It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. I guess after a humiliating loss, the last thing I want to do is think about hockey. I’m sure you all forgive me, right? Well if you don’t, I don’t care. I’ll pull down your underwear. (no I won’t, but maybe)
Today we got to see our boys get their old Wings back. They played largely like the team they were at the beginning of the season, driving strong possession, keeping the workload off of their goalie, and scoring at even strength. They gave Petr Mrazek plenty of run support. Not like it mattered, because he was lights out. I caught some of the action for you all, please enjoy!
The first goal was nothing short of hilarious. At first I think we all thought Kyle Quincey had gotten himself a real silly bounce, but it was actually Joakim Andersson who stuck his stick in the way of the puck, and redirected it between Ben Bishop’s five-hole.
Less than two minutes later, the Wings came up with another goal from the piping-hot Justin Abdelkader. Abby makes a great play to chip the puck away from Victor Hedman, which gave him a break to the net. Abdelkader made no mistake and sniped it top-shelf on Bishop. What a gorgeous effort for his 23rd of the season.
It took Detroit exactly two minutes to get on the board again, coming from Gustav Nyquist. Petr Mrazek makes a big save, and Kyle Quincey tries turning the rebound into a stretch pass, but ends up icing the puck. Goose hits upwards of 23 mph and beats the defender to the puck, and somehow chips it up over Ben Bishop’s shoulder. I still think Mrazek should get credited with an assist on this.
Up 3-0, net empty, who else to plunge the dagger into the Lightning but Mr. Hard Work, Luke Glendening. This goal rules.
He didn’t get tested much, as the team dominated most of the game, but you have to give credit to Petr Mrazek. He is the first goalie to shutout the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. You know.. That’s pretty good. While he didn’t get challenged a bunch, he still made some pretty saves.
Oh, and who could forget.. Big hugs from Niklas Kronwall!
I think it would be very awesome if they could build off this win, and put some pressure on the teams above them. They showed everyone that they’re not just going to lay down in the first round. This team has it, they just need to get it back. Here’s to hoping that’s the reality.
LGRW
