Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings secured a 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in the opening game of the 2024 NHL Prospect Games on Saturday night at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City, Michigan.

Dallas took an early lead with Arttu Hyry's power-play goal, assisted by Emil Hemming, at 9:16 of the first period. Despite controlling possession and applying pressure during the second period, Detroit was unable to score against Dallas goalie Bryan Thompson.

Detroit's breakthrough came in the third period when Charlie Paquette scored from a pass by Brayden Edwards to tie the game at 1-1 at 3:07. Gabriel Seger then gave Detroit a 2-1 lead by scoring off a rebound at 5:15. Jakub Rychlovsky extended the lead to 3-1 with assists from Shai Buium and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard at 7:20.

Alexandre Doucet furthered Detroit's advantage to 4-1 at 14:46, finishing Amadeus Lombardi’s drop pass with Hunter Johannes also assisting. Doucet sealed the win with his second goal of the night, an empty-netter assisted again by Lombardi, bringing the final score to 5-1 at 16:13.

Goaltender Carter Gylander made 17 saves for Detroit, while Kraws and Thompson combined for 33 saves for Dallas.

The Red Wings and Stars prospects will face off again on Sunday afternoon for their final matchup of this year’s NHL Prospect Games. The game will be streamed on DetroitRedWings.com and through the Red Wings Mobile App starting at 2:30 p.m.

Postgame quotes highlighted individual performances:

Watson praised Brandsegg-Nygard's versatility: "It's a double threat. He can shoot it and make plays... He's got a good all-around game and isn't afraid to use his body."

On Nate Danielson's role, Watson stated: "With Nate, a leadership role No.1... he's done a really good job so far of keeping the guys in check off the ice."

Regarding Doucet's performance, Watson said: "Tonight was a good first impression... We know he can score and know he's got that energy."

Watson also commended Rychlovsky’s effort: "I love his skill and his energy... One thing that probably went a little unnoticed was that compete level, playing through bodies."