The daily main story at Hockey Hot Stove is powered by Watrhouse Brands, dedicated to quality, consumer education, and awareness: Benevolent Bakery, SoSHEL beverages, and Smokiez vegan fruit chews. Today: Red Wings counter-punch Flyers.
The Detroit Red Wings are still alive in the playoff race. Detroit snapped a two game losing streak on Thursday with a win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Red Wings had lost to the Flyers just days ago, but they were able to find a way to win this time. The Red Wings were at a territorial disadvantage most of the night but counter-punched their way to victory. The Red Wings never trailed in this game. Accordingly, Detroit is now tied with the Ottawa Senators, who hold the final wild card spot.
Detroit has just seven games left to try and snap a 10 year playoff Drought. Time is running out, however the team is still in the mix to make it. March saw the Red Wings struggle to play .500 hockey, therefore the team would need to win almost every one of their remaining 7 games for a shot at the playoffs. Still, Detroit’s playoff hopes have survived and the team is playing meaningful games late in the season.
Debrincat and Kane stepped up
Alex Debrincat has been Detroit’s most consistent offensive threat this season. “The Cat” scored twice for the team, thereby grabbing his 38th and 39th goals of the season. Furthermore, his 80 points is a career high, and he’s just two goals shy of his career high of 41. Debrincat’s contributions have been invaluable this season for the Red Wings.
Patrick Kane had three points, including the eventual game winning goal. Kane assisted on both of Debrincat’s goals, as their line with center Andrew Copp helped lead the offense. The trio has often been Detroit’s best since they were assembled in early December. Copp had two assists in the game, thereby giving the line a combined 7 points on the night.
Lucas Raymond also scored, thus netting his 25th goal of the year. Raymond sits second on the team in scoring with 72 points in 73 games played. Simon Edvinsson assisted on the goal with some impressive puck handling, grabbing his 23rd point of the season. Moritz Seider also had an assist in the game, thereby tallying a career high 54 points on the season.
Injuries continue to take their toll
The Red Wings saw Justin Faulk exit the game with an injury, and his status is unknown at this time. His absence could necessitate a call up from Grand Rapids, however that remains to be seen. Faulk has anchored Detroit’s second pairing since joining the team, alongside Ben Chiarot. His absence could force Jacob Bernard-Docker into a more prominent role down the stretch.
Faulk’s potential absence could potentially open a door for Axel Sandin-Pellikka to rejoin the team. ASP’s tenure in Grand Rapids has been a much needed boost. The rookie defenseman scored 2 goals and an assist in his first three games with the Griffins. Even so, concerns about the defensive side of the game could hinder another opportunity this year.
The Red Wings’ upcoming schedule has no room for error. The team will play every other day for the final seven games of the season. Furthermore, every game has the potential to be an elimination game. However, the Red Wings are still in the fight with an opportunity to make the post season.
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