Red Wings hold off Penguins for 3rd straight win

Andrew Copp delivered a remarkable performance, netting two goals for Detroit (3-1-0) and receiving exceptional support from Dylan Larkin, who contributed with three assists. Ville Husso’s outstanding goaltending, making a total of 29 saves, helped secure the Red Wings’ third consecutive victory.

Pittsburgh (2-2-0) had a commendable effort as well, with Erik Karlsson recording a goal and two assists. Tristan Jarry displayed impressive skills, making 23 saves for the Penguins.

The scoring began just 53 seconds into the first period when Evgeni Malkin capitalized for the Penguins, converting a cross-slot backhand pass from Reilly Smith near the left post. However, Alex DeBrincat swiftly responded at 12:23, finishing off a magnificent backdoor pass from Austin Czarnik to bring the game to a tie.

Ben Chiarot granted the Red Wings a 2-1 lead at 5:21 of the second period, expertly maneuvering the puck past Jarry’s glove side while screened from the left circle. Andrew Copp extended the lead to 3-1 at 15:42 with a redirect of Jeff Petry’s point shot.

Shortly after, Husso made a phenomenal point-blank save on Sidney Crosby’s between-the-legs shot. David Perron took full advantage of the momentum and scored a power-play goal at 17:49, showcasing his impeccable positioning and claiming a rebound in front of the net to give Detroit a commanding 4-1 advantage.

In the third period, Erik Karlsson narrowed the gap to 4-2 at 3:37, smoothly finding the top corner of the net from the left circle. It was Karlsson’s first goal with Pittsburgh since joining the team via a three-team trade involving the San Jose Sharks and the Montreal Canadiens on Aug. 6.

Bryan Rust brought the score to 4-3 at 13:03, redirecting the puck near the left post after Jarry made a remarkable blocker save on a penalty shot from Andrew Copp earlier in the period.

Despite Pittsburgh’s efforts, Andrew Copp solidified Detroit’s victory with an empty-net goal at 18:28, increasing the lead to 5-3. The Penguins decided to challenge the play for offside, but the call stood in favor of the Red Wings. To conclude the game, Alex DeBrincat sealed the win with a power-play goal into the empty net at 18:49, bringing the final score to an impressive 6-3 for Detroit.