18 seconds after scoring on a backhander, Detroit Red Wings rookie Emmitt Finnie earned a face-off win, checked Calgary Flames defenseman Olli Maata and caused a turnover. Gliding into scoring position, newcomer David Perron received the cross-ice pass, but failed to convert Finnie's flash and beat Flames goalie Dustin Wolf’s flailing effort.
Now, more than ever, the Red Wings need Perron to connect.
Acquired on the eve of the March 6 trade deadline, Perron returned to the Red Wings after spending most of the past two seasons with the Ottawa Senators. General manager Steve Yzerman wanted to give the Red Wings an enhanced locker-room presence and the top-six forward group another scoring threat.