Happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone!
After an absolute dismal stretch of 4 straight losses and going 2-7-1 in their last ten games, the Red Wings have a good chance of getting back on track against a weak Buffalo Sabres team. I think Jeff Hancock summed it up pretty well when he said Welcome to the BATTLE OF THE BASEMENT!
First Period
Buffalo out chanced the Wings this period, but it was overall pretty pathetic hockey.
Marcus Foligno managed to get in front of Howard all alone twice, clearly a sign of a defensive struggles from the Wings. Brendan Smith was a turnover machine and I really think he should spend some time in the press box.
Vanek took a penalty late in the game for 4 minutes – an unsportsmanlike was added on for good measure. Just when this situation couldn’t be more dejecting. I think the players are giving up right now to be honest.
My goal for next period is to be more positive.
Score: 0-0
Shots: 7-9 BUF
Second Period
The Wings killed off the penalty and Jimmy Howard was outstanding in keeping the puck out. Sam Reinhart had a close call against Howard but luckily it hit the post.
The Wings were given a great opportunity to get their offense going with a power play, but, they struggled to enter the zone and get in a good position to cycle the puck for the majority of it. Their second power play of the game was significantly better but they still failed to score.
Near the end of the period Sproul took advantage of a Sabres line change to send the puck up to Vanek who set up Nyquist for a beautiful snipe. Nyquist gets his first goal in 14 games.
Vanek’s pass to Nyquist 😱 pic.twitter.com/EUll8kY1Ec
— Kyle M. (@KyleWIIM) November 24, 2016
What an incredible pass by Sproul!
Vanek’s pass and Nyquist’s snipe was sweet, but I like the play that developed it a whole lot.. Mr. Ryan Sproul, of course. pic.twitter.com/hjLBhzPsF7
— Kyle M. (@KyleWIIM) November 24, 2016
Larkin sat for a bit this period due to a skate clip to his ankle by Georges. He came back and seemed OK, but that’s not cool at all if it was intentional as some seemed to suggest.
Score: 1-0 DET
Shots: 19-18 DET
Third Period
The third period started off with a Buffalo goal. Evander Kane rushed the net and created some bounces, which deflected off Gionta and ended up in the net. Jeff Blashill challenged the goal citing goalie interference, but, the call on the ice stood.
The Wings were outshot for the majority of the period and had a hard time generating good scoring chances.
It seemed like the Wings were heading down their typical “devastating goal near the end of the period” path as Buffalo scrambled alllll over the Wings’ net, but somehow, someway, the puck managed to stay out. Crisis averted, for now.
Late backbreaking goal delayed momentarily
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) November 24, 2016
Legit.
Both teams threatened at the end of the third but failed to score. We’re heading to OT!
Score: 1-1
Shots: 31-24 BUF
Overtime
Anthony Mantha led things off with an incredible sprint from his own zone down to Buffalo’s net but was stopped by Lehner. He skated down with fury and speed. I hope he sticks around a while.
Some good chances on both ends, but no scoring, so we head to the shootout.
Score: 1-1
Shots: 33-24 BUF
Shootout
Okposo: X
Nyquist: ✔
Reinhart: ✔
Vanek: ✔
L. O’Reilly: X
Red Wings Win!!!
They get a much needed win against a bad team, but they’re in no position to take it for granted.
