THE STREAK HAS BEEN BUSTED.
The Red Wings went into Wednesday night’s game against Buffalo on a six-game skid. With Petr Mrazek suiting up for his old team, there was plenty of uncertainty about what version of the Red Wings we would get. Detroit pulled off a decisive yet gritty win — the offense erupted for seven goals and the backstop kept Buffalo’s offense in check, allowing three goals — zero of them happening in the final frame.
A much-needed win for Detroit, and a crucial two points as the team tries to right the ship and get back into a playoff spot. The win puts the Wings within two points of the final wild card spot in the East, though New York and Montreal are still ahead of them in the standings.
Highlights
Second Line Torture Chamber
The second line of Alex DeBrincat, Marco Kasper, and Patrick Kane went on a rampage in this game. Buffalo had no answer for their intensity, speed and skill. Kane led the way with FIVE points (two goals, three assists) and five shots on goal. DeBrincat picked up four points (one goal, three assists) and Kasper achieved his second three-point game of the season.
A lot can be said about Marco Kasper right now. He’s still only 20 years old (turns 21 next month) and he has proven to be a catalyst in a top-six role. When Steve Yzerman drafted him with the 8th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, I think the overall consensus was Kasper would one day be an effective bottom-six player. The young Austrian has exceeded those expectations now in his first full season as a Red Wing and should be considered an important building block for the franchise going forward. He plays with a certain tempo, perhaps “straw that stirs the drink” is a good way of putting it. Marco Kasper is just an excellent player who should only get better as he matures and develops.
12 points combined from your second line is huge. Of course, Buffalo is not a good team, but still… That’s a recipe for success against any team.
Per the NHL: This was Patrick Kane’s FOURTH career five-point game, tying him with Matthew and Keith Tkachuk for the sixth most by a U.S.-born player. He’s also the fourth-oldest player in Red Wings history with a five-point game behind Brett Hull, Alex Delvecchio, and Brendan Shanahan.
Mrazek Steady in His First Start
The numbers aren’t great for Mrazek — who stopped 23 of 26 shots for a save percentage of .885. He was steady, though and made a couple of big saves. He also flashed some of the athleticism we saw from him years ago.
Mrazek was a bit of a head-scratcher when Detroit acquired him from Chicago. It was understandable why the Wings wanted another goalie in the mix — with Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon slumping as of late. They don’t NEED Vezina caliber goaltending, but they need stability. Mrazek showed in this game that he can provide some stability, but I’m not ready to call him “the guy” until he can get a few more starts and show some consistency. Still, it’s cool to see the old friend step in and help his team get a big win.
Wings Get Physical
What a chippy game. Between both teams, 150 penalty minutes were handed out. Physicality isn’t exactly a strength for this Red Wings team, and Buffalo isn’t tough by any means, but Detroit outmuscled the Sabres in this one. Not sure it’s a compliment, but it’s something. This is the time of year you need to physicality and grit. It was nice to see Detroit get down in the mud with Buffalo while not getting distracted from the overall goal. Simply put — we need more of that from this team.
We also got this amazing visual after Simon Edvinsson put Josh Norris on the ice. 😉
Special Teams Shine
Detroit’s penalty kill is last in the NHL. Needless to say, it’s been a major weakness. The Wings held Buffalo to one power-play goal on three attempts. That’s a step forward, albeit against one of the weaker power play units in the league.
The contrast between Detroit’s PP and PK this season is… something. The PK is league-worst, but the PP is second-best in the NHL. That power play helped propel this win — three goals on five attempts. Two of those goals were from Patrick Kane, while Moritz Seider picked up the third PPG late in the third period.
One PPG allowed and three PPG scored. That’s a winning recipe if you ask me.
Finished Strong
This game was close going into the final frame. The third period started at 4-3 — a slim one-goal lead, and we all know that Detroit has had some issues with finishing in the past. They didn’t allow a goal in the third period, and on the flip side of that, they scored three goals.
That’s another step forward. The Wings need to show that they can get down to business and shutdown their opponent when it matters most. They did just that, despite Buffalo trying to throw them off course with their shenanigans. Yeah, the Sabres aren’t good, whatever. It’s still a strong finish for a team who REALLY needed it.
Now for a real test. Up next on the schedule is Carolina, Vegas, Washington, then Vegas again. That’s not going to be easy, so Detroit will probably need some help from ut
