The Detroit Red Wings concluded their three-game road trip with a 4-2 win over the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Monday afternoon.
“We stick together,” said Marco Kasper, who contributed two assists for his fourth multi-point game of the season. “I think we showed some emotion and battled as a team. That’s what important these last few games here now, and we just got to continue with that. We got to take care of the defensive side of the puck, play as a team and grind out those games.”
The Red Wings, who represent Detroit, Michigan and are one of the National Hockey League’s Original Six teams according to their official website, improved their record to 35-20-6 (76 points). Goalie John Gibson left after the first period due to an upper-body injury, prompting Cam Talbot to make 18 saves in relief. Nashville’s Juuse Saros stopped 27 shots.
“We talked about starting off these last 24 games on the right foot, and I thought that we had a good start in Ottawa there and kind of took a step back in Carolina,” Talbot said. “This was a big one for us to finish off the trip and go home for a couple games before we go back on the road. Obviously, a big two points here [this afternoon] and we got to bring that back home.”
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan explained Gibson’s absence: “Right at the end of the [first] period, he took a shot up high in the shoulder area. Kind of like a stinger, if you will. And when you get those, you don’t get the feeling back right away. I think he’s okay now. He’s walking around. We’ll have him looked at when we get home.”
Emmitt Finnie opened scoring for Detroit less than five minutes into play with his tenth goal of the season. Mason Appleton initiated the play from above the right face-off circle; Kasper redirected it on net, Saros made an initial save, but Finnie capitalized on the rebound.
“It felt good,” Finnie said. “Good play by Marco getting it to Apps, then Apps with a great play to Marco in front. I was just fortunate to be there in the right spot to put it in.”
Nashville tied it late in the first period through Filip Forsberg’s power-play goal following an assist from Luke Evangelista.
Jonathan Marchessault gave Nashville its only lead early in the second period before Lucas Raymond responded less than three minutes later for Detroit after receiving a pass from Alex DeBrincat at close range.
Detroit regained control late in the second period with Albert Johansson scoring short-handed—his second goal this season—on an assist from Appleton and Kasper.
“I saw Albert up there,” Kasper said. “He was far ahead…I was just trying to put myself in to see if I can shoot it then pass it. I found Albert, and he made a really nice finish.”
Alex DeBrincat sealed Detroit’s win with an empty-net goal near game’s end—his team-leading 31st this season—with Raymond assisting for his 200th career NHL assist.
Kasper, Raymond, DeBrincat, and Appleton each recorded multiple points during the game.
“For Talbs to come in and pinch-hit the way he did was impressive,” McLellan said. “I liked the energy from all the lines and the way they were compiled. We’ll leave Nashville with two points. That’s what we came for, so we’re happy.”
The Red Wings host games in downtown Detroit (source) and have secured 11 Stanley Cup championships throughout their history (source). They are recognized as one of NHL’s most successful American franchises (source).
Next up for Detroit is a return home against Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night—their first home appearance since January 31.
McLellan commented on bouncing back after Saturday’s loss: “We’ve answered the bell when it hasn’t gone real well for us. Expected the group to put in a real good effort. That doesn’t always guarantee a win, but everybody chipped in. We got some 5-on-5 scoring. Makes a big difference.”
Finnie added: “I thought we played well right from the start. Coming into this, we knew it was like a must-win for us so I thought we responded pretty well.”
Talbot described stepping into action: “It’s never easy. I feel like 1 o’clock games are even tougher because there’s no [morning] skate, no nothing. You don’t get many shots in warmups, so these games, you know, you just got to go in there and battle. That’s all you can do. Obviously, they get a quick one there on me and I just tried to settle down after that, keep finding the puck and the saves I needed to make to give us a chance.”
