Frans Nielsen records first Red Wings hattrick since 2016

Frans Nielsen is having himself quite a night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He recorded his 2nd career hat trick in the second period. His big smile says it all!

Nielsen came into the night with only one goal on the season. He was snake-bitten but has finally found his stride. The three goals will certainly help his confidence.

Crazy enough, this was the first Red Wings hat trick since Dec. 17, 2016 when Tomas Tatar potted 3 goals versus the Anaheim Ducks. Since than Tatar has been traded not once, but twice. So its been awhile. Before that it was Mike Green at the final home opener at Joe Louis Arena, and Justin Abdelkader at the home opener the year prior.

The dark days of scare free curly fries are now over. But that doesn’t make hatty’s any less exciting! The first hat trick in Little Caesers Arena history now belongs to Mr. Frans Nielsen.