After getting punched in the mouth by the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night, the Red Wings found themselves in a potentially pivotal moment Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights. We saw a near-complete, dominating game from Detroit — tired Golden Knights be damned.
The win at Little Caesars Arena puts the Wings at 70 points on the season through 67 games played. They’re now tied with Columbus, who has a game in hand, and just two points behind the Rangers for the second wild card spot in the East. Detroit’s schedule is brutal as we enter the final games, with Washington up next Tuesday night.
Young Players Impress
This game against Vegas was another example of why you should feel good about the Red Wings, despite what happens with the playoff picture. Steve Yzerman’s draft picks are starting to enter the picture and they’re all doing their part early on. Albert Johansson, a second-round pick, scored a highlight-reel goal to open the scoring. He amazes me — plays hard on the puck for a guy his size yet has some of the smoothest moves you’ll see. I personally loved seeing AJo’s goal with a Swedish playcall.
Next, we have Marco Kasper. Just 20 years old and scoring big goals. I’ve spent a lot of time gushing about his development since joining Detroit, but his elevated role with Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane has resulted in “everyone wins.” Kasper’s skating and tenacity is the perfect compliment to Kane and Cat’s offensive abilities. I think Marco’s presence has even made his linemates better defensively. If you watched this game against Vegas, you’ll know — but Kane played a huge game in this one on both sides of the ice.
Elmer Soderblom is an NHL forward in a linebacker’s body. His length, muscle, and reach are a valuable tool when you need to get down in the mud with another team… and he’s proven to be a utility — playing on the top line or in a bototm six role.
Simon Edvinsson is just… Excellent. He plays a beautiful game but he’s got strength. I recall him sizing up Brayden McNabb in this game — not a small dude!
You catch my drift yet? What I mean is that these draft picks are developing in the right way. Nate Danielson, Amadeus Lombardi, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, etc. — they’re all on their way as well. If Detroit can keep this trajectory with its development, I feel like we’re in a pretty damn good position in the big picture.
Raymond Breaks Slump
Can you believe the last time Lucas Raymond scored a goal was February 22nd? Raymond snapped his 10-game drought at a huge moment for Detroit — early in the third period, up 1-0 — the game could have gone anyone’s way. The Wings could really benefit from those top-line players going on a heater. Maybe this tally can get Raymond back to his goal-scoring ways.
Well Hello There, Petr
Petr Mrazek is back and just earned his first shutout win in a Red Wing uniform since 2018, and the 26th in his NHL career. Petr only had to stop 18 shots in this game (Detroit did a very good job exposing VGK offensively), but this was his third start in a row. He made some big saves and, despite his chaotic mechanics and tendency to overcommit, his athleticism helped tremendously in this game.
WHOA, SHUT IT DOWN!
Detroit held Vegas to just four shots on goal in the third period. Yeah, they’re on a back-to-back and playing tired yadda yadda. The broadcast kept mentioning that, but I don’t want to hear it. Everyone is tired this time of year. Fatigue is not exclusive. The Wings put the pedal to the metal and simply wanted this game more than Vegas did. We’ve seen in the past what this team can be like with a small leading going into the final frame, so this game was a breath of fresh air. You have to give kudos to Todd McLellan because they schemed this game up in a real nice way.
Special Teams Not Impressive
There were only two penalties called, and both went Detroit’s way. I was not impressed with the power play, and would argue that it was pretty lethargic at times. It didn’t look great against Carolina, so there’s a little concern there. I’m sure that will get addressed in practice this week.
We can look ahead at the schedule tomorrow in Quick Hits. Let’s all relish in the fact that this was a big win for the Red Wings at a crucial moment. If they can treat Carolina as a minor speed bump, you’ve put together two really good games against Buffalo and Vegas.
