Postgame: Defeated Golden Knights!

Last night, the Red Wings had their first meeting against the undefeated Vegas Golden Knights. The game saw some good chances go back and forth but as a new team, Vegas couldn’t capitalize on some of theirs. The Red Wings were led by Zetterberg who played a key role in some of the best scoring chances in this game.

Oh Captain, My Captain. 1 minute 30 into the first period Henrik Zetterberg got the puck on a breakaway, facing off against Marc-Andre Fleury, and passing it back for Gus Nyquist to bury into the net.

The Golden Knights had some good chances, but were unable to connect on them. Jonathan Ericsson made a good play and Petr Mrazek had some great saves. Mike Green took a penalty for hooking Reilly Smith. He didn’t have the greatest first period.

The Wings were able to keep the Golden Knights in their own zone, not allowing the puck to get out.

The second period started with Mike Green taking his second penalty of the game for slashing Nate Schmidt. However, the Vegas power play only lasted 10 seconds before Jonathan Marchessault took a penalty for high-sticking Dylan Larkin. No goals were scored during the 4-on-4 play.

The Wings were still leading 8 minutes into the second period but a takeaway from Reilly Smith saw Jonathan Marchessault put the puck past Petr Mrazek tying up the game.

Later in the period, on a drive to the net by Anthony Mantha, he was checked by Lucas Sbisa sending his knee into Fleury’s head. Fleury was checked over by the trainer and was deemed A-OK!

The Red Wings got the lead back when Zetterberg scored his first goal of the game and his second point. The lead was short lived when 32 seconds later James Neal scored his first of the game and sixth of the season.

Then, Erik Haula scored his first as a Vegas Golden Knight giving them their first lead of the game.

Before the end of the period, Justin Abdelkader and Nate Schmidt both got roughing penalties, Schmidt instigating for Abdelkader getting too close to Fleury.

The Red Wings enter the 3rd period trailing by one goal and on a 4-on-4 still having time left over on the roughing penalties.

Mantha scored the first of the next 4 Red Wing goals from a no-look pass assisted by Zetterberg and Nyquist, this is Zetterberg’s second assist of the game.

Colin Miller had a good chance for the Golden Knights hitting the puck off the post.

Frans Neilsen scored the goal off a pass he received coming out of the penalty box, assisted by Zetterberg and Mantha.

3 minutes later Nyquist gets his second of the night when a shot by Mantha was blocked by Fleury.

With 5 minutes remaining in the last period Tomas Tatar and Erik Haula drop the gloves, as Haula was not impressed by Tatar’s checking methods.

The final goal of the night was scored by Luke Glendenning from the hash marks over the glove of Fleury.

Captain Henrik Zetterberg is this game’s Motor City MVP. He had 1 goal and 3 assists, he was involved in a lot of good plays. Zetterberg’s start to the season is hopefully a preview of what the rest of the season holds.

Three Red Wings are currently in the top 11 players in the NHL in points, they are Henrik Zetterberg, Anthony Mantha and Mike Green.

Red Wings go back home to face the Tampa Bay Lighting on Tuesday the 16th October.