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Can the Red Wings' Shootout Victory Spark a Turnaround?

The Detroit Red Wings, with a record of 17-23-8, faced off against the Montreal Canadiens, who held a 8-27-13 record. In a game that saw both teams battle through regulation and beyond, it was the Red Wings who emerged victorious with a final score of 5-4.


Apr 16, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher (11) skates during the warmup period before the game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

At the Bell Centre in Montreal, fans were treated to an intense matchup as the Detroit Red Wings took on the home team Canadiens. The visitors opened their account early in the first period and maintained their scoring pace by adding another goal in the second period. The third period saw an impressive offensive push from Detroit as they netted two more goals before heading into overtime where neither team could break the deadlock. Ultimately, it was during the shootout that Detroit clinched their victory by scoring one goal and making two crucial saves.


The Red Wings displayed remarkable resilience throughout this closely contested affair. Their offense fired off 40 shots towards goal with an even-strength shooting percentage of ten percent resulting in four goals during regulation time. Despite being outdone at faceoffs with only twenty-three wins to Montreal's twenty-eight, they managed to keep their composure and focus on delivering when it mattered most.


Apr 16, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard (58) stretches during the warmup period before the game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit's goaltender played a pivotal role in securing this win for his team by saving twenty-nine shots over sixty-five minutes of playtime and maintaining a perfect save percentage during both shorthanded situations and even strength play. His performance was particularly crucial given that all four goals conceded came at even strength.


On defense, Detroit blocked eleven shots while also taking control of loose pucks with five takeaways but gave away possession fifteen times which is something they would look to improve upon going forward. Their discipline was tested as they incurred three penalties but managed not to concede any powerplay goals thanks to solid penalty-killing efforts.


Apr 16, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Logan Mailloux (94) skates on his solo lap during the warmup period before the game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Canadiens put up strong resistance throughout this encounter at Bell Centre where over twenty-one thousand fans witnessed them score four even-strength goals from thirty-three shots taken against Detroit's netminder – achieving twelve percent shooting accuracy overall. They also had three powerplay opportunities but failed to capitalize on any despite having complete success winning faceoffs during those moments.


Montreal’s goalie made thirty-six saves facing forty shots which included keeping out one powerplay shot; however, he couldn't prevent defeat when faced with three shootout attempts from Detroit players – conceding once which proved decisive for his side's fortunes on this occasion.


As fans continue to support their beloved Red Wings through highs and lows alike, they can catch future games broadcasted live where they hope for more successes like tonight’s hard-fought victory over Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre.

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