Five Takeaways from the Detroit Red Wings’ 4-1 Win vs. Columbus

The Detroit Red Wings erupted for four third-period goals to down the Columbus Blue Jackets. 4-1. The team that was one of the NHL’s lowest scoring teams in 2020-21 has netted 13 goals in their 2-0-1 start. Here are five takeaways from their Tuesday night triumph

Will Greiss Play Three in a Row?

Coaches don’t like to change up a winning lineup. Under that thinking, Thomas Greiss should be back in Detroit’s net for Thursday’s game against the Calgary Flames.

Greiss stopped 62 of 64 shots on goal (.969 save percentage) in his first two starts this season. He only faced 22 shots against the Blue Jackets, but a few of them were challenging scoring opportunities. Greiss made a dandy pad-stretched-across-the-crease save on a two-on-one chance in the first period.

“He looks like he’s on the top of his game,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said.

The German netminder is 8-0-3 in his last 11 decisions for Detroit dating to last season. It would be hard not to keep playing him.

Detroit Red Wings Will Miss Bertuzzi

Tyler Bertuzzi scored again against the Blue Jackets to give him five goals on the season. He also has 10 goals in his past 12 games for the Red Wings. He is probably playing the best hockey of his young career.

It’s hard not think ahead and realize he’s going to start missing some games in Canada because he’s not vaccinated. The first comes Saturday when the team travels to Montreal. The Red Wings will have two more when they play in Toronto and Montreal on Oct. 30 and Nov. 2.

The Lucas Raymond-Dylan Larkin-Bertuzzi line has shown strong chemistry. Raymond netted his first NHL goal Tuesday. The trio has potted seven goals in three games. Bertuzzi’s absence will sting,

Defense is Improved

Coach Jeff Blashill said this is the deepest defense he has had since he started coaching in Detroit. They have done a quality job over the past two games, particularly when it comes to moving the puck. Defensemen picked up two more assists in the victory. The group now has 12 assists over the first three games.

Rookie Moritz Seider continues to be an important addition. He was second in time on ice at 21:27. That includes 3:43 on the power play. Seider keeps improving every game he plays.

This is a good start

The Red Wings have only played three games, but earning five out of the first six points is important for a team that really has no idea what it can do.

With Raymond and Seider on the team, this is the official start of the new beginning. They are Steve Yzerman’s initial first-round draft picks. They are both playing up to expectations. That is also important.

Yzerman has added most of the players on this team and for the first time the fans can see where the Red Wings are headed. A good start is not insignificant.

Looking for Pius Suter

Suter was so noticeable in training camp that you would have thought he would gallop out of the starting gate. He isn’t playing poorly. But he doesn’t yet have any points. Can’t think of too many memorable plays he has made.

He hasn’t yet been the difference-maker that he looked like he might be. But it is early. And Suter and Fabbri have terrific chemistry.