Red Wings End Slump, Blank Flames

One thing that can be stated with certainty about this season’s edition of the Detroit Red Wings is that when the team is in need of a response, they come up with the answers.

Such was the case on Saturday afternoon in Calgary.

Coming off consecutive losses to launch a four-game Western road trip in which they were outscored 12-5, the Red Wings physically extinguished the Calgary Flames by a 5-0 count. In doing so, they virtually extinguished the candles on Harvey’s birthday cake. Harvey, the club’s dog mascot, was celebrating 40 years with the Flames on Saturday.

“It’s not so much about the losing streak, it’s about how to get out of them,” Red Wings goaltender James Reimer told Bally Sports Detroit. “Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t.

“It’s about the character and getting out of it. Two (losses) in a row isn’t what you want. Our response was on point.”

Detroit got first-period goals from Patrick Kane and J.T. Compher. Kane (2-4-6) has points in all four games since returning from injury. Compher has registered a point in five of the last six games.

Second-period tallies by Dylan Larkin and David Perron wound up chasing Flames starting goalie Jacob Markstrom from the game. According to ny state sports betting analyzed by Sportytrader, Markstrom is among the most likely NHLers to be dealt before the March 8 NHL trade deadline. The New Jersey Devils, chasing Detroit for an Eastern Conference playoff spot, are seen as potential suitors for Markstrom.

Raymond's 15th! pic.twitter.com/dq1aRM0alZ

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 17, 2024

Lucas Raymond beat Flames backup goalie Dan Vladar late in the third period to complete the scoring. Five different Detroit players tallied and 11 Red Wings were supplying at least one point in the win.

“It means a lot to get as many guys as possible involved,” Raymond said. “I think that’s one of our biggest strengths, the depth we have, the way guys produce up and down the lineup.”

Reimer Shuts The Door

Playing for the first time since Jan. 23 and making only his second start of 2024, Reimer was as sharp as could be. He kicked out 38 shots for his 30th NHL shutout and second against the Flames. Reimer hasn’t lost since Dec. 27.

“I was well rested, so I thought I might as well make as many saves as possible,” Reimer said.

A stellar 38-save performance equals one well-deserved shutout for James Reimer, helping the Red Wings break their skid! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/niubCSWYXu

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) February 17, 2024

In his last two starts, Reimer is 2-0 with a shutout and a .971 save percentage. Saturday, he made 28 stops through the first two periods.

“Honestly, you don’t focus on much more except your own game, whether you’re gonna make 35 saves in the first (period), or two,” Reimer said. “You want to get to your spots, you want to be big, you want to try to read the play. I was able to do that, and some huge blocks from the guys, too. And like any shutout, a couple of nice breaks off the posts.

“Just a classic shutout.”

Red Wings Penalty Kill Perfect Again

Detroit successfully killed off all five Calgary power plays, including a 5-on-3 scenario for 1:32 in the third period.

Over the past seven games, the Red Wings are a perfect 23-for-23 when shorthanded. Through the past 12 games, they’ve allowed one power-play goal (28-for-29). That’s a 96.5% success rate.

“Special teams huge tonight, both the power play and the penalty kill,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said. “A pretty good road win against a very good team.”