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Maybe It’s Not The Best Strategy, But It’s Working |
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Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill planted his tongue firmly in cheek as he mapped out a strategic blueprint for Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes.
“Let’s get down two,” Blashill joked with DetroitRedWings.com. “Maybe next game we’ll start down two.”
In three successive games - Saturday’s 4-3 overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, a 3-2 OT decision over the New York Rangers on Nov. 9 and a 3-2 shootout verdict against the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 6, the Wings have rallied from 2-0 deficits. Against the Hurricanes and Rangers, they came back from 2-0 third-period disadvantages.
In all seriousness, the Wings know that they can’t keep playing with fire and not expect to eventually get burned.
The past few games, we don’t want to have the starts we’ve had,” center Dylan Larkin said. “We don’t want to wait until the third period, because that’s not going to last forever, but it’s good that we don’t panic in games. We find ways to win instead of ways to lose.
Personal Best
Saturday’s 49-save effort by Jonathan Bernier was a new mark for the Detroit goaltender. Bernier's previous career high was 48 saves on 50 shots in a win against the Dallas Stars on Dec. 5, 2013, when he was with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I think the important thing is that you understand first off, without a shadow of a doubt, when your goalie keeps you within reach – and I think that’s been a few games - where we weren’t good enough and our goalie kept it within reach, then it allows you to come back,” Blashill said. “You can’t come back if you get down three and four goals.”
Jimmy Howard, who figures to get the start Tuesday against the Coyotes, has won his last four starts while posting a 2.40 goals-against average and .927 save percentage.
“Our goaltending has been our strongest part of our game I think all year,” Larkin said. “And even when it wasn’t going well in the beginning, they’ve been battling for us.”
De La Rose Down And Out
Detroit forward Jacob De La Rose will miss his second straight game on Tuesday due to an upper-body injury.
“I don’t expect him to be available for tomorrow,” Blashill said. “I would list him day to day past that.”
Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson (lower body) and forward Thomas Vanek (lower body) are also out.
“I wouldn’t expect either one of them,” Blashill said. “Vanek originally was 2-3 weeks. I would stay with that time period for now. Big E skated today. I’d list him day to day/ I don’t know when for sure he’ll be back, it depends on how he responds.
“I would say Jacob De La Rose is closer than Big E.”
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