Red Wings blanked 2-0; Power Play continues to be Powerless

Feb 17, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Pius Suter (24) controls the puck against Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jon Merrill (middle) and goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Pius Suter (24) controls the puck against Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jon Merrill (middle) and goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Remember when the Detroit Red Wings last scored a power play goal? If you don’t, it’s because they’re still 0 for 30, extending the miserable goalless streak on the man advantage even longer.

The Blackhawks also extended the losing streak to three games, shutting Detroit out 2-0 and making Kevin Lankinen look like Glenn Hall out there in his third win against Detroit—this season. 

I don’t have much for you beyond that outside of a Robby Fabbri chance late that somehow didn’t go into the net. Other than that, this game was just dull, and no one ever enjoys watching their team get shut out. Especially by a rival.

To remedy that, here’s one of my favorite goals ever against the Blackhawks.

A couple more thoughts on the Red Wings 2-0 loss

  • I am a fan of Filip Zadina just winding up and ripping shots at the net during the power play. One of those will eventually go in, or generate a rebound that is slammed into the net. I don’t care. The power play looked decent, had some moments where they applied pressure, but still couldn’t score. At this point, whatever it takes.
  • Jonathan Bernier played out of his mind and didn’t get any goal support. Somewhere, Thomas Greiss chuckled.
  • I’ve said it before and I will again: Frans Nielsen, and Adam Erne should not be out in the final three minutes of a one goal deficit. For what was about 35 seconds, the line (with Glendening who I’m fine with being out there) generated nothing. They chased the puck more than they shot it. It is beyond mind numbing as to why Jeff Blashill continues to put them out there late in the game. Perhaps this one of many things driving Red Wings fans nuts about his decisions. 

From Brad Galli:

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Glendening channeling his inner Kenny Holland with that “likes their group” comment. This “group” however, isn’t getting it done.  Maybe they can call up some guys in Grand Rapids who can. Because at this point, Detroit has won just twice out of its last 14 games.

Here’s video of the post game comments: