POSTGAME: Wings fall 4-3 to Blackhawks in OT

There was a time when the Wings and Blackhawks commanded the interest of the entire league. 

Though those Western Conference playoff matchups are now gone, tonight’s performance provided a little bit of a throwback to the days of old.

Not surprisingly, the Red Wings fell behind first in this one. Rough starts haven’t been exactly rare for this team, and the Blackhawks took a 2-0 lead before this game was 11 minutes old. Goals from Brian Campbell and Richard Panik 26 seconds apart. Heading into the break, the Wings found themselves down a pair.

But the most prolific player on the Wings these days picked things up these days, much to the delight of papa. 1:37 into the second and the Wings were within 1.

THEN Tomas Tatar lit up Corey Crawford midway through the frame and all of a sudden we’ve got a tied game between the 2008 and 2010 Stanley Cup Champs. But because nothing good can stay, Tanner Kero with his second NHL goal gave the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead again with under two to go in the second.

BUT WHAT’S THIS?

A Flash of Drums?

A crash of Light? Luke Glendening scoring an even-strength goal? 3-3??? 

The Wings managed an entire 20 shots on net for the second period alone, which has to be some sort of record. At least for this year, no?

The third period solved nothing, so it was off to the extra frame.

Unfortunately for the Wings, Duncan Keith nailed a shot in over Mrazek that sealed the deal just 38 seconds into overtime.

An inspired effort, but the storybook ending of Steve Ott scoring a last-second winner wasn’t there.

A hat-tip to Frans Nielsen, who scored his first career all-star game and a team-high 59.26% CF. 

The Wings turn around tomorrow with a game against the Dallas Stars at 8:30.