Detroit Red Wings take care of business against the New Jersey Devils

The Detroit Red Wings returned to their recent winning ways this afternoon. They handled the Devils of New Jersey, 3-2 in overtime. With the win, the Red Wings move to 9-9-2 (20 points) on the season; against the Devils, they are 2-0.

The Detroit Red Wings are used to winning games again. After a hot couple of weeks, the team was slowed in Ottawa Thursday when they just could not get things going. Looking for a reset, the New Jersey Devils were a good team to seek a win against, as they have been struggling near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. In fact, the Wings beat the Devils in Detroit just three weeks prior.

First Period New Jersey netminder, Keith Kinkaid, did not have much to do in the first, needing to stop only four shots, but he did make some nifty glove saves. The Devils seemed to outnumber the Red Wings on defense, swarming anytime the Wings entered the zone. Darren Helm went down hard early in the period clutching his right arm. He was rushed off the ice and did not return.

Anthony Mantha had a nice breakaway, but any scoring chance was busted up by pesky Devils defenders. The Red Wings first shot of the game came on a hard slap shot from Justin Abdelkader gloved by Kinkaid. Gus Nyquist was involved in a couple of excellent scoring opportunities, including a nice dish from Dylan Larkin attempting to capitalize on a broken Devil stick. On the other end, though, Wings defense also did a solid job containing the puck.

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They only allowed the first goal of the game, which came nearly twelve minutes in the game when Pavel Zacha received a pass across the zone from Jesper Bratt for a one-timer. Aside from this goal–which was admittedly pretty–, Jonathan Bernier was otherwise spotless.

Second Period There were no penalties in the game until a minute into the period when Abdelkader and Damon Severson were hit for roughing, canceling out the advantage. There was not an actual power play until eight minutes into the period and again at fifteen. Not that the Red Wings could take advantage; in fact, they gave up a shorthanded goal to Blake Coleman.

This was only the second shorthanded goal allowed this season for the Detroit Red Wings, the first being last month against the Hurricanes. They did manage to get one back, however, when Luke Glendening, who has struggled offensively this season, buried a nice shot for his third goal of the year.

Third Period/OT The Red Wings struggled to compile shots and spent much of the third in the Devils’ zone. All was looking hopeless until youngster, Michael Rasmussen, evened the score with just seven minutes to go in the game, which forced an overtime period. Frankly, the Red Wings dominated most of the extra frame. The maintained control in their own zone throughout much of the period, and Dylan Larkin scored to earn his team a win with under a minute to play.

Key Stat In our game preview, we noted how the top line for the Devils could lead to trouble. This top line turned out to be mostly a non-issue. Kyle Palmieri took five shots but could not find the back of the net. Taylor Hall recorded a -2, despite playing the most of Devils skaters. The fact that the Red Wings managed to keep this line in check made this a winnable game.

Red Wing of the Game Jonathan Bernier. After making 49 saves in his previous start and 38 in the one prior, Bernier has seen a lot of action in his limited play. Today was no different: he stopped 38 in regulation and stonewalled the Devils in overtime. He kept the Red Wings in this game, a game they eventually won.

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Lost in the excitement of the game, was the injury to Helm. It is now being reported, according to the Free Press, that he may be out for some time. But on the positive side, the Detroit Red Wings have won eight of their last ten games. They look to continue their hot streak Wednesday when they host the Bruins.

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