2/8/16: The Detroit Zebras
Last night’s 0–3 loss in Detroit was a blow to the team. From the first puck drop it was evident that something was off with the Panthers — no aggression, no speed. Never mind the mix of penalties, poor refereeing, and the Barkov injury. Dropping two points to a divisional rival was not what we needed to start this back-to-back.
Ekblad started things off poorly by taking a high-sticking penalty two minutes in to the game. With room to maneuver, Detroit gained serious momentum and carried it through for the entirety of the first period. Staved off only by the magnificent play of Montoya, they were able to command play and minimize any threat posed by the Florida top nine. Our offense looked anemic.
The second period was more of the same. Although both teams were able to ramp up the shots, due in part to the lack of penalties, neither team was able to establish significant puck possession in the offensive zone. Though, the middle frame did account for the turning point of the game.
At 6:40, Abdelkader put a big hit to Barkov as he was attempting an outlet pass from the goal line. Just after Barkov turns back up ice and releases the puck, Abdelkader appears to line up, lower his shoulder, and rise up into the chest and head. From the following angle you can clearly see his skates come up off of the ice as he follows through with the hit. Had Abdelkader stayed low and checked Barkov’s chest, this would have been a legal and devastating hit. However, due to the rising action, the loss of contact with the ice, and the resulting injury, this hit should warrant a suspension.
“It was a cheap hit. It was a head shot. I don’t know why the ref didn’t call it…It was a turning point of the game. … I don’t think the guys on their bench like to see the game played like that.” -Nick Bjugstad
This brings to question though, why the refs didn’t call a penalty on the play. Although the initial check setup looked legal, it is my belief that with the game being in Joe Louis Arena, the tie went to the home team. Especially with the way the rest of the game was being called, this hit should have resulted in a penalty (contributing to a ruling by the Department of Player Safety).
As of now, Barkov has no timetable for his return. We can only hope he recovers in time for Friday’s game against St. Louis rather than missing additional time; as we have seen, just as earlier in the season, how the team performs without him.
The rest of the game would be downhill from there. A barrage by Detroit led to the first goal, a tip-in by Tomas Tatar at 4:19 in the third, followed up by a terrible penalty call on Reilly Smith to negate a 2-on-1 advantage that could have tied the game. Scoring on the subsequent power play, Detroit would control the rest of the game.
Tonight’s game in Buffalo will be equally challenging — the second leg of the trip without Barkov, Gudbranson, or Mitchell. This game is almost a must-win scenario as both Tampa and Boston are playing winnable games. Coming off two losses, the Cats will have to dig deep to regain their composure and find that offensive firepower. Maybe having Thorton and Luongo back in the lineup will get things going again? It’s time for our depth to step up and lead this team.
