WINGS POSTGAME: Winning streak against Bruins snapped
By Tom Mitsos
4 years agoComing into Saturday afternoon’s game, the Detroit Red Wings had won five straight against the Boston Bruins, including the previous two games this season. However, the streak came to an end, as the Red Wings lost 4-1 to the league-leading Bruins at TD Garden.
Thoughts and Highlights
- The Bruins controlled play for much of the first period, just like in the previous meeting. They won the 5 on 5 shot share battle 21-8, according to Natural Stat Trick, and had the edge in expected goals 1.18-0.58, according to Money Puck.
- The Red Wings won the 5 on 5 shot share battle in the third period 21-15, but Rask made big saves when he was needed.
- The Red Wings got off to a fast start with a short-handed goal just 3:12 into the game. Darren Helm picked off a pass in the defensive zone and picked up his own rebound to beat Tuukka Rask for the 1-0 lead.
- About eight minutes into the second period, the Bruins tied it at 1. Charlie McAvoy picked up a loose puck in the slot and fired a shot past Jonathan Bernier.
- About two minutes later, the Bruins took the lead on a short-handed goal of their own, the 12th short-handed goal the Red Wings have allowed this season. Brad Marchand‘s forecheck forced a Mike Green turnover, and Marchand found Patrice Bergeron in the slot.
- Three minutes later, the Bruins extended the lead to 3-1 after a missed penalty. Danton Heinen high-sticked Filip Hronek, and Charlie Coyle tipped a McAvoy shot that beat Bernier.
- About midway through the third period, Gustav Lindstrom nearly scored his first NHL goal, but Rask made the phenomenal save.
- Late in the third period, the Bruins extended the lead to 4-1, as Marchand toe dragged around Andreas Athanasiou and found David Pastrnak all alone for the one-timer.
GIF of the Game
Every Red Wings fan to the referees for missing a blatant high-sticking call.
Motor City MVP
Jonathan Bernier
Despite giving up four goals, the Red Wings’ best player was easily Bernier. It could have been 3-1 after the first period, but once again, he kept the game competitive much longer than it should have been. Bernier made 37 saves
It’s too bad Bernier is rounding into form now because I doubt we’ll see this kind of performance from him when the Red Wings are competitive again in three to five years — if he’s even still on the team.
Recent articles from Tom Mitsos
