Red Wings – Penguins Recap

Despite starting slow offensively, there were many positive takeaways from last’s night game.

Bryan Rust got the Penguins on the board with a power-play goal in the first period, assisted by none other than Sidney Crosby. Pittsburgh stayed hot in the 2nd, with Josh Archibald finding the back of the net. Following with another power-play goal courtesy of Jason Zucker. Detroit started their comeback effort just minutes into the 3rd period. Mo’ Seider set up Dominik Kubalik for the perfect rebound goal to get the Red Wings on the board.

Captain Dylan Larkin capitalized from a beautiful feed from Tyler Bertuzzi that brought the Wings within one with 2:40 left in the game. Unfortunately, it was too little too late, and the comeback effort fell short with the Penguins topping the Red Wings 3-2.

Positive Takeaways

Tyler Bertuzzi returned to the lineup to reunite with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. In yesterdays pre-game article, I spoke on how crucial it is for the Red Wings success for this line to be consistent and produce.

In alternative to the game with Pittsburgh last night, the trio played with great energy and the chemistry between them was pristine. Although Detroit lost the matchup. Bertuzzi was able to get much needed reps alongside his linemates assuring that come regular season time, they will be a force on the ice.

Red Wings’ Penalty Kill Struggles

Despite only letting one power-play goal in through their first 4 pre-season games, the penalty kill struggled last night. Penalties along with the penalty kill were amongst some of this team’s biggest problems dating to last year.

Detroit was dead last in penalty kill percentage in the NHL at 73.8 %. Nonetheless, I’m confident Coach Lalonde being a defensive guru will make adjustments moving forward to set them up for success.

Follow Detroit Red Wings Beat Writer Michael Gentry (@16Gentry) and the Jeff & Gentry Show (@jeffgentrypod) on Twitter for more Red Wings Content!