Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings secured a 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday. Goalie Petr Mrazek was instrumental in the win, stopping all 18 shots he faced. "At the end of the night, looking up at the scoreboard was a real good thing for our team considering the opponent and the type of game they play," said Detroit head coach Todd McLellan. "Starting in goal, Petr’s performance was excellent."

This win brings the Red Wings (32-29-6; 70 points) closer to securing a playoff spot, moving them within two points of the New York Rangers for the Eastern Conference’s Second Wild-Card position. The Golden Knights (39-20-8; 86 points) were coming off a recent loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

Mrazek expressed excitement about competing for a playoff spot: “When you’re battling for a playoff spot, that’s the best time of the year.” He recorded his first shutout of this season and his 26th career NHL shutout.

Albert Johansson opened scoring in the second period with an assist from Vladimir Tarasenko. J.T. Compher also contributed with an assist on Johansson's goal. McLellan praised Johansson's performance: “Obviously, his goal was a very nice goal.”

In the third period, Lucas Raymond scored to extend Detroit's lead to 2-0, assisted by Elmer Soderblom. “You could feel a sense of relief for Lucas after he scored,” McLellan commented.

Marco Kasper sealed Detroit's victory with another goal in the third period after Dylan Larkin made a crucial defensive play. Patrick Kane played his 1,287th NHL game during this match.

McLellan noted their strategic advantage: “The other thing we did was that we took advantage of a team that got the crappy end of a schedule.”

Detroit will face off against Washington Capitals next at Capital One Arena on Tuesday night.