Game 17 Recap, CHI 3 @ DET 2 (OT)
Game 17 of 56
Result: CHI 3 @ DET 2 OT
DET Record: 4-10-3
Season Series Against CHI: 0-2-1
Close but no cigar for the Red Wings as they fall to the Blackhawks by a final tally of 3-2 in extra time. Detroit outperformed Chicago much of the night but, in typical fashion, Chicago seemed to be able to convert on every mistake that Detroit made.
A perfect example Detroit’s woes happened early in the first. After dominating the first few minutes of play, a single mis-que on Chicago's first offensive push of the game allowed Chicago to score on their first shot.
Keys to Yesterday’s Game
🔑 1 : Defensive Identity/Lineup
The defensive identity held up again. The Red Wings won the possession and chance battle (again) due to the choices made. But it was late decisions in using every line to keep the roster fresh that hurt possible scoring chances effectiveness due to personnel.
The fourth line for Detroit, consisting of Erne, Glendening, and Nielsen, played relatively well. They had moments of sustained pressure in the offensive zone, with both Erne and Nielsen registering assists in Djoos's game-tying goal. When you combine the three of them with Gagner (🍎) and Filppula, however, it's too many players who are consistently non-factors in the offensive zone despite the respectable point accumulation.
There were also more than a few questionable lineup decisions late in the third and into overtime. It seemed as though Blashill was playing "not to lose" rather than "to win". Larkin, Glendening, and Brome played a full shift late in the game, followed by Nielsen, Erne, and Zadina.
While I've loved Brome's drive and determination, he hasn't shown the skill or production necessary to warrant him starting overtime with Dylan Larkin. Mantha or Zadina should have taken that spot, with an honorable (acceptable) mention to Bobby Ryan.
🔑 2 : Power Play
The Wings only got two chances on the man advantage, failed to convert on either chance, and again looked very sloppy and easily countered the majority of the time.
🔑 3 : Leaders Need to Lead
Larkin and Mantha both failed to register a point last night. Mantha was also a -2 on the night.
🔑 4 : Details
Lack of attention to details, along with one specific defender's poor outing, were the reason for all 3 goals against. Details also cost the Wings the game a few times in OT with missed passes.
🔑 5 : Score First
Self-explanatory, the Wings gave up the first two goals and spent the vast majority of the game chasing.
Red Wings vs Blackhawks Summary:
Detroit outplayed Chicago much of the night and deserved a win here. Once again, however, Detroit cost themselves the win with simple plays not being executed properly.
Hronek's hyper aggressive overtime pinch with Larkin, leaving Namestnikov all alone to defend a 2-on-1, is a perfect example. Hronek also miscalculated on a pass in overtime that could have sent Filip Zadina on a breakaway.
On the first goal of the game, Marc Staal abandoned coverage to be the third man in on a covered Chicago forward, leaving Janmark all alone with an open net.
On the second goal, Namestnikov turned the puck over in the neutral zone and Hronek failed to lift the stick of Kubalik to prevent the tap in on a 2-on-2 rush.
On the third goal, Larkin and Hronek both attempted to double team Beaudin deep in the Hawk's zone and still failed to prevent a pass, leading to a 2-on-1 rush in overtime against Namestnikov. Greiss probably should have stopped the shot, but the play never should have happened.
Chicago capitalized every time Detroit made a mistake due to not minding the details. This will have to be corrected going into game 2 of the mini-series.
#LGRW
