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Summary: I actually don’t mind the loss from this perspective - Detroit played. The power play had plenty of looks but Allen was fantastic. A wasted 5 minute power play after Luff took a Draper-esque face first launch into the boards was disappointing. However, the Habs PK and Allen combined were simply just too good for the rebuilding wings. Also nice to see Czarnik score his first in the Winged Wheel. Something for the mantle is always nice.
Dach is going through an interesting stretch. In OT, he was out for a D Zone draw and then went right to the bench. We used to do that with Pav, but Dach is certainly not Pav at this point. Hoffman had both Montreal goals in the first with a wide open net. LaLonde’s system is definitely speeding up transitions, but missed assignments seem to be the problem of the day. It’s frustrating, but part of the game.
Again, from the perspective that Detroit played the game, there was a lot to like. Perron made so many possession, keep in and passing plays that were unlike anything we’ve seen in the past several years. Raymond continues to build his goal tally and Kubalik continues to shine in setting up his teammates.
Fans and pundits alike want to see if Detroit can “squeak in… to the playoffs. I just want to see improvement. We’re getting it on many fronts. Seider doesn’t look like a 2nd year player, neither does Raymond. Larkin keeps pushing and Suter and Copp seem to be finding their game. Rasmussen can be his own worst enemy at times. Soderblom could use time in the AHL, but he may not get it. The injury carousel is in full swing. At least he’s not riding pine like Jurco did in the day.
In the end, the very best for this team would be to see another couple players with 30 (or more) goals, a full NHL complement of defenders and forwards, and an attitude that shows they are ready to take on this division. Toronto and Tampa Bay are waiting. That could be a serious reality check. If Toronto ever gets their defense sorted out (building around Muzzin may not have been the best idea) that is an even scarier team.
Let’s see where we land. Being dead last didn’t move us up the board, maybe finishing in 8th, 9th or 10th from the bottom will. Regardless, I’m proud of how the team competed tonight. You just had a goalie that was ready for the task. One out of 2 points, not bad after a nice little win streak. We’ll face the Rangers again on Thursday and bodies will start returning. It’s probably safe to assume that Luff is going to be on IR. Zadina is gone for 6-8. Bert skated today but is still some weeks away. Vrana, hoping he finds a way to be and feel healthy because his shooting percentage would be more than welcome!
I hope you’re enjoying the season. I truly am. This is a different team, and I’m seeing players step up. Hronek having Seider just in front of him has helped him (plus that mustache). Kubalik is an absolute gift. Perron is helping young guys see what you can do when you don’t quit on the puck. Good things are happening.
First Period Detroit Goals: 5:41 Hoffman knocks a 8rebound into a wide open net. Not a good start.
During a Detroit PK, Larkin got a breakaway at 7:08 left. Earned a penalty shot. Unfortunately he was stopped, and his first shot was a bit of a whiff. Not sure if goal would could since he tried to shoot and missed.
At 16:29 Austin Czarnik, fresh off the bench, skated right into a Kubalik pass (more and more of those apples) and sent a shot straight in. His first in the Winged Wheel. Copp with the 2nd apple. Can’t say enough about how Kubalik seems to be part of goals in almost every game.
Austin Czarnik's first as a Red Wing. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/0VFphX7Kfh
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 9, 2022
Before too much of a celebration, with 15 seconds left Hoffman regains a one goal lead.
Score is 2-1 MTL Shots are 16-7 favoring Detroit If they take a period off, it could get ugly Well played overall, just bad scenarios
Second Period Detroit Goals:
No Detroit goals in the 2nd
At 8:07 Detroit gets a shot at a power play after a tripping call on Raymond. A lot of good looks but unable to convert.
Soon after expiration, Ras draws a penalty and Wings right back on advantage. Unable to convert, but really good movement again. Allen has been sharp and PK for MTL is cleaning out the crease.
Detroit gets another shot at the man advantage at 16:58.
2-1 Montreal Shots 30-17 in favor of Detroit
Third Period Detroit Goals:
At 10:37 Lucas Raymond tied things up as he continues to add to his numbers after a slow start. Assists by Suter (3) who had a fantastic pass right to Raymond and Larkin (10). The Captain is having a solid start and this line with Suter looks good. I’d be fine with Bert and Vrana working on the 2nd line at this point. Regardless, a much needed goal on Detroits 35th shot.
Hey RAYRAY! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/2w5ZGczrmR
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 9, 2022
Luff was driven into the boards by Slafkovsky at 14:37. He needed to have kept that cage for one more game. This was a nasty hit that resulted in a misconduct and a major penalty.
Unable to cash in for the first 2 minutes, it’s now 4 on 4 as Soderblom interfered with a Canadian’s player.
Wings survive 4 on 4, 1 minute of power play left. Wings fail to convert on major. Montreal ices puck after expiration, 26 seconds left. Wings and Habs are going to OT. Score is 2-2 Shots 40-29 favoring Detroit
Overtime goal:
No goal scored.
With 21.6 seconds left, Hoffman is sent to the box for tripping. Wings fail to convert, off to the shootout. Shots end up 43-33 in Detroit’s favor
Shootout: Caufield (MTL) - scores low glove side Raymond(DET) - stopped by Allen Suzuki (MTL) - scores stick side Perron (DET) - scores stick side, hard shot Drouin (MTL) - Husso manages to stop backhand Larkin (DET) - completely misses net