DETROIT — Lucas Raymond netted a crucial goal with 1:17 remaining in the third period and sealed the victory in overtime, as the Detroit Red Wings overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 at Little Caesars Arena on Monday. This triumph is a significant boost for the Red Wings’ playoff pursuit, keeping their hopes alive.
Raymond expressed his relief and excitement post-match, stating, “It’s fantastic that we managed to secure a crucial two points tonight. We don’t want to be in such a tight spot, but this win is massive for our morale and our playoff chances.”
Following a soaring catch by Shayne Gostisbehere, Raymond got David Perron, skillfully evaded the defense, and slipped the puck past Sam Montembeault to score his 30th goal of the season and level the score.
Praising Raymond’s performance, Lalonde mentioned, “He’s shown tremendous growth this season. He’s become a player who relishes these high-stakes moments. Even when the odds were against us, he showed composure and netted two vital goals.”
In the extra frame, Raymond struck again, this time with only 25 seconds on the clock, following a setup from Dylan Larkin.
Raymond elaborated on the play, “I anticipated Larkin going for the breakaway, but he was fatigued, so I stepped in. I was also quite tired, so I focused on just getting a shot away.”
The Red Wings needed at least a single point to maintain their bid for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the win, the Red Wings are now tied with the Washington Capitals, who also won 2-0 against the Boston Bruins on Monday, each amassing 89 points. However, the Capitals have a higher number of regulation wins. Both teams have one game left to play, which will take place on Tuesday.
J.T. Compher scored twice for Detroit (40-32-9), and Gostisbehere contributed three assists on the night. Alex Lyon was between the pipes for the Red Wings, making 17 saves.
Compher, looking ahead to the final game of the season, said, “All we’ve done tonight is give ourselves a chance to finish the job tomorrow. We can only focus on our game, but we’re in with a shot.”
On the Canadiens’ side, Brendan Gallagher scored two goals, and Jake Evans recorded three assists. Montembeault made 30 saves for Montreal (30-36-15).
Gallagher commented on the game, saying, “We kept the crowd quiet for most of the game. Once they scored a couple of goals and had the octopuses thrown onto the ice, the atmosphere really picked up.”
Compher brought the Red Wings within two goals with his second score of the night late in the second period. Alex DeBrincat’s goal from the left face-off circle made it a one-goal game at 4-3 in the third period.
Making his NHL debut, Lane Hutson assisted on a goal when his centering pass deflected off Jeff Petry and found Gallagher, who put Montreal on the board first at 4:25.
Hutson, a native of Michigan, expressed, “This is really special, especially with all my family here to see it.”
Justin Barron doubled Montreal’s lead to 2-0 at 6:15. Compher’s rebound goal brought the Red Wings within one goal at 8:11.
Rafael Harvey-Pinard extended Montreal’s lead to 3-1 early in the second period, and Gallagher’s second goal of the night made it 4-1 at 15:26 after Evans forced a turnover from Simon Edvinsson.
Lalonde assessed his team’s performance, saying, “They had a few great chances in the first two periods, and they capitalized on most of them.”
NOTES: The Red Wings can avoid setting a franchise record for consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance with a win in their final game. … The Canadiens blocked 33 shots, while the Red Wings managed 11. … Lalonde announced that James Reimer will start in goal against Montreal on Tuesday. … Hutson played 21:54 in his debut, finishing with a minus-1 rating and one shot on goal.
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