Top Line Steps Up

Despite starting the game on separate lines, a lackluster start from the Red Wings forced Babcock to rejoin Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Abby on the top line. The result was three goals in the third period two from Abby and Datsyuk tacked on a beauty with under a minute left to seal the deal. Not the best effort from the Wings as they struggled early in the game and fell behind due to some defensive miscues. However they finally got some offense from the big guys to make a tough call early and the defensive issues irrelevant. A great win for the Wings but they still need some offense from the middle 6 if they're going to continue winning like this.

Early Lead- After a scoreless first period that saw the Wings generate only 3 shots on goal, a botched Capitals breakout ended up with Nyquist alone in front who finished it off to give the Wings the lead.

Miscues Bring the Caps Back- After clearing it on the penalty kill the Braden Holtby makes an incredible pass back up ice. The Wings are slow to complete the change and Kuznetsov gets a breakaway which he puts away. With only a minute left in the period, Helm loses track of his man as the Capitals change and Brouwer finds himself alone backdoor.

Abby Plays Hero- After scoring the GWG against the Penguin Abby continued his clutch goal scoring. 4 minutes into the 3rd he forces a turnover in front of the Capitals net and puts it away with a beautiful shot. Then halfway through the 3rd Datsyuk carries the puck into the zone against 4 defenders. As all the Capitals focus on Pavel he drops it back to Abby who one times it through Holtby to give the Wings a lead.

Pavel is the New PP- Although I thought the PP showed some improvements, Pavel showed why he immediately improves any power play. After getting a few chances Pavel found himself with time and space on the half wall. He took one step in and sniped it short side to give the Wings a two goal lead and the two points.

The officiating was pretty horrid on both sides and the Miller no-goal penalty was atrocious. But for a game in which the Wings started so poorly they demonstrated some fight and some offense and found a way to win. It was a big win and a big two points they can put in their pocket before taking on the LA Kings Friday night and going on a three game road trip next week.