Detroit Red Wings Blue Line Report for the Week of November 6, 2022

A Look at the Detroit Red Wings Twelfth Game of the Season: New York Rangers

The Rangers are a skilled playoff team with great goaltending. The Red Wings looked solid throughout. But two mistakes and two goals in the first period showed the skill of the Rangers. Coming back in the second period on the road in the second of back-to-back games is a major accomplishment.

The Red Wings were tight, persistent, and strong in the third period. The ice started to tilt toward the Rangers in the third period as the Red Wings became worn down. But they weathered the storm and got a giant road win in overtime. Nedeljkovic was excellent. There is so much to like about this team.

Detroit Red Wings: Game Twelve Individual Reports

Moritz Seider – Grade B+. Yikes. That fall in front of Ned in the first period was a bad one. That led directly to a wide-open forward and an easy goal. Except for that play, Seider is getting stronger and more aggressive in every game. Massive ice time for Seider. Two assists and checking Panarin all afternoon is a full day’s work. This was a great night with only one hiccup for Seider.

Ben Chiarot – Grade B. The first-period penalty for an unnecessary cross-check was a bad penalty at a bad time. The Ranger power play capitalized for the 2-0 lead. Later he placed a nice wrist shot on goal for the Luff deflection. An excellent assist on that goal. Also worth mentioning is a great hit on Gauthier, who was breaking in on goal in the third period. Chiarot came across the ice and completely crushed his man (and then Chiarot crashed awkwardly into the net).

Filip Hronek – Grade A-. A big game for Hronek. He provided chaos at the Ranger net that led to Suter’s goal. Perfect timing on when to attack and a well-earned his seventh assist of the season. Hronek not only played well but was dangerous with the puck. He had an excellent chance for the winning goal late in the third with an aggressive offensive play but was denied by Halak.

Olli Määttä – Grade B+. Maatta is returning to his expected role, being a support for Hronek. He is an excellent complementary player but should not be the team’s blue-line star.

Jordan Oesterle – Grade B. The third pairing has been a major liability this season. But they were pleasantly not noticeable. The third pairing did get stuck in their own zone as the Rangers pressed in the third period. But they persisted, played hard, and did not lose discipline in coverage. The third line will get beaten, but it will take a very good offensive play to do it.

Gustav Lindstrom – Grade B+. Solid and not noticeable. He displayed great vision to send Kubalik in alone in the third period. That excellent chance was saved. Lindstrom is a good and smart player but has not shown the physical skills to be a strong, consistent contributor to a top team.