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Game summary:
The first two periods had promise. Chicago was clearly not the team they’d been for the past decade plus. However, a penalty shot, a short handed faceoff loss leading to a goal and a beauty tied it up. Hawks then took it over in overtime
Yes, Bertuzzi and Vrana are unavailable. 2/3ds of last years projected top line. Hawks had no Debrincat and their Stanley Cup core has been depleted.
First things first, faceoffs. It gets brushed aside by many in the comments, but Hawks won nearly 62% of faceoffs, one which led right to a goal. Even on the power play faceoff losses cost you.
Zadina looks scared to play the game. That is a very bad sign and I have no solution to it. The mental side of the game ends careers almost as much as injuries and age. I heard and NHLer that I know say, “once you start worrying, you’re done…. Seems simple enough. Players can bounce back, but sports therapy should probably be in Zadina’s future.
Here’s the good news, Wings haven’t lost in regulation yet. Of 4 games played they have 6 points. There wasn’t enough desperation from enough players. 4 day hangover? Who knows. Thank goodness Larkin came back after what looked like a rib injury. A similar injury punctured Bergeron’s lungs and he played through several playoff games that way. That’s guts ball, er, puck.
Mrazek, good grief did he look rough. Now a journeyman and on a team that has ownership that wants to start losing. Murphy’s goal was a bit of a surprise on the other side. Even Kane looked out of sorts for good portions of the game. Who knows what this boost will do to that room.
Back to Detroit, this loss better be a strong cup of coffee. A penalty shot you can’t do much about. The Murphy goal was a missed assignment at the faceoff. Copp still seems to be finding his game, and all centers could use a refresher course in winning battles in the dot. Thankfully, Seider and Raymond can take a neutral puck and turn it into possession. Seider does so many small but important things during the game. Very excited for his future.
Detroit gets a day off and a short trip back home. No jet lag excuses. The team needs to bear down on the puck and find that desperation needed to move things forward. I don’t know of LaLonde has a blender theory for lines, we’ll soon find out.
Wings should feel a bit disappointed in this one. Having controlled the game twice by 2 goals and losing is not a good sign. Of the things that have to change, that’s certainly one of them.
First Period Detroit goals: At 9:26 Suter scored a tip after a shot from the point. It trickled in past Mrazek, just a strange look at the puck rolled in. Hagg and Lindstrom on the assists.
Looks the same on the scoreboard! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/IhK4NZfb7r
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 22, 2022
At 10:33 Detroit found themselves on the power play and the Captain made it count. A nice wrist shot from outside of the slot and the gigantic screen of Soderblom and it’s 2-0 Detroit with assists from Kubalik and Hronek( who collected his 100th career assist)
PPG for Larkin. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/WlY3qvLbAx
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 22, 2022
Second Period Detroit goals:
At just past the 11 minute mark, Kubalik tipped a shot from the point and restored Detroit’s 2 goal lead. It was a beautiful bounce deflected from about waist high. Maata gets the assist who now has 4 assists and 1 goal in 4 games played
Kuby tips it in as Maatta stays hot! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/xtD5Dy41XH
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 22, 2022
Third Period Detroit goals:
No third period goals by Detroit