Petr Mrazek bounces back, shuts out Bolts in Game 3

Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek is all about making amends.

He was pulled in Game 2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after giving up four goals on 18 shots. But every other time he was pulled this season, he responded with an awesome effort, going 3-0-1 with a 1.71 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage.

His bounce-back in Game 3 was even better: a 3-0 shutout on Tuesday night, making 22 saves and giving the Red Wings a 2-1 series lead. Pavel Datsyuk, Riley Sheahan and Luke Glendening scored for Detroit, which won on home ice.

The Red Wings played much better in front of Mrazek after giving up 30 shots to the Bolts in Game 3. Steven Stamkos was limited to three shot attempts. Tyler Johnson was limited to two shots. Ondrej Palat had one shot attempt. Detroit blocked 10 shots to Tampa’s five. 

“I thought we were way better. We looked like a real hockey team,” said Detroit coach Mike Babcock. 

Earlier, Babcock said he didn’t believe in bounce-back games, saying that NHL goalies don’t need them if they’re playing up to standards.

“If you think you need a bounce-back game, that means you had a bad game,” said Babcock.

“We expect him to play good every night.”

In Game 3, he was better than good. And the Red Wings are in the driver’s seat. 

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