If you missed last night’s disaster, I seriously envy you.
The Red Wings, facing one of the weakest teams in the NHL, squandered what looked like to be a sure win Friday night. I don’t have anything constructive or kind to say at this point, but I’ll do my best.
Complaceny is Lethal
Between the first and second period, Detroit scored three unanswered goals to make the score 3-1. Lucas Raymond picked up the third goal about a minute into the second period, and at that point I was feeling really good about the Wings in this game. They fought through the rest of the period until Trevor Zegras picked up a PP goal with less than three minutes to go. The Ducks would go on to score three more goals between that point and with about 8 minutes left in the third. If that’s not a team with a serious complacency issue, I don’t know what is. This team clearly lacks a “winner’s mentality.” That’s on the players AND coaching.
A Word About Goaltending
Friday night’s game was Alex Lyon’s return to the lineup after nursing an injury. So, there’s probably some rustiness still in his game, but he was NOT good. As much as I want to jump on Lyon for playing poorly, the majority of my grievances are with the coach’s decision to start Lyon in the first place. Cam Talbot is having a magnificent season so far – and here’s a hot take: he’s been their best player. Why wouldn’t you stick Lyon to start against LA and give Talbot Anaheim and San Jose? Points are important, and Talbot gives you the best chance at taking home four points. Is it because they want Talbot to play against his former team? If so, that is once again not a “winner’s mentality.”
Edvinsson Banged Up
Simon Edvinsson had a good game, but it was cut short due to an injury. We don’t really have much information on the severity at this point. Depending on the outcome, this injury could be the worst part of this game. Like putting salt in the wound and then lighting it on fire.
On The Bright Side
Forcing aside my doom and gloom, it was really great to see Marco Kasper score his first NHL goal. He’s been playing his ass off for this team and he deserved some payoff. Jonatan Berggren also picked up a goal (Kasper an assist), so hopefully those two can continue to grow and make this team better (the bar is very low). Both Kasper and Berggren’s goals were on the power play, so that makes it a little sweeter.
Look, it is early in the season. That’s a fact. What is also a fact is that the season isn’t getting any longer. The Red Wings squandered a chance to collect what should have been an easy two points. It’s on everybody at this point.
