DETROIT – It was important for the Detroit Red Wings to show they can beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, their potential firstound playoff opponent. It was vital for Petr Mrazek to step up against the highest-scoring team in the league, in case the young goaltender is called upon to start in the postseason.
Most of all, they just needed the two points to maintain some space between themselves and a pair of teams trying to catch them.
As much as the Red Wings downplayed any “statement” they might have made with Saturday’s 4-0 victory at Joe Louis Arena, the strong all-around effort provided a boost of confidence for a club that had been skidding. MORE