Just a brief summary of what was a very disappointing effort from Detroit on Tuesday night, 10/15. In the pregame report, I found myself concerned that should this game come down to special teams, Detroit was not going to do well. I was also impressed that Vancouver seems to have much balanced scoring. Both of these issues ended up haunting Detroit.
A quick start to the game saw Dylan Larkin score just 30 seconds in. Assists from, you guessed it, Mantha and Bertuzzi. There was a decent “back and forth… in the period, but with just over 2 minutes left, Mike Green made a soft pass in the offensive zone that was intercepted and led to Vancouver’s first tally. For the final two minutes of the first period, Vancouver seemed to take over.
The second period saw 2 power play goals for the Canucks (and 1 even strength). Alex Edler and JT Miller both scored on the man advantage. Elias Petterson added the even strength Tally. JT Miller scored another power play tally in the third. 3 power play goals for Vancouver, and a perfect penalty kill.
The PK for Vancouver was over 92% going into the game, and held up to that insanely high number once again. The power play came alive. Detroit had no answer.
I give high marks to Jay Beagle, whose line was tasked with shutting down the Larkin Line. As was evident in the game against Anaheim, teams quickly became aware to focus most effort on the top line. There is still no supporting cast.
At one point in the first period, Athanasiou seemed to be working his shoulder, and in a good deal of pain. I have an unfounded notion that perhaps he’s trying to fight through something to try and find his game. Taro Hirose has been stymied, and Luke Glendening is simply not going to create offense. He is our best faceoff specialist. Going into the game his percentage was over 56% on draws. The next best was Larkin at 43%. It is clear, to me, that Glendening is the faceoff insurance for Athanasiou. Though, Glendening admitted to having a bad night at the dot, he was still at 50%.
The concerns that I had at the beginning of the year were on full display. Dekeyser going down seemed to expose an already fragile defensive squad. Full marks to a potent offense in Vancouver. I don’t want to take away from an impressive effort there. A very strong performance from a rookie goaltender as well.
The Wings will need to recover quickly for the Alberta swing. Calgary seems to bring out the worst in this squad and could be a bit of “Smash brothers on ice…. From there, Edmonton. That could be a very difficult couple of days.
I do want to look for positives in this. From player and coach quotes, I’m not hearing excuses. The team fully accepts a lack of execution. This team has to be the hardest working team on the ice each game to give themselves a chance. It would be a good showing if they can somehow salvage 3 points and go 1-1-1 on this swing. That is going to take a lot more than what they showed in Vancouver.
Thanks to everyone who is taking time to read and comment on these posts. It is, even in losses, a dream come true to be writing this blog. I sincerely hope I can relay relevant information respectfully and give due respect to this team and its fans
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