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Game Summary: First, I want to give props to Ovechkin. 786 goals with one team to get ahold of another Gordie Howe record. 15 away from tying Mr. Hockey. That’s worthy of some respect. No matter what #8 does, I still hear from people why he’s “overrated…. He’s actually missed a couple seasons with lockouts and shutdowns too. Career average would have him score at least 40 in those. Well done sir.
I am very happy for Copp tonight. He was hard on himself in pregame, and candidly said he needed to be better in every area. He cares about what he puts on the ice. Larkin continues to engage, Raymond looks more like Raymond, and Seider took a shot that would have many of us still rolling around.
Husso, as most of you have pointed out, is the go to right now. He kept Detroit in as Washington pulled ahead on SOG and quality chances. Rasmussen is going to the box way too much. However, the final play he made was selfless and smart and led to Larkin’s empty net tally.
The first period was pretty well played. The team just seems to have gaps of shutting down. Husso had to make some really high level stops. At 10 games in, it’s time for more consistent play. Even 45 of 60 would be a welcome move in the right direction. We don’t know what’s keeping Vrana out, it’d be great to get him back. He’s a human being that loves the game, so thoughts/prayers go to the man over getting an important player back.
It felt like a “needed… win, and it was awesome to see “the guys… hanging out together. LaPointe is still a favorite, though I know he’s not a “superstar…. He’s a player I’d love to even shake hands with. Scotty looks awesome at 89, and half the team seems to be in the office so they really do seem to like to work together.
It’s an easy night for me in that, things are enjoyable at the end. Steve Perry is singing and I can reminisce with my wife about amazing times when Hockeytown was such a special place to be. It almost feels like magic to look back sometimes.
First Period Red Wings Goals: No first period goals for Wings
Second Period Red Wings Goals: At 7:01 Ovi tied one of Gordie’s records. 786 with one franchise. Wow. He’s only 15 away from tying Howe for 2nd in history at 801. That is incredible stuff to see.
At 14:58 in the second, Raymond (after fanning on a hot pass), got another hot pass, stopped it with his skate and knocked it in for his 3rd of the season. Freshly 20, still a fun kid to watch. Kubalik makes hard passes and shots and has been a big boost. Perron (2nd assist) seems to be able to settle pucks and make really smart plays. Not fun to play against when he’s “in a mood…, but nice to have in red right now.
Raymond on the power play! pic.twitter.com/OyG2IBtcIa
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 4, 2022
Ironic. With 2:38 left, Larkin looked to have scored Detroit’s 2nd, but it was waived off for goalie interference. It’s an interesting scenario and Perron does have a reputation for this kind of thing. Just take the loss. LaLonde agrees.
Third Period Red Wings Goals:
At 16:10 Copp finally broke through and you could see the relief on his face. His pregame interview showed a very candid “I need to improve everything… set of observations. Very cool to see him get on the board. Erne and Larkin with some apples. Of course Ras is in the box again just seconds later. Ugh.
Copper coming up clutch! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/zkTXiVzWc0
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 4, 2022
Detroit survived it, and Ras made a nice play to carry the puck out and into the neutral zone. With about 25 seconds left as Larkin buries an empty net and Copp gets an assist.