Detroit Red Wings: A legacy on ice
Tracing the journey of the Detroit Red Wings from their founding in 1926 to their status as one of the NHL’s most decorated teams, this video covers the team’s storied history, legendary players, iconic moments, and enduring impact on the city of Detroit and the world of hockey.
The Detroit Red Wings lost to the Montreal Canadiens, 5-1.Captain Dylan Larkin scored the only goal for the Red Wings.New Red Wings goalie John Gibson was pulled from the game late in the second period.
The pomp and circumstance of opening night gave way to disappointment and disaster.
An early celebration for the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena ended up meaning little as the Montreal Canadiens toyed with all the work the Wings put into camp. Game management? Not in evidence. Mental toughness? Please.
The outing on Thursday, Oct. 9, ended with the Wings embarrassed, 5-1. The boos already rained down after the second period, which also saw John Gibson – brought in to strengthen the team in net – pulled in favor of Cam Talbot. In the third period, fans began chanting, “Let’s go, Ti-gers.”
It was such a turnaround from the start, when emotion energized the Wings: The individual player introductions, the big cheers for rookies Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Axel Sandin Pellikka and Emmitt Finnie as they made their NHL debuts. A tribute to Wings great Alex Delvecchio, who passed away in July. An early power play goal from Dylan Larkin, whose exuberance seemed infectious.
Then reality ruined the night.
The Habs, losers the previous night in Toronto and fielding their backup goalie, struck back midway through the period when Zachary Bolduc was sprung by Brendan Gallagher, got behind Detroit’s defense and had an open lane on John Gibson. The Habs took the lead on a two-on-one. Alex Newhook got Travis Hamonic to commit, leaving Oliver Kapanen open to make it 2-1 at 12:43. The dagger came with 6.7 seconds left in the first period, when Mike Matheson got the puck in the high slot, maneuvered it to his forehand and slung a shot on net that eluded Gibson glove-side. That made it three goals on nine shots for the Habs.
Alex DeBrincat saw a golden chance early in the second period clank off the crossbar. Instead, Alexandre Carrier pulled the Habs further ahead with a tip-in at 5:19. When Juraj Slafkovsky scored at 17:12, Gibson skated to the bench having allowed five goals on 13 shots. Hamonic and partner Albert Johansson were each minus-3.
Oof.
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.