DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 11: Jonathan Bernier #45 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Little Caesars Arena on March 11, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Things just kept getting worse in the Red Wings’ Thursday night blowout at the hands of the Predators.
The first period was evenly contested, ending with scoreless tie as both teams secured ten shots on goal. Goaltender Jonathan Bernier seemed back to his old form in his first game back from injury.
But everything came crashing down for the Red Wings in the following period. Detroit was the first to strike, as Darren Helm redirected a blue point wrister from Troy Stecher to break the stalemate. This would be the last goal of the night for the Wings. Nashville scored three straight to end the 2nd 3-1.
The final period was a disaster for Detroit. Nashville finished the game with four straight goals, recording a grand total of seven against the Wings.
This was the last time Detroit will face Nashville in the 2020-21 season, finishing with a 2-5 regular season record against the Preds.
The Red Wings will head back to the road on Saturday, against Central Division heavyweight, Carolina.
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Red Wings Game Notes
- Bernier had a rough return after his time on the injury reserve, finishing with a save percentage under the .800 mark. Considering the quickly approaching trade deadline (this Monday), the timing of Bernier’s stinker of a performance is not great. If Steve Yzerman is considering moving him, let’s hope opposing scouts will look past such a disappointing performance and attribute it to rust after nursing an injury.
- There wasn’t much hope to be found in a game like this. Younger players like Evgeny Svechnikov looked pretty rough, Dylan Larkin didn’t look himself, the aforementioned struggles of Bernier, the missed Filip Zadina assignment that led to a goal, and others.
- These games will happen for rebuilding teams. It’s rough, but it’s a good reminder that this team is pretty far away from contending. The trade deadline is going to be important for Detroit this season.