Two former Detroit Red Wings, Elmer Soderblom and Anthony Mantha, collaborated on a key goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ in a 3-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers that kept them alive in their first-round NHL playoff series.

Soderblom, traded to the Penguins at the trade deadline, scored on a wrist shot after a backhand feed from below the goal line. The goal came 2:45 into the game, on Pittsburgh’s first shot on goal. The Flyers still lead the best-of-seven series 3-2

The Penguins have been pleased with the Soderblom acquisition, although his first career playoff goal was his first point of the series. He was a healthy scratch in one game. In his four games in the series, his playing time has been 10:25, 8:39, 8:09 and 10:50. He boasts nine shots on goal and 10 hits.

Mantha won over Pittsburgh fans with 33 goals and 64 points in the regular season. His totals included 26 even-strength goals, the same number Alex DeBrincat scored. That should make him one of the more desirable UFAs this summer.

But the postseason hasn’t gone as well for Mantha. The assist on the Soderblom goal was his first point of the series. In five games, he has six shots on goal. He has been a minus-player in four of the five games

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings will have some UFAs to chase if they want role players who hard to play against.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have three quality options when it comes to their playoff goaltender.

Detroit’s defense should be set for next season (unless it isn’t). We have have story.

Red Wings Extra

Carter Gylander is 3-0 with a 2.33 goals-against average and .901 for the Toledo Walleye in the postseason. It certainly makes sense for the Red Wings to re-sign Gylander this summer. He played well for the Grand Rapids Griffins when given the opportunity. If John Gibson and Sebastian Cossa are in Detroit, and Michal Postava and Trey Augustine are in Grand Rapids, it would take only one injury for Gylander to be needed in Augustine. NHL history has plenty of stories of No. 5 goalies ending up on NHL rosters because of multiple injuries. . . Detroit prospect Rudy Guimond had 24 saves in the Moncton Wildcats’ 6-2 win against Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

Carter Bear(1st round’25)
+/-0 in a 4-3 win. Series 3-0 Everett. Still not credited with the assist. Which upon looking at the replay is quite obvious. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/D45X7pa03P

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) April 28, 2026

Hockey Now Digest

Colorado: Aarif Deen breaks down how the Avalanche recorded a first-round sweep. What’s it say about this team? Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Former Panthers president offered Miami Hurricanes Athletic Director job. Florida Panthers.

New Jersey: Wil Sheldon Keefe remain as New Jersey’s head coach? James Nichols is on top of the story. New Jersey Devils.

San Jose: Macklin Celebrini is going to play for Canada at the World Championships. San Jose Sharks.