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Game Summary: Before I go on, I truly do send condolences to Ovi and family. He and his dad were very close and his presence helped #8 as a young man in North America. I have a small urn from my dad’s passing in 2015 (ashes were split between 15 or so people. Dad was married 4 times and had 14 kids). I wasn’t nearly as close but it is still something that changes you (that and being too close to 50).
I’ll take it head on. Larkin’s hit to Oshie I can see meriting a major and even 10 minute misconduct. If Oshie had to leave the game, misconduct makes more sense. Oshie didn’t go to protocol and was right back for the power play. I like T.J. He’s been through a lot, plays the game hard, and his shootout goals for team USA are a fantastic memory. Just not sure how a hit to the head that’s ejection worthy doesn’t warrant concussion protocol.
Past that, I felt like I sat through 2 or 3 games. Wings outshooting caps 21-12 after 2 and then in the third were just dominated but Suter (who looks like a player reborn) scores his second of the night and final shots were 27-25 Washington. They had 15 shots in the third, Detroit had 4. Husso was really good for that third period assault as the Caps were in control of the puck.
However, there were times in the first 2 periods where Detroit looked to have the game in firm control. Vrana ended a 6 minute barrage with an important block that led to a Suter goal. Vrana and Veleno both looked fast and had some good looking shifts early on. It was good to see Hagg get his first as a Red Wing as well.
Detroit took 4 of 5 on this road trip, and swept Western Canada. To be so close to the wild card spot at this point in the season feels like a huge step forward. Although the power play didn’t cash in (kudos to aggressive kill by Washington) the rankings there are a big step forward. 14th in the league, 2nd on the road.
In the case of Vrana, I felt like he played the game he needed to. His back check was very good and he stayed engaged. I would be disappointed if he didn’t earn a spot Thursday against a Rangers team that has been making big moves. They seem to be motivating the Islanders to want to do something big, with rumors of Patrick Kane (who was none too happy at not going to the Big Apple at this point).
I am out of breath. This one kind of had it all. Top scorer ejected, team having some really good shifts and shifts of being bailed out in net. Washington is not the same team right now, and there was a lot of physicality and pressure to try and grab a win.
At the end of it all, 8 of 10 points on this trip is a bit of a surprise, and a welcome one. Seeing Suter come alive has also been a welcome sight. Perron is probably not well liked by the opposition right now, but for Detroit he is doing a lot to make plays and help this team.
The Rangers and then the Lightning await this team. Those could be games that end up determining moves Yzerman will or won’t make before the deadline. Being a decision that comes down to the wire is a refreshing change of pace for the rebuild.
First Period Detroit goals:
At 10:16 Detroit scored the game’s first tally has Hagg rippped a shot and found the back of the net as there was plenty of activity in front of the Caps goalie to create a screen by Perron. Hagg’s first as a Red Wing was assisted by Bertuzzi and Maata. 1-0 Detroit
Robert Hagg gets the boys going. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/WqTilz1wgl
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 22, 2023
Soon after Larkin was given a game misconduct for a hit to the jaw of Oshie. I’ll give Larkin the benefit of the doubt on intent, but it looked bad.
With 5:38 and in the midst of the major, Suter scores a short handed goal. He has really come on lately. 2-0 Detroit
Where mama hides the cookies 🤌 pic.twitter.com/TFVXGF8foM
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 22, 2023
Caps get one back with 2:00 left in the major. Only ended up scoring once, so with the shorty against a break even. Seeing Oshie come back in and go at it makes me question the ejection at least a little. It looked like he was going to be “in the room… from his reaction but was never taken out of play.
Shots: 8-5 Detroit Score: 2-1 Detroit
Second Period Detroit goals: No second period goals
Oshie draws a tripping penalty on Berggren early in the period. Wings kill penalty but get hemmed in badly. Husso bailed them out and finally stops play.
To their credit, Wings come back and tilt the ice after an important block by Vrana.
Shots: 21-12 DET (Rush fans rejoice) Score: 2-1 DET
Third Period Detroit goals:
After Detroit was completely hemmed in for almost 6 minutes, at 6:24 Suter got his second of the night and restored the 2 goal lead. For whatever reason he looks like a different player over this road trip. 3-1 Detroit.
Pius with ANOTHER big goal. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/mrZ0abotYu
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 22, 2023
Shots: 27-25 WASH Score: 3-1 DET