WINGS POSTGAME: Power(less) play epitomizes frustrating night
By Cameron Kuom
4 years agoFresh off Sunday’s thrilling win against Tampa Bay, tonight’s game couldn’t have played out any more opposite for the Red Wings. Questionable officiating, massive power play struggles and untimely goals against culminated in a scrappy matchup. Several mini brawls broke out and even some late game ejections. Not exactly the kind of emotion you expect to see from a team under these circumstances in March, let alone in a 5-2 loss.
Additionally, because the Red Wings failed to gain a point, they have officially locked up the top odds in the draft lottery. Detroit can only finish with a maximum of 61 points on the season, which won’t be enough to catch second-to-last Ottawa with 62 points.
Thoughts and Highlights
- The opening goal spurred from an extended shift from the MLB line (per usual). Anthony Mantha lifted the puck to the net and Tyler Bertuzzi got a piece.
- Onto the second period we went and the drama started to pick up. Specifically on the Red Wings power play, when Mantha was charged a penalty despite little evidence suggesting he deserved one. The emotions spilled over, with Filip Hronek, Robby Fabbri and Jordan Staal in the middle of it.
- Speaking of the power play, they might as well have declined it. Detroit converted on zero of their five opportunities, spending the majority of the man advantage — if not all — attempting to gain the zone. Val Filppula and Filip Hronek had separate instances with multiple turnovers on the zone entry attempt.
- Carolina reclaimed a 2-1 lead and the wheels felt as though they were coming off. Luckily, Christoffer Ehn found some open ice and redirected a sweet slot pass from Madison Bowey. Out of nowhere, the game was tied again.
- The Red Wings showed some push back in the third period but Carolina tighten up defensively and didn’t allow much. A short-handed goal against was the final dagger on a horrid night on the power play.
- The Hurricanes did have a goal call back on offsides. Either way, though, it was not a great look from Bowey who failed to corral a bouncing puck.
- The end of the game saw our old friend Petr Mrazek add to the fire. He stepped in the path of an unaware Robby Fabbri and the Hurricanes responded for final time. Fabbri and Hayden Fleury were sent off.
Gif of the Game
The Red Wings trying to gain the zone on the power play:
Motor City MVP
Dmytro Timashov
Timashov played his best game with the team and continues to impress with his quickness and puck protection. His ability to hold on to the puck and, at the very least, get a dump in is a much needed breath of fresh air. It feels like anytime he touches the puck something positive comes from it. He even flashed some skill with a quick move to put Sebastian Aho on his rear end.
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