Follow me on Twitter Follow @TheJeremyLaura
Game Summary
Welcome to the Atlantic Division. In my opinion, the toughest and the division where Detroit will see a lot of second half action. I want to give some credit to Fabbri. Just coming back, he was playing hard and making an impact. Hits, a goal, just non stop work. He’s not a top tier player, but there is something in his game and attitude that really gets the team moving .
2 of Florida’s 3 goals were on the play. Neither of Detroit’s were (though Fabbri’s was a 6 on 5 with goalie pulled). Special teams have been brutal. My in game convo led to the thought that we may see a changing of the guard on special teams over the summer.
But, let’s be clear. Part of this is just flat out talent. Florida is loaded with more veteran talent. Tkachuk was a huge acquisition, Ekblad, Bobrovski and a team that is in sync with each other. Yes, not the start to the year they wanted, but a second half that could be very promising.
Please, don’t count on Detroit’s slip in the ranks as a better “shot… at the first overall pick. I haven’t seen lottery luck that bad since a former relative spent more than a 30k inheritance on scratch and win and didn’t win anything. I have seen things that would make you want to cry. (I also remember Detroit casino’s accepting the bridge card for gambling).
This is the painful part of the rebuild. Seider will continue to improve, I believe Raymond will as well. Walman’s skating ability continues to impress me. Perron is falling back into some bad habits and taking penalties the Wings are having trouble killing.
There is plenty of upside to this team, but they’re not all on the same page yet. That takes some time. Passes to empty/open spots on the ice and miscommunication are just part of implementing a new coaching philosophy. Detroit did outshoot Florida. The last 5 minutes or so were some exciting hockey. It just takes way too long for the team to find that gear.
Final thought - I would rather not have Larkin go to the all-star game. Not because he doesn’t deserve it, but he’s playing with 2 banged up hands. Some time off could do him some good. Assuming he doesn’t get in, Raymond would be a good substitution. Seider as well (though they try to be as even positionally as they can). Would love to see the captain heal up a bit and have a strong finish to the season.
Tomorrow night, the shooting gallery in blue. The Leafs can really burn you with their scoring talent. If you can get behind their D corps it’s a completely different game. We’ll see how this one goes, but it could be a long weekend.
First Period Detroit goals:
1:04 into the game Detroit had their best start in a while. Chiarot snapped a shot from the blue line and Berggren got a stick on it to tip it past Bobrovski. JB continues to look like someone who does not want to return to GR. Hronek on the 2nd apple
Bergy gets #6 on the year. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/dSKOi77Q8d
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 7, 2023
Not 2 minutes later FLA ties it up.
Shots: 6-6 Score: 1-1
Second Period Detroit goals: No Detroit goals in second
Wings fail to convert on power play, Florida doesn’t. 2-1 FLA
Shots: 18-13 DET Score: 2-1 FLA
Third Period Detroit goals:
Ekblad scores again on Power play. 3-1 FLA. Wings outshooting Panthers, but Bob has been very good after the opening tally
At 16:17 Fabbri got the Wings within 1. Very glad for RF. He’s played hard all game long. Took a pass from Hronek, walked in and flexed his stick as far as it could probably go. Copp with the 2nd assist. Copp is quietly starting to contribute more.
FABS HAS US WITHIN 1. pic.twitter.com/4Zs0bKsMEf
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 7, 2023
Shots: 31-20 DET Score: 3-2 FLA