[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.

Marian Hossa

#81 / Right Forward / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 6-1

Weight: 210

Born: Jan 12, 1979

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.