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To wrap up the final home game of the preseason, fans at Little Caesars arena got to witness a close game between Red Wings and Maple Leafs. But neither side brought out there best, with this being a primarily B-squad game.

For much of the game the Leafs were in control, as evident by the lopsided 37-18 shots, in favor of Toronto. It wasn’t pretty but the Wings managed to make this a game, taking it all the way to a shootout.

Unfortunately, Detroit couldn’t solve Joseph Woll in the skills competition, losing by a final score of 4-3.

Thoughts and Highlights

  • Evgeny Svechnikov had a statement game, being Detroit’s most consistent forward throughout the night.
  • Geno even got on the scoreboard, coming off a great effort from his line as a whole

  • Chris Terry will be a key cog in the Griffins championship aspirations this season. Even though he never had a realistic shot at making the NHL, it was nice to see him pot a goal.

  •  Givani Smith was everywhere tonight. He had a huge hit in the first period, and later dropped the gloves with the Leafs’ Tyler Gaudet.
  • Following that chaos, Smith came up huge, and netted the game tying goal with under two minutes to play. 

  • If Smith ever makes it to the show, let me just say he is going to be one hell of a fan favorite
  • In the shootout, Jeff Blashill sent out Svechnikov, Terry, and Michael Rasmussen. One has to wonder why he did not let Filip Zadina take a shot. The skilled winger could have certainly used the confidence, had he scored.

Gif of the Game

When you remember there is no loser point in preseason

Motor City MVP

Evgeny Svechnikov

Out of all the Detroit players, I thought Svechnikov was the most noticeable…in a good way. The Motor City MVP also could have went to Givani Smith, alas, Geno actually put in a full effort. It’s unfortunate that the puck rolled off his stick in the shootout, but that shouldn’t take away from his standout performance.