Detroit Red Wings

Bertuzzi Looks Sharper in Red Wings’ 5-2 Loss to Oilers

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2023

DETROIT– Tyler Bertuzzi looked like he finally rediscovered his lost game when he netted a first period goal to stake the Detroit Red Wings to 1-0 lead against the surging Edmonton Oilers.

But in their first game back from their week-long mid-season break, the Oilers showed a little less rust in a 5-2 win against the Red Wings. The Oilers are now 9-1-2 in their last 12 games dating to Jan. 5.

“I felt through the first 25 minutes we were the better team and you could just feel it building and then we gave up two easy goals and you find yourself down,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said.

Detroit rookie Jonatan Berggren had a chance to score the tying goal on a partial breakaway midway through the third period. However, Port Huron, Michigan native goalie Jack Campbell made a strong glove save for the Oilers.

Fourth line players Warren Foegele (two goals) and Ryan McLeod (one) supplied most of the offense for the Oilers who are trying to break into the top three in the Pacific Division. They are a point behind the Los Angeles Kings who didn’t play tonight

Larkin, Raymond, Bertuzzi connect on a beauty. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/qoQv3g8H38

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 8, 2023

The Red Wings, needing a run to climb into the Eastern Conference playoff race, have now lost three of their last five games.

Detroit cut the Oilers lead to 3-2 when Joe Veleno scored with nine seconds lefts in the second period. Defenseman Moritz Seider made a nifty pass to set up Veleno for the shot.

Bertuzzi More Engaged

Veleno now has 15 points, which ties his career high. It was his seventh goal of the season.

Bertuzzi’s goal came at an opportune time with the NHL trade deadline looming March 3. It was his first goal in 13 games in a season that has been undermined by two separate hand surgeries. He has missed 31 games. Bertuzzi is still unsigned for next season. He will an unrestricted free agent this summer. If the Red Wings can’t get him signed, GM Steve Yzerman will have to decide whether to trade him.

In addition to scoring, Bertuzzi went after Evander Kane in the third period after he tried to go after Dylan Larkin. Bertuzzi and Kane both received roughing penalties.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored Edmonton’s second power play goal goal late in the third period to make it 4-2, Kane’s empty netter made it 5-2.