The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Calgary Flames 5-2 at Little Caesars Arena on March 17, ending a three-game winless streak and starting a four-game homestand with a strong performance.
This win is significant for the Red Wings as they look to secure their position in the playoff race with only 14 games left in the season. The team, which represents Detroit, Michigan, continues to build on its legacy as one of the top-performing American franchises in the National Hockey League, according to the official website.
Patrick Kane scored twice in the second period, marking his second multi-goal game and tenth multi-point performance of the season. “The focus is about getting the job done in here and not focusing on anybody else,” Kane said. “We pretty much, obviously, control our own destiny with the way we can play and the way we can finish. We have 14 games left, so it’s going to be tight all the way to the end. Just got to make sure we bring it every night. A lot of desperation.” Goaltender John Gibson made 25 saves in his 45th start of the campaign. “It was a good game,” Gibson said. “Obviously, every game this time of the year is important. We need to start racking up the wins, so tonight was a good start and hopefully we can keep it going. We know it’s a big homestand. We got to be tough to beat at home, and I thought it was a good starting game tonight.”
Head coach Todd McLellan highlighted Dominik Shine’s physical play as an energy boost for Detroit early in the game: “His forecheck that grew the fight was important because he got on top of a D-man, and was heavy and quite physical in that situation,” McLellan said. “It obviously drew a response, and he answered the bell there, so everything about it was positive energy and momentum in the building.” After falling behind by one goal after one period, Detroit responded with three unanswered goals early in the second period.
Kane added: “We all want to be known as big-game players… More often than not, you play with a little bit of an edge and put together a better showing individually and team-wise too, so I think we all want to be good this time of year.” Moritz Seider also contributed with a power-play goal before Shine sealed victory with an empty-netter late in regulation.
The Red Wings are one of six original teams in NHL history and have won 11 Stanley Cup championships throughout their history according to their official website (source). They host games downtown at Little Caesars Arena (source), continuing their tradition as an Original Six franchise (source).
Looking ahead, Detroit will face off against Montreal Canadiens at home on Thursday night as they continue their push toward postseason contention.
