Follow me on Twitter
NHL Game Summary is posted here. I was unable to watch, some of you know the medical stuff going on. I hate to miss any games but this one sounds like a doozy with Walman getting a $2,500 fine.
Summary:
Final Score: 5-3 Detroit
Final Shots: 32-27 Buffalo
Unfortunately, watching highlights leaves a lot out of my ability to break this down. You’ll notice a difference in the format. First, it’s very clear that Buffalo has some muscle that Detroit could use. This isn’t a “get rid of people” observation, but a nod to the reality that the team needs to toughen up and I do think that’s coming. From what I have seen and his reputation, Mazur is going to help in that department.
However, the point differential is impressive. At a +20 Detroit stands 2nd in the east and 3rd in the league. A positive point differential at year’s end is a portion of a successful formula. There just seem to be more players who can score on fewer shots. I don’t know what Kane is going to bring to the mix, but the hopeful side is that there is more Ozone time which can help reduce the chances against.
Still, after being up 4-0 3 goals came creeping in from the opposition and that speaks to a concern from many of you. There are about 6 or 7 takes as to what the issue is. Physicality, definitely getting overpowered at points. Defensive structure can fall apart at times, goalies giving up 3 or more. The goals against will be a bigger deal the closer the season gets to playoff time. The commitment required to fight for every inch of ice is tough and takes its toll.
Still, 3 straight and 2nd in the Atlantic is a good place to be. I do think the team can address some of these issues (and we’ll find out that someone is playing hurt etc). This is an exciting team to watch. There are players in development that can help on the physical side. The goal over the summer (per Yzerman and LaLonde’s occasional pressers) was to add goals. That certainly seems to have been done.
On a side note, it was very cool to see Larkin get on the board. Hoping that very good things lay ahead of he and his family. Being able to jump into a game and show up on the scoreboard is one of those wonderful break away moments and I hope he gets many more.
Let me know your thoughts, and if there’s something the group can do collectively to avoid the physical losses and goals against. We may well see something very special tomorrow as the team adds a different dynamic to the mix.
Detroit goals:
Larkin opens scoring - there was debate as to whether puck went out of play. Still a nice rip, solid flex from the captain
Fabbri keep contributing after return. Good example of staying at the net and looking for rebounds
Seider’s power play rip. Still shaking my head on the talent this young man has and how he continues to look to improve.
Rasmussen’s blue line walk in, GWG. As with several this year, Gostisbehere starts the play in Detroit’s zone, he gets the puck to Petry who finds Ras at the Ozone blue line. The Big man just skates straight forward and goes 5 hole.
Larkin’s empty net to seal it, 100th multi point game:
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»