Wings crush Pens in pre-season test
The Wings showed itself to be regular season ready despite some key injuries and wish this effort was actually worth two points as the team made the trip to Pittsburgh and whipped the Pens 7-2 at the Consol Energy Center Wednesday (Oct. 30).
Andreas Athanasiou, yet another prospect with a ton of talent made decisions even tougher for the Wings’ brass with a two goal, one assist performance to lead the Wings offensively and pick up overall First Star honors in the contest.
In fact it was a huge night all around for the youngsters as Anthony Mantha chippped in a goal and two helpers to earn Third Star recognition and Dylan Larkin was named Second Star with a goal and assist. Brendan Smith, Justin Abdelkader and Riley Sheahan each added a goal as well.
The Wings opened up a 3-0 lead in Pittsburgh and added to more in the second before Daniel Sprong finally beat Petr Mrazek late the middle frame. Mrazek went on to stop 36 of 38 shots to nail down the win, Jeff Zatkoff turning aside 15 at the opposite end.
Beau Bennett scored the other Pens goal early in the third to get his team within three, but the Wings piled on another pair in the second half of the period.
The Wings return home to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in a contest Friday (Oct.2).
Wild takes it to the limit
Dumba’s overtime marker lifts Wild to pre-season win
Blues looking for quick turnaround and have tools to get it done
About Author
jimmerdenhollander@gmail.com
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.