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Summary: At the start, the crowd felt like a big presence. Really good energy from the fans for this home opener. Honestly, more than being a good crowd they were into it. It looked like a fun place to be. Debrincat’s first game for his hometown team sees him take the first star.
Full marks to Stamkos and co, as the Bolts captain took 2nd star and proved that he can still rip the puck. This game had a little bit of everything. Strange goals, physicality, tense moments, and a goal with .7 seconds left on a clear that was just meant to run out the clock.
Raymond played a physical game and looked energized for this one. Larkin made some strong plays on the take away and of course Debrincat tickled the twine. Sprong scored again by being in the muck, still showing a good shot but his first two have come from getting in the “dirty areas….
Larkin’s 3rd star skate saw him inviting the crowd to get even louder. Debrincat’s parents had a misty eyed incredible night watching their son play for his hometown team and be a huge difference.
Fun second game, glad to see pucks on net and the seats filled. Let me know your thoughts on what you saw.
First Period: Rasmussen is getting looks tonight, but the first goal came from Sprong after Debrincat intercepted a clearing attempt and shot the puck. It laid on the goal line as Sprong putted it in for his 2nd goal in 2 games. 1-0 DET at around the 5 minute mark. Shortly after seeing Raymond add some new decor to the home bench on a check saw the crowd just go even more. This game may have some of the best energy I can remember in an opener since the move to LCA.
At 7:34, Stamkos looked to have tied it up but it’s under review as possibly going off a glove. Video seems to confirm, no goal for Tampa. Still 1-0 DET.
At 9:30 Walman and Veleno had a 2 on 0 and failed to capitalize. Lightning came back and tied it up as Hedman got a perfectly flat pass teed up for Stamkos. 1-1.
Stamkos is all over the Wings right now. Nearly had another just seconds later.
Maata looked Ike a disaster as a block on his shot turned into a 1 on 0 for Hagel. Detroit has lost al momentum at this point and need to get back into it. 2-1 TBL.
With 5:25 left Debrincat got his 2nd of the year and 2nd point of the night as a shot bounced off Glendening and all the way into the net. Bizarre bounce. 2-2
With 3:06 left Detroit gets their first look at the man advantage. Wings fail to convert, one or two good looks.
Score: 2-2 Shots: 14-10 DET
Second Period:
At 2:01, the Wings top line tonight (Raymond, Larkin, Debrincat) entered the O zone. Larkin got the puck away from Hedman and Raymond got his first of the year. Raymond has looked very engaged all over, physically as well. 3-2 Detroit. Shots 17-11 DET
Sprong is really standing out. His goals were both on plays in front of the net, but his shot is impressive. Wings are just all over the Lightning right now and it’s a bit shocking. Raymond, I really hope he gets it going this year. That line just keeps running into the zone and creating buzz.
With 9:07 left Stamkos just ripped a wrister and went bar down. Just a beauty of a shot. 3-3.
With 4:37 left Detroit regained the lead as Compher tipped a nice shot from Seider at the line. 4-3 DET. Shots 28-17 DET.
With 1:03 left in the period Sprong to the box for holding as TBL goes to the advantage. Copp gets a diving clear in the final seconds.
Score: 4-3 DET Shots: 32-18 DET
Third Period:
Wings kill off penalty, at 4:44, Larkin gets a steal in the D zone and a 2 man breakaway with Debrincat. Dylan defers a late cross crease pass and Debrincat got his 2nd of the night. 5-3 Detroit.
With 11:09 to go, chaos in Detroit’s crease as Seider and Walman remove Point from the crease. Seider takes a hard hit from behind from Sergachev and ended up dangerously on the ice after being pulled from behind. Interesting to sort all this out.
Ends up as a Tampa power play. 47 seconds in Hedman gets TBL back within one. 5-4 Detroit. Detroit not happy with the scenario but need to stay composed
With 3 minutes left, TB pulled the goalie and Detroit managed to hang on. Seider went for a clear and scored on an empty net with .7 seconds left.
Score: 6-4 Detroit Shots: 42-26 Detroit