The Detroit News · Oct 14, 2015
Team effort helps Red Wings’ penalty kill thrive
(Photo: David Guralnick, Detroit News)Detroit — They’ve been impressive in a variety of areas but one in particular the Red Wings have dominated in through three games is the penalty kill.
The Red Wings have killed 11-of-12 penalties (91.7 percent) through three games, including all three Tampa Bay power plays Tuesday in a 3-1 victory.
Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek have been outstanding, and goaltending is crucial to any penalty kill.
But the goalies have received great assist from their teammates on the unit, not allowing opponents much breathing room or lanes to shoot.
Coach Jeff Blashill has three keys to any successful penalty kill: a good plan, good penalty killers, and goaltending.