The Detroit Red Wings earned an important 5-2 victory over Utah Hockey Club , but postgame headlines centered on coach Todd McLellan’s blunt four-word assessment of the performance: “It isn’t even hockey” due to unusual ice conditions.
Alex DeBrincat stood out with a goal and an assist, while Alex Lyon made 16 saves after Petr Mrazek’s early departure due to injury. The win, while unorthodox, was crucial for the Red Wings, who are looking to keep their Eastern Conference playoff hopes alive.
The victory moves the Red Wings within three points of the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, held by the Montreal Canadiens, who have a game in hand. For Utah, the loss leaves them six points behind the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference, occupied by the St. Louis Blues, also with a game in hand.
“I thought once we figured out how we were going to play under these conditions and not be cute and try to make plays, it was just about moving it around and throwing pucks at the net – who knows what can happen,” McLellan said according to NHL.com.
Motte adds another! #LGRW
“You look at Kasper’s goal, you look at Watson’s goal, it almost isn’t even hockey. You just throw it there and hope for something to happen, and that was the case.” McLellan added.
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Red Wings battle through adverse conditions
The match started with a setback for the Red Wings, as Petr Mrazek had to leave the ice in the first period due to an undisclosed injury. Alex Lyon took over in goal and delivered a solid performance, stopping 16 of 17 shots. Despite the challenging conditions, the Red Wings managed to recover from an opening goal by Utah’s Dylan Guenther, with goals from Elmer Söderblom and Marco Kasper giving them the lead. In the third period, Austin Watson, Alex DeBrincat and Tyler Motte sealed the victory for Detroit.
What’s next for the Red Wings?
The Red Wings’ victory over Hockey Club, although achieved in unusual conditions, represents an important step in their playoff push. The NHL team’s ability to adapt and find ways to win, even in adverse circumstances, demonstrates their resilience and determination. The focus now shifts to the Red Wings as they continue their quest for a postseason berth.
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