By Michael Caples –
DETROIT – During their six-game winless streak, the Red Wings were struggling to find the back of the net.
But in the four games since, it has been the defense helping Detroit climb right back up the conference standings.
The Wings’ defensemen have scored eight goals in the last four games – all Red Wings home victories. Saturday night’s 5-2 win over Dallas was just the latest example of how the team’s blueliners have been making up for a lack of secondary scoring from the forwards.
Niklas Kronwall registered the Wings’ first goal Saturday, firing a shot from the point that through a Dallas defender’s legs and past goaltender Andrew Raycroft. In the second, Ian White managed to maneuver a slap shot through a large crowd in front of the Dallas net. Then, to put the game out of reach in the third, Brad Stuart recorded his first goal of the season, with yet another blast from the point.
“It’s great to see the D shooting the puck and having traffic in front of the net,” captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. “But just getting the shots through has been key for us.”
Stuart was quick to give credit to the forwards when asked about the defensive scoring.
“I think the forwards are doing a real good job of getting in front of their goalie, making it hard, and when they don’t see the puck, they’re not going to stop it,” Stuart said. “We’ve got guys that are really good at getting in front of the net, and we got a little away from that, but we’re getting back to it, and it’s paying off for us. It’s the second and third opportunities now that are going to provide the most offense for you. So that’s where your focus is, getting to the front of the net and putting pucks there, and good things will happen.”
While they have been contributing on the scoresheet, the Wings defense has also been taking care of their responsibilities in the defensive zone. Detroit has allowed only four goals over their last four games. And no defenseman gave more effort in the Wings’ end than Ian White on Saturday.
Nearing the halfway point of the third period, Dallas forward Jamie Benn tried to knock home a rebound during a scramble out front. White dove headfirst in front of the shot attempt, and blocked Benn’s scoring chance with his face. It preserved the Wings’ one-goal lead, which was increased just moments later, when Darren Helm tapped in a pass from Jiri Hudler.
“Well he took one for the team, that’s for sure,” Lidstrom said about White, who reportedly needed stitches after the shot block. “He saved a goal there, diving with his face first. I haven’t seen him yet, but I know he got a bad cut in his face. He did save a goal for us, and we’re very grateful.”
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