Postgame: Red Wings @ Canadiens – 2/26

It’s been awhile since I’ve put together some real postgame notes. Coming back from the Olympics seems like as good of a time as any to give it another shot.

I’ll admit I was working through much of the game so my attention was split, but I feel like the third line was pretty invisible. That could just be because the second line gets all my attention now, though. Seriously, as I said during the game, I love the Sheahan/Tatar/Jurco line. I’d be okay with the Wings being sellers at the deadline if it meant that line would be the second line at the start of next season (Datsyuk/Zetterberg/Nyquist is my #1 line in this scenario, with Alfredsson back with Helm and Abdelkader on the third line). No, I don’t think that’s reasonable.

The first line, though… Awesome to see Datsyuk and Franzen back. I thought for sure Bertuzzi would be back on the fourth line by the end of the night but damned if he didn’t make the most of being back in the lineup, scoring the game’s first goal.

Of course, Nyquist had to show he doesn’t belong on the fourth line even if Bert fits up top, moving all over the ice to get into position to bang home the rebound for the game-winner in OT. Just a smart play by him to keep moving and get to the right spot.

Right before that, the three-on-three was intense. I’m sold on it. Way better than a shootout.

Of course, all it took was one defensive collapse to require that overtime, as the Wings got all spun around in the final minute to allow the Canadiens to tie it. Detroit didn’t play the best game but that should have been a 1-0 win in regulation.

Detroit is now 3-1-1 all-time coming back from the Olympic Break. Way better than I’d expect.