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Wings vs Predators post game
Game Summary: first, I need to apologize to all of you. Most of you know that I’ve been working on “transitioning” out of the role of blogger. The fact that I listed the wrong team in the title and didn’t realize until today is too clear of a sign that I just don’t have what it takes. I will continue to do my best to game day summaries, but I’ve embarrassed myself and this blog in a nearly unforgivable fashion. I’m disgusted, and I’m sorry.
So, the Guelph kids are doing well together. It’s been a good January for Bert, Fabbri and Suter. But, putting Veleno on the top line is practically insane. I’ve never understood coaches taking a good line apart to “get guys going” at the cost of the entire team. Detroit has 3 wins in 11 games in December.
Now, Yzerman may want Veleno’s trade value to go up. Plus, losing isn’t the worst thing for a team that could use some more high lottery picks. Vrana can’t get back soon enough.
If I had my ‘druthers, we’d find a way to get Boeser. Easier said than done. Past that, you know I’d love to have Chycrun on defense. In my opinion (that’s all the blog is) Bert should be up with Larkin and some relevant top 6 player needs to be brought in. Larkin is back to trying to carry a line when the top line had been going really well.
Veleno can develop. He has speed and strength. I just don’t see him has as a top 6 player. But, in the end, our team is still short on players. Soderblom is playing well in Sweden but leads the team with 14 goals. He’s going to have to skate a lot faster on small ice. We have a couple good young defensemen coming but my gut tells me they will all spend a little time in Grand Rapids. Seider and Raymond have been special, no doubt.
Suter’s growth is welcome. Fabbri is out there every game. Bertuzzi is a pit bull. We need another winger and some left side defense. Hopefully Vrana feels better than ever when he comes back.
The team has a couple more chances to grab another win in January. Strome’s trade value just went up, and Debrincat is just a stud.
First Period - no Red Wing goals (plenty of Chicago goals)
Second Period Red Wings’ goals:
Nedeljkovic had a bad night. It happens. Pickard comes in, and thee second period starts off a bit better. De haan should be eligible for an assist as an errant pass in his own zone landed on Fabbri’s stick and the utilitarian forward made it count. (Suter was certainly ready for the rebound).
Fabbri’s 12th:
Bertuzzi continues to tear it up. He’s got some sort of hyper focus. His original shot was blocked but he got his own rebound and scored his 20th of the season. I’d predicted Bert to hit 20, but no way did I think he’d do it in 35 games played. He has 37 points in game #35 so far. To me that’s a bit jaw dropping.
Suter was on the doorstep when Fabbri scored the Wing’s first goal. This time, he cashed in with just 13 seconds left in the period. Fabbri picked up an assist (along with Oesterle). I called Fabbri “utilitarian” earlier in the blog. This is a player this will do whatever you ask him to do. A bit like Patrick Eaves when he was going. Really love his attitude.
For the goal, Fabbri did a nice job moving the puck near the top of the O zone. The pass to Suter was at the top of the lower faceoff dots and and he ripped a nice wrister to get the Wings within one. Good to see the former ‘Hawk hit double digits with his 10th goals and has 10 assists for 20 points in 42 games. Not “tearing it up” to be sure, but certainly finding a way to lend offense.
Third Period Red Wings’ goals:
Bertuzzi hits the score sheet AGAIN for his 2nd 3 point game in a week. Raymond and Seider connect once again on the power play, unfortunately the ‘Hawks had scored twice earlier in the period. Seider has a nice ability to get himself ready for a one timer. This one went end over end and off of the outside of Fleury’s glove as Seider collected his 4th goal (27 points) and Raymond collected his 23 assists (34 points). 2 rookies who’ve certainly brought some shine to Detroit’s future.
Larkin’s tally (not available on Twitter yet) brought the team back within 1 again. It was a solo effort, and adds to my frustrations. Blashill’s decision to put Veleno on the top line and reunite the Guelph squad is causing 2 things. One, the Guelph guys are scoring. Two, the team is losing. Veleno is not a top line winger. I’m not even convinced he’s a third line winger at this point.
Some of my previous posts:
Even in OT loss, top line continues to shine
Larkin gets 2 against Buffalo
Bertuzzi’s 3 point night
Lidstrom’s role becomes official 
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