Jonathan Bernier Saves 50 but Wings still lose 2-1

Although goaltender Jonathan Bernier had perhaps his best start of the season, the Detroit Red Wings could not overcome a paltry offensive performance in their 2-1 overtime loss to Dallas.

Dallas was securely in control of a majority of first period play, putting together multiple-shot offensive zone possessions and stifling the Red Wing’s offense. However, on just the third shot of the night for Detroit, Dennis Cholowski rushed straight into the offensive zone and sniped the top right corner of the goal. The Stars failed to score on either of their power plays, and the Red Wings finished the first period with a lead, despite being outshot 19-3.

The second period saw Dallas add 22 shots to their total, ending the period with 41 shots on goal. The box score was almost comical at points, as the Stars outshot the Wings 30-3 at one point in the period. But somehow, thanks to some elite goaltending from Bernier, the Stars failed to find the back of the net. The Wings killed another two penalties, and Detroit held on desperately to their one points lead.

Dallas finally found the scoreboard on their 44th shot, tying the game at one a piece. Detroit doubled their shots on goal in the first ten minutes (with some help from a power play) but could not break the tie. The Stars refused to let up, increasing the shots on goal to 51 by the end of regulation, but could not get past Bernier.

The Stars decided to end overtime as soon as possible, scoring just their second goal on 52 shots.

Red Wings Goals

Red Wings Game Notes

•  Bernier is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. If Steve Yzerman is going to bring him back for another few seasons, it’s going to cost him.
• Bernier’s 50 saves were the most for a Red Wings since Jimmy Howard in 2010.
• The penalty kill continued to shine, as Detroit shut down all four of the Stars’ power plays.
• Detroit’s offense desperately misses Robby Fabbri and Dylan Larkin. They weren’t able to generate much of anything and it was a far cry from the offensive explosion on Thursday evening.