5 Takeaways: Panthers' Point Streak Snapped in Loss to Red Wings

SUNRISE, Fla. - All good things must come to an end, I suppose.
Suffering their first regulation loss of the season, the Panthers (6-1-2) also saw their impressive eight-game point come to an end in a 4-1 loss to the Red Wings (3-8-2) at BB&T Center on Sunday afternoon.

"Today was one of those games where it seemed like we were chasing the game more than we have in the past," Panthers coach Joel Quenneville said. "We didn't get an equalizer at all and played from behind."
Following an active yet scoreless opening period, the Red Wings broke the ice when Marc Staal tracked down a loose puck in the slot and sent a shot past goaltender Chris Driedger to make it 1-0 at 2:58 of the second period. At 17:02, Detroit extended its lead to 2-0 when a turnover led to a goal for Givani Smith.
In addition to his goal, Smith added an assist and fight in the third to complete a Gordie Howe hat trick.
Getting the Panthers on the board, Alex Wennberg re-directed in a long shot from the blue line past goaltender Thomas Greiss to cut Detroit's lead down to 2-1 at 2:09 of third period. Unfortunately, the Red Wings answered right back at 9:11 with a goal from Robby Fabbri from in front that made it 3-1.
With 2:42 left in regulation, Vladislav Namestnikov scored an empty-net goal to make it 4-1.
"Outside of today's game, I thought we've been consistent in most games," Quenneville said. "Whether ahead or behind or in tie game, we seem to be playing the same way and don't change the approach and stick with it… A lot of good, positive things here starting off in the right fashion. It's going to be a test every night. Getting back on the right track is going to be what we're looking to do on Tuesday."
Off to a hot start, the Panthers, who were the final team in the NHL to lose a game in regulation this season, will look to get back in the win column when they host the Red Wings once again on Tuesday.
Here are five takeaways from Sunday afternoon's loss in Sunrise…

1. WENNBERG GETS NO. 1

This goal provided some hope early in the final frame.
Finding the back of the net for the first time as a member of the Panthers, the 26-year-old center tipped in a long shot from Anton Stralman to chop Detroit's lead down to 2-1 just 2:09 into the third period.

In the midst of his first season with the Panthers after signing a one-year deal with the team as a free agent during the offseason, Wennberg has recorded three points (one goal, two assists) in nine games while primarily serving as the team's second-line center and seeing time on both special teams units.
"I feel like I can play a lot better," Wennberg said. "I scored a goal today, which is nice for the confidence, but I feel like I've got to step up my game a little bit. When you've got an opportunity to play with great players, you've got to step up and do it."

2. CAN'T SOLVE GREISS

Greiss always seems to be at his best against the Panthers.
Entering this afternoon's matchup owning a 5-3-2 record, 2.28 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in his career against Florida - not including an incredible playoff series with the New York Islanders back in 2016 - the 35-year-old veteran goaltender stopped 36 of 37 shots to pick up the win.
"On every shot, he was there," Huberdeau said of Greiss, who earned his first victory with the Red Wings. "He wasn't giving up good rebounds outside of his crease. He was really good. Like I said, we've just got to come back Tuesday, be better and find the back of the net."
Calm under pressure, Greiss denied all six high-danger shots he faced, according to NaturalStatTrick.com

3. DRIEDGER SOLID AGAIN

Manning the other net, Driedger also had a nice game despite taking the loss.
Under fire early and often, the 26-year-old goaltender stopped 35 of 38 shots. Of the three goals he allowed, all of them originated from high-danger areas on the ice, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.
"He made the save when we needed it and kept us in the game," Panthers winger Jonathan Huberdeau said. "It was a 2-1 game for a while… He was really good. When he's in net, we just feel calm in front of him."
Off to a great start during his second season in Florida, Driedger is an unusual position where his save percentage actually went down despite posting a solid .921 mark during today's tilt. In four appearances this campaign, he owns a 3-1-1 record behind a 1.98 goals-against average and .935 save percentage.
"I thought he had a good game," Quenneville said of Driedger. "I thought he gave us a chance."

4. MARCHMENT DEBUTS

Recalled from the taxi squad prior to puck drop, Mason Marchment made his Panthers debut today.
Starting the game on the fourth line alongside Juho Lammikko and Noel Acciari, the 25-year-old forward dished out three hits over 7:56 of ice time.
"We've been saying 'we've got to get him in, we've got to get him in,'" Quenneville said of Marchment during his pre-game media availability. "Kind of like our last game with [Noah] Juulsen, I thought he came in and did a real good job for us. Marchy's been biding his time. He's ready to come in and help."
Acquired from the Maple Leafs at last year's trade deadline, Marchment had only appeared in four NHL games - all with Toronto - before taking the ice with the Panthers tonight. That being said, he did have a wealth of experience in the AHL, producing 72 points (38 goals, 34 assists) in 130 games from 2016-20.

5. BACK AT IT TUESDAY

When one point streak ends, it means another one can begin.
With a chance to get back on their horse in a hurry, the Panthers will close out their two-game series with the Red Wings on Tuesday at BB&T Center. In the early goings of this season, Florida has responded well following losses, going 2-0-0 in bounce-back games against Detroit and Nashville not too long ago.
"I feel like we had a great start to the season," Wennberg said. "Obviously, this is not the result we wanted, but we can't bury our heads too much… It's different schedule. Right now, we're playing them again, and I feel like that's a great opportunity to get back at it."