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This post was either going to be about the “dirty dozen… losing streak, or about the “baker’s dozen… continuation. It turns out that the 13th try is the charm.
The Red Wings did a lot of things well, including carrying shots on goal for the duration of the game. However, there were several bounces that were the type Detroit simply weren’t getting before. Technically, Pionk scored 2 for Detroit, but due to regulatory issues they were credited to Fabbri. Robby Fabbri did a lot right to get those bounces, but a bit of puck luck went a long way to get him 2 power play goals, and an assist on Zadina’s first tally of the year. Darren Helm’s breakaway was also a bizarre bit of luck as a mishandled puck aided by an unwitting referee went to Darren Helm who made a beautiful wrist shot to be Connor Hellebuyck.
Filip Zadina scored a nice wrist shot on his first 3 point night in the NHL. A big part of what he’s learned to do is be quicker on the release. Learning not to over handle the puck is critical for a lot of the big time scorers who come out of junior. Zadina now has 6 points in his past 5 games played. Being sent down to Grand Rapids seemed to give a spark to the 6th overall pick from 2018. He wanted to prove something tonight.
Bernier was finally rewarded for helping the team stay in and giving them a chance. The goals gave the Red Wings a bit more confidence and they began to wear down Winnipeg in the defensive zone. That type of cycle has been sorely missed for this squad. It was interesting to see Winnipeg begin to “cheat… on the forecheck and the Red Wings were able to get pucks back out of the zone. Success in the faceoff circle proved critical in keeping Detroit with a 2 goal cushion until Hronek scored an empty net goal.
Normally, an empty net is just a side note. However, Hronek managed to launch the puck with enough lift that it never touched the ice, even upon entering the net. A bizarre but fun and fitting end to a difficult stretch.
The game was physical from start to finish. The pushback by Detroit was impressive as Winnipeg is a team loaded with tough customers. That kind of passion and intensity has also been missed. There was definitely an “enough is enough… feel as Detroit came out tonight. Larkin was a last minute decision and gutted it out to the tune of 20:36 on ice. His sacrifice was rewarded.
Tonight was a glimpse of what these kids need to do to keep from getting embarrassed. The bounces won’t always be there, but that effort will produce success. Learning from a miserable streak will be invaluable for the players who come out as stronger individuals. The ability to see your team through difficult times comes from experience. This win feels big for this team.
Celebrate this win, Wings faithful. Things went Detroit’s way, and the hope is that some momentum can be gained. Winnipeg will, rightfully, look at this game as one of bad bounces and a few missed opportunities. Detroit will see it as being rewarded for going to the net and playing hard. Both views have merit.
The Wings will face Montreal at the Bell Centre on Saturday, the site of a rare victory this season so far. We’ll see if they can carry some momentum and positivity into a difficult building. We’ll take a look at some pre game numbers on Saturday.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Keep it coming!
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