The Detroit Red Wings needed a bounce back from a loss to the Edmonton Oilers. The team answered that loss with a 4-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Consequently, Detroit finishes their six game road trip with a 4-1-1 record.
The Red Wings had lost the previous meeting with Chicago 5-1 on home ice. However, Detroit was able to get a strong start and keep Chicago off of the scoreboard. It’s certainly worth noting that the Blackhawks were without their top star Connor Bedard due to injury. Still, Detroit put together a strong effort to grab a decisive win.
Both Patrick Kane and Alex Debrincat factored heavily into the victory. Debrincat scored two goals and an assist, including the game winner. Kane scored his 498th career goal against the franchise that drafted him first overall. It was a big night for the two former Blackhawks, as well as for the entire team.
Several Players stepped up on this trip
Goaltender John Gibson has struggled this year, however something seems to have changed. Gibson has won each of his last four starts for Detroit. Those victories include two shutouts for the veteran goalie. This road trip saw several strong performances, but for Gibson this has been an amazing stretch.
Similarly, rookie Axel Sandin Pellikka seems to have found another level to his playing. ASP has five points in his past five games, totalling 12 on the season. The mobile defenseman surprised fans by making the main roster with a strong pre season. Sandin-Pellikka seems to be finding his game, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Still, one of the more important emergences of late belongs to Andrew Copp. Copp’s tenure in Detroit has been difficult, if not underwhelming. However, combined with Kane and Debrincat Copp has been really strong recently. That line is easily Detroit’s top producer right now, and Copp seems to have locked down his spot.
Detroit calls up John Leonard
The Grand Rapids Griffins have had an historic opening to their season. The team currently sits 22-1-0-1, setting both league and franchise records. John Leonardhas led both the team and the league in scoring with 19 goals in 20 games. Therefore, Leonard has earned a chance to play in the NHL again.
Over the weekend, Leonard had the game winning goals in back to back games. He had the lone goal in a 1-0 shutout, as well as a the lone shootout goal in a 2-1 win the next night. Leonard’s contributions have been impressive, and Detroit has rewarded him with an opportunity. Due to the callup, defenseman Erik Gustafsson was reassigned to the Griffins.
