In a thrilling overtime showdown on Friday night, Dylan Larkin propelled the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning with a decisive breakaway goal just 3:36 into the extra period. The victory was a testament to the Red Wings’ resilience and determination, delighting fans at the home arena in Detroit.
The game also marked a significant milestone for rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka, who netted his first NHL goal in the opening period. The 20-year-old Swedish defenseman not only celebrated his inaugural goal but also his first career point in the league. Larkin, who has been a consistent force for Detroit, assisted on Sandin-Pellikka’s goal, continuing his streak of earning at least one point in each of the team’s five games this season.
In goal for the Red Wings, John Gibson stood firm, making 32 saves. Gibson, who was acquired via an offseason trade with Anaheim, showcased his skills in just his second appearance this season. His performance was a strong rebound after being pulled in the season opener against Montreal following five goals in the second period.
On the other side of the ice, Tampa Bay’s defenseman J.J. Moser managed to knot the score with 3:43 left in regulation. Lightning’s goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy was also formidable in net, stopping 29 shots. The game was part of Tampa Bay’s four-game road trip, during which they have compiled a record of 1-0-2.
Both teams faced the challenge of playing without their leading scorers from the previous season. Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov was a last-minute exclusion due to illness, delaying his quest to reach the 1,000-point milestone in his career. Meanwhile, Detroit’s Lucas Raymond was absent for a second consecutive game, sidelined by an upper-body injury.
Tampa Bay star forward Nikita Kucherov was a late scratch due to an illness. Kucherov needs three points to reach 1,000 for his career. Detroit’s Lucas Raymond missed his second consecutive game due to an upper body injury.
Sandin-Pellikka’s goal came with 6:58 remaining in the first period during a delayed Lightning penalty. His shot from near the blue line beat Vasilevskiy on the stick side.
Tampa Bay didn’t even have a shot on goal until 35 seconds after Sandin-Pellikka scored.
Both teams had two power plays in the second period but neither mustered a goal.
The Lightning ramped up the pressure in the third period and finally broke through on Moser’s shot from the point past a screened Gibson.
Up next
Lightning: Visit Columbus on Saturday night.
Red Wings: Host Edmonton on Sunday afternoon.
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