Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings emerged victorious against the Columbus Blue Jackets with a 5-4 win at Nationwide Arena. Despite losing an early two-goal lead, the Red Wings demonstrated resilience, as highlighted by head coach Todd McLellan: “The finish is what we were looking for, not necessarily the road map we had to get there.”

Goaltender Cam Talbot made 21 saves for Detroit, matching Columbus's Elvis Merzlikins in goal saves. Alex DeBrincat contributed significantly with a power-play goal and two assists. “There’s no quit,” DeBrincat stated. He emphasized the team's ability to regain momentum after setbacks.

Columbus took an early lead with a goal from James van Riemsdyk, but Detroit responded quickly. Patrick Kane scored to equalize, followed by Erik Gustafsson and DeBrincat extending the lead to 3-1 by the end of the first period.

Columbus fought back in the second period with goals from Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan, tying the game at 3-3. McLellan acknowledged a lapse during this period: “I thought in the second period, we let the game get away from us a little bit.”

Dylan Larkin regained the lead for Detroit in the third period with his 14th goal of the season. However, van Riemsdyk tied it again late in the game. The Red Wings challenged this goal unsuccessfully for goaltender interference.

With only 36 seconds left on the clock, Jonatan Berggren scored his first career NHL game-winning goal after exiting the penalty box. Berggren expressed satisfaction: “When you’re sitting in the penalty box, you kind of hope it comes like that.”

Detroit aims for its fourth consecutive win as they prepare to face Winnipeg Jets next. McLellan did not provide updates on Jeff Petry’s condition after he left midway through the third period.