At the beginning of the year, I tend to look at teams and try to guess wins, losses, or possible OT. Early in the season, I typically pencil in an “automatic loss… to Toronto. In short, this is a team that Detroit has to severely outwork to have any chance of success at all. In saying that, there are so many offensive weapons at Toronto’s disposal that the Wings best effort can still result in a tough loss. As I’d said regarding Montreal two days ago, an overtime loss would be a “win… in my book. However, I was wrong about Montreal. The wings picked up their first regulation win in Montreal since 2007. I was shocked.
Technically, any team has the chance to win on any given night. No one wins 82 games, and no one loses 82 games. The uphill battle for Detroit tonight is two fold. One, Toronto is loaded with players who can make you look really bad. Matthews can get a hat trick, Tavares can get hot, Marner and Nylander both have the ability to have a really strong multi point night. And, Andersen can shut the door. Hard. (Not sure if he’s in net tonight). The other issue tonight is that Toronto is in a VERY bad mood after a tough loss to Tampa Bay. It was “team meeting… bad. The leafs know how much talent they have, and losing to Detroit tonight would be viewed as “unacceptable….
IF Detroit were to come away with a win tonight, it would mean some combination of the following: our goalie stood on his head, the Larkin line (LARMANZZI) somehow combines for 4 or more goals, and Detroit somehow carries the play for an obscene amount of time. Getting behind Toronto’s D is imperative, and having sustained pressure without missing the net. Toronto is a team that can break out quickly and dangerously. A big save from Anderson (or a missed shot) gets launched by a defenseman to center ice and a high skill forward is in all alone for a golden opportunity. It happens, and it’s tough to watch.
For this year’s Red Wings, I am focusing mainly on effort (playing 60 mins), creating chances, and the defense being able to get the puck out of their own zone. Even in a loss, if those things are happening it is a step in the right direction.
I sincerely hope I am wrong and Detroit pulls out another win tonight. They need secondary scoring, badly. Hoping to see Athanasiou break out a bit. Enjoy the game!
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