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Wings nearly foiled by Tokarski
Game summary:
42- 16. The shots on net favored Boston nearly 3 to 1 for much of the game. And yet, Nedeljkovic stopped 41 of 42 and ended up with a .976 saves percentage. It’s easy to forget that Detroit has 3 rookies who are tearing it up. Tonight was Ned’s night.
There was a lot of footage on how to play in the NHL. Unfortunately, most of it belongs to Boston. They averaged 14 shots per period to Detroit’s averaging just over 5. Boston had 8 in the first and 17 in both the second and the third. Detroit had 5, 5 and 6. That is a healthy differential for the Bruins, but Ned stood tall. Very, very tall.
Most of you know that I try to give credit where credit is due. Zadina has been knocking on the door for so long. His work far outweighs the scoreboard results. He caused a turnover that turned into his goal tonight. Staal skated in hard to grab the game winner. Other than that, Nedeljkovic carried this team. You need that at times. A goalie has to steal you a couple games. For Boston, it felt like they did everything right except win the game.
The B’s tempo is impressive. Getting the puck from one end to the other. Set plays that see a right shot forward waiting on the doorstep on the strong wing while the center draws 2 or 3 players away. Over and over, you can see that play develop where a tap in goal becomes very feasible. Ned was just outstanding and shut down all but a 5 on 3 powerplay (Boston’s 35th shot on net).
Past the first quarter, it’s clear that Ned can adjust his game. He went from a team that was much stronger in defensive coverage to the wild Wild West (figuratively of course). He’s seeing high volumes and adapting. Detroit still needs to find their possession game. However, getting a win is part of building the team sometimes.
It is my sincere hope that Zadina can draw some confidence from his goal. It was beautiful. It was the result of hard work (which he does consistently). Sometimes the switch flips on and players make the connection.
Congrats to Ned, he needn’t bring his wallet to the next few dinners I’m sure. He’s got a great sense of humor and may end up being a big part of this rebuild. With a stud developing in juniors, it’s never a bad idea to have 2 really good goalies in the fold.
As for me, tonight was more of the same. Turn off the sound, eventually just have to have Game Center available. The game I love has become harder and harder to watch. DVRs are a blessing. I can watch the game in “bite size pieces”, but it still takes a toll. I don’t know what is next, but I can tell you all how much I’ve loved this. Every word I type is a blessing. Every page click and comment from you has been a gift. The team is much more exciting to watch, and I love seeing your enthusiasm. There are so many great things ahead for the Detroit Red Wings.
Fist period Wings’ goals:
No goals in the first period
Second Period Wings’ goals:
Filip Zadina thought he had his 4th of the season in Buffalo. He didn’t make contact and so he was thwarted again. Tonight in Boston, he made good on a breakaway. Zadina had his own 2nd assist as he created a turnover, Suter jumped on the ice and got the puck back to him. Zadina then broke in and found himself alone in front of the goalie and elevated a backhand glove side. Nicely done for the frustrated winger.
Zadina’s 4th of the season:
*Boston outshooting the Wings nearly 3-1 at 17-6 8:40 into the second.
Third period Wings’ goals:
If you’re getting outshot 39 to 13 at about the 12 minute mark in the 3rd period, you don’t expect to be tied 1-1. Nedeljkovic is working on a heist, and Detroit managed to regain the 1 goal lead on a power play. On a delayed penalty while Detroit was already on the man advantage, Namestnikov’s shot on goal left a juicy rebound for Marc Staal who skated into the puck and buried it for his first of the season. It almost looked like Rasmussen got his stick blade on the puck before it went to Staal. If he did, he’ll get the primary assist. For now it’s Lindstrom, Namestnikov on the assists
Staal’s first of the season:
Some of my previous posts:
Wings nearly foiled by Tokarski
Nedeljkovic stand tall, Wings beat STL 4-2
Wings fall to Stars
Wings vs Jackets post game 
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