Petr Mrazek sought redemption. The Detroit Red Wings looked to rebound.
They both got what they wanted.
A 4-1 win Saturday at Joe Louis Arena over the New York Islanders moved the Wings back atop the NHL’s Atlantic Division, a spot they share with the Montreal Canadiens, and gave them a significant triumph over one the of Eastern Conference’s top teams two days after being humbled 5-1 by the Lightning in Tampa Bay.
“We did lots of good stuff out there,… Detroit left-winger Tomas Tatar said. “That was a good bounce back for us.…
Chased for the second time in four games after allowing five goals in two periods of the loss at Tampa Bay, there was cause for concern where rookie goalie Mrazek was concerned.
Mrazek had posted a 5.36 goals-against average and .842 save percentage in his past four starts. Before that, following a 5-2 win over Nashville on Jan. 17, he had a 2.12 GAA and .923 save percentage.
Was the workload getting to the 22-year-old, who’d made 10 straight appearances since injuries deprived the Wings of No. 1 goalie Jimmy Howard (groin) and back-up Jonas Gutavsson (shoulder)?
Evidently not. Mrazek was rock solid Saturday, making 22 saves and is 7-1 in eight decisions since he ascended to the No. 1 netminder role in Detroit after starting the season with AHL Grand Rapids.
“We’re fortunate he’s been solid,… Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “Not many teams in the league are going to win seven of eight with their third goalie. It’s just not possible.
“We feel real positive about the depth of our goaltending.…
Mrazek was confident that his A-game would quickly return.
“You have to be mentally strong,… Mrazek said. “You just bounce back and be strong mentally and physically.
“It’s the NHL and it’s my first year here playing so many games in a row, so I’m learning how to be ready, how to prepare for every game, how to live here.…
It’s that strength of character that has the Wings believing in Mrazek.
“He’s really strong-minded and he’s been really good for us in the last games,… Tatar said. “When he got pulled in the last game, he showed his true performance in today’s game and was good for us.…
20-20 Vision Tatar netted his team-leading 22nd goal and when Gustav Nyquist tallied to ascend to the 20-goal plateau later in the game, it gave the Wings multiple 20-goal scorers for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
Johan Franzen (29), Jiri Hudler (25), Valtteri Filppula (23) and Henrik Zetterberg (22) all topped 20 goals.
The Wings have averaged four goals per game since Mrazek took over as their No. 1 goalie on Jan. 13.
Marching In Recalled from Grand Rapids, Alexey Marchenko played his first game of the season, stepping in on the Detroit defense without the benefit of a single practice at the NHL level this season.
Marchenko played one game with Detroit last season and felt that was of benefit to him Saturday.
“Compared to last year I was a little bit less nervous,… Marchenko said. “I know the guys from training camp and exhibition games.
“I just have to play my game, the same way I played in GR - smart defense, make quick passes out there, give the puck to the forwards.
“I try to be a smart defenseman.…
Brendan Smith, Marchenko’s partner Saturday, thinks he accomplished his goals.
“I really like the kid,… Smith said. I think he plays really well.
“Marchy is a hell of a competitor and that’s what you need as a D partner. I think there are some things that Marchy and I can work on. It’s our first game. You want to get used to your partner and kind of go through the system.
“He’s not totally familiar with the system, but Grand Rapids plays a similar style. If we can keep playing well we can keep getting better.…
“He wants to learn and that’s the best thing. So it’s been good.…
The Wings have high hopes for Marchenko, but ankle surgery that ended his 2013-14 campaign in February temporarily shelved those plans.
“Marchie got himself hurt last year, it took him a while to get going this year but he’s a steady, big man, a right-hand shot who knows how to play without the puck,… Babcock said. “We initially thought maybe he could go in our roster out of training camp, but he wasn’t able to get one (of the spots).
“It’s taken him some time but we knew he’d be back.…
Gustavsson to Minors Detroit assigned Gustavsson to Grand Rapids to give him some starts on a conditioning stint before he will make his expected return to Detroit.
“That’s a good step to get back,… Gustavsson said. “I haven’t really played much this year and it was a long time ago so that’s a good option.…
It’s also a step he’s certain that he’s ready to take.
“I feel good, I’ve been practicing for a long time now and I feel like I’m pretty good,… Gustavsson said.
Defenseman Brian Lashoff cleared NHL waivers Saturday at noon EST and was assigned to Grand Rapids.
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