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WINGS POSTGAME: Bernier’s brilliance not enough in shootout loss
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Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Kuom
Feb 29, 2020, 22:15 ESTUpdated: Feb 29, 2020, 22:20 EST
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The Red Wings got a point tonight by way of the loser point. Progress(?)!
In reality, the team took their foot off the gas towards the end of a game that was very much winnable. Jonathan Bernier was his normal self, making brilliant, clutch saves to extend the contest all the way to the shootout. There, the Senators edged out a 4-3 victory thanks to Artem Anisimov’s lone shootout goal.
Even in defeat, several other players had great individual nights. Dmyto Timashov looked good in his Red Wings debut, Sam Gagner netted his first goal since being acquired by Detroit and Adam Erne played his best game of the season.

Thoughts and Highlights

  • Erne stood out early in this one. That all started with a drive to the net to set up Frans Nielsen for the opening goal. Nielsen now has four goals on the year.
  • The first period was arguably the best 20 minutes of the game for the Red Wings. They got out with a one goal lead and looked to be in control.
  • Dylan Larkin built on the lead in the second period. After struggling to gain the zone, Larkin found an open Tyler Bertuzzi who set up the former with a clean scoring chance from the slot. The behind the back feed was a nice little finesse play from Bertuzzi.
  • Ottawa rallied back with three goals to take the lead. Penalty trouble helped jump-start the Sens comeback. Three consecutive second period penalties from Detroit was not great to see.
  • To tie the game, on the power play, Sam Gagner redirected his first goal in the Winged Wheel past Marcus Hogberg.
  • Gagner’s right hand shot is a new addition to the power play unit. He gives Jeff Blashill some flexibility. For parts of the game Gagner played on both the left wall and the slot.
  • The overtime period favored the Senators. Robby Fabbri tripped Thomas Chabot to set Ottawa up with a 4-on-3 man advantage. Luke Glendening had a few key blocks to help kill it off and get to the shootout. However, if it wasn’t for several big-time saves from Bernier this game is ending before the skills competition.

Gif of the Game

Jonathan Bernier has pretty much locked up team MVP. If it wasn’t for him, the Red Wings would have way less than 15 wins.

Motor City MVP

Jonathan Bernier

Making 36 of 39 saves, Bernier finishes the game with a .923 save percentage. He practically stole a point, which is a big deal as the Wings look to avoid making history for all the wrong reasons. With 15 games remaining in the season, he’ll be leaned on heavily down the stretch.
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