The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a notebook article in which he discusses the Red Wings’ new-found defensively stingy style of play:
Wednesday’s 2-1 overtime victory over Calgary was the Wings’ third win in the last four games. The Wings have allowed six goals total in those four games, a dramatic improvement to their team defense, along with a nod to elite goaltending which has been the case for nearly the entire season.
What looked like a dire situation as the Wings were returning from California, now looks much different.
“The last four games we’ve given up six goals,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “It just gives us an opportunity. It’s the reality of winning in the league, not necessarily just us. Good buy-in from our guys, again, just a really good win.”
Goaltender Cam Talbot made 24 saves to earn the victory against Calgary, a game in which the Wings allowed few scoring chances to a deep Flames lineup. The Wings also killed three Calgary power plays until finally allowing a Flames’ power-play goal on their fourth opportunity late in the third period.
“Our D-zone has been unbelievable as of late,” Talbot said. “The guys are doing a good job clogging up the middle and making the other team give up the puck coming into our zone. Once we clean up the penalty kill a little bit here, you’ll see that number (goals against) come down even more.”
Continued (paywall)
