Jimmy Howard put in what could easily be his best effort of the season tonight. Sebastian Aho’s 2nd period goal was more a case of lost net front battles than suspect goaltending. Unfortunately, Jimmy wasn’t rewarded for the effort. With 2:27 left in the third period, Carolina had outshot the Wings 35 to 18. Detroit then got the opportunity for a power play and pulled the goaltender to go 6 on 4. Poor decisions with the puck led to Teravainen scoring an empty net tally.
It is clear that Mantha’s absence is a hole that cannot be filled. The drop off in talent is just too steep. Zadina was called up and had some good looks, and some even better passes to his linemates. However, 3 games in 3 nights is a lot for anyone.
More frustrating than the loss is the effort. Detroit started the game well. Even though Carolina had the edge in shots, it was a tightly forechecked start and the defense seemed to be making smarter plays. Had the Wings started last night’s contest in New Jersey with this energy and attention, the game may well have turned out very differently. It still feels like this team only takes an opponent seriously if they are having success. When you’re at the bottom of the league, every team needs to be treated that way. About halfway through the game Detroit started turning over pucks at an alarming rate. Carolina has an amazing forecheck. Relentless and powerful. That club has something very special in the making.
The good news, Jimmy was tracking the puck very well. Several impressive blocker saves and much better movement. Hopefully he can continue that pace. Detroit needs the goalie to be one of the stars each night to collect points right now.
So now the Wings find themselves 6 games into a winless streak, with no points in the past 4. The schedule doesn’t get easier. Toronto is up next, and the club has a new energy. Before the season Toronto and Tampa were typically penciled in as “automatic losses…. This year, the Leafs have struggled but have seen a big boost in energy and confidence with a coaching change.
Zadina looked very good in the first. Blashill did little to help his situation. Putting Glendening on the second line with Athanasiou just seems short sighted. Blashill’s pregame comments did little to inspire confidence in the call up. For whatever reason, the coach doesn’t seem to want to give Zadina much of a shot right now. When fans are excited, for any reason, it would be a nice tip of the cap to reward that enthusiasm during a difficult year.
In all reality, Zadina will probably be quickly back in Grand Rapids. It may make more sense to allow Hirose a trip down I96 to solidify his confidence. There is something oddly Babcockian about the refusal to send a player down when they are clearly struggling. (See Tomas Jurco for the back story on that). The coach would rather scratch a player and keep them around rather then give them an opportunity to gain some confidence. Keep in mind this is opinion and not fact, as it were.
McIlrath has been a pleasant surprise. He may never rise to the level his first round selection would warrant, but his PK abilities and physical prowess are certainly welcome. Alex Biega has, thus far, not really stood out. Not every trade can be a Fabbri.
This team needs desperately to find its identity in game and quickly. Losses are expected, but so is progress. If the team isn’t winning or developing but are sliding, that’s the point of alarm. Larkin will give every ounce of energy he has. Bertuzzi as well. Mantha is already sorely missed. Athanasiou is coming on and Fabbri is a breath of fresh air. Filppula has seemed to found his game again. Hronek is, by far, the Wings best defenseman. Cholowski has glimpses of strong play. There are too many other blank spots. Helm and Nielsen did have some nice short handed chances tonight, just no finish.
I truly hope Zadina is given another game or 2 before being sent back. His development is easy to see. Much better skating, isn’t looking for the perfect shot and can find his linemates for some good chances. #11 is looking like a player knocking on the door, and it’s fun to see.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Keep it coming!
recently did a live radio musical performance you can see here Mac’s Cafe Performance
You can help support my blog and channel by getting a “stutter mug… here stutter mug
You can see my latest gear review here Harley Benton Fusion HSH
You can see my story here stuttering guitarist video
To learn more about me, visit stutteringguitarist.com
You can get some stutter-swag or music here Online Store