[Game Recap] Avs beat Wings 3-2 at the Joe
The Detroit Red Wings (20-6-4) suffered an unfortunate loss Monday night against the Colorado Avalanche (15-14-1). 20 of Detroit's 30 games this season have been decided by one goal including tonight's 3-2 loss.
The Wings outshot the Avs 36-27, but struggled in a variety of areas whether it was untimely turnovers or poor defensive play. Once again, goaltender Chris Osgood allowed a goal on the first shot he faced which was definitely not how Detroit wanted to start the game. The first two Colorado goals came on their first four shots courtesy of Wojtek Wolski and Paul Stastny. Not so good.
Something I really noticed was the impressive number of Detroit shots that the Avs players blocked, particularly in the second period. While Detroit officially had 36 shots, if you included the number of blocked shots it would be a lot higher. The Avs blocked 16 shots while Detroit only blocked two. Kind of a big difference. And it wasn't just that the Wings played poorly, the Avs were getting their bodies in the Wings shooting lanes and blocking shots.
The deciding goal was a penalty shot by Jordan Leopold 1:51 into the final frame of action. The penalty shot came about when the puck was about to go over the Detroit goal line and defenseman Brett Lebda basically pushed the puck forward with his hands in the crease. That's not allowed so a penalty shot was awarded (he was officially penalized for covering the puck in the crease). I guess I can't blame Lebs because the puck was for sure going in and a penalty shot goal is not guaranteed.
Detroit certainly poured it on offensively in the second and third periods with 29 of their 36 shots, but it was too late as the damage had already been done in the first period. Unfortunately the Wings offense couldn't make up for the defensive errors, poor turnovers, and the seemingly lack of effort in the corners. It certainly is starting to get frustrating watching such a talented team not give it 100% every night. I love those boys, but the defense and goaltending has been rough. Thank goodness for our potent offense though, otherwise we wouldn't have 20 wins today.
Christy's Red Wings Player of the Game: Marian Hossa
Marian Hossa scored his 16th goal of the season 7:07 into the third period and finished the night with five shots through 20:05 of ice time. During part of the game, he played on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk and they were flying. Plenty of pressure and definitely our best line of the night.
The Wings' next game is this Thursday against the top-ranked San Jose Sharks and should be a very competitive game to watch! If you live in southeastern Michigan, numerous Red Wings players, GM Ken Holland, and head coach Mike Babcock will be around the area at different grocery stores ringing bells for the Salvation Army. You can stop by any of the locations listed here.
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hello! just saw the first & seond periods before going to sleep (it was 2,30am at the end of the 2nd…). Agree with the lack of effort, especially in the first. We had a 5 on 3 for a significant period of time, and we didn´t manage to score (despite chances), quite often if you don´t burry it during a 5 on 3, you end up losing the game. Another poor game from Osgood too… i guess Conklin will start on Thursday.
I've Noticed
Is it just me or do the Wings seem to be rushing things a bit in the offensive zone? I only get to watch a handful of games a season (I live in Dallas now) and each game I’ve seen the Wings seem to get into the offensive zone and instead of controlling the puck, cycling, and passing into just the right spots they seem to be getting deep into the zone and taking lazy easy shots without making the defense work too much. Again it might just be me but I’d like to see the team fall back on the offensive style I know so well.
Although it doesn’t matter much considering our offense is what’s been saving us so far this year.

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