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Summary: The Red Wings forwards have a lot to do with the improvement in defense. So many times throughout the month we’ve seen a forward assisting one of the D deep in their own zone. There’s also been a forward back as a rush is reversed. Drastic reduction in odd man situations. Add to that Lyon just stepping up and something very special has turned for this team.
Seeing Copp get to double digits, Seider gets his 100th career assist and Larkin gets his 200th career (and 201) goal. The line of Copp, Rasmussen and Fischer continue to create opportunities and close in defensively. The shift is palpable, and the general buzz in the city is just unreal. A combination of Red and Blue jerseys, fans chanting for both Red Wing and Lions players. The environment is electric.
All fairness, VGK is missing some high end talent. Detroit benefitted from a team that just played and along with a reduction in their immensely talented roster. Still, it was a 2 point night against a team that had myself and others a bit nervous. As the score was quickly tied at 2 after Detroit was up 2-0 the feeling was not great. Still, the team kept at it. The disciplined play with players available to help out deep in their own zone and much better decision making on many outlet passes.
The Griffins had a crazy night. Up 3-0, down 4-3 then winning it 6-4. A lot of good things are happening. The acquisition of Lyon just looks fantastic right now. If Detroit can grab 1 or 2 points from Ottawa it will be a fantastic way to enter the break. Let me know what you’re seeing and if this is a the team that will finish out the year. Very impressive outing in a tough schedule.
Detroit First Period goals: Larkin opened the scoring at 5:04 as Petry steals the puck, gets it to Raymond, over to Debrincat and onto the Captain’s stick for his 21st of the season and 200th career. 1-0 DET
A milestone marker! Captain @Dylanlarkin39 breaks the ice with his 200th career goal! 🚨#LGRW pic.twitter.com/eBcTt2Tuw2
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 28, 2024
At 7:00 Perron let go a drop pass near the blue line and Walman walked into it for his 10th of the season. 2-0 DET ( a minute later VGK gets one back after a defensive breakdown in front of the net)
We have blast off! 🚀 An absolute rocket from @walman_9 has the Red Wings up by a pair early! 🚨#LGRW pic.twitter.com/vABJSDB7Wd
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 28, 2024
Late in the period Debrincat gets boarded. With 1:43 left Veleno scored on the power play. He took a pass from Seider and tried a cross crease pass to Debrincat that went off a VGK defenseman and in. 3-2 DET
Shots: 10-9 VKG Score: 3-2 DET
Detroit Red Wings Second Period goals: No Second Period goals
Shots: 23-21 DET Score: 3-2 DET
Third Period Detroit goals
At 11:47 Copp stopped a D zone entry pass, got the puck to Rasmussen who skated the puck into the O zone. He got the puck back to Copp who scored his 10th of the year. 4-2 Detroit.
101 for Copper! 😎 pic.twitter.com/wj7z8Pnfiv
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 28, 2024
With 1:30 left, Seider blocked a shot, Compher got the puck to Raymond who found Larkin. Larkin with an empty net tally. 5-2 DET
An empty net tally from @Dylanlarkin39, his second goal of the game, will seal this one! 🚨#LGRW pic.twitter.com/PRSXJQN8yE
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 28, 2024
Shots: 30-29 VGK Score: 5-2 DET