DETROIT – In a high-scoring thriller at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Red Wings, led by Patrick Kane’s standout performance, edged out the Philadelphia Flyers 7-6 in a shootout on Friday. Kane’s two goals and an assist in regulation, followed by the decisive shootout goal, were instrumental in the Red Wings’ victory.
The game was a rollercoaster, with Detroit initially leading 5-1 after the first period, only for Philadelphia to fight back and take a 6-5 lead late in the third period. Dylan Larkin’s timely goal then tied the game, setting the stage for the shootout. “This game was a testament to our resilience,” said Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat, who contributed three assists.
Detroit (16-13-4), which had been struggling with four losses in a row, received a significant boost from Kane’s performance. Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider also played key roles, each with two assists. James Reimer’s 37 saves were vital in securing the win.
Flyers goalie Carter Hart, acknowledging the team’s comeback, said, “Earning a point after being down early shows our character and determination.”
Scott Laughton and Garnet Hathaway were among the contributors for Philadelphia (18-11-4), with Laughton adding a goal and an assist. Despite the loss, Travis Sanheim and Egor Zamula each provided two assists, showing the Flyers’ offensive depth.
The Red Wings opened the scoring with Kane’s rebound goal, followed by his second and goals from Daniel Sprong and J.T. Compher. Shayne Gostisbehere also found the net, helping Detroit establish a substantial lead.
However, the Flyers mounted a remarkable comeback in the second and third periods, with Sean Couturier, Morgan Frost, Hathaway, and Laughton all scoring. Owen Tippett’s goal momentarily put the Flyers ahead before Larkin’s equalizer.
Detroit coach Derek Lalonde praised Reimer’s performance. “He struggled at times but played crucially in the overtime and shootout,” Lalonde said.
The game also saw injury concerns, with Red Wings defenseman Olli Maatta exiting in the first period. David Perron returned for Detroit after a six-game suspension but had a quiet night.
Hart, returning after an illness, made key saves, especially after the first period, helping the Flyers stay in the contest. The game’s physicality was evident, with the Flyers’ Nick Seeler receiving a game misconduct after a fight with Christian Fischer.
Kane reflected on the team’s mindset during the game. “We needed this win to boost our confidence, especially after facing some doubt during their comeback,” he said.
This victory is crucial for the Red Wings as they aim to reverse their recent slide, while the Flyers, despite the loss, demonstrated their ability to fight back from challenging situations. Both teams will look to build on this high-scoring, intensely competitive game.
