The Detroit Red Wings were determined for a better outcome against the Carolina Hurricanes than their sluggish 3-0 loss on Thursday night.
And thanks to some key playmaking, they enjoyed their first victory of the season.
Robby Fabbri scored the game-winning goal late in the 3rd period, Dylan Larkin tallied twice (including an empty netter to seal it), and the Red Wings held off Carolina by a 4-2 final score.
Forward Filip Zadina, known more for his goal scoring, assisted on two goals, including Fabbri’s game winner.
Jonathan Bernier made 29 saves in the win, while former Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek stopped 17 shots in a losing effort.
Forward Bobby Ryan also tallied, breaking the ice in the 2nd period with his first goal as a member of the Red Wings since signing a free-agent deal over the summer.
Ryan was last season’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner thanks to his efforts in overcoming his issues with alcohol abuse.
Carolina held a 10-5 shot advantage through the 1st 20 minutes that saw Detroit with two high percentage chances to bury their first goal, both in the form of breakaways. However, both Vladislav Namestnikov and Valtteri Filppula were denied by Mrazek.
The teams traded third period goals, with Carolina forward Andrei Svechnikov tallying twice with a Larkin goal sandwiched in between. It was Larkin’s first goal since being named captain of the Red Wings.
The Red Wings are off until Monday afternoon when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Caesars Arena.
