Red Wings allow Blackhawks to slip by for victory

The Blackhawks became the first team to reach victory at Little Caesars Arena Thursday night. The Red Wings Original Six rival got ahead in the final period to beat them 4-2 for a second win against Detroit. Chicago netminder Anton Forsberg got 33 of 35 saves against Detroit in a big win that made him the difference maker.

With three games left and a winning streak in their new home, the Red Wings hoped to keep the positivity alive. Last week they took a 6-1 beating at the United Center in what was a split squad but dismal performance. Since playing on home ice, they have refused to lose with Martin Frk and Michael Rasmussen scoring in the last games. With them and a few others competing for a spot on the 25 man roster, the Red Wings would have a mission to uphold with a week before the 2017-18 season begins.

David Booth got the Red Wings started with a first strike on Forsberg who made the important stop in the opening minute of play. The Red Wings continued to bring it to him but Chicago also had their scoring chances against Petr Mrazek playing his first game at the new arena. He saw a surge from the Blackhawks but didn’t allow a goal through a majority of the period. Ben Street and Michael Rasmussen both earned time with the puck which they launched scoring chances at the Chicago net but came up empty as well.

The second stanza turned out differently for the home team and especially for Niklas Kronwall. The veteran defenseman who has struggled to get time on the ice delivered in the first minute with a centering shot from the far end tipping off the stick of Rasmussen for his third of the preseason. The lead change displeased the Blackhawks who attempted to even the score but Detroit was also on an offensive pace that kept Forsberg busy in net.

Chicago had their best chance midway through the period with Artem Anisimov going in on Mrazek but being blocked by Detroit’s defense around their goalie. They came up with a different plan with six minutes left as Blackhawks captain Jonathan Towes got hold of the loose puck in the Detroit zone and found Richard Panik across. His pass to Panik left enough time for the forward to fire his first goal getting his team even at one.

The Red Wings got the lead back later on with Colin Campbell skating the puck up along the boards before finding Libor Sulak on his wing at center. Sulak delivered a one timer straight at Forsberg to get his first with 4:22 left. Chicago increased the offense outshooting Detroit once again but had to deal with a penalty that had them a man down to finish the period. While they couldn’t get another in, the margin was close enough to make the third very interesting.

Chicago got the tying goal in 101 seconds into the period with Vinnie Hinostroza going at center with Mrazek in view. He made a quick pass behind him to the right where Tommy Wingels scored his first on a slightly empty net. They almost had a second straight goal with Alex DeBrincat firing a shot that went into the back of the net but was waved off due to goaltender interference by Panik.

While there was no penalty on the play, Chicago went for another chance back on even strength to get ahead. Gustav Forsling drove a shot at Mrazek where it nearly got a piece but was saved by Mrazek. Detroit awarded the Blackhawks another power play which they were more than happy to have. They gained the lead with Cody Franson pass one near the net where DeBrincat was to get one to count in his name. Detroit attempted the challenge the play due to off sides by the Blackhawks but lost putting Chicago back on the power play.

The Red Wings did well to kill the penalty and return to full strength where they wanted nothing more than to level the score. They spent a lot of time taking chances and chasing the puck but despite having another power play, they were unable to get back even with the Blackhawks. Detroit showed desperate moments in the final two minutes when Mrazek was pulled from the net.

Chicago dealt with the six attackers giving them very little to deal with and held their ground in the final seconds to come out as the first victorious opponents in Detroit’s new home. The Red Wing would try and recover as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs in a back to back series to end the preseason.