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WINGS POSTGAME: Detroit extends win streak, Athanasiou joins 30-goal club

Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

By Cameron Kuom

Mar 29, 2019, 22:12 EDT

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Not the most interesting game on paper, a lot was on the line in terms of draft position as the New Jersey Devils meet the Red Wings for a late season matchup. Both teams have endured miserable seasons, yet are finding their confidence late, with the Devils winning their last three games, Detroit winning their last four. Tank enthusiast won’t be too keen on the additional two points, but expecting world-class athletes to go out and lose is flat-out asinine.

Also of note was the debut of Jake Chelios – son of former Red Wing Chris Chelios. This Detroit roster has been dropping like flies as of late. Many new faces have been making their auditions for next season, and Chelios was next in line.

This clash between two former powerhouses ended in Detroit’s favor, winning 4-0.

The Highlights

Danny Dekeyser got the ball rolling when he snuck up the weak side and redirected a fantastic pass by Dylan Larkin.

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Danny DK getting us on the board in the first. #LGRW @DTE_Energy | #NJDvsDET

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12:23 AM · Mar 30, 2019

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Larkin wasn’t done working his magic there. At the start of the second period, the Wings top line showcased great chemistry with a tic-tac-toe play that finished with Larkin scoring his 31st goal of the year.

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Larkin, Bertuzzi, Mantha . A thing of beauty. #LGRW

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12:53 AM · Mar 30, 2019

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Larkin continues his goal scoring ways. After becoming the Wings first 30 goal scorer in a decade, the rest are gravity.
After playing the first 40 minutes of the game, an upper body injury ended Jonathan Bernier’s night. Jimmy Howard came in to start the third period.
Tyler Bertuzzi added an empty net goal to make it 3-0. Bertuzzi now has 7 points in the last 3 games. 41 total points on the season.
Quickly after, however, Andreas Athanasiou got in on the fun and went end-to-end to score a highlight reel goal. That makes it 30 genos on the year for Double-A.

Final Thoughts

The wins certainly are bitter-sweet for most fans. It’s not ideal for the draft lottery, but the silver lining is that it’s the young players are driving the bus. Bertuzzi quietly had a three-point night. The Wings first two 30 goal scorers since the Niklas Lidstrom era are both under-25.

And at the end of the day, the lottery is a lottery. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — wins in March and April will not make a difference in the outcome. The odds are against everyone and it will take a lot of luck to win. The old saying goes – you have to be good to be lucky, and lucky to be good.

Tank be damned!