WINGS POSTGAME: Hello darkness my old friend
By Cameron Kuom
4 years agoWrapping up a three game road trip out west, the Red Wings faced the now Ken Holland managed Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have enjoyed a strong start to the season, going-6-1-0 in their first 7 games. You could certainly tell they had a bit more juice in their game, giving the Red Wings fits, even when the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaital were on the bench.
Ken Holland’s presence was felt tonight, as the newly acquired James Neal continued hot start, netting his ninth goal of the season. In fact, it was most the Oilers depth who lead them to a 2-1 victory, with McDavid and Draisaital being held off the score sheet, something that rarely happens. Its that sentiment that really makes this loss a disappoint one.
Thoughts and Highlights
- The first period was quite uneventful. No goals were scored, but that might be a positive for the Wings, seeing as they’ve given up 10 goals in their last two games. Looking at the differential of shots, Edmonton had the edge, 14-13, after the first frame.
- Andreas Athanasiou had a few good looks to net his first goal of the season. The speedy forward has had a difficult go in the first ten games, mainly due to lackluster linemates, but its good to see him creating chances.
- Towards the middle of this game Edmonton scored two quick goals, one from the aforementioned Neal, the other from defensemen Ethan Bear. Those coming back-to-back could have been killer.
- Luckily, Detroit responded with a strong offensive shift. Tyler Bertuzzi fed Mike Green in the slot to put the Wings on the board, this coming right after nice effort by Green to extend the shift.
- Similar to the first, no goals were scored in the third period. A late goal post in a one score game was the nail in the coffin, as the Oilers snuck away in a tight one.
Gif of the Game
The Red Wings are currently on a 4 game losing streak. Over that span they’ve been outscored 17-5. Not great, Bob. That hot start from the opening week of the season looks to be long gone.
Motor City MVP
Dylan Larkin
I thought Larkin played a full 60 minute game. In over 20 minutes of ice time, he lead all Detroit players in shots with 4. The one that will sting is the crossbar he hit late in the third, in what would have been the game tying goal.
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