Thoughts and Highlights

• A late announcement going into the game, Patrik Nemeth did not play tonight. A huge loss to an already hobbled defense.
• The Red Wings had a near dominant first period. At one point they were out-shooting the Flyers 10-2. Detroit was able to generate several long stretches of cycling in the offensive zone, something we haven’t seen too much of this season.
• One of the better chances Detroit created came from Brendan Perlini, who was able to corral a loose puck and use his speed to charge to the net. Goaltender Carter Hart made a huge toe save, and shortly after Philadelphia came down and scored on a breakaway. A perfect way to describe how the Red Wings season has gone.
• Opening up the scoring for Detroit came courtesy of the second line. The trio of Valtteri Fillpula, Robby Fabbri, and Andreas Athanasiou worked together to exit the zone, springing Athanasiou for some open ice to enter the offensive zone. Despite a failed pass across to Filppula, Fabbri was there to blast the loose puck past Hart.

• With that goal, Fabbri has now tied Jacob de la Rose in career goals (4) with the Red Wings. Fabbri does so in 65 less games.
• Filip Zadina had a standout first period. The 2018 first rounder generated 4 shots on goal, and nearly scored his first of the season on the powerplay, had it not been for a big glove save by Hart.
• Detroit had an overall solid effort and compete level, but you won’t be able to tell that from the scoreboard. When the Flyers scored two quick ones in the third period to make it 5-1, I thought Detroit responded well. They played fast and didn’t back down, which is what you want to see. Another blowout loss is hard to solid, but the process can’t be ignored. Thats just the way she goes sometimes, as they say.

Gif of the Game

Motor City MVP

Valtteri Filppula