Wings Soar in Third Period

AUTHOR: | IN: Canucks | COMMENTS: 6 Comments |

The Detroit Red Wings scored four goals in the third period of Tuesday nights match versus the Vancouver Canucks en route to a 5-4 victory.

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead, courtesy of a couple of soft-ish goals on Chris Osgood, the Canucks couldn’t find a way to put away the boys in white and red.  Heaven knows they tried, as Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond both had dangerous chances to make it 3-1, but backup Jimmy Howard (drafted by Detroit 2/64 in 2003) played exceptional in relief of Osgood.

Howard gives the Red Wings a chance after falling behind 2-0  (photo courtesy TSN)

Howard gives the Red Wings a chance after falling behind 2-0 (photo courtesy TSN)

Howard finished the night stopping 20 of 22 shots, earning his 1st win since 2005-06.  “Sometimes when you come in off the bench you really don’t have much time to think about it much,” stated Howard, who lost his first two games this season.  “When you get thrown in there, you just go out there and try not to overdo anything.  Just play the one shooter and let the puck come to you.”

Howard makes a save in the second period - image from The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck

Howard makes a save in the second period - image from The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck

GM Place was hushed in the 2nd period when Ryan Johnson tried to step around Niklas Lidstrom in pursuit of his own dump in, and crashed very heavily into the boards.

Ryan Johnson's own speed works against him as he's stretchered off - AP Photo/Canadian Press

Ryan Johnson's own speed works against him as he's stretchered off - AP Photo/Canadian Press

Pavol Datysuk would register his 2nd of the game to put the Wings up 3-2, and also take home first star honors.  Although more quiet than normal to start the season, it looked like this game infused some energy and sense of urgency into the All-Star center.  He’s recorded 97 points in each of the last two seasons, and was a huge factor in Detroit’s come-from-behind win.

The Canucks are hoping to tighten up their defensive efforts for their next test, which comes on the road in Los Angeles, Thursday.  The game against the Kings will only be available via pay-per- view, but continue their West Coast swing Friday in Ahaheim, a game televised on Rogers Sportsnet Pacific.  They currently sit tied for 8th in the Western conference with Columbus and Phoenix, but have played two more games than both teams.



Post comment as twitter logo facebook logo
Sort: Newest | Oldest

I was really hoping the Canucks were going to be able to hold onto that lead - I just love watching Detroit lose! Hopefully Johnson has a speedy recovery and can rejoin your line up soon!

I myself was on the way to one of my hockey games while listening to the Team 1040, and I could sense that the Canucks were starting to get their backs up against the wall a bit. Heh, it's funny that you mention loving to watch the Red Wings lose, as there was another fellow writes for The College Hockey Blog that noticed that a lot of content in my Canucks/Red Wings blog that I didn't trash talk the Wings. Of course, even though the Canucks have given them a run for their money over the last few seasons, we've had them relatively own the Canucks on the whole.
True to fashion, those Red Wings just find a way to be successful. Just ask Jimmy Howard and Pavol Datysuk. As our injuries ease up (and hopefully all in time for a post-season run, is all I'm asking for), watch for us to be playing better than .500 hockey. Until Daniel gets back, and Lou's healthy, it'll be a big challenge.

Thanks for reading;
Larenzo

I sure hope that Ryan Johnson is okay. Early reports say that he is going to be fine, so that is good. Let's hope the Canucks do well against the Kings and Ducks on the road!

I was listening to the Team 1040 earlier today, and they are saying that he's up and walking around, and was even hoping to be well enough to travel with them for this West Coast swing, but it looks like they'll lean on keeping him here for the road trip, to make certain he doesn't have any complications/concussion. Smart move. All we need is to rush him back (and he'd play even if he was partially mangled, that's just the heart the guy has, and the guts) to have him suffer an injury on top that really puts him out for a long period of time.

Good news is, we don't lean on him as heavy for defensive assignments as we used to have to, but our depth has improved.

Thank you for reading, hope it continues to entertain,

Larenzo

Larenzo,

Just wanted to let you know that I used this write-up in my blog, The Nightmare on Helm Street. Usually I post smack talking by the Red Wings' opponents the day after we win a game, but since you Vancouver people failed to talk any smack, I had to go with something. Feel free to stop on by at animaldrew.blogspot.com (the url will be changing soon) to check it out. Thanks.

-Drew

Thanks for the press, I appreciate that. I replied to one of the readers in the 'Recent Comments' area, particularly in regards to your blog/feature. I feel it's pretty creative stuff, and I like the way you've incorporated a fresh approach to your particular style. I had thought about being perhaps a little more critical of the Red Wings, but just plain have too much respect for where the organization's been and what's been accomplished, that I can't look myself in the mirror after having written something like that.

Thanks again for making it fun;

Larenzo