The Red Wings' struggles in the shootout have persisted as of late.This season's lack of success when it comes to the shootouts continued tonight with another loss to the Ottawa Senators in a key game for Detroit.
With less than 10 games remaining on the schedule before playoff time, the Wings need to start building some momentum and earn some more regular season points if they want to find some success in the playoffs. They are currently the #3 seed in the division, behind the Montreal Canadiens who have essentially had a hold over the one seed for a few weeks, and the Tampa Bay Lightning at the second seed - the Red Wings' likely first round opponent, assuming they can hold on to their third division spot.
While it is likely the Wings make the playoffs, being only four points ahead of the Bruins is awfully close, and the Metropolitan division has a couple of tough teams fighting for a playoff berth as well. If the Red Wings can come away with at least one point in five of their remaining games, they are almost guaranteed a playoff berth and are likely to earn the three seed in the Atlantic.
Ottawa meanwhile, pulling off a key win tonight in Detroit, has kept their playoff hopes alive as they look to finish out the season with a Wildcard, or division spot, and make the playoffs for the first time since losing Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza. Tonight's win against the Red Wings helps the Senators gain some ground on the Bruins; if they finish strong could find themselves in a matchup with Canadian rival Montreal.
The goal scorers in regulation time were Gustav Nyquist for the Red Wings, who has done well in a full-time role on the big squad scoring his 25th tonight, assisted by Justin Abdelkader. For Ottawa, it was Clarke McArthur, scoring his 14th on the season, assisted by Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone.
In the shootout, the goal scorers were: Nyquist (DET), Zibenajad (OTT), Tatar (DET) and Turris (OTT)
Mark Stone, the 8th shooter of the night, scored the game winner for the Senators.
Mrazek and Hammond both looked on top of their game, and are both ready for the playoffs if their team needs them, if not before then. Detroit will likely rely on playoff-starter and experienced veteran Jimmy Howard to rule the net, while Ottawa might look to Hammond earlier on. The playoff run is almost over for these two teams, and as the season draws to a close, both teams are lookinh to finish strong in the final games on the schedule.
Mrazek will be getting another start, his fifth straight, - the Boston Bruins on Thursday; the Red Wings only have a two point lead after tonight's loss.