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Third period summary - except for an empty net goal, this was a 1 goal game. Detroit had 28 shots on net, and only one went in. Greiss stopped 28 of 30, still outstanding. There’s more talent on one side of the ice, and immensely so. That said, there were some very impressive looks. Zadina is really a shot in the arm to this Detroit team. His loss was felt deeply. At some point, the positives will add up enough to equal success. By last year’s standings, the worst team played the best team and lost by 2 (one was an empty net). This same effort in Nashville or Chicago would yield better results. Detroit is now heading to Florida, who has had their number for a long time now. The effort from tonight needs to be replicated. It may not equal success, but it will certainly show the desire to continue to improve.
Second period Summary - Detroit played a very D minded brand of hockey in the second. Did very well breaking up rushes and cycles. Occasionally there would be a rush down the ice, and some decent looks. Because of this I finally got a very good look at Tampa’s system. When Detroit would have a good look in the O zone, there were 4 lightning ready to roll in the neutral zone. Goodrow’s goal was a quick jump off the bench and join the play. TB is playing 4-1 and constantly attacking. The level of talent on the bench and in the net keep this from burning them. They have great skaters who can get back into the play. Keep an eye on the neutral zone. You’ll notice how quick they work to transition. Forwards will change while Detroit rushes to the O zone. There is always a TB forward behind the play. The only way to burn this systems is to beat the goalie multiple times. Much easier typed than done.
First period summary - much, much better out of the gate. Detroit was able to keep Tampa in their own zone for the first couple minutes. The team had more jump, were throwing hits, and skating hard. Zadina may well be the most exciting player on the ice. It seems like he’s stirring things up when he’s out there. His speed and skating are impressive. Enough to send Hedman to the box by getting around him on a nice breakaway. His assist came as a wicked fast wrist shot that surprised almost everyone. This kid seems to get better every time I see him. Many fans had written him off (I’d even had someone tell me that Veleno was way better). At the very least, the defense has their heads on a swivel when #11 is out there. Mantha and Smith are mixing it up out there, a good sign. A good job on the PK at the end as Maroon was buried in front of the net. Much better watch tonight.
World renown pastor Jim Cymbala wrote a book called, “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire”. It was Cymbala who took over the once dilapidated Brooklyn Tabernacle church and was behind a revival that saw a church of dozens become a massive 6 service per Sunday church with one of the best choirs in the world. (None of whom could read music). Cymbala’s first Sunday sermon saw a pew literally split in half down the middle and sent a few members tumbling. What’s the point? When I look at the team struggles, I have to remember that I’ve seen worse.
I only know all of this because the book was required reading for a college course. The ideas of bringing in a breath of fresh air and a new fire of passion certainly could apply to this team. 5 hour Wednesday night prayer vigils probably aren’t the answer (or maybe they should be? Perhaps an exorcism?). All in all, Detroit will have chewed the gristle on that last one longer than a Denny’s steak that costs $4.99. Eventually you just spit it out and move on. There is a fresh breath of air coming tonight, a very motivated Filip Zadina.
The title of the blog is a shoutout to the 80s kids. Every movie seemed important, with the film “Breakin’” at the top of our lists (Rad, Transformers the animated movie among some of the others) and was a deep dive into the world of breakdancing. At the end of the movie, in rap format, someone rhymed out, “look out for Breakin 2, Electric Boogaloo”. And so, from that moment, I call every single sequel “Electric Boogaloo”. You’re welcome.
Now that we’re out of church and out of 80s pop culture (combine both and you get Footloose) we can take a solid and serious look at tonight. The first 4 minutes of Wednesday’s game were pretty much like the first 10 minutes of The Empire Strike’s back. Giant mechanized horses and a Yeti completely dismember the base, and everyone is looking for a kangaroo to hide in. (More 80s nerd stuff, you’re welcome again). What I myself lost in the fray was that, TB only scored two more after that opening flood. In fact, Detroit was able to get some decent looks, and Mantha found the back of the net again.
Tonight’s contest will feel much more palatable if Detroit can survive the first five minutes and keep it to a one or 2 goal contest. Zadina could be the type of player that is all adrenaline first game back and cause some trouble in the offensive zone. It sounds like Glendening had some words with the room about intensity. They may not have been Hallmark worthy, but with Mantha and Glenny both trying to make some hits it should land.
Be competitive, be engaged, be physical, and have some pride in the logo you are blessed to be wearing. When this team is embarrassed, it’s an embarrassment to everyone who’s worn it. Gordie, Ted, Steve, Nick, Henrik, pick your poison. The team’s not at a point where a solid effort can guarantee a win. The team needs to play for pride. Effort and engagement can be controlled. Facing a talent laden roster cannot. Focus, shift by shift, on what you can do and completely ignore what you can’t.
I’ll be doing in between period updates, and look forward to your in put as well. Let me know how you see this shaking out. See you in the comments
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