And you know Mick has to build the fire.
First Period
Came close to giving up the ol’ first 2-minutes goal but Lyon had it handled. Instead, it’s the Red Wings who strike first! Klim Kostin takes a shot that Raantta gets most of but it flops its way into the net. That’s why you shoot the puck, gang. 1-0 Wings just 2.5 minutes in.
The Canes get it right back less than a minute later. A tipped shot by Martinook ties the game 1-1. You could argue that a hand pass was ignored which led to that goal.
Raanta is giving himself a pep talk because he does not have himself together. Lucky for him, the Wings couldn’t capitalize on him leaving the net wide open. Canes in general are showing some rust from not having played for a few days. More failed attempts to clear the puck than expected.
For the rest of the period, nothing happens. Score tied 1-1 and shots 8-3 Canes.
That was so boring it’s giving flashbacks to April 11, 1954. Don’t get the joke? Ask Bunting, he was there.
Second Period
We start off with the Wings on a whole team breakaway basically and Sprong doesn’t shoot or pass the puck. Bold choice that didn’t pay off. He takes a moment to put his head down from the bench. A little self-imposed timeout.
The theme of this period in the first half is – too much pass, not enough shoot. If Mick was in the booth he’d be dropping first names by now (e.g., Shoot the puck Daniel!). No reason not to throw everything at the net with Raanta being so shaky.
You’re not gonna believe it, but the first half of the period is boring. Wings have a whopping 5 shots now. Canes are waking up more but Wings still in turnover mode.
3:35 to go and a Necas snipe makes it 2-1 Canes.
1:03 left and the first penalty of the game. Time for a Rrrrred Wings powerplay! Slavin in the Bad Boy Box for holding up Raymond as he was flying in trying to make something happen. The powerplay works! Game is tied 2-2 Wings as Larkin carries in, passes over to Compher and he puts it into the net.
For the first 19 minutes, the most exciting thing was one Lyon save and the various ways Larry Murphy pronounces “Gostisbehere”.
Third Period
Wings have 8 SOG. Just pointing that out.
Slightly more energetic start to the period, but still boring. Wings defense is doing pretty well but they can barely enter the zone before they turn the puck over every time.
Halfway through the period, seriously nothing happened until now. Rasmussen has some words for multiple people disagreeing with the tripping call on Petry who trudges over to the Crimes Cabana. Wings first penalty kill of the game and the penalty is not killed. 3-2 Canes with a Svechnikov goal.
Wings have had multiple odd-man rushes where they haven’t been able to shoot the puck. It would be frustrating if fans could feel anything other than boredom.
4 minutes to go and the Wings have 11 SOG vs. Canes 28 SOG
2 minutes and Lyon still looking for the signal but the way the Canes are smothering it’s tough to find a moment. 1:30 and he’s gone.
Empty net goal. 4-2 Canes.
