The Detroit Red Wings haven’t beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in 9 straight games. Their rebuilding program started with some promise but has come back to earth since mid-November. They have been 6 years out of the playoffs and Stevie Y and the Illitches have got to be a little restless.
For tonight’s game in Detroit, the Leafs, were again without Austin Mathews (sick) and TJ Brodie. In their place, Alex Kerfoot moved in to centre the Nylander/Bunting line, Wayne Simmonds drew in for Dryden Hunt and Jordan Benn replaced Connor Timmins. Ilya Samsanov was in goal after a spectacular effort the night before by Matt Murray.
Is there such a thing as “Bus Legs” in the NHL ? Because it sure looked like the Leafs had them tonight. Detroit was dominant in all facets having been home waiting. Lucas Raymond got the Wings started with his 12th from a nice Dylan (gottem’ in the pool) Larkin. This was after Marlie call-up Bobby McMann had his first potential goal called off on a bull-shit “kicking action” goal earlier.
A far more entertaining second period allowed Tony Fabbri to pop a PPG to put the wings out front by 2. What was essentially an “own goal” helped the Leafs get back in it when Larkin mistakenly tipped in a Rasmus Sandin pass to tighten things up 2-1. Samsanov had made at least 2 spectacular saves to keep the Leafs in this thing !
Just as Toronto took over the SOG stat in the third, Detroit seemed to come roaring back as if to say “not tonight”. Back and forth they went, but the Wings always seemed to have the answer. One empty net goal, followed by a line rush goal late and it was all over but the cryin’. Red Wings 4, Leafs 1.
HOPPER NOTES: In no way was this a loss to be shouldered by Ilya Samsanov, he made the key saves when needed…the only thing I would say about Ilya, is he needs to stop “helping” his team mates with the puck behind the net…I don’t really like to see Mo Reilly on the right side, it’s just not natural to him…my post game whine would be about poor Bobby McMann…he wasn’t trying to kick it in, he was only trying to get it up to his stick so he could shoot it in ! …guys I’d like on my team: Lucas Raymond…I’m afraid that Wayne Simmonds time has come and gone…really, is Michael Bunting’s act up ? He needs to shut the FU when challenging officials (it gets old Bunts !)…end of the day, the Leafs miss their Superstar Ausin Matthews)…a shout out to my big sister Carol tonight who is on a long battle…love you Sis !
Agreed on all counts.
Thanks Mike
That was the worst call I have ever seen on Bobby McCann’s goal.
The league has gone way overboard on these calls.
In theory, if a player kicked the puck against the side wall and it rebounded directly into the net, it would be disallowed.
Regardless of The Leafs being short a couple of their stars, I liked Detroit’s game.
Nice to see an original six team getting competitive.
Stevie Y is doing a good job there positive thoughts to Carol.
Thanks Bud !