CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 27: Evgeny Svechnikov #37 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates scoring a third period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on February 27, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Red Wings defeated the Blackhawks 5-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
In a somewhat shocking turn of events, the Red Wings have kickstarted their first winning streak of the season scoring 5 goals in back to back games. The team secured their second consecutive win last night in Chicago.
Expectations were relatively low going into this series, especially after it was announced that Captain Dylan Larkin would be out for the two games. The Red Wings responded with secondary scoring to make up for Larkin’s absence.
With Larkin still out for the final game of the series, along with Tyler Bertuzzi and Troy Stecher, it’s still going to present a challenge this evening.
But if goaltender Jonathan Bernier keeps playing the way he is, and the lower lines continue to step up in the scoring department, the Red Wings could very well complete their first series sweep of the season.
Special teams are going to continue to be key in this second game. The Red Wings finally scored on the power play last night, for the first time in 40 attempts. Was this the shot of confidence the team needed for power play success, or will the team go right back to the struggles of the entire season? The penalty kill is also sure to be tested, as Chicago’s lethal power play is still near the top of the league.
Red Wings Players to Watch
- Evgeny Svechnikov. After spending what seems like an eternity on the teams taxi squad, Svech was finally called up yesterday – and he took advantage of the situation, scoring a goal and an assist in the win.
- Bobby Ryan and Robby Fabbri. The duo was bumped up to the first line yesterday as a result of team injuries, and they very much held their own. Don’t be surprised if these two have another stellar performance.