The Detroit Red Wings are fighting hard to see the post season for the first time in nine seasons. Accordingly, the team brought their best effort as they face the Montreal Canadiens in an Atlantic Divsion showdown. The Canadiens have been hot, however Detroit managed to find a surprising 4-0 win in Montreal.
John Gibson continues to shine, and posted a 27 save shutout against the Habs. Since December, Gibson has maintained a .938 save percentage, going 12-2 in 14 starts. Indeed, his resurgence has been at the heart of Detroit’s ascension within the division. Still, Detroit has little room for error as only 9 points separate 7 teams in what may be the toughest division in the NHL.
Detroit was still buzzing after celebrating Patrick Kane’s 500th career goal in the previous game. Detroit limited Montreal to just three shots on net in the opening period. The Wings have struggled in first period play, however the team seemed ready for this game. Still, Gibson had to be alert as the Canadiens had multiple attempts hit the goal posts in the early frame.
Detroit’s top scorers stepped up
Lucas Raymond scored his third goal in as many games in Detroit’s opening tally. Raymond had faced recent criticism due to a lack of even strength goals. However, since a change in lines Raymond has been a consistent threat offensively. All three of his latest tallies have come at even strength as Raymond seems to have been revitalized.
Both Dylan Larkin and Alex Debrincat scored their 23rd goal in this game. Debrincat now has 20 points in his last 20 games, and had three points in the win. Larkin is just seven goals away from his fifth straight 30 goal season. Raymond, Debrincat and Larkin have been the team’s point leaders throughout the season.
Andrew Copp added an empty net goal, assisted by Larkin and Debrincat. The combination of Copp, Kane and Debrincat continues to lead the way as Detroit’s best forward line. That line has outscored the opposition 16 to 1 since they were created at the end of November.
Can Detroit keep up the momentum?
The Red Wings will play 12 games in the next 23 days before the Olympic break. Additionally, three of those games are against divisional opponents. Detroit has to find a way to enter into the break on a high note, and in the playoff picture. Therefore, every game seems to carry a high sense of urgency.
Still, this Red Wings team has a different feel than the previous years of the rebuild. Detroit has been able to avoid lengthy losing streaks, with only one set of back to back losses in over a month. If the team can continue to find that type of consistency, they should be able to see their first post season in almost a decade.
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