Roar Reaction: Red Wings Fall to Blue Jackets’ Rally
What Happened
It was looking to be another encouraging Detroit Red Wings victory, but costly mistakes got the best of them in the third period. Zach Werenski got the go-ahead goal with 1:19 remaining, completing the Columbus Blue Jackets’ comeback for a 5-3 win over the Wings at Nationwide Arena. Werenski’s goal followed Yegor Chinakhov tying the game up with his first-career goal, helping the Jackets snap a two-game losing streak. Lucas Raymond had what was suppose to be the game-winner earlier in the third period, this after the Wings blew a 2-0 lead. Dylan Larkin and Michael Rasmussen also scored to give the road team that early advantage, which went away with two goals in the second by Columbus. Thomas Greiss faced a lot of traffic in front, making 33 saves on the night, but some easy ones got past him to cost them the game.
What We Saw
This was an effort that continues to be nice to see for the Wings, including the captain Larkin staying hot with a goal, and Raymond looking to be the Rookie of The Year favorite with another clutch tally. The penalty kill continues to be a key factor in the hot start, holding the Jackets to 0-for-3 on the night Monday. Although, despite Greiss facing a little too much traffic in the crease, the goals he gave up to Adam Boqvist and then Werenski had no business getting through. And let’s not forget to mention the neutral zone turnover that led to Chinakhov’s game-tying goal. The Wings are finally in position where they are playing with leads late in the game, and they need to learn how to play safe hockey down the stretch to hang on to those leads.
What’s Next
The Wings are right back at it on the road Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars, who have been inconsistent this season at 5-6-2.