Wings bounce back big against Predators

by Casey Richey on Mar 5, 2010 9:41 PM CST in Game Recaps

Well that was a lot better, huh?

Detroit came out with high energy from the first drop of the puck and pressured Nashville all night long. That pressure resulted in the first goal of the game as Pavel Datsyuk created one of his trademark offensive zone takeaways as he picked Kevin Klein's pocket as Klein circled behind the net. Datsyuk stickhandled a bit and got Dan Ellis to commit before Datsuyk backhanded it up over for a 1-0 lead at 7:44.

Datsyuk started the second goal of the game while the Wings were on the power play. Datsyuk drew several Nashville defenders before making a cross-ice pass to Nick Lidstrom. Lidstrom's shot bounced right to the tape of Tomas Holmstrom who had it easy in scoring his 17th of the year.

Darren Helm added to the reasons why Red Wings fans love him by adding a pair of goals in the second period. The first was off a shot from the slot that beat Ellis top corner, 3-0 Detroit. The second goal was the more beautiful of the two as an outlet pass from Niklas Kronwall during a Nashville power play was collected by a Predator to Ellis' right. Helm took the puck off the defender and put a quick shot on Ellis. As the rebound kicked out to the left, Helm stuck with it and slammed home his 10th goal of the season.

J.P. Dumont added a goal for Nashville in the second period after a Detroit turnover lead to a great passing play from the Predators and Dumont put a shot into a wide open net. Joel Ward scored his 13th of the year early in the third period but it wasn't enough. A late empty net goal by Henrik Zetterberg (18th) solidified the win for Detroit.

The Red Wings played much better in front of Jimmy Howard tonight, allowing only 22 shots on net. They did much better in the face-off circle too, winning 32 of 45. Lidstrom's assist on Holmstrom's goal was his 800th career assist.

Shocking stat of the night:
Datsyuk had an exceptional game in the dot, winning 12 of 15 faceoffs (80%) and Filppula won 6 of 8 (75%).

Player of the game:
Hands down Darren Helm. Hustled all night long (as usual) earned himself two goals, including his 3rd shorty of the year. Helm was a solid 5 of 7 in the face-off circle and also played 4 of his 12 minutes on the night as a penalty killer.

Darren Helm

#43 / Center / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 5-11

Weight: 195

Born: Jan 21, 1987

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Comments

Wow

Sounds like it was a fantastic game. I couldn’t make the game thread, or even watch much of the game, really, but I’m thrilled that they won. A big win like this is something they needed. Let’s hope it continues Sunday against Chicago.

by crperreau on Mar 5, 2010 9:46 PM CST reply actions

SIGN HELM TO A LONG TERM CONTRACT NOW PLEASE

good game from what i seen. hopefully we can keep this up and make a run for the playoffs…..i feel like i say that after every game

draft micah johnson

by dhall25 on Mar 5, 2010 9:57 PM CST reply actions

he's getting some finish

to his game. Which is incredible.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Mar 6, 2010 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

it almost HAD to happen eventually

He gets more breakaway practice in actual games that I bet most players take in practice!

"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero

by Baroque on Mar 6, 2010 11:44 AM CST up reply actions

missed the game but sounded like a good one

nice job wings bouncing back now consistently play like this damn ittt

TULO = 2010 MVP!

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

LETS GO WINGS!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 5, 2010 10:50 PM CST reply actions

Watched the game

Stellar game by Datsyuk and Helm, and awesome glove save by Howard on Sullivan’s breakaway…but Rafalski was shaky. All in all, great hustle game by Detroit. Too bad the Kings couldn’t help us out the night before though.

by tvle27 on Mar 6, 2010 11:00 AM CST reply actions