The Detroit Red Wings Embarrassed by the Hurricanes

Just when you thought the Detroit Red Wings would have gained a bit of confidence coming off of an overtime win in Florida. The Wings returned home after a four-game road trip only to decide not to show up against the Hurricanes.

Petr Mrazek returned to Little Ceasars Arena backstopping the Carolina Hurricanes to a win against his former team. The Detroit Red Wings could not get anything going last night in front of the home crowd.

They played well in Tampa Bay even though they lost 3-1. They matched the Lightning’ intensity and speed all night. Then the Wings played very well in Florida and came away with an overtime victory.

The Carolina Hurricanes carried a 2-0 lead into the third period. They got a power play goal from Justin Faulk in the first period. They also got an insurance goal from Michael Ferland, also on the power play his sixth of the season.

More from Octopus Thrower

After two periods last night the Detroit Red Wings were being outshot 36-12. They didn’t record their first shot on goal until nearly 14 minutes into the first period. Through two and a half periods the Wings were invisible.

They decided to pour it on with about 8 minutes left to go in the third period. Andreas Athanasiou buried a beautiful cross-crease pass from Thomas Vanek to get the Wings on the board in the third. Frans Nielsen also recorded an assist on the goal.

The Wings peppered Mrazek late in the third period, that AA line was buzzing again. AA had a wide open net with Mrazek down swimming and rifled a shot right into defenseman Justin Faulk who was bailing out his goalie blocking the cage. On the rebound off of Faulk, the puck found Michael Rasmussen, and he tried a shot at the gaping net which was blocked by Calvin De Haan.

From that AA goal, the Wings continued to buzz and finally put constant pressure on Mrazek and company. Down 2-1 with 1:44 to go in the third period, the Wings were gifted a power play. It was a delay of game penalty to the Canes.

The Wings pulled Howard and put themselves with two extra skaters, but the Canes somehow found a 2 on 1 and netted a third goal into the gaping net. It was a really ugly evening all around, Jeff Blashill’s club didn’t decide they wanted to play hockey until much too late in the game.

Jimmy Howard was the Wings best player, often finding himself bailing out his teammates. Howard saw a lot of rubber and held his team in the game. He gave them an opportunity, but they couldn’t find the tying goal.

Dennis Cholowski was the Detroit Red Wings best skater last night. The kid continues to impress, and nothing seems to faze him. He plays with his head up and is pouring with confidence. As he continues to produce and play top minutes, he is working his way into the Calder Trophy conversation.

After the game, Niklas Kronwall mentioned the Wings were a step behind all night long. He suggested if the Wings received a point last night it would have been robbery. Kronner said Howard was by far the only player on the ice playing well.

He was describing how the team can’t decide to play hard one night and not the next. They need to find some consistency. He also said it is not just the kids it is the veterans as well that need to play better. It was Kronner answering the hard questions after an ugly game, and he is pretty brutally honest.

Mantha has found himself in Blashill’s Doghouse Again. dark. Next

Impact Stats:

Jimmy Howard – 36 Saves, 2 Goals Against, .947 Save %
Dennis Cholowski – 24:50 TOI, 3 Blocks, 2 Shots
Athanasiou – 1 Goal, 16:00 TOI
Frans Nielsen – 1 Assist, 17:49 TOI, 11 Faceoff Wins
Larkin – 20:25 TOI, 2 Shots

Home/Red Wings News