Despite a power play goal from Filip Zadina and 36 shots on net, a first period defensive collapse ultimately doomed the Red Wings as they fell to the Panthers.
The Red Wings defense was riddled with errors in the first period, and the Panthers took advantage of it. Missed assignments and turnovers helped Florida jump out to a 3-0 lead just 12 and a half minutes into the first. It was all too similar to the slow start Detroit had against Nashville in their embarrassing 7-1 loss. Calvin Pickard, coming off of two straight wins as Detroit’s starting goaltender, was replaced with Thomas Greiss after the rough start.
Detroit was the first team to get on the board in the second. Filip Zadina secured his fourth goal of the season as he ripped one on the power play to cut the lead to two. But the Panthers responded less than five minutes later, stretching the lead back to three.
Neither team would find the back of the net in the third, as both goalies ensured a scoreless period to end the game. The Red Wings have a chance to redeem themselves against the Panthers this Thursday.
Red Wings Goal
https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings/status/1377056104736260100?s=20
Game Notes
- Greiss actually had a decent game. He didn’t have to face the onslaught of the first ten minutes, but he settled in nicely, and ended with a save percentage of .960. It’s almost certain he starts in the crease on Thursday. Maybe he can turn things around after a brutal first half.
- Troy Stecher‘s absence remains a mystery. Jeff Blashill said he’s a healthy scratch, and decisions like that are certainly head scratching when you have defensive performances like we saw in the opening period.
- Evgeny Svechnikov and Givani Smith finally found spots in the roster, albeit due to injury. It’s unfortunate that productive players like Bobby Ryan are out, but it might mean we get to see some of the young guys for just a bit longer.
- Michael Rasmussen keeps getting better. He led the team in shots with 5, and a couple of those were actually quality scoring chances (namely the one that dinged the goalpost). Rass is a player to keep an eye on as the season winds down.