DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 19: Thomas Greiss #29 of the Detroit Red Wings blocks a shot on goal against the Dallas Stars in the overtime period at American Airlines Center on April 19, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
The Red Wings offense struggled mightily yet again, but Thomas Greiss‘ second consecutive shutout kept Detroit competitive throughout the entire game, and ultimately secured a victory in the shootout.
Although Detroit had a late period push, the first period saw Tampa Bay in control of play. The Lightning outshot the Red Wings 11 to four, and each team had a power play opportunity (Unsurprisingly, the Wings power play barely registered a shot and nearly gave up a short handed goal). Greiss continued his streak of fantastic goaltender and kept the game scoreless through 20 minutes.
The Lightning came out physical to start the second half, finishing checks and heavily increasing the forecheck. But Detroit’s defense only allowed six shots on goal, and Greiss stopped all of them. Tampa Bay’s defense played just as strong, allowing only five shots in the second (A paltry nine shots total for Detroit).
Tampa Bay took it up yet another notch in the third. Detroit only managed two shots on goal the entire period, and the Lightning increased their shot total to 28. However, again, Greiss somehow managed to keep it scoreless (Helped out a bit by a Lightning goal overturned because of interference). The Red Wings continued to defy odds, keeping Tampa of the board even during a 5-on-3 power play attempt. Neither teams could find the back of the net, and the scoreless matchup went to overtime.
Thanks to a few fantastic saves by Greiss, the five minute overtime finished scoreless. For the second time in three games, Detroit went to a shootout – in a scoreless game.
Filip Zadina, Jakub Vrana and Valtteri Filppula all scored during the shootout, and Sam Gagner finally secured the extra point in the eighth round of the shootout.
- The power play is a dumpster fire. Detroit failed to utilize any of the four man advantages they had against Tampa.
- Joe Veleno continues to look like a competent NHL player. While not showing up on the stat sheet, he seems to be doing all the little things right.
- Greiss has looked lights out in this last month of hockey. With Greiss and Bernier in net, it seems Detroit can win on any given night.