the power play and for just the third time this season, the Wings scored a power-play goal and didn’t allow a power-play goal.
“It makes it easier if you want to win games,” Zetterberg said. “We won’t be like this every night but it’s nice to see the power play got going a little bit.
“The PK I think has been pretty good for us.”
Jurco Returns
Tomas Jurco saw his first action of the season since undergoing back surgery in the summer, playing 9:22 and beaming with delight afterward.
“My legs were going and I just felt great out there,” Jurco said. “I felt confident. I think it was a pretty successful night for me.
“I’ve been waiting for that first game and now it’s behind me, so I’ve just got to do the same thing every night.”
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