Offense from Defense Sparks Red Wings vs. Toronto

To beat the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night in Detroit, the Red Wings relied on Ville Husso's mettle and offense from their defense.  All three Detroit goals against a goaltender (i.e. excluding Lucas Raymond's clinching empty-netter) came from defenseman: a pair from Jeff Petry and one from Moritz Seider.  Going all the way back to Monday's game against the Sabres, five straight Red Wing goals against goaltenders have come from the blue line.

When asked about the extra offense from his blue line, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde emphasized the simple aggression of Detroit's collective attack Saturday night, saying "When we have a shot-first mentality, it just helps our overall game, and it puts their D zone on their heels a little bit.  And we've had some of it at times, but we had a conscious effort from the get go the whole game to do that.  The first goal was like that.  But just it helps your offense, hopefully something we can build on.  Obviously you want your D involved as much as possible.  It's so hard to create offense in today's NHL, and they came through tonight."

Petry spoke to a similar dynamic, saying when asked about the same topic, "I think it is important.  I think we've talked about it...cycling the puck, getting it low to high, getting bodies to the net, and I think just creating that shot scramble mentality, that opens up space for plays to be made but also rebounds that are sitting there.  When you're not putting the puck in the net as often as you'd like, you get some of those greasy, gritty goals, and I think that just lifts you up."

After being asked whether he'd had any thoughts of a hat trick after the second goal, Petry laughed and shook his head, saying "No, no, I mean if the opportunity was there to shoot the puck again, I was gonna shoot, but it's not something that crossed my mind at all until [defense partner Ben Chiarot] said something on the bench."

To counteract strong performances from the Maple Leafs top gunners, Detroit found refuge in simple offense with support from an active defense corps.  Perhaps the Red Wings can find more regular success with that winning formula moving forward.

Also from THN Detroit

Red Wings Top Prospect Scores Shootout Winner

Husso Proves Mettle, Backstops Red Wings to 4-2 Win over Toronto

Red Wings Recall Very Interesting Goalie

Injury Update: Red Wings Without Talbot, Lyon vs. Maple Leafs

Puck Management Dooms Red Wings in Philadelphia

Red Wings Drafted Player Joins New Team

Two Budding Stars Brighten Red Wings Bleak Picture