The Free Press’s Helene St. James reexamines the Red Wings’ 6-2 win over the San Jose Sharks this morning, discussing the ways in which the Wings successfully snapped a 2-game losing streak with a dominant performance:
The Wings (16-15-3) didn’t practice Wednesday. They are scheduled to head to California to play the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, and the Sharks on Jan. 12. The Wings have won just four of their 15 road games.
Beyond the offensive boost Tuesday — after scoring just once in each of the first two games out of the Christmas break — the Wings played well defensively against the Sharks. They also did a good job defensively on New Year’s Eve against the Washington Capitals.
“Every night is a challenge,” Blashill said. “We did some things that will help you be good on the road. We played a fairly smothering style from a defensive standpoint in terms of not giving them space and I thought we laid pucks in behind and went and got them.
“You come out of the break, and you’re one goal and one goal. Confidence matters. When you’re able to get six, it helps guys, it helps guys feel good about themselves, helps the team feel good. I think confidence can breed more offense, so let’s hope that happens. Hopefully, we’re continuing to learn and grow as a hockey team and what it takes for us to be successful home and away, but especially on the road.”
Suter and Tyler Bertuzzi each had two goals, and Robby Fabbri also scored; 10 Wings came away with points.
“A lot of different guys scoring and playing well defensively, you can build from that,” Suter said. “Every win you take some confidence. The road trips haven’t been as we’d like so we need a performance like this.”
Continued (paywall)
