Detroit Red Wings falter against Columbus Blue Jackets, but night is not lost

"We’re learning lessons. Sometimes lessons slap you in the face, and they don’t feel very good, but hopefully in the long run it’ll help us."

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Todd McLellan, summed up Saturday’s game well in the post game intereview scrum. There were plenty of lessons learned. 

Our Red Wings fell short of making a strong comeback—thanks in part to blown calls again—the Detroit Red Wings have a lot of work to do in terms of game management. When they should push for offense as an aggressive team or just punt the ball. Punting the ball in McLellan’s metaphor allows the team to focus on their defensive game and be patient for their chances rather than impatient. It seems the impatient side of the game cost the Detroit Red Wings the game. Again, lessons are being learned (much to the dismay of Red Wings fans everywhere).

While the business side of things left a bit to be desired, the personal side was moving. 

I touched on the most important part of the night for the Stadium Series in Columbus, Ohio. It had nothing to do with the game but was about celebrating the lives lost and honoring their family.

Detroit Red Wings faltered in Stadium Series, but the night was still a success. Here’s why 

As we join the media scrum surrounding Dylan Larkin in the post game video linked above, we find our captain discussing the most important part of tonight’s game. 

Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau were taken too soon. Honoring them with the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first outdoor game in franchise history was great. I’m sure everyone in the Blue Jackets fandom is happy that they won, regardless of how they recorded the win. 

Larkin mentioned that he reached out to Meredith Gaudreau, wife of the late Johnny, to see if his Red Wings are okay to wear Johnny and Matthew’s jerseys to honor them.

Per usual, Larkin’s emotions were on full display answered questions. 

Although the game was a frustrating loss, Larkin’s full focus was on his friends, and that’s exactly how it should be. 

Hockey is important, but the people behind it are far more important than any win or loss, position in the standings, or missed call as the referees stares the infraction down (yes, I’m bitter). The fact that Larkin was able to honor his friends, involve his teammates (some of whom may not have met the Gaudreaus, but were impacted by their loss nonetheless), and support the Gaudreau family.

Specifically, I’m happy that both brothers were honored. Far too often, I’ve seen Matthew Gaudreau referenced as the brother. Something like the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, like he’s an afterthought just because he wasn’t playing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Regardless of someone’s job title (or lack thereof), they are still as important as anyone else. I love that Larkin had his team focus on both brothers.

There were times I wished there was more of a focus on the Gaudreau brothers in the broadcast, but at least the players knew the assignment, which was the most important thing. 

Prior to the game, they interviewed Marco Kasper about wearing Matthew Gaudreau’s jersey. 

"I think it’s important for us to honor them. I know Larks [Larkin], he was teammates with the Gaudreaus, and it’s really important to show our respect and that we can honor them in our best way possible."

Marco Kasper

Hearing a young Kasper talk about the importance of supporting and respecting both brothers is impressive. 

It was beautiful seeing Meredith lead the Columbus Blue Jackets onto the ice, as well. Having her on the second intermission was a nice touch, too. 

The signature Johnny look that the Blue Jackets wore was great to see, too, as the team arrived at Ohio Stadium.

Both the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets honored the Gaudreau brothers in the best ways they know how. It was a great night to remember and carry on the legacy Matthew and Johnny left on hockey.