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Detroit Red Wings at Ottawa Senators: Recap, Grades & Opinions

By Avianna Arapovic

Feb 20, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) tries to recover the rebound following a save from Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek (34) in overtime at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Red Wings 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) tries to recover the rebound following a save from Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek (34) in overtime at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Red Wings 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Period:

This period turned out to be the perfect contrast for the first period. The initially flat-footed Wings attempt to get things going on their first power play as Nick Paul slashes the stick out of Green’s hands. It took Detroit a while before they were able to set up in the zone, killing time off the clock. As the time winds down, the power play gained its wheels and they had a great chance. With Craig Anderson down and pads stacked, Abdelkader tried to put a backhander in but could not get any lift on it… keeping this game scoreless.

With the increase in energy, the forecheck was amped up very aggressively. Erik Karlsson was forced to the boards and was all out of options, so he attempts to clear it. Instead, Karlsson inadvertently completed a great, no-look pass to a wide open Athanasiou. ATHANASIOU LATER! Great goal, even better celly: 1-0 Wings.

What’s a Red Wings game without an opponent’s quick response to a goal? An unfortunate stick break causes Brendan Smith to be unable to clear effectively. He made a diving attempt to clear it, but the puck was turned over in a typical fashion to Pageau, who gives it to Zack Smith. Unfortunately, Mrazek couldn’t stop that one (as he should’ve, but who am I to judge?): Tie game, 1-1.

Momentarily after the Senators tie it up, Glendening takes a holding penalty.. off to the penalty kill we go. Detroit’s penalty kill looked good as they forced Ottawa to remain on the perimeter. As a result, the penalty was thankfully killed, because who knows what kind of momentum could’ve been gained after scoring 2 quick goals like that.

At this point in the game, the physicality of the game has intensified to a great extent. So much so that Helm and Turris both head off to the box with offsetting penalties. 4 on 4 opened the ice a bit more and enabled the Wings to get some better entry into the zone; thus, they were able to get a good rotation going. Richards takes a shot from the point and it somehow makes it in? Oh no, that’s just Erik Karlsson messing up once again, tipping the puck in. Very swede of him to help the Red Wings out *Ba Dum Tssssss* Detroit up 2-1 in the second.

The grand event before the period ends is Pylon Phaneuf getting in Zetterberg’s face. Doesn’t take too long for Quincey to skate in and share some kind words, I’m sure. RESPECT THE BEARD.

Shots: 16-16

Sentence to Describe the Period: Erik Karlsson is a Red Wing at heart.

Grade: B+. The Wings looked good once they found their tempo in the game; but let’s be honest, those goals were given to us. On the other hand, a goal is a goal.

Next: Third Period

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