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The Lyon’s den, Wings overcome Nashville barrage for 2nd win |
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Detroit wasn’t quite outshot 2-1, but 39-24 is close enough. Stamkos got his first of the season early in the 3rd to tie the score and it felt like Nashville was going to will themselves to a win. Then, Alex Lyon. He saved 37 of 39 and Nashville was buzzing in the 3rd after a bizarre spin around shot from Veleno went off of Copp’s skates and 5 hole on Saros for what would be the game winner.
Of the two empty net tallies, Edvinsson’s was a perfect floater from fairly close to his own net and in. Copp cashed in his second in the empty net as he and Rasmussen broke out on a 2 on 1.
A couple of things. First, this was by far a better performance for Gustafsson. Simpler plays. The team defense seemed to come together more naturally and were able to force more pucks out of the zone. The power play clicked as Debrincat got his own rebound and sent it cross crease to Larkin who had an empty net. The third line with Kasper looked good. He’s got speed that the line definitely needs. (Opinion) he’s earned another look and was stronger on a “checking line” than would be the concern.
Lyon, though, just took over. There were saves (a very lucky crossbar on a Jossi shot) and he just seemed composed and ready. Husso had a shutout in GR last night so it may be a good chance for him to find his game. You can see Raymond knocking on the door and pushing hard. He and Kane are both pushing to put some pucks in the net.
Detroit is 2-3-0 to start, not great, but I never imagined Nashville starting at 0-5-0. Trotz seems to want a return to the tighter checking style of the past. They have an incredible top Dman and faceoffs are very strong. Whether it’s internal pressure or chemistry, they’re just working to get the pieces together.
For the Wings, they showed good movement on the power play but need to stay out of the box. Especially Seider. He and Edvinsson seem to be the top of the heap at 23 and 20. Eddy is learning how to use his reach and frame while Seider has no problem throwing his weight around. Both skate well and need some reinforcement in the D Core. Kane on the 2nd line with Debrincat seemed a better fit. Debrincat made a lot of solid plays in puck retrieval. They just need to get everything clicking and Compher may not be the best center for what those two seem to do best. (Still wouldn’t mind seeing Kasper in that slot even for a shift or two).
Let me know your thoughts and if anything from today can carry forward, or do you see this as a goalie bail out against a snake bitten Nashville crew?
1st Period Detroit goals:
At 8:48 Schenn shot a puck from the blue line and Nashville on the board. 1-0 NASH
At 10:57 Nash scored again on a rebound. 2-0 NASH. Overturned. 1-0 NASH
At 13:36 Tarasenko was at the edge of the left faceoff dot and quickly snapped a pass from Berggren in to tie the game. Kasper’s 2nd assist is his first career NHL point. 1-1
Shots: 12-10 NASH
Score: 1-1
2nd Period Detroit goals:
At 3:17 on the power play Kane found Debrincat on his off side who managed to get the puck to Larkin across the crease. The Captain grabs his 3rd. 2-1 DET
Shots: 23-17 NASH
Score: 2-1 DET
3rd Period Detroit goals:
As the 5 on 3 wrapped up, Stamkos scored his first of the year. 2-2
At 3:29 Veleno did a spinning shot toward net which hit Copp’s skate and went 5 hole. 3-2 DET
With 1:17 left and Nashville’s goalie pulled, Edvinsson shot a puck from near the red line (lifted it) and scored an empty net. 4-2
Copp added another empty net goal with 41.7 seconds left. 5-2 DET
Shots: 39-24 NASH
Score: 5-2 DET