They let the other team almost score with fewer players on the ice, then made a big comeback when they were losing by two goals with only seven minutes left in the game. They had a chance to win in overtime but missed, and the other team scored on their last try, so they lost.
Red Wings Face Playoff Pathway
On Thursday, the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins had a rollercoaster of emotions. In the end, Erik Karlsson scored just a minute and twenty seconds into overtime, securing a 6-5 victory for the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Getting two points would have been really good, but getting one point keeps their chances of making it to the playoffs alive.
“Our team deserves a lot of credit,” coach Derek Lalonde told Bally Sports Detroit. It’s quite the test to come from behind and earn a point when you’re down with just seven minutes left. The guys really fought hard. We had our opportunity in overtime, and we battled, giving ourselves a chance.”
“I get that you might be feeling low right now, but remember, there’s still a glimmer of hope. I told the team that this was a major turning point. Even though it might not seem like it now, there’s still a way forward, and we’ve managed to keep that opportunity alive.”
The Penguins currently occupy the second wild-card position with a total of 86 points. They’re just one point ahead of the Red Wings, Capitals, and Flyers, who all have 85 points. Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Washington each have three games left, while Philadelphia has two remaining.
The Red Wings will play in Toronto this Saturday at 7 p.m. Then, they’ll finish off the season with two games against Montreal: one at home on Monday and the other away on Tuesday.
They have to win, and they need some assistance from other teams.
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Dylan Larkin told reporters after the game, “We need to go to Toronto and win. It’s going to be tough, especially since they’ll be eager to beat us after our last win there. But I believe in this team. We just need to pick ourselves up, regroup, and put on a good show like we did tonight.”
Larkin ignited the comeback, scoring his 32nd goal with 7:04 left. Then Lucas Raymond completed his second career hat trick, tying the game with 5:03 to go and matching his career best of four points. Alex DeBrincat, who had only one goal and seven points in 19 games, chipped in with three assists.
“Our season is at stake, we’re under immense pressure, but our players really stepped up in those final minutes. They deserve credit for keeping us in the game.”
Raymond is really stepping up his game this season, especially in recent weeks. He’s scored 12 goals and made five assists in the last 15 games alone. And get this—his total stats for the season are at a career-high with 29 goals and 68 points!
Raymond told reporters after the game, “Right now, it’s crucial to keep a level head. With only three games left, we’re still in the running. We need to bounce back strong against Toronto and take lessons from today’s match.”
Larkin said, “The good thing is we never give up. Even though it’s tough, our team always bounces back and keeps pushing forward. This time of year, with the ups and downs, it’s a real emotional ride. After losing to Washington on Tuesday, it’s impressive how we rallied and played well tonight. It shows the character of our team.”
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