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Summary:
If Detroit had started the game the way they started the third period, this would have been a very different contest. For the first 5 minutes they were absolutely flying. Veleno, who I’ve been critical of in the past few years, scored an absolute beauty. It has me wondering if he and Copp should swap places in the lineup. Veleno came into the season with something to prove and he’s a bright spot in a very tough game.

Through the first two periods Detroit was outshot 23-13 and any sustained pressure was shut down by a very good defense and some excellent goal tending. The power play couldn’t break through, and the opposing team only needed 2 goals scored in the first period for the second straight game, though they added a penalty shot and empty net for good measure.

Since my last review was taken well out of context, I’ll make it as clear as I can. I talk about the 10 game increments and the team needs to get 12 to 13 points on average to be in the bubble. This team, when it’s going, looks like the best team we’ve seen in years. The first period has just looked disjointed both against Winnipeg and against Boston. Coach LaLonde said the team looked “tired” against the jets. For about half the game I’d agree.

For two straight games Detroit came out in the 3rd as a different team. How to transfer the end game effort to the beginning is a questions that’s been asked of other iterations. There is fresh talent that brings smart play and new opportunities. It’s just the “click” that’s missing at puck drop for the past two contests.

There’s a lot to like about Detroit, this isn’t a call to have anyone canned or shipped out. I don’t think there would be harm in moving Veleno up and giving Copp some more forgiving matchups. We knew one of Veleno, Berggren or Zadina would be headed out last year and Zadina turned out to be the odd player out. Berggren is a good depth player. Is it possible that Veleno has tapped into something that should have the staff do some realigning? That’s obviously their call.

You can’t undersell the Bruins on their defensive play. Even with big departures there is a hardwired system in the team. Pastrnak is just about everything you could want in a modern power forward. Strong, really good shot, not afraid to battle in the corners. McAvoy brings something special to the blue line. Again, it’s early in the season and the President’s cup winners of last year had a much longer summer than they wanted. Detroit started the year hungry, Boston started the year hangry. We don’t know how the tides will shift in the tough spots of the year.

There were glimpses. Reasons to be enthusiastic about the additions that have come in. Detroit has dropped two straight and on Monday face the Islanders. If the Wings come out flying, ready to go and find a way to replicate what they found in the third period, it could be a much better ending for the young team.



First Period:

Boston looked strong on their first shift and around the 2 minute mark looked like they came close. Only one recorded shot on net and it belongs to Boston 3 minutes in. It seems like the puck has been in the Wings D zone, but not a lot of sustained attack. At 4:05 Detroit had their first really good look but Swayman is sharp. The resulting faceoff saw another puck stopped and frozen by the netminder.

Seider was taken down on a puck battle. I don’t know if he lost a couple pounds but he seems to struggle a little more in board battles this season. Fantastic skater and can jump into the rush, just needs to be heavier on his stick.

Beautiful chance by Debrincat at 6 minutes, but the rebound resulted in a 4 man rush by Boston. Luckily, Detroit was able to draw a penalty and head to their first power play. The 2nd best advantage against the #1 PK. You can feel the loss of Bergeron and the missing element of his play. Has an exceptional mind and vision for the game.

Wings having trouble getting setup and have had to defend early on in the advantage. 2nd unit looked to open up space but opted to pass through the slot and Boston was waiting for it. No shots as the power play expires. Wings do much better passing at the perimeter while a screen is set.

Wings now headed to the box for boarding and Boston to the power play. Pastrnak has an Ovi like rip on the off side. A tipped shot rang the pipe and stopped an early attempt. Bruins are holding pressure in the Ozone better than Detroit did on their first power play. Husso with a big save 57 seconds in.

Husso made another stop on the resulting draw and Wings cleared it. Hill stopped a drive to the net. Regardless with 18 seconds left Boston scored as they continued to get the puck in on net and Zacha knocked in a rebound. So far Boston just outplaying Detroit.

Detroit still struggling to start strong. Boston picking up steam and not seeing the pushback needed from Detroit.

At 13:33 Detroit made a nice play to get the puck to the net but Swayman isn’t giving up rebounds. On a bizarre play that saw a scrum in front of Detroit’s net end up in the net. 2-0 Boston.

Detroit back to the box already down by 2 and not creating much offense. The collective of Boston’s players are all on the same page. Detroit doesn’t have the same at this point as the team finds its way. Detroit kills it off. A lot of skates in lanes to the credit of the Wings on that kill. Copp out of the box but unable to get a step ahead of the Bruins.

Wings to the power play with 1:17 left. A nice keep in by Seider early but ultimately out of the zone by boston. Detroit drew a penalty and now it’s 4 on 4. No change in score at the end of the first.

Score: 2-0 BOS
Shots: 15-7

Second Period:

It’s just mud on the ice. Full marks to Boston keeping Detroit out of this. By the end of the second Wings are 0 for 4 on power play

Score: 2-0 BOS
Shots: 23-13

Third Period:

Detroit came out much stronger, Swayman just dialed in. This effort in the first may have yielded better results. Detroit starting to get better looks and look more like a team in sync. There just aren’t enough strong skaters over 4 lines to keep rolling pressure. With 6 minutes gone Detroit now within 8 shots (25-17). Boston is playing a little more relaxed offensively and look like they feel confident that the lead will hold. Detroit’s going to need a strange bounce or uncanny shot to get into this.

At 6:40 they get what they need from Veleno. His outstanding skating gets him in and shoots an absolute beauty far side for his 5th. I’ve been tough on Joe in the past, he’s earned a promotion to 2nd line. 2-1 BOS

Detroit is playing like a different team and Boston is on their heels. The third period push looks like a completely different team. The goal just pushed that even further.

Teams go 4 a side for matching minors with around 9 minutes left. Pastrnak got a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot after a slash from Walman. He scores on it. 3-1 Boston and that may take the wind out of this one. That is one player you did not want on that shot. Detroit has to dig deep.

Boston can play keep away with a 2 goal lead and Detroit is doing their best to find their uptempo attack again. The frustration is palpable. I can only think that the coach should show the first part of that period before Monday’s game. They came out and took charge. Somehow that needs to be the start. It was a fantastic start to the 3rd.

With 4 minutes left Husso heads to the bench. With 2:19 left Boston scored on the empty net.

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