Detroit Red Wings end preseason by snapping Pittsburgh Penguins winning streak, 3-2-NHL Match Update
Pittsburgh Penguins were having one of their best preseason’s to date, but could not finish with a perfect winning streak as Detroit Red Wings snapped their five game winning streak, 3-2, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on October 2, 2011.
For those who think Pittsburgh lost out of pure curiosity of trying out how loosing feels, it could have been that someone told them that it is not the regular season that they are playing in.
Penguins were not taking any matchup lightly and according to Pittsburgh head coach, Dan Bylsma, they do not intend on doing so in the future either.
"It's time to get into the regular season, where it really counts", Pens coach Dan Bylsma said. "I like our team. I think we know how we need to play and I think we know what we need to do. But we're all 0-0 right now. You've got to get out there and play,
and we're playing a good team right off the hop".
Gustav Nyquist, one of Detroit’s highest performing prospects throughout camp and the regular season, started of the matchup by scoring in the opening minute of the first period on an assist by Todd Bertuzzi.
Pittsburgh did not stay behind for long as Paul Martin made the equalising shot on a breakaway, a little over four minutes later for his first of the preseason.
Detroit answered back and took the lead once again as Johan Franzen scored his second goal midway through to end the period, 2-1, in favour of Red Wings.
Gustav Nyquist scored his second of the matchup with less than four minutes remaining in the second during their third power play opportunity to extend Detroit’s lead to a commanding, 3-1, bringing his total in the preseason to three goals scored.
Nyquist, a 22-year-old prospect, was selected during the 2008 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft as the 121st overall pick during round-four and has so far impressed the team management to the point of them even considering him to remain
on their roster for the new season.
"He looks like he's an NHL player", Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "We've always done the same thing and sent those kids to the minors and let them play a little bit, and see what we've got here. We'll see how the year starts. … I mean, it's an exhibition
game”.
Tyler Kennedy put the Detroit crowd on the edge of their seats by bringing Pittsburgh within reach with 50 seconds remaining a one goal remaining to force overtime, but was unable to score any further.
Detroit Red Wings will kick off the regular season by playing host to Ottawa Senators on October 7, while Pittsburgh Penguins will visit Vancouver Canucks on October 6.
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