Red Wings Break Losing Streak with 4-2 Victory Against Canadiens
In a thrilling game on Thursday night, the Detroit Red Wings managed to break their three-game losing streak by defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4-2. The match was marked by standout performances, with Dylan Larkin showcasing his skill in his 700th career NHL game.
Larkin not only scored a crucial power-play goal but also provided an assist, demonstrating his prowess on the ice. Andrew Copp added to Detroit's success by scoring the team's second short-handed goal of the season. Alex DeBrincat and Jonatan Berggren also made significant contributions with their goals, solidifying the Red Wings' victory. Goalkeeper Cam Talbot played a crucial role, making 27 saves to secure the win.
On the Canadiens' side, Kirby Dach stood out with a goal and an assist, while Kaiden Guhle also managed to score. Brendan Gallagher, in his 800th NHL game, assisted Dach's goal. Christian Dvorak and Patrik Laine also played pivotal roles, each adding an assist in their 500th career games. Sam Montembeault put up a strong defense, stopping 41 shots throughout the game.
Notably, Detroit's forward Patrick Kane was absent from the game due to an upper-body injury, impacting the team's lineup.
One of the highlights of the match was the end of defenseman Lane Hutson's impressive assist and point streaks for the Canadiens. Hutson's streaks came to a halt after nine games, with his assist streak equalling the NHL record for the longest by a rookie defenseman, previously set by Shayne Gostisbehere in the 2015-16 season.
The Red Wings' offense, which had struggled in previous games with just one goal in each of the last three matches, came alive in this game. The team's determined start was evident as they outshot the Canadiens 17-4 in the first period, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead.
Larkin's goal shortly after Dach's narrowed the lead to 3-1, showcasing his leadership and scoring abilities. Larkin's goal, his 12th power-play goal of the season, was a testament to his skill near the goalpost.
It is worth noting that Detroit's power-play unit, currently ranked third in the league, has been particularly effective under head coach Todd McLellan, scoring 19 goals in 14 games since his appointment, following Derek Lalonde's departure.
