After returning from a rough California trip that saw the Wings gain one of six points and fall to 7-9-2, the team responded with a late charge Thursday night to conquer the Patrick Roy-coached New York Islanders 2-1 from Little Caesars Arena.
After Simon Holmstrom gave the Islanders a 1-0 lead with 5:51 into the first period, the New Yorkers made life difficult for Detroit via numerous blocked shots and frustrating defensive play.
However, the rookie Jonatan Berggren tied the game with 4:46 left in the third off an odd-man rush started by a broken stick high in the Red Wings zone. The Berggren goal certainly added life to the Wings’ step as they jostled with the Islanders while regulation time dwindled.
With just under a minute to play, Dylan Larkin battled for the puck in the corner of the Islanders’ zone and motioned a loose puck into the slot for a lurking Lukas Raymond wrister that beat Ilya Sorokin with 52 seconds left in the third period.
In goal, Alex Lyon stood on his head by stopping 22 of 23 shots, including a few Grade A scoring chances that could have easily sent the Wings spiraling.
While not on the scoresheet, one of the more noticeable Red Wings skaters was rookie forward Marco Kasper, who finished with four shots on goal and created numerous other scoring chances in his 16:52 of ice time.
The much-needed Red Wings win brings them to an 8-9-2 record and only three points behind the Boston Bruins (9-9-3) for fourth place in the Atlantic Division with two games in hand.
Interestingly enough, Detroit will face off against Boston on Saturday night from Little Caesars Arena at 7:00 p.m. (ET).
