Follow me on Twitter
Third period/OT summary - Detroit played as good a third period as I can remember. Outshooting Chicago 9 to 3, and a goal from Djoos that was absolutely beautiful. Multiple chances to go ahead simply didn’t materialize into a much needed goal. The effort, though was fantastic. Going into overtime against a team with so many potent scoring threats is nerve wracking. An entire games effort can seem to simply disappear. That is just the reality of where Detroit is right now. A blown 3 on 1 at 3:40 in OT was again, a result of over passing and poor decision making offensively. Detroit simply doesn’t have the offensive prowess needed, and a great effort was shot down by a more talented team. Chicago won’t be getting close to any playoff successful with their play. It’s ridiculously one sided. For regular season, it is fun for the fans. As Detroit saw, the scoring will dry up and the full scale rebuild will take its natural course. While the Wings can celebrate much of what they did right, their complete lack of confidence concerning offense will haunt them. Greiss, again, was punished for keeping the team in it. Again, the effort was there, but a more talented team won, regardless of their lack of effort in 2.5 of 4 periods. That’s the reality of NHL hockey. At some point, effort will translate into results. For now, this is a game with many, many good elements that Detroit can build off of.
Second period summary - Detroit was in full control of the second period for about the first half. Multiple. Power plays have the Blackhawk squad nearly even in shots on goal. Greiss, the defense, and some fortunate bounces have kept this a one goal game. Detroit needs to get back to where they were in the first half of the game. Force Chicago to play in their own end. Stop taking bad penalties, or any penalties at all against such a high powered offense. Even if Detroit controls the final 20 minutes, they may still end up losing 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 (multiple empty net goals). The offense is knocking on the door, Subban is having a better game (and a much better season so far. Coming in he was a sub .900). The power play is an albatross. I’m not sure what they need to change, other than everything at this point. 5 on 5 they are playing good hockey, so that is where they need to find a way.
First period summary - Detroit outshot Chicago 13 to 6. Unfortunately the ‘Hawks scored twice on those 6 shots. Detroit’s 13th shot, with 14 seconds left, saw Namestnikov knock in a much need goal that was the definition of a hard working, get to the front of the net tally. Chicago, defensively, is sloppy. They’re a team benefitting from elite scoring and getting solid goaltending. They look lost in their own zone much of the time, even more than Detroit. It’s the type of one sided, almost lazy defensively game that will frustrate a rebuild. Detroit is doing a lot of things right. Chicago can hit the back of the net. The Red Wings laps in coverage on the first, and soft coverage on Kane for the second are backbreaking for this team. Too many times a soft spot in coverage is the nail in the coffin for a team that just can’t break out past 2 goals more often than not. Detroit would need to shut the gate for 2 periods and catch some friendly bounces to walk out of this with 1 or 2 points. Chicago just needs to do what they do. Ignore the defensive end of the ice and pour on the offense.
Dekeyser has cleared waivers, as Mlive reports. It’s not a surprise, and the move is citing “flexibility” for Dekeyser in terms of skating and rehabbing. Bertuzzi still hasn’t skated with the team, and Helm is out for another game. You can read about my thoughts, and check the comments, regarding Dekeyser’s waiver
Here
There’s no word on other waiver wire pickups or passes yet, but I’ll pass it on if it affects Detroit.
The Wings will face the Hawks for the third time this season tonight. I’ll post more pregame thoughts soon. Essentially, the Blackhawks’ power play is among the most effective in the league. Kane is on a points tear, and Debrincat has 8 goals on the season. Tonight could be as unpleasant as the 2nd came of the last series. The biggest difference for Detroit is that Zadina and Fabbri are in. Those two make an impact, no doubt. Detroit will have to stay out of the box and close gaps, block shooting lanes, and be physical. Even then you still face one of the top USA players of all time who can make something out of nothing. Hopefully it will be a fun watch tonight.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»