Lucas Raymond wasn’t gobsmacked to learn that Detroit Red Wings teammate Moritz Seider had 10 blacked shots.
“I feel like he does that every game almost,” Raymond said.
Not quite. Coming into Sunday’s game against Buffalo, Seider showed 196 blocks in 76 games. That’s 2.57 per game. But with the Red Wings needing a win to have a realistic shot at making the playoffs this season, Seider took his craft to a higher realm. No other Red Wing player blocked more than three shots. Seider was a wall against the Sabres. The Red Wings aren’t yet a playoff team, but Seider is playing like he’s already in the postseason.
“He’s a big boy, he’s a huge part of our team, just sacrificing his body, throwing it on the line for the guys like that,” Raymond said. “That means a ton and it sends all the right signals to us as well. He’s huge for us and the way he plays he gives us a good chance every night. ”
Goaltender Alex Lyon made 37 saves and the Red Wings totaled 28 blocked shots. That is an indication of how hard the Sabres played in this game. Seider played more than 27 minutes because the Red Wings needed him.
“He’s willing, he’s physical,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “No one eats pucks like him… No one talks about his willingness to play hard and to eat pucks. I still think there’s some growth.”
Larkin Climbs Charts
Larkin scored his 31st goal of the season Detroit’s captain is one point shy (210-289-499 in 647 games) of 500 for his NHL career. He can become the 14th player in Red Wings
history to reach the 500-point milestone. Plus, Larkin will be the 10th Michigan-born player in NHL history to record at least 500 career points.
Red Wings Ice Chips
Still no goal for Alex DeBrincat. He has one goal in his past 17 games… Detroit is 17-1-2 when leading after one period…Raymond had a goal and an assist against Buffalo for his 19th multiple-point game. He has had an exceptional season.
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