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Starting with Grand Rapids. Two straight 3 goal games with only one goal against in the first game. Cossa looked good stopping 22 of 23 and Husso with a shutout in his return. Berggren had 3 goals (1 EN) over those two games.
Berggren spent most of last year in Detroit and it seemed like he’d be there this year. He now has 31 points (12g 19a) in 29 games and Husso looked sharp in his first game back. That said, there isn’t a perfect goal to goal comparison from AHL to NHL. Detroit wanted goals and to add some physicality. Kostin is the attempt at the latter while Debrincat, Compher, Kane, Gostisbehere and Sprong were all brought in to add some offense. It’s got to be a frustration for Berggren for sure, but he’s doing what he needs to do right now. Show up on the score sheet. As for Husso, we’ll see how the rest of his rehab goes but it would be foolish to pull Lyon if he’s still playing well. If Husso returns to form, that would be a nice 1-2 punch.
Tonight sees recent Stanley Cup Champs. Season states are fairly similar except for goals against which shows 2.69 for VGK (6th) and 3.25 for Detroit (22nd). The Wings have been playing much better defensively lately and getting much more support in net. With just a couple of games to go before the All Star Break, it would be a big step forward to take 3 of the available 4 points. Vegas is going to be a much different challenge than the final game vs. Ottawa next week before the break.
Detroit is still in the final wildcard spot with a 4 point gap between themselves and New Jersey. They have to try and pick up wins and get some breathing room. There’s some healthy debate regarding potential “moves… by the deadline. Honestly, the perfect scenario would have to present itself (opinion) and the team will make the decision as to players traded off by the TDL. It looks like they want to make it as tough as possible and that’s a benefit to everyone.
We’ll see if the updated defensive play and altered schemes hold up against Vegas tonight. Should be a very energetic crowd as the game starts at 8 in the pizza palace.