DETROIT - Heading into the season, the Red Wings were unsure of what they had in backup goaltender Jonas ‘The Monster’ Gustavsson.
They now have a clearer picture as Gustavsson won for the second day, making 36 saves (many from point blank range) in a 2-1 Wings victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena.
With the win, Gustavsson notched his second victory of the season, which matches his victory total of last year where he appeared in only 7 games for Detroit because of various injuries.
“I felt good, obviously we had a game yesterday, so back-to-back the first couple of games you play, was different,” said Gustavsson. “It’s just a matter of preparing yourself to be ready to go out and have a good first period.
“That’s usually the key to get into these kinds of games. Overall, the guys played really well that helped me a lot, so that made it easier.”
Pressed into service Monday afternoon in Boston, after starting goalie Jimmy Howard couldn’t go because of a bruised catching hand, Gustavsson has been outstanding by playing his angles well and challenging the shooters.
“He’s playing very competitive,” said Todd Bertuzzi, who scored the game winning goal for the Wings on the power play. “He’s playing outside the paint (the goal crease) and being aggressive. He’s been doing a heck of a job.
“We’ve played pretty two pretty good teams and he’s stood on his head.”
The win was Detroit’s third in a row and it appears that the Wings have shaken off their early season doldrums.
After a disastrous home game against Phoenix last week, the Wings have come out with more energy, focus and urgency.
“We talked about trying to string some (wins) here together,” said Bertuzzi. “We’ve been one on, one off for a couple there.
“In order to get some space and movement in the standings, you have to start stringing some together and hopefully we can.”
Detroit coach, Mike Babcock was pleased with what he’s seen from his team, but he was quick to point out that the Wings have played pretty well for most of this season.
“The game I didn’t like was the Phoenix game,” said Babcock. “Even the first one in Boston (a 4-1 loss) it was three in four nights.”
“We’ve done a lot of good things ... we’ve got to get better as a team. I like what’s going on.”
Daniel Alfredsson scored Detroit’s first goal at 5:05 of the first period on a wicked slap shot. It was Alfredsson’s first goal as a Red Wing.
“It felt great, there’s no question,” said Alfredsson. “It was nice that it happened at home, there was more emotion than when I usually score goals.
“It was a great feeling actually.”
The Wings now hit the road for two games, Thursday against the red hot Avalanche in Denver and a Saturday night tilt versus a team that recently dominated them, the Phoenix Coyotes.
