They didn't blow us apart. They hooked and held everything in sight while getting calls left and right. They also played tighter defensively with the help of having last change and better match ups. 5v5 and 4v4 was a rarity due to the flow being broken up by countless penalties. Our best players were taken out of the game by the refs and tight checking. We sucked, royally, no doubt but Detroit wasn't miles ahead. A short side shot and a goal off two skates after Bishop spun like a top for another.
If Flip puts that shot in up close or Drouin doesn't lose it, it's a 1 goal game, in a game they had double our shots.
Simply put, we didn't show up and the refs certainly didn't help, but let's not get carried away with how Detroit played. All they had to do was show up, which is what happens to us occasionally where we don't and the other team just needs to dress 18 guys in order to win. I'll eat crow for not giving the Panthers credit, but I'm not seeing anything amazing from Detroit. We have an inept coach when it comes to match ups, no surprise, and a team that laid down. Couple those two with refs essentially benching our players, regardless if we have a PP or are killing it, we all know we get scored on easier on the PP so who cares, and you have a Detroit win at home. We played well in the first considering they came out flying. Big kill and a big period, then the **** storm continued with penalties.
Tampa shows up Tuesday, we head home 3-1. If not, it's a best of three with two at home.
