Hockey in Detroit just feels different when the captain is the one doing the heavy lifting. Honestly, if you watched the Detroit Red Wings last night, you saw exactly why Dylan Larkin wears the "C." It wasn't just about the two points or the 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. It was about a specific brand of "refuse to lose" energy that has been missing in Motown for a long, long time.
They won. Again.
This team is on a heater right now, and the victory at Little Caesars Arena pushed them to 29-16-4 on the season. That’s 62 points. If you’re keeping track at home, they’re now tied with heavyweights like Tampa Bay and Carolina. The vibes? Immaculate.
Larkin's Milestone and the Goal That Almost Wasn't
The big story from the Detroit Red Wings last night centers on Dylan Larkin. 4:41 into the third period, the game was knotted at 2-2. Larkin did what he does best: he put his head down and went to the dirty area of the ice. He jammed a puck under the pads of Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov.
At first, the officials waved it off. The arena went quiet. Then came the video review. After a few tense minutes of refs staring at a tiny screen, they overturned it. Good goal.
That goal wasn't just a game-winner. It was history. It was Larkin's 266th career goal, which officially moves him past John Ogrodnick for 10th place on the Red Wings' all-time list. Think about that. In a franchise with names like Howe, Yzerman, and Lidstrom, Larkin has carved out a spot in the top ten. That’s massive.
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The Marco Kasper Breakout
If Larkin was the heart of the game, Marco Kasper was the lungs. He’s been playing great hockey lately, but the stat sheet hasn't reflected it. That changed.
Kasper ended a brutal 36-game goal-scoring drought by icing the game with an empty-netter. But honestly, his best play of the night happened much earlier. In the second period, Kasper made a ridiculous move around John Klingberg, drew two defenders to him, and fed J.T. Compher for a backdoor tap-in.
It was a "wow" moment.
Derek Lalonde, or maybe just the fans in Section 112, had to be thrilled to see the kid finally get rewarded. Kasper finished the night with a goal and an assist, looking every bit like the top-tier prospect Detroit drafted him to be.
Lucas Raymond is Simply Elite
We need to talk about Lucas Raymond. He didn't score a goal, but he was arguably the best player on the ice. He notched three assists, matching a career high.
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Raymond is basically a wizard with the puck at this point. His vision on the power-play goal by Alex DeBrincat—The Cat’s 25th of the year, by the way—was surgical. He waited for the lane to open, froze the defense, and put it right on the tape.
Here is how the scoring shook out for those who missed the broadcast:
- First Period: Alex DeBrincat (Power Play) from Raymond and van Riemsdyk.
- Second Period: J.T. Compher from Kasper and Seider.
- Third Period: Dylan Larkin (The winner) from Raymond and van Riemsdyk.
- Final Minute: Marco Kasper (Empty Net) from Raymond.
Defense and Goaltending: The John Gibson Factor
John Gibson isn't the flashy, highlight-reel goalie he was five years ago, but he’s exactly what this team needs. He made 20 saves, including a few big ones on Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Smith actually scored in his return from injury, and for a minute there, it looked like the Sharks might steal one.
The Red Wings are now 20-0-2 this season when they score at least four goals. That is a wild stat. Basically, if the offense shows up, Gibson and the defense do just enough to lock the doors.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka saw limited ice time toward the end of the game, which is something to keep an eye on, but the blue line held firm when the Sharks pulled their goalie for the extra attacker.
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Why This Win Matters for the Standings
Detroit has reached a point where they aren't just "hoping" for a Wild Card spot. They are hunting for home-ice advantage. By beating San Jose, they completed the season sweep of the Sharks.
The East is a gauntlet. Boston is still there. Toronto is lurking. But the Red Wings haven't lost consecutive games in regulation since November. That kind of consistency is the hallmark of a playoff team, not a pretender.
What's Next for the Wings?
The schedule doesn't get any easier, but the team is staying home for a bit. They host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. It’s an afternoon game, so expect a loud, caffeinated crowd at LCA.
If you're looking for actionable takeaways from the Detroit Red Wings last night, keep an eye on the second line. The chemistry between Kasper and Compher is starting to bubble. Also, watch the power play. It’s currently ranked 6th in the league, and with DeBrincat shooting the way he is, it’s a terrifying unit for opposing coaches to plan for.
Get your tickets for Sunday early. If they keep playing like this, the "Hockeytown" energy is only going to get crazier as we head toward the trade deadline. Stay tuned to the injury reports regarding Sandin-Pellikka, as any lingering issue on the back end could force Steve Yzerman to go shopping sooner than expected.