In their first game back from the all-star break and obligatory bye week, the Detroit Red Wings got off to a fast start against the Vancouver Canucks. Lucas Raymond scored a spectacular goal only 45 seconds into the first session. This was Raymond’s 13th goal of the 2023-24 NHL season, and he has seven points in his last five games. This places him second on the Red Wings’ roster, trailing only Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat.
Raymond, a native of Gothenburg, Sweden, appeared to get the Canucks’ attention and was hit by Nikita Zadorov, who stands 6’6″, seven inches taller than Raymond. Raymond would return to the game during the second period. If the left-winger wants to survive in the NHL at his size, he’ll need to bulk up if he can’t learn to play with the footwork that helped him score what some are calling a “goal of the year” contender.
The Canucks had already played two games since the all-star break, removing the “rust” from their games. Prior to the game against the Red Wings, the team was tied with the Boston Bruins for the best record in the NHL at 34-11-6, and they were able to rebound by scoring three unanswered goals. Perhaps the fact that this was the Red Wings’ first game contributed to their struggles in the second period. The fact that Vancouver was able to score immediately following Detroit’s seven-minute power play was indicative of this bad performance.
Filip Hronek, a former Detroit Red Wings defenseman, had a goal and two assists to help the Canucks take a 3-1 lead in the second period. The Red Wings have struggled in the second period, with 178 goals against, the fourth highest in the NHL this season. The Red Wings rallied in the third period, like they have done numerous times this season.
Daniel Sprong and Michael Rasmussen each scored in the third period to bring the Red Wings even with the Canucks. Derek Lalonde, the Red Wings’ head coach for the first year and a half, has ingrained this in the club. During his initial press conference, Lalonde preached that winning would be the product of a process. The Red Wings, who are presently looking for their first postseason appearance in seven seasons, appear to have taken this lesson to heart.
Jake Walman scored the game-winning goal, hitting his trademark “celly.” This time, a penalty shot in overtime won the game 4-3. Both griddy goals were against goaltender Casey DeSmith. Walman’s first griddy came against the Montreal Canadiens. The Red Wings marketing crew took note and distributed Jake Walman griddy bobbleheads. It will be interesting to observe how the team reacts to the second griddy goal.
The Red Wings’ next game will be Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers recently suffered their first loss in 17 games against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Red Wings’ defence will have to contend with Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the NHL, and Leon Draisaitl, another offensive standout on the Oilers’ squad. The Oilers currently have a record of 47-30-16. The Oilers are currently third in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.
Leave a Reply