The young Detroit Red Wings were at it again last night, looking for win number one of the season. They would have to go through the offensive juggernaut Toronto Maple Leafs.
The game began with a bang as Maple Leafs star Auston Matthew skated in uncontested for a shot that went just above the crossbar. It served as a reminder the Detroit Red Wings need to be ready for anything. The Wings were without rookie defensemen Dennis Cholowski who was out with an upper-body injury.
Andreas Athanasiou used his speed well and had his best game of the young season. He was creating scoring chances for himself and his linemates all evening. Athanasiou was unable to put the puck in the net, but his play gave Toronto fits early and often.
Tyler Bertuzzi found his way onto the top line with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha midway through the first period. Justin Abdelkader started on the line, but Bertuzzi seemed like a better fit.
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Detroit Red Wings defensemen Nick Jensen who had did not record a goal in 81 games last season, opened the scoring with his first of two on the night. Yes, Nick Jensen scored two goals and played better defensively. The lead would not last long as Maple Leafs defensive stand out, Morgan Rielly answered quickly, giving him 11 points already on the season.
Dylan Larkin played an excellent first period and then just disappeared until the third period. The Wings need more from Larkin. Plain and simple, and then Larkin would get credit for the Wings third-period goal.
Mitch Marner, opened the scoring in the second at the two-minute mark. He was followed by the first of two goals from Auston Matthews. John Tavares would also add four assists on the night for the Leafs.
Tyler Bertuzzi had a third period assist to Larkin cutting the Maple Leafs lead to 4-3. Bertuzzi continued his excellent start to the season. Tyler again was flying all over the ice and seems to have found confidence in his game.
Dan Bylsma was brought in and put in charge of fixing the Detroit power play. It is not there yet. It does look better at times, but then it also seems sloppy at times. Typical of young teams. It is a unit that needs to continue to work.
The young Detroit Red Wings defense looked good 5 on 5. The penalty kill was a bit of a mess. The Maple Leafs scored two power-play goals, but their power-play is lethal. The Leafs would go on to add an empty-net goal as well.
It was a case of so close, yet so far. The Wings have so much more work to be done. Detroit is playing in some close games. That is a good thing for a team trying to figure things out while carving an identity for themselves. The Red Wings drop this game 5-3.