DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings triumphed over the Anaheim Ducks, 5-4, on Sunday night, thanks to Patrick Kane's breathtaking overtime winner, right when it seemed victory might slip away once again. The victory ended Anaheim's four-game winning streak and marked Detroit's third straight triumph, pushing them to 8-1-1 over their last ten games.
From the outset, the Red Wings displayed explosive energy, with Marco Kasper, Alex DeBrincat, and Kane all finding the back of the net within the first 5:06 of the game—the fastest any team has scored three goals this season. Later on, J.T. Compher scored on the power play, showcasing the Red Wings' formidable capabilities on special teams.
But frustration brewed later on, as the Ducks mounted a fierce comeback. After jumping to a 4-1 lead, Detroit seemed to lose their grip on the game. Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier, who shone with two goals, brought the Ducks back to life. He tied the game with just 53 seconds left, sending the home crowd from exhilaration to unease faster than anyone could have blinked.
“We really have to solidify those leads,” said Red Wings coach Todd McLellan after the game. “That’s something we need to work on if we want to be serious contenders.” Indeed, the precariousness of the Red Wings' position was glaring. Just the night before, they blew a 3-1 lead to the Minnesota Wild, falling 4-3 in overtime. The team was all too aware of how costly these lost points could be as they eye playoff position.
It was Kane, though, who rose to the occasion when it mattered most, scoring his second goal of the night on a breakaway with only one minute remaining in overtime. His composure throughout the dramatic finish not only clinched the game for Detroit but potentially saved their season. "Obviously nice to get this one," Kane remarked. "A little bit of a different feeling than last night to get the two points. But I definitely gotta learn from those situations."
Kane's heroics culminated what began as smooth sailing for the Red Wings. Detroit improved quickly on the back of their aggressive play. The Red Wings took advantage of simultaneous penalties against Ducks players Isac Lundestrom and Brian Dumoulin, scoring during the two-man advantage. DeBrincat connecte with Larkin’s shot rebound to kick off the scoring and Kane easily finished off another power play opportunity.
But it wasn't all seamless sailing for the Red Wings. After building their early lead, the Ducks demonstrated resilience, putting pressure on the Red Wings' defense. Ryan Strome and Olen Zellweger both chipped in, keeping Anaheim engaged and forcing the Red Wings to play back on their heels.
“The last three or four minutes of the game, we needed to be smarter,” McLellan added, reflecting on the team's late-game struggles. “We had some big opportunities to put the game away and didn’t convert... it shows we have to grow and learn. That’s part of the experience we’re missing.”
Perhaps the most pivotal moment came after the Ducks pulled goaltender Lukas Dostal with just over two minutes left to play, opting for extra firepower. It was during this time the Ducks found their way back onto the scoreboard. Despite the odds being heavily against them, they seized two quick goals to knot the game, putting the Red Wings' continuing playoff hopes under intense scrutiny.
Alex Lyon made 24 saves for Detroit on the night, maintaining his ground during the match's fiery exchanges. While the defense faltered under pressure, Lyon’s standing proved instrumental as he repelled many good scoring chances from the increasingly opportunistic Ducks.
The Red Wings' first line did their job well, but the moment revealed the thin margins upon which NHL contests stand. The Ducks outshot Detroit 35-30, illustrating just how volatile games can be. The gaps left by missed assignments and penalties could have easily led to another painful loss for the Red Wings.
Despite some missteps, the triumph is something for Detroit to build upon. The skill displayed during the first half of the contest proved they have the potential to be dangerous. Kane's career has been adorned with game-winning goals, and this one felt especially sweet after the heartbreak of the previous night.
The Red Wings, buoyed by this significant victory, will look to sustain their momentum as the season pushes forward. Up next, they’ll face formidable opponents again, but if the Red Wings can keep climbing and learning from their experiences, they may yet secure the playoff spot they missed last season—a situation not lost on the team. “Every point matters this season. If we want success, we need to make sure we're not letting those opportunities slip through our fingers again,” Seider remarked, echoing the team's collective resolve.