The Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks officially kicked off their exhibition schedule, a time for the bubble players and the sure bet starters to show what they have.
And Bobby Ryan had quite the night.
For Detroit, Michael Rasmussen opened the scoring into what is hopefully a breakout season for him.
Detroit played a handful of players that will be on the roster and looked active and quick once the puck dropped. Rasmussen scored his first of the preseason after Adam Erne broke free on the side boards, won the puck, and sent it to an open Rasmussen who finished it off.
Chicago answered on a Dominik Kubalik goal. Rasmussen left Kubalik in the low slot alone to try and cut off the pass with defenseman Alex Cotton. The puck ricocheted off Rasmussen’s skate, right to a waiting Kubalik who had what felt like hours to take a shot. Kubalik went to his backhand and beat Greiss five hole, knotting the game at one.
The second period saw the Blackhawks notch two goals–one that found its way through Greiss and another redirected through traffic that put the Hawks up 3-1. Newly acquired Mitchell Stephens wasted little time, zipping down the ice and wristing a shot past Kevin Lankinen.
Detroit sent the Hawks to a power play after a too many men penalty but were able to successfully kill it off. Rasmussen would take another penalty with just under eight to play after a crosscheck. and Chicago threatened for a good chunk of the advantage. Calvin Pickard who came in for Greiss midway through the second, made a save on Lukas Reichel point blank, saving a sure goal.
The Red Wings had a few chances but were unable to convert, and went to the third period down by a goal.
The third period started out in similar fashion-a Red Wings penalty. No sooner had they killed it off did Adam Erne go off for hooking. A familiar theme for Detroit during the game–a parade to the box. Here’s hoping it’s just a preseason problem.
After killing off the penalty, both teams traded chances, and hit metal, none closer than Brian Lashoff‘s blast that bounced off the crossbar. The Red Wings finally to give Ryan a contract.got a power play chance on an interference call. Detroit didn’t convert but the power play looked rebooted, had a great entry, and gave more reason Rasmussen also looked fantastic net front, getting several good chances.
And then after Pickard left the ice for an extra skater, who would you know gets the tying goal–Bobby Ryan. Erne made another great head up play, this time poking the puck to Ryan who slammed it home.
For Godsakes Stevie, just have him sign a contract in the tunnel.
The equalizer sent the game to overtime where both teams valiantly traded chances, but Pickard stole the show with three difficult saves.
Erne and Hirose scored in the shootout and who else–Bobby Ryan–sealed it with the final shootout goal.
Maybe it’s fair to say Ryan earned his contract tonight. Wings win 4-3. Buffalo tomorrow night.