With every point so valuable right now, the Red Wings desparately needed to shrug off the point-less streak with a light matchup against the Arizona Coyotes. The game would unravel in the first period for Detroit and they never could recover despite picking up the play.
This was a tough loss. I don’t have much to say or add so I’ll keep this recap brief.
1st Period
You could not draw up a much worse start for the Red Wings. Really, I don’t have high marks for any players because no one could seem to make a play. The team is clearly missing its catalyst.
The Coyotes scored three unanswered goals. I think the Wings ended up with three shots on goal.
3-0 Arizona after 20 minutes.
2nd Period
Detroit was noticably more dialed in throughout the second period. All sorts of chances but not a goal to show for it. Alex DeBrincat had a few of them himself. The first eight minutes looked like Detroit was primed to get on the board, until Nick Bjugstand took advantage of a huge scoring chance to make it 4-0. Back-breaking moment for the Wings.
More chances for the Wings but credit to Connor Ingram — he made a handful of big saves. Brick wall.
4-0 Arizona after 40 minutes.
3rd Period
The whole game could be distilled down into one moment from the third period. You already know which one I’m talking about, don’t you? When Lucas Raymond damn-near scored a much-needed goal early in the period. Even Ken Daniels thought it went in, but a second look showed that it hit the post and went down. A half-inch the other way and it’s a goal. Another killer moment, but that’s just how this game was.
Wings couldn’t get anything going. They get wiped by the Coyotes for their fourth loss in a row.
FINAL: 4-0, Coyotes
So what did we learn from this game?
It seemed like lazy, sloppy hockey to me. Perhaps I am a little too critical at a moment like this. Two huge points on the table and you let a depleted lottery team paralyze you in the first period. Yes, the absense of Dylan Larkin is a huge factor, but you simply need more out of your players at a time like this.
Tough loss with no time for rest. The Wings are in Las Vegas Saturday night. We learned from Steve Yzerman on BSD’s broadcast that Jonatan Berggren will be called up, and he will play in tomorrow night’s game. They are in desparate need for offense. Maybe the young Swede could add some firepower. James Reimer is slated to get the start.
