The Detroit Red Wings react after losing 3-2 in overtime to Columbus. Little Caesars Arena, Oct. 4, 2018. Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press
Thomas Vanek offered a simple explanation why the Detroit Red Wings were so badly out-shot in their season opener on Thursday: It's impossible to shoot when the opponent constantly controls the puck.
The Wings came away with a point in a 3-2 overtime loss Thursday to Columbus despite the Blue Jackets holding a 39-20 shots on goal advantage.
"You can nitpick and say you've got to get more shots, but to get more shots you've got to have the puck more," said Vanek, the veteran wing who only had one shot on goal.