Michael Frolik had the opportunity, the puck on his stick, the net seemingly gaping.
And then, just like that, it was gone. For a player whos struggling to score goals, it was just one more frustrating moment.
Frolik thought he had a goal when the puck caromed off the board and right onto his stick, with Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard out of position. But Howard got over in time to deflect the shot away. Frolik, who has just five goals this season, couldnt believe it.
I just saw the wide-open net. I was pretty sure it was going to go in. I saw him slide over and it hit his toe, said Frolik. Thats got to go in. I have to make sure that goes in. I dont know how he saved it.
This seasons been a frustrating one for Frolik. Hes been solid defensively and has had three assists in his past four games. But goals have been sparse. Froliks last one came Dec. 14 in Minnesota, and he was baffled when he was denied on Saturday.
For sure, it was a lucky bounce. You take those and I didnt, Frolik said. Its too bad. Good goal scorers put it in and I didnt. What can you do?
Froliks been trying to get off this goal scoring schnide. Saturday was just one more frustrating moment.
NHL
You know, someone with confidence wouldve put it in there some way. When youre not, the nets a little tighter, coach Joel Quenneville said.