I Love New York

I don’t plan on writing a game recap until after going back and watching the episode of “24” that is currently working its way onto my DVR but I figured I’d throw out some thoughts.

With the Red Wings picking up their second third-period, come-from-behind victory against a New York team in less than a week, I can’t say I’d mind playing the Atlantic Division more often.

Three third period goals on Long Island and an extra in overtime gave the Red Wings a 4-3 win over the Islanders last week and tonight three third period goals got the win in regulation. As Robert Lang said in the post-game interview, it’s not something you want to get used to but it’s nice to be able to do.

Detroit now has a league-leading nine third-period comebacks for wins this season. Three of those have come against the Atlantic Division in four games.

Detroit’s first win of the season was a shutout of Pittsburgh that did not require a comeback but on December 16 the Red Wings scored twice in the third to earn a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils.

One week from today, the Red Wings will visit the Philadelphia Flyers in their last game of the season against the division that has treated them so well this year.

While it’s easy to look at the result of the game and be satisfied, you can be sure the team will not be happy with their first period play.

Sloppy passing and awful decision-making gave the Rangers far too many chances. Cut that down and the need for these third-period rallies will disappear.