Follow me on Twitter Follow @TheJeremyLaura

In my pregame write up I looked at the contribution from Detroit’s depth players. The victory against Chicago had a lot to do with stellar goaltending, depth scoring, and the power play breaking through. Well, Detroit got two of those things tonight...

First, congrats to Svechnikov (again). He unleashed a wicker wrist shot on the power play to “narrow” Chicago’s lead from 5-1 to 5-2. Gagner scored on a beautiful tip in goal at the end of the first period. The score, at that point, was 2-1 Chicago. Detroit played 2 good periods. And then, the wheels came off. That nagging detail of outstanding goaltending wasn’t able to buy them a third period. In fact, Detroit had 46 shots on net, and only 2 went in. Chicago got the superior goaltending tonight and Detroit was humiliated 7-2.

The positives? Detroit got a lot of shots on net. Gagner and Svechnikov netted the 2 tallies. The power play clicked again. The negatives? Pretty much the third period.

We knew Chicago would be driven, even upset, to make amends for yesterday’s loss. They did so. Detroit only has to see the ‘Hawks 2 more times this season (thank God). Hopefully next season will see a more normal schedule where we only play this team twice all season. Even as they head toward breakdown and rebuild, Chicago has Detroit’s number.

With a day off to travel and lick their wounds, Detroit will next face Columbus. A team that has failed to meet expectations, but still has enough talent to make life difficult. Hopefully Detroit can bounce back and make a game of it.

Join the Discussion: » 58 Comments » Post New Comment

» The numbers - 5 seasons of Yzerman and the Yzerplan

» Who was your MVP for Detroit this season?

» Wings win shootout, but Caps win - Buium signs - 2 to GR, 1 to waivers

» Detroit climbs out of 4-1 deficit and win in overtime 5-4

» 2 more must wins (help needed), Husso setback, Is Larkin the team’s MVP?