8 Observations From the Red Wings 4-1 Win over Columbus

The Detroit Red Wings remain undefeated in regulation time (2-0-1) after a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night at LCA in Detroit, MI.

The Red Wings dominated the game throughout and if it wasn’t for Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo, the game would have been even more lopsided.

Here are eight observations from a very entertaining Detroit victory.

1:  Lucas Raymond scored his first career goal to open the scoring for the Red Wings on a pass from Dylan Larkin.  Raymond also added an assist on the game winning goal by Tyler Bertuzzi.  Raymond was injured midway through the third period on a check into the boards and did not return.  Raymond was selected as the second star of the game.

2:  Dylan Larkin returned from his one game suspension and earned the games first star.  Larkin was flying all over the ice and looked rejuvenated throughout the game.  For his efforts, Larkin had two assists and played 16:47 minutes in the game.

3:  The Red Wings dominated in every facet of the game.  Detroit outshot the Blue Jackets 45-23.  They also won every race to the puck and puck battles along the boards.  If it wasn’t for Korpisalo, the game would have been at least 5-0 after the second period.

4:  Thomas Greiss played exceptionally well again tonight.  Greiss made 22 saves and kept the skilled Blue Jackets power play off the scoresheet until12:51 of the third period.

5:  Two empty net goals.  The line of Adam Erne, Michael Rasmussen and Vladislav Namestnikov are very good two-way players.  Head Coach Jeff Blashill had the trio on the ice for most of the final 90 seconds of the game.  The line scored two empty net goals and showed why Blashill trusts them in the final minutes of close games.

6:  The power play went scoreless.  The Red Wings power play had numerous chances including a 5-3 for well over one minute in the second period and were held off the scoresheet.  The power play went 0/4 on the night.

7:  This Detroit team is skilled.  The Red Wings showed a great deal of skill and speed throughout the game.  Once they get used to each other, they should start to score in bunches.

8:  Where was Pius Suter?  Pius Suter was almost transparent again tonight and has been held off the scoresheet for three consecutive games.  Suter’s linemates, Robbi Fabbri and Filip Zadina were trying to create offense but, it’s hard to do at this level without all three players working together.  If Suter doesn’t turn things around soon, look for Blashill to move him off the second line and replace him with the much improved Michael Rasmussen.

Next Game:

The Red Wings host the Calgary Flames at LCA in Detroit, MI, Thursday October 21, game time is 7:30 PM ET.